My new North Face Zaneck jacket (2016)

 

This is my review of a recently purchased North Face Zaneck jacket.

For me, the North Face brand means it's a product which can easily stand up to everyday use and even an element of abuse without any signs of damage. I would expect that anything which is designed for harsh conditions can easily withstand everyday use without any problems - right?

I wanted a 'medium weight' winter coat which was good for a range around -5c to +5c. I came across the Zaneck at a reputable sports outlet on offer. The online TNF price was €300, full store price €250 and offer price I paid was €150 (as at November 2016). At that price it's well worth having.

I already have what I call a 'heavy weight' Columbia feather down parker which is good for -20c but found it was far too bulky and warm for milder temperatures. I also like the parker style.

I think the price I paid for the Zaneck makes it an excellent buy. So far I've found it ideal for the temperature range I wanted using just a long sleeve T-shirt underneath. It's still good for -10c if there's no wind and wearing an additional lightweight layer on top of the long sleeve T-shirt. I've also worn it in -16c with three layers underneath and was still just about sufficient.  Another factor is how active you are. Having a brisk walk means you might need less layers. 

I always take a size large which usually still gives plenty of room for extra layers underneath and good freedom of movement. When I tried on the Zaneck in the store it felt like a slimmer fit than most large sizes I've had. However, I tend to wear it with just a long sleeve T-shirt underneath so not a probelm.

One thing I couldn't help notice on TNF EU website is that the model wearing the jacket must be VERY tall since he makes the length look shorter than it is! I'm about average at 178cm.

There's a couple of slightly disappointing things worth mentioning. The zip is rather temperamental which makes it difficult to engage correctly. The other thing is the hood hangs quite low, almost over my eyes and no way of adjusting it as on some.

My Columbus parker has a nice chunky zip which works well and doesn't feel like it will break. The Zaneck zip is a much more lightweight type which is sometimes fiddly to engage on the zipper for some reason. Fortunately it's made of metal so shouldn't break that easily.

There are only two external pockets which might not feel like enough for some people. The pockets are deep enough to keep some gloves/hat which is enough for me. There's a small inside pocket big enough for a mobile phone which is handy.

In summary I would say this is an excellent urban parker which will keep you warm and dry in most situations. However, I doubt I would have been prepared to pay the full price.

Pros

• Warm
• Waterproof
• Machine washable
• Not too heavy
• Looks good

Cons

• Expensive at full RRP price
• Fiddly zip
• Low hanging hood with no adjuster
• Only two outside pockets

2023 Update

I've been using this as my main winter coat for 7 years now and it continues to perform well. The only slight issue I've had is with the zip. It can be prone to 'sticking' or opening a split when zipped fully up. If I wear a thick neck tube and then try and do up the zip fully, the pressure can sometimes cause it to partly separate near the top which is a real pain. If that does happen, then it gets stuck closed and a real pain to separate open again. For me, the zips are often the weak link in jackets. I don't understand why makers don't fit decent quality zips for not much extra cost. 

It seems that a few teeth on the top part of the zip have now become slightly damaged and it will no longer zip up all the way to the top without separating. A huge disappointment on a jacket which has otherwise proved itself to be ideal. I've decided to keep an eye out for future offers on either the Zaneck or the more expensive McMurdo 2. As good as they are, I'm not willing to pay full price. 

The McMurdo differs in that it's better insulated, has more 'features', e.g. lots of pockets and a detachable hood. 

Update: I had the opportunity to try on the McMurdo jacket in a store. I tried on a size large and it was very bulky. In fact, it's pretty much like my old down filled Columbus parka which I only use when it's about -20c. I'm sure the McMurdo is warmer than my Zaneck parka, but it's simply too bulky for me. It would certainly be too uncomfortable in the car. For that reason, and no doubt it's heavier, I wouldn't buy one.

I'm probably going to get the zip replaced on my Zaneck since there's nothing else wrong with it. I'll  make sure the replacement zip is much better quality than North Face's own version and will probably outlast the jacket. If only The North Face would provide a decent durable zip in the first place.

November 2023 Update:

I took my jacket to get the zip replaced at a local sewing shop but was advised it was too difficult to do. Instead I had a 'stopper' inserted near the top of the zip where it kept seperating. The top could still be closed using the two press studs. Not what I was hoping for but at least I can continue using the jacket. 

March 2024 Update:

I took advantage of TNF sale and purchased another new Zaneck parka. I ordered this from TNF official website and paid €192 including p&p. This was reduced from €320 making it a 40% saving which is pretty good in my book. 

The fact that I bought another jacket the same is testament to how pleased I’ve been with my Zaneck parka, despite the zip failure. I'll take more care with the zip on this one. 

Whilst initially having reservations about the slim fit and lack of pockets, it proved itself to be a very practical winter coat.

I decided to write a new post on the 2024 jacket so check that if you want to see a comparison between my old jacket and the new one.