CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESEveryone – and every brand – starts somewhere. North Sails, surprise, started by plying the world’s lakes and oceans. Their hard-won knowledge of tackling changing weather, with more than a little back-at-the-dock style, showed up in pieces recently put under test by Active Junky.
Barometric pressure’s going the wrong way, the chop is picking up and fair-weather friends have bailed. Not you, as the low-bulk Typhoon means some margin’s left to endure tough conditions, with a superbly-fitting jacket that doesn’t even need the double hem toggles to tuck in tight. The pocket storm flap and front zipper placket are evidence of the piece’s water-borne credentials even as the right inner pocket secures ID, cards and cash. Asymmetrical cuffs and a double hood improve protection in a 100% polyester, bubble-quilted jacket that requires one thing. With consummate water protection, zippers (including the front, two-way slider) take more persistence and energy to operate than most. Surprisingly quiet, matte-finished Typhoon is better standing up than sitting given the nominal back length. Even if circumnavigation isn’t your objective, staying out longer is the North Sails promise. One they kept with our testers.
Best For: Bad weather commutes, on-water wear, three-season protection in moderate climates
Taking charge is more than knowing bow, stern, port and starboard. As in, wearing performance technology that disappears into gracious styling. Hydrowool is the North Sails’ answer to putting you on life’s bridge as 50% wool, 50% acrylic yarn is treated and coated with DWR tech to stand up to water. The lighter weight comes from a more open knit so high winds require a shell even as bulk is low, breathability is superior and the narrow rib conforms better to more athletic shapes for a strong look. Over a tee, wear it in town or take it to the backwoods, recognizing it takes some care to avoid stretching the hem, neck and cuffs. Testers favor the sweater as a multi-season, midlayer travel piece as it adapts to all conditions and environments (except those dominated by bushes and brambles).
Best For: All-season wardrobe basic, casual, urban and outdoor wear
Totally unique to the traditional packing crowd, North Sail’s Backpack musters 50% polyester, 50% PVC in a generous, ruggedized bag ready for full-on loading. Flat, fleece-back shoulder straps manage even heavy and irregular loads while the padded back embodies unusual comfort. A hook-and-loop secured laptop sleeve is part of the diagonally-zipped bag’s build along with high-capacity, toggle-tightened exterior pockets that are big enough for cramming outerwear, securing large thermal bottles and coated maps. Interior mesh pockets were huge for testers looking to learn a new packing strategy as this Backpack is among the 7% that confound, then delight. Closure hardware is gigantic, well-matched to wet hands and cold rain. Same for the pop-out rain cover. In total, this is a stand-out for irregular loads and punishing conditions.
Best For: Marginal weather, tough-to-pack items and years of utility in wet or dry conditions
