The North Face Fuseform Dot Matrix Jacket

More traditional in cut and features, D.M.’s Fuseform technology neutralizes heavy downpours and driving winds.  Two hem toggles, used sparingly to avoid ride-up, manage the piece’s longer length; a one-way zipper means pit zips carry the load on body temperature management. Cuffs were a strong point, with an asym contour protecting hands in wet conditions.  Hand warmer pocket position is problematic for packers needing on-trail access without waistbelt release. A more generous torso length is a mixed blessing as the absence of interior waist cinching means reliance on pack straps and waistbelt to reduce bunching and luffing in the wind.  Pit zips are well positioned, taking some finesse to operate the final 2”.  The story here is seamless, panelized construction to optimize moisture management.   Active Junky sees that as the bright spot in a mid-pack performer.