The North Face Thermoball Eco Vest Review – Eco Friendly and Effective
Kyle Juszczyk
Why buy a puffy without sleeves? Because you want to start layering like a pro that doesn’t have time for sweaty arms or a cold core. My tolerance for discomfort has been chipped away by years of spending almost every day outside. The puffy vest is one of the tools I use to keep my inner Goldilocks content. The North Face Men’s ThermoBall Eco Vest $149 is one of the best options out there for rounding out your layering system. This vest is durable, packable, and best of all, it keeps perfectly good material out of landfills.
A Warm Step Towards Sustainability
This vest uses ThermoBall insulation, which is a product created by a team-up of The North Face and Primaloft. Here’s the description from the NorthFace website: “Unlike traditional continuous-filament synthetic insulation, the small, round PrimaLoft synthetic-fiber clusters closely mimic down clusters, trapping heat within small air pockets to retain warmth. Independent clo testing by Kansas State University has shown that ThermoBall has warmth equivalent to 600 fill goose down.” The Eco version of ThermoBall, used in this vest, uses 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester for insulation. I can attest that the use of recycled material doesn’t compromise the warmth.
Thermoball Eco Vest - Men's $148.95
Materials and Durability
When I first picked up this vest I noted that it had a durable feel to it. I have had the ThermoBall Eco Vest for about 40 days now, and I’ve probably worn it 30 out of those days. It’s shown no sign of wear and proven to be very efficient at shedding taco sauce and yogurt without staining.
Function Before Fashion… or Both
This vest does a great job of keeping me comfortable at work and for play. It also looks great as casual wear. It’s the only piece of clothing that I’ll wear out in the cold, but also pair with my one nice shirt when I’m dressing to impress. If you’re reading this wearing a flannel shirt and trucker hat, you’re one purchase away from completing your outfit.
Magic Size Finder Tool
I used the Fit Finder tool on The North Face’s website to figure out which size to order. I answered a few questions about my body metrics and preferred fit for a garment. It then told me that 70% of people who answered similarly were happy with a small. As a 5’9” and 135-pound, self-proclaimed perfect model of a medium, I found that hard to believe. I ordered the small as instructed, and my trust was rewarded with a perfectly fitting vest. I order most of my outdoor gear online and having a fitting tool like this is a huge help.
The North Face Thermoball Eco Vest Review
Simple and Effective
I’m super happy with the Men’s ThermoBall Eco Vest. It really is a vital part of my layering system for inbounds skiing and ski guiding. It doesn’t have any crazy features, and it doesn’t need them. There isn’t anything I’d change about it!
Kyle Juszczyk
Kyle grew up in Iowa and after high school ditched the midwest to begin college at Western State Colorado University and start guiding in the summers.
Kyle says he spent his time at Western climbing, snowboarding, volunteering on the rescue team, and instructing for the outdoor program. He claims if he had spent any less time actually in class he certainly would not have graduated. Kyle’s time with the Western Mountain Rescue Team was extremely formative and revealed his passion for wilderness search and rescue (SAR). He made it his goal to make a career out of SAR. Kyle is well on his way to achieving his goal and currently works as a Ski Patroller in Colorado and a Climbing Ranger in the Pacific NorthWest.
Kyle’s certifications include WEMT-IV, Avalanche Pro 1, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. Kyle is a certified AIARE instructor and teaches Recreational Level 1, Level 2, and Partner Rescue courses. He is also an Apprentice Rock and Ski Guide through the AMGA
When Kyle has free time he climbs and skis. He’s taken the hard way to the top of El Capitan and the steep way down peaks in Colorado and Washington.
Kyle’s jobs allow or force him (depending on the weather) to work 200 days a year outside. He’s constantly testing gear in all conditions and refining his setups to make work and play easier, faster, and more fun.
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