The North Face  Alta Vista Rain Jacket - Men's

I was very excited about this jacket and initially thought it was the best among five different brands I tried. I used it for a couple of hiking trips in conditions that were mostly foggy and windy, where it performed well. However, I’ve spent the last two months in Mexico City, where it rains every day—ideal weather for testing its waterproof capabilities. Unfortunately, I found that this is not a true rain jacket. It allows water to permeate almost immediately—while not 100% of the rain, enough to soak through and wet my T-shirt within a few minutes.

This product runs pretty well to size. I'm 5'5" and weigh 150 lbs and Small fits very well, enough for me to wear as is, or with some layers underneath. I pack this for every trip (mostly overseas vacationing in cities) as it's an excellent outer shell that is waterproof and helps with wind. My last trip to NZ was in Aug-Sept during the worse of the rainy-winter season. It held up extremely well. For layers, I'd wear long sleeve fleece, and maybe a 100% cotton undergarment and was quite comfortable. Combined with rain paints, I was gale-force wind/rain proof. This is a tremendous bargain with other Rain Jackets typically costing over $150. And North Face is the default status logo for native NZ'landers and looks good. Summary: Tremendous Value, Well-Designed (velcro, zips, hood ties, all in the right places), Waterproof, and does it's job as a shell.

Jacket fits well but the under arm zippers should be closed prior to getting into. Fabric is thin but retains heat well and is water proof as described. I won't use it for outside heavy working conditions, just for walking around and light duty activities. It's perfect for watching baseball/football games or during downpoors going to and from the store. It can be folded up easily for backpacks and carry on luggage and is great for the coastal weather conditions.

Not what I expected papers thin rain jacket .Very disappointing.

I've worn this a few times in spitting, cool rain in the Driftless Region and it's kept my upper body completely dry. It's also pretty warm, which I very much appreciated in May's cold mornings. The only downside is that it's so stiff, the hood doesn't turn with my head. When I look left or right, I see the inside of the hood. But, I was in and out of a white pine plantation, brushing up against soaked boughs which would drop a slug of water on my head, and I never got wet, so pick your poison, I guess. If you're working, it's ideal. If you're birding, you might want to find a more flexible jacket.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Previous to this jacket, I had a Hyvent that lasted around 7 years and needed to be replaced because the waterproof insulation started to break apart, so the standard is set really high. I bought this as a replacement, and the fit is a bit snug, since I live in a country with a really hot weather, this is not an issue, but if you need to use layers you have to take that in consideration while selecting de right size. I must say I'm not a fan of the rain cap hanging all the time as a hoodie, but that aside, I think this jacket is really worth the price. Keeps you completly dry and I really like thte pit-zip venting, this makes a whole difference while hiking.

Try wearing this jacket in the rain. Bad idea, got all wet, my other $50 bucks jacket works better than this

Just picked this up a few weeks ago. Great fit and love the armpit zip vents which I used extensively during a recent warm and rainy (very) trip. Was able to compare this jacket with someone who had a water resistant one and while I stayed completely dry I can't say that for the other person!!

This jacket is definitely not waterproof. Light to medium rain was enough to put the jacket to the test and the jacket performed terrible. My shirt under it showed multiple wet spots. Luckily I had a $5 poncho as back up and ended up using it to stay dry. Would not recommend this jacket.

This jacket is perfect for being out and about for daily use in mild rain conditions, but this is not a rain jacket for anyone attempting to hike, trail run, walk, etc. You will have a wet shirt within about 10-20 minutes of any consistent rain. I bought this to hike in the rain with my pups, REI members said this was a good rain jacket, which I have owned since May 2025, and now will be returning this for something of better quality for actual adverse weather conditions.