I’ve developed a little bit of a soft spot for The North Face brand. With their special fabric technologies, extensive design range, and ever improving sustainably. Did you know, by 2025 The North Face plan to completely eliminate their plastic packaging? So when I was searching for a light-weight rain jacket to take on our Iceland ring road trip, I knew exactly where to head. After scrolling through what seemed like endless waterproof jacket options, I settled on The North Face Hikesteller jacket.
A jacket thats waterproof, windproof and suitable for hiking adventures.
Here’s my thoughts on it.
In this article...
Is the performance good on the North Face Hikesteller?
When you’re spending a fair wad of money on a North Face coat, you want it to hit the mark with the performance it promises. So first up, let’s dive in and take a look at its wind and water protection capabilities.
Iceland sure gave the Hikesteller jacket a good run for its money with it’s erratic and unpredictable weather! Thanks to The North Face DryVent™ technology, this jacket held up strong at preventing the bone-chilling arctic wind from getting through the fabric.
The DryVent™ fabric also coped well at keeping me dry. Even after being out in the rain for an hour, the water continued to beaded off the jacket perfectly. However, I did notice that after standing near the foot of Gljufrabui waterfall (which was basically like taking a fully clothed shower) although it didn’t seep through at all, it did begin to feel cold on my arms and took a little while to dry off afterwards. Although, that was a rather extreme test for the coat. It’s not everyday you stand right at the base of a waterfall!
A problem that comes with some waterproof fabrics, is their lack of breathability, meaning they can soon become hot and clammy on the inside. This happens when moisture and sweat from your body cant evaporate and escape back through the waterproof fabric. Breathability on the Hikesteller was really decent, I never got hot or uncomfortable when wearing the jacket.
Unlike some other North Face jackets, there are no armpit vents on the Hikesteller. Those zipped armpit vents can be super handy in aiding extra ventilation if you do begin to get toasty. Sadly, you wont find them on this particular jacket.
What Features are on this rain jacket?
As this jacket isn’t part of The North Face’s more premium range, it doesn’t come with a load of tech. But here’s the things it does have:
- One hand hood adjustment
- Interlining in peak
- Pre-stretched waist adjustments
- Exposed CF zip
- Practical pre-stretched elastic cuffs
- Sealed seams to stop water getting in
- Full protection against the elements
- Feminine shape and fit
How warm is the womens Hikesteller North Face Jacket?
There are actually two versions of this jacket, a simple light weight shell or a warm insulated version.
As I was only after a rain coat, and something that would pack down small inside my bag, I opted for the shell. This option of the Hikesteller wont provide any warmth – well non-other than stopping cold wind getting through! Instead, you’ll be relying on your base and mid layers to provide any cosiness and warmth.
If you’re seeking warmth and waterproofness together in one garment, then you may wish to look at the the insulated Hikerstella instead.
Sizing and fit of the ladies north face rain jacket
The North Face Hikesteller jacket is cut with a beautiful feminine shape and fit. It’s cinched in waistline creates a flattering hourglass silhouette for all shapes and sizes. Whilst a parker style dropped hem offers an extra boost of element protection for your derriere, without causing restrictive movement for your legs.
The North Face always boasts generous length in the arm department, and that was no different with this jacket. Even with my arms stretched out In front of me it doesn’t ride up, keeping my wrists nicely wrapped up and protected from the elements.
As for sizing, I’m usually a Large in North Face coats, and that fit perfectly with this jacket too.
Bear in mind this is a fitted jacket, if you want it a little looser you might want to size up.
Is the jacket heavy?
The Hikesteller shell is incredibly light at around 450g (depending on size) so it wont be weighing you down or holding you back on any of your hiking adventures. Which is exactly what North Face state this coats primary use is for.
How much is North Face’s Hikesteller Jacket?
RRP is £155, sometimes you’ll find it on offer though. Click here to see if there are any offers on Amazon at the moment.
Rain coat colour options
The North Face haven’t skimped when it comes to variety! There are currently 8 different colourways across the Hikesteller shell and Hikesteller insulated parker range. You’re sure to find one you like! If anything, with so much choice it actually makes it harder to choose!
Even the colours have cute names:
Lunar Slate, Taupe Green, TNF Black, Shady Blue, Lavender Fog, Cosmo Pink, Fawn Grey & Boysenberry
I was really tempted to go for the pretty lavender fog shade, which is a gorgeous pale pinky-purple shade. But in the end I decided to just go with the black – mainly because it goes with everything. I can switch up my hiking outfits instead with different coloured leggings and hats!
Final thoughts
North Face advertise the Hikesteller as being a perfect daily rain jacket to a hiking adventure jacket. As I mentioned, it doesn’t have the most tech packed into this garment and I’m not sure if you were using it for serious mountain adventures if it would be enough. But for a daily raincoat, or a nice hike it’s super comfortable and practical. The Hikesteller jacket kept me perfectly protected on our Iceland adventure, and now keeps me nice and dry in rainy England.
As far as raincoats go, I think it looks smart and stylish too!
What do you think?