425g (m) 385g (w)

Best for 

Tramping, travelling and everyday outdoor use.

Overview

The lightweight and versatile Norste XT is a midrange, regular-fit shell with a practical feature set. Built with PFAS-free 40D Pertex Shield 3-layer fabric, it has top-end waterproofing and breathability specs as well as pit zips for further venting. The Pivot 2 hood has separate aperture and crown adjustments for full weather protection. There are two high-positioned handwarmer pockets, which, like the rest of the garment, feature water-resistant recycled YKK Aquaguard Natulon zips.

Performance

This jacket’s fit and cut, combined with soft-touch Pertex Shield fabric, give it versatile comfort. It has space for layering without being excessively loose over a baselayer, but it doesn’t have the capacity of roomier alpine-oriented jackets. Likewise, mobility was sufficient for tramping and scrambling but lacking on technical terrain. Length-wise it provides moderate coverage for wet days, while also being versatile for bike rides or casual use at home. For tramping, it has a practical feature set, with a protective hood, two waist-belt-friendly pockets and generous two-way pit zips. I did miss having a chest pocket for dropping my phone or GPS into, but the minimal-but-sufficient approach to features saves both weight and cost. A small complaint is that you have to unzip the jacket 15–20cm to reach the hood’s aperture adjustment cords, which isn’t ideal for fine-tuning in rain.

What we liked

Comfortable fabric, versatile, affordable, very good waterproofing and breathability.

Limitations

Durability, arm mobility.

Why buy the Norste XT? 

For trampers looking for a comfortable, versatile, packable jacket with high-end weatherproofing and breathability, this is an affordable pick.