Norrøna Falketind Dri1 Review: For the Fast Mover
The Norrøna Falketind Dri1 ($349) is a light, highly breathable 2.5-layer shell built for fast-moving days in the mountains. It prioritizes mobility and packability over bomber protection, which makes it a strong choice for high-output alpine use and shifting conditions rather than unrelentingly stormy weather. While it doesn’t feel as protective as heavier Gore-Tex competitors, its excellent fit, low weight, and standout airiness make it a versatile option for hikers and climbers who move quickly and pack light.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5L Norrøna Dri1
Weight
8.7 oz.
Fabric
22D nylon
Pockets
1 external chest
Vents
Yes (chest vent)
Pros
Cons
Norrøna Falketind Dri1
I tested the Norrøna Falketind Dri1 primarily in the Colorado high country, including on ascents of 13ers and 14ers, cross-country skiing, and winter day hikes. My testing occurred during a notoriously dry winter and spring, and so I didn’t encounter any sustained rain while wearing the jacket. However, snow consistently shed off the Falketind’s surface before melting or soaking into the fabric, and I never experienced moisture penetrating the shell. It also performed well in cold, windy conditions; on exposed ridgelines with steady 20- to 30-mph winds, it cut gusts effectively when paired with a light insulating layer, though it doesn’t provide much warmth on its own.
Designers built the Norrøna Falketind Dri1 with Norrøna’s proprietary 2.5-layer Dri1 fabric. A 2.5-layer hardshell intended for high-alpine use is uncommon, and while the construction and bare-bones feature set keep the jacket’s weight down and breathability up, it also makes the Falketind less protective than 3-layer Gore-Tex tanks such as the Arc’teryx Beta AR. Norrøna rates its waterproofing as 20K, and it should be able to withstand a passing downpour above tree line or moderate rain for a decent interval, but it doesn’t grant the same level of confidence as a full-featured, 3-layer shell.
Additionally, I found the Falketind’s coverage a bit limited compared to more protective jackets. The hem reaches just to the top of the seat, and I noticed some cold air creeping in while bending or scrambling. The collar and hood help seal things up when cinched, and the cuffs adjust well to block drafts at the wrists, but overall protection leans more toward “just in case” than full storm armor.
Right away, I noticed that the Falketind Dri1 felt noticeably lighter and thinner than most hardshell jackets, but with a slightly plasticky hand feel that’s typical of ultralight designs. The interior is comfortable enough against bare skin, though I suspect it could feel less pleasant if it became damp from sweat. In practice, that wasn’t much of an issue during testing, as the jacket breathed very well and I remained relatively dry inside even during sustained efforts.
Where this jacket really stands out is its mobility. The trim, athletic design moved exceptionally well with my body, and I never felt restricted while scrambling, climbing, and skiing. I wore it on multiple 10-plus-hour days in the mountains and didn’t notice any discomfort or tightness, even when layering a fleece or light puffy underneath. The collar is comfortable when fully zipped, and the cut strikes a nice balance between fitted and functional. Compared to roomier shells like the Arc’teryx Beta SL, which I’ve also tested, the Falketind feels more tailored for active movement.
This is one of the Falketind's biggest strengths. During high-output activities in cold conditions like uphill hiking, cross-country skiing, and scrambling, I never felt overly warm or stuffy inside the jacket. The 2.5-layer construction and light materials keep it plenty breathable, which makes sense given the activities it’s designed for. Even without pit zips, it vents heat effectively, which is impressive for a waterproof shell.
In lieu of pit zips, the Norrøna Falketind Dri1 has a zippered chest vent on the right side that opens directly to the interior, though I rarely needed to use it in cold testing conditions. Compared to Gore-Tex shells like the Beta or heavier alpine jackets like The North Face’s Summit Series Torre Egger Futurelight, the Falketind feels noticeably more breathable. That performance makes it especially well-suited for shoulder-season hikes or winter efforts where you’re constantly moving, though it may not provide the same comfort margin in warmer, humid conditions.
The Norrøna Falketind Dri1 is one of the lightest and most packable hardshell jackets I’ve ever used. It weighs a mere 8.7 ounces for a women’s medium; for comparison, the women’s Beta AR weighs 13.9 ounces, the Arc’teryx Beta SL lands at 10.6 ounces, and the Torre Egger weighs 1 pound, 1.5 ounces. It folds down easily into its chest pocket or can be rolled into the hood to roughly the size of a thin notebook, making it ideal for stuffing into a small daypack or even a running vest. Compared to most hardshells, it feels much lighter and less bulky.
That low weight has a clear impact on how and when you’ll use it. This is the kind of jacket you bring on fast-and-light missions, quick day hikes, and ultralight backpacking trips where every ounce matters. It’s not as confidence-inspiring for extended storms as a result, but for variable conditions, lots of vert, or long miles, I think the tradeoff in weight and packability is well worth it.
Despite its lightweight, 2.5-layer build, the Falketind has held up well so far. I’ve worn it on around a dozen outings, including scrambling on rocky terrain, backpacking in the desert, and packing it alongside crampons. In the pursuit of minimal weight, it’s constructed with a 22-denier nylon face fabric that’s thinner than many of the materials used in the hardshell jacket category (which are typically 40D and up). Even so, it shows no signs of damage, delamination, or seam failure.
The zippers all operate smoothly, and the construction feels comparable to other premium shells in this category (which also tend to be more expensive). While it doesn’t have the thick, rugged feel of a heavy-duty Gore-Tex jacket, it still inspires confidence for its intended use. Compared to entry-level rain shells from brands like REI or Mountain Hardwear, the build quality is clearly a step up, and it feels on par with higher-end lightweight options like the Beta SL.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Storage
The Falketind keeps things simple with a single large chest pocket. It’s surprisingly spacious, and can fit a 1-liter soft flask or a bulky gas station burrito; I was able to store a phone, gloves, and a headlamp inside without issue. There are no hand pockets, which might be a drawback for some, but I didn’t miss them much since they’re often blocked by a pack hipbelt anyway.
Hood
The hood is helmet-compatible but runs a bit tight, especially for ski helmets that are bulkier than climbing lids. It works best without a helmet, where the cinch adjustments allow for a more dialed-in fit. And unlike most oversized helmet-compatible hoods, you can get a good fit over a ballcap or beanie without it drooping over your forehead. But for technical terrain, the snug-fitting hood isn’t the most comfortable setup.
Tester: 5’9”, 130 lb.; 33” chest, 27” waist
Size tested: Women’s small
I’m typically a women’s small in hardshells, and tested the Norrøna Falketind Dri1 in that size. The jacket fits true to size with a trim, athletic cut. The sleeves are long—reaching to the knuckles—and the shoulder fit is precise without feeling restrictive. The back length is moderate, covering the top of the seat but not extending much further. It layers well over a fleece or light puffy, though the fit may feel tight for those with broad builds.
Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist ($400): An Even Lighter Rain Jacket
If you think the Falketind is impressively austere for its level of waterproofing, get a load of the Odin Infinity Minimalist. It delivers about the same level of protection as the Falketind—enough for normal inclement weather, but less than you’d want for a day-long deluge—but, at 7.7 ounces for the women’s version, it’s even lighter. It’s built using a novel 3.5-layer material, which has an extra, weightless film on the interior for additional durability. The Odin Infinity also lacks pit zips and, in fact, doesn’t have any venting at all. But we found it surprisingly breathable, though the Falketind’s chest vent is more immediately effective. These are very similar shells, but you’ll save a fair bit of cash with the Falketind. For more, read our Odin Infinity Minimalist review.
Arc’teryx Beta SL ($500): Protection > Weight
If you read this review and emerged feeling like you’d prefer a burlier barrier between you and the elements, the Beta SL could be the solution. It’s more formidable when it comes to protection, thanks to a 3-layer Gore-Tex ePE and thicker materials (40D x 70D nylon). The Beta SL is an all-rounder of a rough-weather fortress, and we’ve used it in seriously rough rainfall without getting wet; it will also prove more durable than the Falketind in the long run. However, the Falketind weighs about two ounces less and is a more packable, breathable solution for warmer outings in better weather—not to mention a smarter pick for hikers on a budget. For more, check out our review of the Beta SL.
It’s not often you see a 2.5-layer shell built for the alpine, but that’s exactly what you get with the Falketind Dri1. Light and packable enough to fit in just about any kit, and decently protective for its weight, this is an impressive jacket—though it’s too minimalist to be a proper all-rounder.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Super lightweight and featuring a unique 3.5-layer construction, the Odin Infinity Minimalist is an intriguing option for fast-and-light mountain missions. It lacks some creature comforts and can’t match the build quality of a Gore-Tex shell, but its durability and protection impressed in testing.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Arc’teryx’s most approachable hardshell is more durable, breathable, and protective than most 2- and 2.5-layer rain jackets while checking in at a similar weight. However, it’ll cost you $500 and has a rigid, crinkly feel.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Falketind Dri1 for You?
The Norrøna Falketind Dri1 is best suited for hikers, alpinists, and climbers who are looking for a hardshell that places breathability, mobility, and packability over all-out storm protection. It excels during fast-paced days above tree line, hikes in unsettled (but not atrocious) weather, and ultralight trips where you want a shell just in case but don’t want to carry much weight. If you expect sustained heavy rain or harsh winter storms, a burlier 3-layer shell will serve you better. But for moving quickly through variable conditions, this is a highly capable and thoughtfully designed jacket.
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