The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger Jacket Review
The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger ($620) is a streamlined, high-end shell that’s designed for winter mountaineering. However, its build and feature set also work well for ski touring (or ski mountaineering, if you’re inclined to combine the two). The Torre Egger’s 3-layer fabric offers a high degree of both waterproofing and breathability (if not quite at the level of the newest crop of Gore-Tex shells), and it boasts some appealing design touches as well.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer Futurelight
Weight
1 lb. 3.8 oz.
Fabric
70D nylon (torso, back, lower arms); 20D (hood, shoulders, upper arms)
Pockets
2 external chest; 2 internal mesh dump pockets
Vents
Yes (pit zips)
Pros
Cons
The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger
The North Face has gone through a few iterations of its flagship Futurelight 3-layer membrane, and the Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger Jacket proves that, to me at least, this version is the brand’s best yet. Although it might fall just a tad short of the waterproofing provided by Gore-Tex’s new top-of-the-line 3-layer Pro ePE material (found on competitors like the Arc’teryx Alpha SV and the Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro), Futurelight provides a high degree of protection that should be more than enough for most backcountry skiers and alpine adventurers.
In fact, I only found one situation in which it faltered, and then only slightly. In a time-honored Better Trail tradition, I wore the The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger Jacket for a full day of resort skiing in the rain. While that’s not the jacket’s ideal use case, it’s a damn good waterproofing test, and The North Face’s designers would likely be proud of how the Torre Egger performed. While its face fabric (which has a PFAS-free DWR) perhaps wet out a little faster than a burlier shell’s might, my midlayer remained dry for almost the whole day. The bottom portion of it became a bit damp towards the end of what was frankly a miserable ski outing, likely from sitting on wet chairlifts all day, but I was impressed with the performance overall (my phone remained completely dry in one of the chest pockets).
In all other conditions, though, the Torre Egger is a great choice for a protective shell that’s certainly not too heavy (it weighs 1 lb. 3.8 oz.). It easily brushed off snow showers with temperatures in the mid-20s, and was a welcome refuge from the wind on a ski tour on Uneva Peak in Colorado. With gusts ripping across the ridgeline, I was able to hunker down inside the jacket’s generous hood and collar (both roomier than what I’m used to, in a good way), and the Futurelight fabric took the bite out of the breeze. Plus, the Torre Egger also has cinchable everything, ideal for sealing yourself off from the elements when things get serious. Unless you spend lots of time in rainy skin tracks (so, everywhere but the Pacific Northwest, basically), this shell has what it takes to keep you comfortable in the backcountry.
For a shell that’s built to withstand harsh alpine environments, the Torre Egger feels nicely accommodating. The biggest contributor to that quality, in my mind, is its Goldilocks fit. Rather than rely on a svelte design that helps with shaving ounces but also cuts down on mobility and layering ability, its regular silhouette perfectly preserves freedom of movement while also leaving plenty of room for insulating apparel underneath. The dialed fit extends to the hood and collar, which I never found restricting, even when fully zipped up and deployed over a helmet.
User-friendly touches abound as well, including soft swatches of fabric on both sides of the collar and at the nape of the neck; the inside of the collar is also perforated with breathing holes that make it feel less like a straitjacket if you’re hunkered down inside. However, I found the Torre Egger’s nylon face fabric to be a bit stiffer than I’d like in a touring shell. It’s not constricting by any means, but the exterior lacks the softshell-cum-hardshell appeal and stretch of waterproof fabrics like Rab’s Proflex, while the interior doesn’t have the softness of Gore-Tex’s C-knit backer. The jacket’s handfeel isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, and it never felt anything less than comfortable when I was wearing it, but softness and suppleness are not its main focuses.
The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger Jacket is designed to shed heat and moisture while you’re on the move, and it does an excellent job of that. Pairing the 3-layer Futurelight membrane with face fabrics that aren’t overly burly for a touring shell (70D nylon on the torso, back, and forearms, and lighter 20D nylon on the hood, upper arms, and shoulders) prevents it from getting too stuffy, even when you’re working hard. While it perhaps comes in a bit lower on the airiness spectrum than category-leading models like the lightweight Norrøna Falketind Dri1, this is still a great piece for avoiding swamping out while keeping yourself protected.
That was the case on a sunny, windless day in the Snoqualmie Pass backcountry. With temperatures in the low 30s, I kept the shell on over a thin fleece and a lightweight baselayer while booting up a short sneak between the cliffs north of Pineapple Pass. I was happy to have a waterproof layer between myself and the snow as I wallowed up my partner’s bootpack (the curse of having short legs strikes again). It’s not that I didn’t sweat at all—normal for that activity level while bundled up—but I never felt like I wanted to rip the shell off and air myself out. Some of the smoothest-acting pit zips I’ve used certainly helped; I was able to operate them one-handed, even with gloves on. If you’re looking for a shell that you can keep on in warm conditions, the Torre Egger is among the top choices on the market.
Despite only class-average durability, the Torre Egger lands slightly on the high end of the weight spectrum. Some of the blame is due to its roomier fit and bonus interior pockets, but at 1 pound 3.8 ounces for the men’s average, it’s 2 to 3 ounces above class stalwarts like the Arc’teryx Beta AR (1 lb.) and Norrøna’s Trollveggen GTX Pro Light (15.2 oz.). While wearing the shell, the extra weight was never a problem—in fact, I mostly found the opposite to be true—but it’s at least worth noting for folks that plan to haul their shell for extended stretches in a backpacking, alpine, or skiing pack.
This isn’t a delicate shell, per se, but lower relative toughness compared to heavier competitors is a necessary tradeoff the Torre Egger makes in favor of weight and breathability. Its construction consists of two fabric thicknesses: 70-denier nylon on the majority of the shell (torso, back, and lower arms) and lighter, 20-denier nylon on the top sections (hood, shoulders, upper arms). I found this build interesting, as the top of a shell usually sees the most wear in my experience, thanks to pack straps, sharp ski edges slung over your shoulder, and barging through tree branches. But I’ve done all of that in the The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger Jacket, and it’s held up well so far across about 10 days of use.
However, the jacket’s overall build is less durable on paper than some competitors. The Arc’teryx Beta AR and SV rely on heavier 80- and 100-denier face fabrics, and their Gore-Tex Pro-level materials should have longer lifespans (but they also cost a heck of a lot more). All in all, I think that this jacket will hold up just fine over a number of seasons for your average ski tourer—I’m curious how its thin top section does when faced with sharp, rocky alpine climbing, though, which it ostensibly is designed to do.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
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
This shell’s minimalist pocket layout is hit and miss. I liked the Torre Egger’s twin exterior chest pockets, which are large enough to hold small snacks, a tube of sunscreen, and your phone; the left one also has a connection loop and a sleeve for a beacon. The two interior mesh drop pockets, though, are oddly designed. They’re too small for storing most skins (I was unable to fit my 105-underfoot pink Pomocas in them) and bulky, warm gloves—thin glove liners or sunscreen seemed like their ideal contents. Their openings are also not very stretchy, which can hamper the storage and removal of whatever you’re putting in them. As far as skins go, I know this isn’t technically a ski touring shell, but the Torre Egger’s interior pockets don’t seem great for mountaineering, either.
Hood
The Torre Egger’s hood was one of my favorite elements of this shell. It’s quite spacious and allowed me plenty of head movement even when I wore it over a ski helmet with the collar fully zipped up. Adjustment cords at the sides and back allowed me to cinch it down against the wind, and the only drawback I can think of is that it might feel a bit too voluminous when worn over just a ballcap or a beanie. (I think that holds true for most shell hoods, though.)
Tester: 5’3”, 130 lb.
Size tested: Men's small
I vacillate between extra small and small outerwear depending on the brand, and historically, I tend to swim in The North Face’s apparel, which only goes down to small for men. I was thus a bit apprehensive about the Torre Egger’s fit, but it proved perfect for layering and mobility. The hem perhaps covered my hips a little more than I’d like, and the sleeves bunched a little at my wrists, but I am short, and the hem cinch and hook-and-loop cuffs helped everything look and feel clean.
As I’ve mentioned a few times in this review, the The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger Jacket’s regular fit is wonderful for layering and adjusting to conditions. Shells with slimmer cuts might not be as successful in that regard, but the designers ensured that this one is well-suited to keeping you mobile and comfortable no matter what you put on beneath it.
Arc'teryx Beta AR ($650): Pro-Level Protection But Less Ski-Friendly
The Beta AR's 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro ePE construction edges out the Torre Egger's Futurelight membrane in both waterproofing and durability, making it the safer bet in heavy, sustained rain or truly brutal alpine conditions. For most skiers and tourers, though, the Torre Egger makes a stronger case. It breathes better thanks to lighter face fabrics and superior pit zips, its fit is more accommodating for layering and movement, and its hood pairs better with a ski helmet. The Beta AR also runs stiff and crinkly compared to the Torre Egger, and its shorter hem and lack of interior skin storage favor hiking over deep snow. At $30 less, the Torre Egger is the better ski-focused pick, while the Beta AR is the better mountain all-rounder. To learn more, read our review of the Beta AR.
Norrøna Trollveggen GTX Pro Light ($699): Big Spender
The Trollveggen and Torre Egger are capable alpine shells that diverge in meaningful ways. The Trollveggen's Gore-Tex Pro construction is the superior waterproofer, and its reinforced hood, shoulders, and forearms give it a durability edge. Its two-way main zipper also makes it more harness-friendly for technical climbing, and it’s also about 4 ounces lighter. The Torre Egger counters with better breathability and a more ski-specific feature set, including a beacon sleeve that the Trollveggen lacks. Neither shell handles skin storage well, so that's a wash. At $79 more, the Trollveggen is the pick for serious alpine objectives where maximum protection matters most. For ski tourers who want a capable shell without paying a Gore-Tex premium, the Torre Egger is the better value. For more, read our Trollveggen GTX Pro Light review.
The Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger is one of the best backcountry shells that doesn’t rely on Gore-Tex. In testing, it’s proven waterproof and breathable enough for the vast majority of ski tourers and winter mountaineers, although its durability and storage layout left us mixed.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The “All-Around” in the Beta AR’s name sums it up effectively: this is a generalist mountain shell built to withstand serious, unrelenting conditions. It’s not as well-tuned for skiing as some other hardshells, and the Gore-Tex Pro construction is stiff and a bit crinkly, but it’s a compelling option for four-season hiking and backpacking, mountaineering, and more.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Typical of Norrøna’s oeuvre these days, the Trollveggen leverages premium Gore-Tex waterproofing and intriguing design choices to function as a protective yet packable 3-layer shell that’s tailor-made for thriving in the alpine, no matter the weather. Its durability can’t quite match that of its competitors, though, and its highly technical look won’t be for everyone.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Torre Egger for You?
Anybody who likes to skin, climb, or hike in the mountains during winter will appreciate the design of the The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Torre Egger. Despite its well-above-average breathability, this shell provides more than enough weather protection for all but the wettest, unseasonably warm storms. Excellent hood and pit zip designs make it user-friendly, although practitioners of any of the above pastimes might find its pocket layout less than ideal. Still, it costs less than 3-layer Gore-Tex competitors, making the Torre Egger a premium jacket that nonetheless offers above-average value.
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