Choosing a jacket for a winter trip means thinking about more than the forecast. There is time spent outdoors, room for layers, and the question of how much space a coat will occupy when it comes off. The North Face’s latest Nuptse collection approaches those considerations through two new versions of its long-running puffer.
Introduced for Fall/Winter 2026, the Summit Nuptse and Pertex Reversible Nuptse take the design in distinct directions. The Summit model emphasizes its mountaineering heritage with 800-fill ProDown insulation, while the Pertex version combines 700-fill recycled down with a reversible design.
For travelers, the choice comes down to the kind of trip on the calendar: technical features for mountain-focused plans, or styling flexibility for days spent exploring a city.
A Puffer with Mountain Origins
The Nuptse first appeared in 1992 as a technical expedition layer. Over the following decades, its recognizable silhouette found a place well beyond the mountains, becoming part of everyday winter dressing.
The new collection draws on that history while updating the construction and insulation. It retains the visual identity that made the Nuptse familiar, with a renewed emphasis on the outdoor uses behind the original design.
That combination gives the launch relevance to travelers who want their clothing to work across different settings. A jacket may be the most visible part of an outfit throughout a winter trip, whether the day involves exploring a neighborhood or heading toward the mountains.
Summit Nuptse: A More Technical Direction
The Summit Nuptse uses 800-fill water-repellent ProDown. According to The North Face, its Cloud Down construction is designed to reduce cold spots and improve packability.
The men’s model also includes an adjustable hood compatible with a climbing helmet, a two-way front zipper with an insulated draft flap, and an adjustable hem. Zippered hand pockets and two internal mesh pockets provide storage, while an included stuff sack offers a way to contain the jacket when it is packed away.
These details give the Summit version a clear outdoor focus. For travelers comparing jackets for mountain trips, the hood, closures, and packing options are useful features to examine alongside insulation. Fit matters, too: try the jacket with the layers you expect to wear underneath so you can assess movement and coverage before departure.
Pertex Reversible Nuptse: Two Looks in One Jacket
The Pertex Reversible Nuptse puts versatility at the center of its design. It combines 700-fill recycled down with Pertex Quantum fabric and can be worn on either side.
For a trip built around city walks, sightseeing, and casual evenings out, the reversible construction offers a straightforward benefit: the option to change the jacket’s appearance without packing a second coat.
The men’s version has a relaxed fit, articulated sleeves, zippered hand pockets, elasticated cuffs, and an adjustable hem. Its outer and reverse fabrics use recycled nylon with a water-repellent finish.
The travel appeal lies in those everyday details. Room for layers and accessible pockets are practical considerations, while the reversible design adds variety to a small travel wardrobe. Travelers planning their other layers can also consult DRIFT’s guide to what clothes to pack for a winter trip.
What the Fill Numbers Mean
The 800-fill and 700-fill labels describe the down’s fill power, a measure related to its loft, warmth relative to weight, and compressibility. Higher-fill-power down can achieve comparable warmth with less weight and bulk, but the number alone does not establish how warm a complete jacket will feel.
The amount of insulation, jacket construction, fit, and layers worn underneath also matter. Treat fill power as one part of the comparison when deciding which model suits a trip.
Water repellency is another distinction to keep in mind. A water-repellent finish does not make either jacket a waterproof rain shell. If sustained rain is likely, account for that when planning the rest of your outerwear.
A New Chapter for the Nuptse
The collection’s “Show the way” campaign brings together ski mountaineer Jim Morrison, climber Brooke Raboutou, snowboarder and DJ David Djité, and DJ trio Las Flaquitas. The mix reflects the Nuptse’s place in both mountain sport and contemporary culture.
For travelers, the two new designs make the choice more specific. The Summit Nuptse emphasizes technical construction and packing features; the Pertex Reversible Nuptse offers an adaptable look for everyday winter wear.
Explore the range through The North Face’s Nuptse collection.
