In times of extreme cold and harsh winds, a dependable jacket is not just a fashion essential, but also a protective barrier against the weather.
The North Face, a well-known brand among outdoor enthusiasts, provides a selection of jackets crafted to withstand various weather conditions.
Among their collection, the Diablo Down jacket and the Himalayan Down parka stand out for their distinct features tailored to different climates and individual preferences.
This review will explore the specifics of these two popular jackets, including their materials, design, prices, and functionality, to help you select the ideal winter coat.
Let’s begin!
Contents:
1. The North Face Diablo Jacket for Men
The North Face Men’s Diablo Down Jacket: thenorthface.co.uk
Check it out at thenorthface.co.uk
The North Face’s Diablo Men’s Down jacket is meticulously designed to protect in cold and harsh weather. It features a design that strikes a balance between lightness and durability, along with a finish that repels water, ensuring you stay comfortably dry in light rain.
With 700-fill-power goose-down insulation, the jacket offers exceptional thermal retention, keeping you warm without adding extra weight or bulk. It also includes a full-length zipper with a chin guard for added protection against cold temperatures, as well as zippered hand pockets for carrying essentials.
Available in a range of colors including classic black, vibrant blue, and red, the Diablo jacket is versatile for various purposes. It can be worn as standalone outerwear or as an insulating mid-layer under a more rugged shell in extreme weather conditions.
The price of this jacket is approximately $300, though it may vary depending on where you purchase it from.
Read also: The North Face Diablo vs. Nuptse: Which Jacket is Better?
Main Features and Materials
- Puffer jacket
- Lofty 700-fill-power goose down insulation certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
- 100% Nylon fabric with Non-PFC Durable-Water-Repellent Finish
- Breathable design
- Very lightweight jacket
- FlashDry™ fabrics to wick moisture away from your skin helping to keep you dry, and comfortable.
2. The North Face Himalayan Parka for Men
The North Face Men’s Himalayan Down Parka: thenorthface.co.uk
Check it out at TheNorthFace.co.uk
Check out the HMLYN version at TheNorthFace.com
The Himalayan Down Parka for men is a sturdy coat that delivers comfort and protection in cold weather. The parka features a standard fit, ensuring it is true to size and offers a relaxed and comfortable fit without being too tight or too loose.
This jacket draws inspiration from the iconic design and heritage of outfitting mountain adventurers while incorporating modern technology to cater not only to wilderness explorers but also to urban dwellers. The retro, oversized appearance is fused with contemporary features.
Constructed with WindWall™ nylon fabric in certain areas of the body, the parka boasts a non-PFC durable water repellent (Non-PFC DWR) finish, providing exceptional wind resistance and shielding from light rain.
The interior lining and a portion of the outer fabric are made from WindWall™ recycled polyester with a Non-PFC DWR finish, offering a layer of windproofing and water resistance while also being environmentally conscious through the use of recycled materials.
The insulation is a standout feature of this parka, with 550-fill-power goose down ensuring great warmth. The down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring ethical sourcing and responsible production.
Available in a range of sizes to accommodate various body types, the parka has an average weight of 1180 g, providing substantial insulation while remaining suitable for everyday wear.
Other features include:
- A storm flap with a hook-and-loop closure conceals the front zipper, offering an additional shield against wind and moisture.
- A built-in, adaptable, three-part hood with drawcord and cord locks for a personalized fit and added defense against the elements.
- A secure-zip interior chest pocket and top-access, secure-zip patch hand pockets for secure storage of personal belongings.
- Customizable hook-and-loop cuff tabs and a hem drawcord for versatility and heat retention.
- The prominent display of The North Face logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder for brand identification.
The jacket’s price is around $380.
Must read: Why Is The North Face So Expensive and Popular? Are Its Jackets Worth It?
Main Features and Materials
- Insulation: 550-fill-power goose down, certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
- Fabric: WindWall™ nylon and WindWall™ recycled polyester, featuring a Non-PFC Durable-Water-Repellent coating
- WindWall™ Fabric: Wind-resistant to minimize the impact of cold winds while preserving breathability
- Fit: Standard, True to size for a comfortable and effortless fit
- Built-in, adaptable, three-piece hood
- Breathable design that permits air circulation to assist in regulating your body temperature
- Average weight of 1,180 g
3. Comparison
The main differences between the Diablo Jacket and the Himalayan Parka by The North Face are:
- Weight: The Himalayan Parka is a heavyweight option at 1,180g, while the Diablo Jacket is lighter.
- Design: The Himalayan Parka has a retro, oversized look, whereas the Diablo Jacket is designed for versatility as either a standalone jacket or a layering piece and has a more streamlined design.
- Insulation: The Himalayan Parka boasts 550-fill-power goose down, while the Diablo Jacket features 700-fill-power goose down.
- Features: The Himalayan Parka includes a three-piece hood and various pockets, including a secure internal chest pocket, whereas the Diablo Jacket prioritizes a balance between warmth and lightness, featuring a full-length zipper with a chin guard and FlashDry™ technology for moisture management. The Diablo jacket doesn’t have a hood.
- Price: The Diablo Jacket is priced around $300, making it a more affordable option compared to the Himalayan Parka, which has a $380 price tag.
- Both jackets use RDS-certified natural down insulation, ensuring ethical sourcing.
4. Which Jacket is Better?
The ideal choice will depend on your specific needs and weather.
The Diablo Jacket, filled with 700-fill-power goose down, is lighter and incorporates FlashDry™ technology, making it well-suited for active pursuits where moisture management and freedom of movement are crucial.
It is also suitable for layering under a shell in less severe conditions, and its lower price makes it a versatile and budget-friendly choice.
The Himalayan Parka, featuring 550-fill-power goose down and heavier construction, is designed for extreme cold and provides added defense against bad weather through features like a storm flap and adjustable hood.
Its retro, oversized design combined with the use of recycled materials makes it a stylish and environmentally conscious option for urban adventurers in freezing temperatures.
So, in the end, the Himalayan excels in delivering maximum warmth and weather protection for outdoor use, whereas the Diablo is a preferred option for dynamic activities and milder weather, offering a blend of warmth and flexibility.
Read next: 11 Brands like The North Face: Our Top Alternatives