The North Face jackets primarily include the Nuptse down models, High Pile variants, and select designs created in collaboration with SKIMS, Supreme, and KAWS. The standout product in this category is the The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse 700 Fill Packable Jacket Recycled, which combines a signature quilted design with down fill and the ability to pack the jacket into its own pocket.








This category focuses on the most recognisable insulated silhouettes from The North Face. It is dominated by Nuptse jackets, characterised by a shorter, oversized cut, a high collar and large down-filled baffles. The selection includes classic colourways, versions made from recycled materials and limited-edition designs created in collaboration with other brands.
The Nuptse was originally introduced in 1992 as part of an expedition clothing system. Its construction, based on clearly separated baffles, limits the movement of the down and helps maintain even insulation. Over time, the model became one of the most important The North Face silhouettes outside the world of mountain apparel as well.
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse 700 Fill Packable Jacket Recycled is the key model in this category. The jacket references the 1996 Nuptse design and retains its boxy silhouette, wide down-filled baffles and contrasting panel covering the shoulders and upper back.
The model uses 700-fill waterfowl down insulation, combining thermal performance with compressibility. The outer layer is made from recycled ripstop nylon, while the collar and yoke are reinforced with a more durable fabric. The jacket also features a stowable hood, adjustable cuffs, a drawcord at the hem and zipped pockets. The entire jacket can be packed into the right-hand pocket.
The category includes, among others, the black Recycled version, the Smokey Brown colourway and the TNF Red variant. Individual releases retain the model’s core construction but may differ in terms of materials, branding and release season.
The selection also includes The North Face High Pile 600 Fill Recycled Waterfowl Down Nuptse Jacket in black. This model combines the Nuptse construction with soft high-pile fleece, 600-fill down insulation and Heatseeker Eco synthetic insulation placed in selected areas of the jacket.
The High Pile version differs from the classic 1996 Retro Nuptse mainly in the texture of its outer material. The fleece surface gives the jacket a softer and more uniform appearance, while the classic version uses smooth ripstop nylon and a more clearly defined yoke.
The category also includes limited-edition jackets created in collaboration with other brands. The SKIMS x The North Face 2000 Retro Nuptse is available in understated Cocoa, Sienna and Onyx colourways. These designs retain the recognisable proportions of the down jacket while using a colour palette characteristic of the SKIMS collection.
The The North Face x Supreme Split Nuptse Jacket Black develops the classic silhouette through a split construction and branding from both companies. The KAWS x The North Face Retro 1994 Himalayan Parka Moonlight Ivory represents a longer and more structured parka silhouette, clearly different from the shorter Nuptse design.
A The North Face jacket should be selected based on its construction, type of insulation and length. The classic 1996 Retro Nuptse has a relaxed, boxy fit and a shorter body. The High Pile Nuptse uses similar proportions but stands out with its fleece surface, while the Himalayan Parka provides a longer and more substantial construction.
Before choosing a size, check the measurements of the specific release. Individual models, women’s and men’s collections and collaborative designs may differ in length, width and sleeve proportions.
The model is distinguished by its short, boxy silhouette, large down-filled baffles and reinforced shoulder panel. The modern version features 700-fill insulation, a stowable hood and a packable construction that allows the jacket to be stored inside its own pocket.
The term 700 fill refers to the fill power of the down insulation, not its weight. In the 1996 Retro Nuptse, the down retains its thermal properties while allowing the jacket to be compressed relatively easily.
No. The classic Nuptse has a shorter and more oversized fit, the High Pile version uses a soft fleece surface, while the Himalayan Parka is longer and more structured. Differences can also be found between standard releases and collections created in collaboration with other brands.