REASONS TO BUY
Stows into chest pocket
Reasonable price
Seam sealed
Sealed zippers
Internal drop-in pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited water resistance
Hood provides less coverage
Lacks water resistance for extended bouts of weather
The North Face Alta Vista - Women's Review
This highly packable jacket features tons of storage and is great for light to moderate conditions
Credit: Trish Matheny
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ March 31, 2026
RELATED: The Best Rain Jackets for Women
Our Verdict
The The North Face Alta Vista is a lightweight and packable rain jacket that also features tons of pockets. In light to moderate rain, it does its job well, although it's not our first choice for extended showers when you're counting on your rain protection in order to stay warm. The material can wet out more quickly than other jackets that we tested. We love the stretchy fabric and fit that's pretty easy to layer, but we wish the hood provided more face coverage. It's also missing a soft interface beneath the chin to prevent discomfort. We love that it stows easily into a chest pocket and that it's so lightweight (10 ounces!), which makes it a no-brainer to toss into your pack if the weather looks finicky.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
For those after a lightweight and packable rain jacket design, the The North Face Alta Vista is worth checking out. Weighing only 10 ounces in size small and packing into a single pocket, we love this jacket for short jaunts in bad weather.
The highly packable design also features tons of storage for easy access on the trail. Credit: Trish Matheny
The stretchy fabric offers a fit that's true to size and easy to wear. Although the inner fabric can grab layers on the inside, it slides easily over slippery synthetic fabrics or lightweight synthetic jackets when the temperatures plummet.
The North Face Alta Vista is super lightweight and packable, making it a no-brainer to throw into your pack during periods of afternoon showers. Credit: Trish Matheny
Dislikes
Breathability is not a strong suit of this jacket's design. While testing last fall in Yosemite Valley, we didn't have a long sleeve underneath the jacket and the interior fabric stuck to our skin during afternoon showers in the heat. There are pit vents to help release heat, though.
We also wouldn't trust this jacket for protection during extended afternoon downpours in the mountains, as the fabric wets out quickly. The DryVent 2.5L 100% recycled nylon shell with a (non-PFC) DWR finish is perfect for shorter jaunts, and the packable design makes it easy to throw in a pack.
While the DryVent 2.5L 100% recycled nylon shell with a non-PFC DWR finish did pretty well in moderate conditions, the fabric wets out quickly and we wouldn't trust it for protection during extended periods of rain. Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy The North Face Alta Vista?
If you're after a lightweight rain jacket that provides pretty solid performance during unexpected afternoon showers, we recommend The North Face Alta Vista thanks to its light and packable design. Although it lacks breathability and isn't the most durable construction we've tested, its lighter weight and stowable design is perfect for a little extra insurance if the weather looks finicky.
If you're after a more affordable design that's lightweight, packable, and easy to throw into your pack for the day, check out the North Face Alta Vista, we think it's perfect for light to moderate conditions. Credit: Trish Matheny
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
A comparable option we like is the Marmot PreCip Eco. It's a little cheaper and provides better breathability for warmer climates. If you want a jacket you can trust in the mountains, we love the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch, especially for alpine climbing missions.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare The North Face Alta Vista - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $160 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This highly packable jacket features tons of storage and is great for light to moderate conditions |
| Pros | Stows into chest pocket, reasonable price, seam sealed, sealed zippers, internal drop-in pockets |
| Cons | Limited water resistance, hood provides less coverage, lacks water resistance for extended bouts of weather |
| Rating Categories | The North Face Alta... |
| Water Resistance (45%) | |
| Breathability (20%) | |
| Comfort and Mobility (15%) | |
| Weight (10%) | |
| Construction Quality (10%) | |
| Specifications | The North Face Alta... |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 10 oz |
| Number of Fabric Layers | 2.5 |
| Waterproof Fabric Material | DryVent 2.5L 100% recycled nylon shell with a non-PFC DWR finish |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand, 2 interior drop-in, 1 chest |
| Pit Zips | Yes |
| Pit Zip Length | 8.5 in |
| Stows into Pocket | Yes |
| Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket | Yes |
| Helmet Compatible Hood | No |
| Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets | No |
| Additional Features | Adjustable hood, Internal elastic cinch-cord with a cord lock at hem for adjustability |
—Trish Matheny
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