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The North Face Mountain Athletics
The North Face can be considered a pretty progressive company especially with recent innovations such as FlashDry and ThermoBall which you can read more about in our reviews of The North Face ThermoBall Hoodie and FlashDry base layers. Not one to rest on their laurels, The North Face has developed an entirely new line of clothing dedicated to helping you train for your outdoor passion, be it climbing, running or even skiing. This new line is dubbed “Mountain Athletics” and is tied to an online training program that is custom built for you directly from The North Face’s web site. The idea behind the Mountain Athletics training program is that you set your goals, train for them and ultimately reach them. For backcountry skiers this program gives you a resource for keeping in shape over the off-season and ultimately being much more fit for when the snow accumulates in the fall.
The premise of The North Face Mountain Athletics program makes a lot of sense. Most people tend to get a little soft in the off season and with a tailored program to follow in order to maintain fitness. The only thing missing is specifically designed gear to get you motivated. Enter The North Face Mountain Athletics line of clothing which has you covered head to toe. In this review I will be looking at the Kilowatt Jacket, Kilowatt 1/4 Zip, Kilowatt Short Sleeve, Kilowatt Shorts, Kilowatt Briefs, Ultra Kilowatt Trainer, Kilowatt Pants, Ampere Hoodie and the Ampere Short Sleeve Crew.
Since each piece of The North Face Mountain Athletic collection is designed for training it’s only natural that the majority of the garments use FlashDry. All but the Kilowatt shorts, pants and jacket are made with FlashDry and even the Kilowatt shoes have FlashDry fabric in them. This proprietary fabric incorporates microporous particles to improve moisture management and temperature regulation during vigorous activity. This innovation actually accelerates the removal of moisture from your skin and speeds drying via evaporation. This keeps you drier, more comfortable and able to perform your training activity longer. The FlashDry technology doesn’t add weight or bulk and never washes or wears out. Why am I such a believer of FlashDry? A few winters back I saw the science behind FlashDry at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show where the product was introduced to media and retailers. While it’s difficult to compare a fabric’s moisture management capabilities in the field, the science doesn’t lie and therefore I am a believer.
Let’s take a look at The North Face’s new Mountain Athletic products from the head down shall we?
North Face Kilowatt Jacket:
Price: $140CAN
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Dune Beige / Asphalt Grey Heather, Honour Blue / Asphalt Grey Heather, TNF Black / Asphalt Grey Heather
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Water and abrasion-resistant fabric
- Wind resistant
- Secure hand pockets
- Media port
- Adjustable hood
- Thumb loops
Fabrics:
Body: 240 g/m² 100% polyester-bonded woven/knit fabric
Panels: 240 g/m² 100% polyester knit fleece
The North Face Kilowatt Jacket is the training jacket that you can also wear post work out and not look like you’re still at the gym. It’s a full featured mid weight layer that’s wind and water resistant in the body with fleece arms to improve breathability and ease of movement. Think soft shell meets your favourite training hoody. With two hand warmer pockets (one with media port for your MP3) and a two way adjustable hood, this jacket will not only help you perform better while training towards your goals but also keep you looking good in the process.
The North Face Kilowatt 1/4 Zip:
Price: $75CAN
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Fiery Red Heather, Asphalt Grey Heather / TNF Black, Honour Blue Heather / TNF Black
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
- Woven overlay
- Engineered for range of motion
- Reinforced seams
Fabrics:
Body: 140 g/m² 59% polyester, 35% nylon, 6% elastane knit jersey with FlashDry-XD™
Panels: 145 g/m² 64% polyester, 36% recycled polyester double-knit jacquard
Overlay: 157 g/m² 89% polyester, 11% elastane woven
Constructed of FlashDry-XD™ much like the remainder of the garments we’ll talk about in this review, the North Face Kilowatt 1/4 zip also has body mapped mesh ventilation panels to accelerate drying. The Kilowatt 1/4 zip is also mapped with abrasion-resistant panels on the shoulders, down the centre back, and at the elbows to prevent wear and tear while training in the gym or in the great outdoors.
The North Face Ampere Hoodie:
Price: $50CAN
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Honour Blue, Asphalt Grey, Fiery Red
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Easy-care, lightweight fabric
- Body-mapped ventilation
- Three-piece lined hood
- Moisture-wicking durable fabrics
Fabrics:
Body: 120 g/m² 100% polyester knit jersey with FlashDry-XD™
Panel: 139 g/m² 100% polyester diamond knit piqué with FlashDry™
The North Face Ampere Hoodie is the long sleeve version of The North Face Ampere S/S Crew which I’ll talk about shortly. It uses FlashDry-XD™ fibres for improved moisture wicking and the fabric is naturally durable and abrasion resistant. Body-mapped ventilation under arms and at the back of the neck not only look good but help keep your temperature regulated, much like the Ampere Short Sleeve Crew.
The North Face Kilowatt S/S:
Price: $60CAN
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Honour Blue Heather / Cosmic Blue, Asphalt Grey Heather / Monument Grey, Cosmic Blue / Honour Blue, Fiery Red Heather / Monument Grey
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
- Engineered for range of motion
- Stitch-free taping
Fabrics:
Body: 140 g/m² 59% polyester, 35% nylon, 6% elastane knit jersey with FlashDry-XD™
Panels: 145 g/m² 64% polyester, 36% recycled polyester double-knit jacquard with FlashDry™
The North Face Kilowatt S/S (or short sleeve) has a long list of built in features the most important being that it too is made with highly abrasion and snag resistant FlashDry-XD™ which as I’ve mentioned before improves moisture management. Breathability is paramount thanks again to FlashDry being used in the body mapped panels which wick sweat from the upper back, centre back, and under the arms. Stitch-less construction on the chest and back prevent chafing with seams that lie flat against the skin and the 27” length keeps your back covered for those high mobility moves. This is a technical tee with a lot going on, and it will keep you drier and cooler when pushing hard.
The North Face Ampere S/S Crew:
Price: $45CAN
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Honour Blue, Grey Heather, Fiery Red, Zinnia Orange
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Easy-care, lightweight fabric
- Body-mapped ventilation
- Set-in sleeves
- Contrast topstitching
Fabrics:
Body: 120 g/m² 100% polyester knit jersey with FlashDry-XD™, Fabric: panel: 139 g/m² 100% polyester diamond knit piqué with FlashDry™
The North Face Ampere S/S Crew is a durable lightweight crew that’s made with FlashDry-XD™ fibres and body mapped ventilation similar to other pieces in the collection. Moisture management and ventilation are a natural result of these features and help keep you cool while exerting energy. The mesh gusset underarms are strategically placed to offer up additional ventilation and also provide greater mobility as does the lower back hem which has you covered when you raise your arms overhead. An all round great shirt for workouts, rides and runs.
The North Face Kilowatt Briefs:
Price: $35CAN
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Honour Blue Heather / Cosmic Blue, Asphalt Grey Heather / Monument Grey, Cosmic Blue / Honour Blue, Fiery Red Heather / Monument Grey
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Comfort waistband
- Seam-soft, flat-locked seams
- Compressive fit
- Contains 76% recycled content by weight
Fabrics:
Body: 190 g/m² 84% recycled polyester, 16% elastane knit jersey / panel: 90 g/m² 100% polyester knit jacquard
The most effective piece of clothing to keep you dry and comfortable while exerting yourself has to be a well designed pair of briefs. An immense amount of heat and moisture can be created in this region so its über important to ensure the right fabric is next to your nether region. The North Face Kilowatt Briefs are made with 76% recycled content (pre and/or post-consumer sources) and FlashDry fibres which are proven to wick away moisture super fast. With a 7” inseam they have you covered and offer up ample support (if you know what I mean). The Elastane knit fabric ensures a snug fit that still provides good range of motion and the built in vent panels are placed right where you need them.
The North Face Kilowatt Shorts:
Price: $65CAN
Size: 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38
Colours: Asphalt Grey / TNF Black, TNF Black
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
- Engineered for range of motion
- Secure side pocket with media port
- Mesh-ventilation panels
Fabrics:
Body: 201 g/m² 73% nylon, 17% polyester, 10% elastane woven
Panels: 157 g/m² 89% polyester, 11% elastane woven
Panels: 141 g/m² 100% polyester knit mesh
The North Face Kilowatt Shorts are a mid weight short with a generous 10.5” inseam. They are a stretch knit pseudo soft shell fabric and dry quickly in case you decide to cool off with a dip in the lake. Mesh panels are placed down the sides of the shorts and under the rear waistband to help vent excess heat. The natural uni-directional stretch of the fabric and built in crotch gusset provide plenty of range of motion for running, cycling and stretching. A single zippered side pocket is built to hold your MP3 player with a headphone pass-through port.
While The North Face Kilowatt Shorts are pretty minimal in their design the lightweight stretch fabric provides a relatively cool trail running experience and the ability to get them wet was a nice feature. Be sure not to overload the pocket however as the fabric is so light weight that you’ll quickly find the Kilowatt shorts sagging on you.
The North Face Kilowatt Pants:
Price: $100CAN
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: TNF Black
Warranty: Lifetime
Zippered pockets with media port pass through for your tunes.
Zippered cuffs with reflective stripes.
Features:
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
- Engineered for range of motion
- Mesh-ventilation panels
- Secure side pocket with media port
- Gusseted fly with drawcord waistband
Fabrics:
Body: 201 g/m² 73% nylon, 17% polyester, 10% elastane woven
Panels: 157 g/m² 89% polyester, 11% elastane woven
The North Face Kilowatt Pants are a mid weight, woven training pant which incorporate natural stretch and panelled construction to aid in range of motion. The absence of seams in the rear helps reduce chafing while the zippered side pocket is designed with your MP3 player in mind as it has a built in headphone port. These ain't your old track pants, far from it!
The North Face Ultra Kilowatt Trainers:
Price: $130CAN
Size: 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 14
Colours: Griffin Grey / Zinnia Orange, Griffin Grey / TNF Red, TNF Red / Dark Shadow Grey, Dark Shadow Grey / Power Green, TNF Black / Dark Shadow Grey, Griffin Grey / Red Orange, Estate Blue / Louie Blue
Weight: (Pair Men’s 9) 542g / 1lb 3oz
Warranty: Lifetime
Features:
- Upper: FlashDry™ upper wicks away sweat to keep you dry and reduces risk of getting blisters
- Rubber toe cap for added protection
- Breathable and protective Ultra Airmesh
- Reflective webbing for visibility in low-light conditions
- EVA footbed for lightweight comfort
- Pebax® plate and CRADLE™ provide energy return and proper foot placement
- Injection-molded EVA midsole
- Exclusive Vibram® rubber outsole
- Designed for runners with a neutral stride
The North Face Ultra Kilowatt Trainers offer up good value considering their Pebax CRADLE™ design which optimizes fit and the Vibram outsole for increased grip. Weighing only 542 grams for a size 9 pair the Ultra Kilowatt Shoes are light and won’t weigh you down while still providing good support given their minimally structured design. Reinforced in high-wear zones the longevity of the Ultra Kilowatt Trainer should surpass those of similar weight shoes.
The Pebax CRADLE is a low-profile midsole which is designed to absorb impact and stabilize the foot while the FlashDry™ fibres in the lining promote breathability. The Ultra Airmesh upper is designed to make socks optional but this reviewer preferred the traditional use of socks to improve fit and comfort, not to mention stink factor over the long term.
The North Face got the combination of style, fit, comfort and support right on the money with the Ultra Kilowatt. This is a comfortable shoe for running, trail running and aerobic activities.
Verdict:
While its tough to say that a particular product is better at training for an activity that actually participating in said activity, it is easy to see how The North Face Mountain Athletic products are designed specifically for managing moisture, regulating breathability and facilitating mobility. The strategically placed mesh and fleece panels are designed to help your body breath and built in gussets enhance mobility to make the Mountain Athletic pieces ideal for those participating in TNF’s training program or those just getting out and enjoying their favourite summer activities.
While the FlashDy fibres increase moisture management and make each of these garments ideal for high aerobic activities such as running, cycling and hiking, I would not rule out their effectiveness while also ski touring in winter. Once the snow flies in the fall and training is but a distant memory I will still be wearing The North Face Kilowatt and Ampere shirts and briefs on the up track to see how they continue to perform.
PROS:
- The North Face Kilowatt Jacket is stylish while still being effective at providing warmth, breathability and ease of movement.
- The North Face Kilowatt S/S and Kilowatt 1/4 zip are not only well ventilated but also use high abrasion snag-resistant fabrics to ensure they stand up to your abuse.
- The North Face Ampere Hoodie has body-mapped ventilation and FlashDry-XD fabrics but the addition of a hood is the highlight.
- The North Face Ampere S/S Crew’s gusset mesh pits and mesh back collar offer great venting and FlashDry technology to manage moisture are all big pluses.
- The North Face Kilowatt Briefs provide bike-short-like support and comfort with built in venting.
- The North Face Ultra Kilowatt Trainer is light and supportive due to the Pebax cradle and provides good grip thanks to the Vibram outsole.
- The North Face Kilowatt Pants offer up good mobility and lots of features including a media port.
CONS:
- The North Face Kilowatt Jacket’s hem is not elasticized and will likely sag as it wears and it’s unfortunate that it does not contain the FlashDry technology.
- The North Face Kilowatt S/S and the The North Face Kilowatt 1/4 zip have a lot happening on the back side and may not be up to everyone’s fashion tastes.
- The North Face Kilowatt Shorts are a rather simplified design so you have to value function over fashion.
- The North Face Kilowatt Briefs 84% recycled polyester can feel a little claustrophobic and clammy but I am a merino wool underwear kind-o-guy.
- The North Face Ultra Kilowatt Trainer may not have as much lateral stability as some would like.
- The North Face Kilowatt Pants reflective strip may not be to everyones style.
Rating: 8/10
Fit / Comfort 2/2
Temperature Regulation 1.5/2
Moisture Management 1.5/2
Features 1.5/2
Quality / Price 1.5/2
This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.
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