{"id":201572,"date":"2026-03-05T14:12:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T22:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=201572"},"modified":"2026-03-10T08:56:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T15:56:09","slug":"first-look-the-north-face-ridgelite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/first-look-the-north-face-ridgelite","title":{"rendered":"First Look: The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Weather can be unpredictable\u2014especially in Kentucky, where I live\u2014so I always make sure to have a rain jacket packed for my hiking adventures, and it\u2019s optimal to have one that is lightweight and easily stored in my daypack. 

I\u2019ve been an REI Co-op Expert Advice<\/a> gear tester since 2024, and I\u2019m also a painter, artist and podcaster<\/a> inspired by the sandstone cliffs, white haired goldenrod and waterfalls I find in the Red River Gorge region of Kentucky, which is about two hours from my home in Louisville. My husband, Darren, our dog Pippin and I enjoy both short hikes and all-day adventures throughout the magical Gorge most weekends, no matter the weather.  

Being an avid hiker here, I\u2019m very familiar with rainstorms that randomly blow through even when the day starts out nice and sunny. And, since the humidity gets especially high, it’s essential that my rain jacket is breathable while providing protection from the elements.  

Enter the new Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket from The North Face<\/a>, a brand synonymous for banishing bulk without compromising performance. Here are my first impressions of this new activity-focused rain layer, after spending a few weeks with it on the trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A
REI Co-op Expert Advice gear tester Rachel Stottmann tries out The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket under a waterfall in Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Rachel Stottmann.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Who is this jacket for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This lightweight, breathable rain layer is designed for high-output activities like hiking, trail and road running, and outdoor fitness. Its 2.5-layer waterproof shell keeps precip at bay without trapping sweat inside, and it\u2019s made to move with you, thanks to details like underarm gussets and an adjustable, cordlocked hood. Packable into its own pocket, the jacket\u2019s also a perfect extra layer to have on hand for errands around town, damp days at camp, and traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/h2>\n\n\n\n