The Nuptse jacket is a brand staple for The North Face. Between its timeless style and high-quality construction, it remains a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts in every cold-weather discipline. Of course, all that does come with a pretty steep price tag.
So while Nuptse certainly delivers on value, you should ask yourself whether it’s the right jacket for your needs and budget. Keep in mind, however, that the Nuptse is also an ethical product, featuring Responsible Down Standard (RDS-certified) insulation.
The North Face Nuptse
About The North Face Nuptse Jacket
From world-class adventurers to chart-topping rappers, The North Face has earned its place as a cultural staple for high-quality apparel. Stay comfortable, stay cool, and Never Stop Exploring.A History of Adventure
The North Face was born in 1966 on the warm and welcoming beaches of San Francisco. It was the brainchild of two avid hikers who wanted to make premium backpacking and climbing gear accessible to everyone. And, as it turned out, mountaineering was a booming business.Yet despite its sunny origins, TNF products are used in some of the world’s most inhospitable environments—from first ascents across unforgiving Himalayan peaks to dogsled expeditions through the frozen deserts of Antarctica.
Nuptse—From High Peaks to Daily Wear
The Nuptse jacket first hit the scene in 1992. That was a big year for The North Face, both in terms of growth and innovation. They had been working alongside an elite roster of athletes, mountaineers, and US Marines to develop the most cutting-edge performance apparel on the market. It’s little wonder that the Nuptse became an instant classic.The jacket drew inspiration from the towering, eponymous mountain: Mt. Nuptse ...(or Nubtse, as it’s sometimes called) is located in the Nepalase Himalayas, just two kilometres west of the iconic Mt. Everest. In fact, “nuptse” simply means “west peak” in the Tibetan language.
Today, the jacket is still one of TNF’s flagship products, cementing its place as a favourite among adventurers and city-dwellers alike. Though the original jacket is no longer in production, you can now get the 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket—an ode to the original featuring upgraded materials.
The 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket combines funky colourways with a boxy build. It features a warm 700-fill goose down insulation, coupled with lightweight construction and a DWR finish. For added convenience, the Nuptse has a stowable hood with a secure zip closure. The jacket itself can even be packed down into its own pocket for low-volume storage.
It Takes a Village
The North Face is not your average apparel brand. Since the very beginning, their commitment to producing high-quality products is evident in every garment. Indeed, it takes a village to build a brand as successful and in-touch with their clientele as TNF.By partnering with top-tier athletes and experienced designers, TNF has managed to stay at the cutting-edge of outerwear. With the goal to Never Stop Exploring, they now boast over 150 sponsorships, including the likes of Alex Honnold, Jimmy Chin, and Margo Hayes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nuptse jackets worth it?
Is The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket waterproof?
The Nuptse is a water-resistant, lightweight puffer. This durable jacket boasts a 50D mini-ripstop nylon, reinforced with taffeta in abrasion-prone regions. The outer shell is then coated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, making it weatherproof in light showers and brief snowfalls.
That said, the Nuptse isn’t designed to be completely waterproof. Rathee, it’s a water-resistant insulated jacket, meaning it features a non-hydrophobic insulation that should be kept dry to optimally retain warmth. Best advice? In heavy precipitation, pair the Nuptse with a true waterproof hardshell like The North Face Venture 2.
That said, the Nuptse isn’t designed to be completely waterproof. Rathee, it’s a water-resistant insulated jacket, meaning it features a non-hydrophobic insulation that should be kept dry to optimally retain warmth. Best advice? In heavy precipitation, pair the Nuptse with a true waterproof hardshell like The North Face Venture 2.
How does The North Face Nuptse 1996 fit?
Both the women’s and men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse has a bomber jacket-inspired fit. This is standard throughout the entire Nuptse heritage: The iconic design lines are a combination of the jacket’s oversized baffles and waist-high length.
This is worth keeping in mind when shopping for the Nuptse, since not everyone likes this particular style. If you’re looking for something stylistically similar but just a bit longer, then check out The North Face’s Lhotse jacket.
This is worth keeping in mind when shopping for the Nuptse, since not everyone likes this particular style. If you’re looking for something stylistically similar but just a bit longer, then check out The North Face’s Lhotse jacket.