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Technology · The North Face

FUTURELIGHT

An electrospun membrane platform built around air permeability, so a shell can vent passively rather than relying only on zips. Face fabrics and backers vary widely across the range.

Specifications last verified 2026-09-01Independent documentation

Manufacturer specification

Published figures only — nothing estimated

Owner
The North Face
Membrane type
Nanospun electrospun membrane
Construction options
2L, 2.5L, 3L
Waterproof rating
Not publicly specified by manufacturer
Breathability rating
Not publicly specified by manufacturer
Air permeability
Marketed as air permeable; figures vary by fabric package and are generally not published per garment.
Typical price segment
Varies by garment.
Weight characteristics
Varies by face fabric and construction rather than by membrane alone.
Durability characteristics
Durability is driven mainly by face-fabric denier and construction.
DWR requirements
Face fabrics carry a durable water repellent finish. Repellency wears off with use and needs reproofing; the membrane itself is unaffected.
PFAS / PFC information
Check the current season's material declaration. Many brands have moved to PFAS-free repellent finishes, and platforms differ by year and by garment.

WaterproofJacket.com assessment

Our editorial analysis, not a manufacturer claim

Main advantages

  • Genuinely breathable in cool, moving conditions
  • Soft, quiet hand-feel
  • Wide range of weights

Main disadvantages

  • Air permeability means more wind reaches you in cold, exposed conditions
  • Performance varies a lot between garments carrying the same name

Best uses

  • High-output hiking
  • Ski touring
  • Cool-weather aerobic use

Poor uses

  • Static wind exposure
  • Buyers wanting one predictable spec

Care instructions

  • Wash with a technical cleaner, not standard detergent or fabric softener.
  • Reproof the face fabric when water stops beading.
  • Tumble dry warm or press with a cool iron under a cloth if the care label allows, to reactivate the finish.

Sources

Official documentation and standards we relied on