Approaching its 50th anniversary, The North Face (TNF) is introducing the HyperAir GTX Jacket, $249 in a unique direct-to-consumer (and REI) release mid-December, which uses the new Gore-Tex Active “permanent beading surface” for a purported more breathable weatherproofing. A division of VF Corporation, TNF designed the new jacket for “bone-dry” protection while running or training in the wettest climates.

The Gore surface doesn’t just redistribute moisture away from the jacket, but permanently repels it. W.L. Gore & Associates launched the new fabric in late 2015 as a “radically new concept to rainwear.” “The material’s permanent water beading surface eliminates the need for a face fabric, which makes it the lightest and most breathable Gore-Tex product to date,” said the company. It also eliminates a DWR that needs to be refreshed with machine washing and drying.

“We have never seen anything that performs like Gore-Tex Active.” – TNF VP, Global Product, Joe Vernachio

“We are always searching for and developing the most innovative materials to build products that keep our athletes and customers warmer and drier so they can be outside longer,” said TNF VP, Global Product Joe Vernachio. “And we have never seen anything that performs like Gore-Tex Active.” Available now in only three brands, this may be the most advanced material for 2016.

Vernachio continued, “we have rigorously tested the new HyperAir GTX Jacket both in the labs and with our athletes in the field, and it has registered off the charts in terms of breathability and packability.”

Waterproof and windproof, the HyperAir GTX Jacket features an extremely lightweight Gore micro grid backer (patent pending) next to skin to keep weight low and wearing comfort high. Because of the permanent beading surface, the outside of the garment shakes dry and there is no chilling effect in the rain from a wetted out face fabric.

The jacket becomes available December 15 at TNF and REI stores as well as online.