North Face Quince Jacket vs. ThermoBall: Which one is better?

The North Face Quince Jacket and its spiritual successors are built for everyday style and urban versatility, combining a sleek look with practical warmth for cool, dry conditions. In contrast, the ThermoBall collection features an advanced synthetic insulation that excels in wet weather, making it the superior choice for serious outdoor performance, packability, and travel in unpredictable conditions.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right The North Face jacket for your needs.

The North Face Quince Jacket (and Style Equivalents)

The North Face Quince jacket represents a category of stylish, insulated outerwear from the brand that blends modern design with functional warmth. It’s created for urban environments and casual adventures, offering a polished aesthetic with clean lines, subtle branding, and a fit that works just as well over a sweater on your commute as it does on a light trail walk.

• What it is: A fashion-forward insulated jacket designed for versatile, everyday use in cool weather.
• Key features: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, high-quality zippers, reinforced stitching, and a tailored silhouette.
• Price: $150–$250
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from durable polyester or nylon shell fabrics that can handle daily wear and tear.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true-to-size with a slightly tailored profile that accommodates layering without adding excess bulk.
• Pros: Modern, sleek aesthetic is perfect for city life. Versatile and easy to layer. Durable construction. Comfortable fit for everyday activities.
• Cons: Insulation is less effective when wet conditions arise. Not as lightweight or packable as technical alternatives. Offers less weather resistance than performance-focused jackets.

This jacket is perfect for someone who prioritizes style and needs a reliable, multipurpose outer layer for daily life with occasional outdoor use in mild conditions.

Shop this product style: thenorthface.com/shop/mens-aconcagua-3-jacket

The North Face ThermoBall Jacket

The ThermoBall jacket is a performance icon, engineered with The North Face's proprietary synthetic insulation. This technology uses small, round fiber clusters that mimic goose down to trap heat effectively while retaining its insulating properties even when wet. It's incredibly lightweight and packable, making it a favorite among hikers, travelers, and anyone who needs dependable warmth without the weight.

• What it is: A lightweight, highly packable synthetic insulated jacket made for all-weather outdoor adventures.
• Key features: PrimaLoft ThermoBall insulation for wet-weather warmth, windproof fabric, DWR finish, highly compressible design (often packs into its own pocket).
• Price: $180–$300
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes lightweight nylon and recycled polyester fabrics with ThermoBall Eco insulation made from post-consumer recycled materials.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed with an athletic or active fit that stays close to the body for thermal efficiency while allowing room for layering.
• Pros: Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Stays warm even when damp. Extremely lightweight and packable. Quick-drying and breathable. Made with sustainable materials.
• Cons: Technical, sporty look may not suit all style preferences. Athletic fit can feel snug on some body types. Typically priced higher than more basic insulated jackets.

This is the go-to jacket for outdoor adventurers and travelers who demand reliable, lightweight warmth that performs in unpredictable and damp weather.

Shop this product: thenorthface.com/shop/p/mens-thermoball-eco-jacket-2-0

North Face Quince vs. ThermoBall Jacket Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The primary difference between these two jackets lies in their visual design and intended environment. The Quince (and similar style-focused jackets) features a sleek, urban aesthetic. With a more tailored cut, minimalist branding, and neutral color options, it's designed to seamlessly integrate into an everyday wardrobe. It doesn't scream "I'm going hiking," which makes it incredibly versatile for commuters and casual wear.

In contrast, the ThermoBall Jacket has a distinctly technical and sporty look. Its baffle pattern, athletic fit, and often more vibrant colorways are rooted in outdoor performance. While still stylish enough for running errands, its main purpose is function, which is evident in its design.

Insulation & Weather Performance

This is where the ThermoBall truly stands out. Its proprietary synthetic insulation is engineered to mimic the structure of down but won't lose its loft and insulating power when it gets wet. This makes it a far more reliable choice for damp, cold climates, intense activity where you might sweat, or unpredictable mountain weather. The fabrics are also typically windproof, adding another layer of protection.

The Quince Jacket offers solid warmth for its weight using more traditional insulation, making it great for cool, dry autumn days or as a layering piece. However, its insulation is not designed for wet-weather performance and it will lose much of its effectiveness if it becomes saturated. While it features a DWR coating to shed light moisture, it’s not the jacket to rely on in a persistent drizzle.

Fit & Sizing

The fit of each jacket aligns with its intended use. A style like the Quince leans toward a standard or tailored fit that drapes well and looks sharp without being restrictive. It’s built for daily comfort and easy layering over casual clothing.

The ThermoBall uses an active or athletic fit. This cut is closer to the body to maximize thermal efficiency (trapping heat) and reduce bulk under a shell jacket. While it still offers room for movement, some may find it snugger than street-style jackets and may need to size up if they plan on wearing thick layers underneath.

Price & Value

Both jackets are similarly priced, but the value they offer is different. With the Quince, you're paying for style, everyday versatility, and the trusted quality of The North Face brand. It’s a great value for someone who needs one jacket to do it all for city life.

The ThermoBall’s price reflects the advanced technology in its insulation. You're investing in performance, packability, and wet-weather reliability. For an avid traveler or outdoor enthusiast, the value of having a jacket that performs in any condition is immense, justifying the slightly higher cost.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent jackets from a top-tier brand, but they serve different primary purposes.

Choose the North Face Quince (or similar style) if:

• Your number one priority is a fashionable, urban look.
• You need a versatile coat for commuting, weekend errands, and casual outings.
• You primarily face cool, relatively dry weather.
• You prefer a more standard, tailored fit over a snug, athletic cut.

Choose the North Face ThermoBall if:

• Performance in wet and damp conditions is non-negotiable.
• You need something extremely lightweight and packable for hiking, camping, or travel.
• A high warmth-to-weight ratio is a key deciding factor.
• You prefer a jacket with a technical, sporty fit for active pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Quince and ThermoBall jackets?

The main difference is intent. The Quince is a style-focused jacket designed for versatile urban and casual wear with good standard insulation. The ThermoBall is a performance jacket with advanced synthetic insulation that excels in wet weather and is designed to be lightweight and packable for outdoor adventures.

Which jacket is warmer?

Gram for gram, ThermoBall insulation typically provides more warmth, especially in damp conditions where other insulation types might compress and lose efficiency. For general cold, dry city weather, the difference might feel minor, but for active use in the elements, the ThermoBall is the warmer, more reliable choice.

Is the ThermoBall jacket waterproof?

No, the ThermoBall is not fully waterproof, but it is highly water-resistant. Its synthetic insulation continues to keep you warm even when it gets wet, and the DWR-treated shell will repel light rain and snow.

How packable is the ThermoBall jacket?

Extremely. Most ThermoBall jackets are designed to pack down into their own hand pocket or an included stuff sack, making them incredibly easy to stow in a backpack or carry-on bag.

Are these jackets true to size?

Generally, yes. The Quince and similar styles typically have a standard true-to-size fit. The ThermoBall has an athletic or "active" fit, which is cut slightly closer to the body. If you are between sizes or prefer a looser fit for layering, you might consider sizing up in the ThermoBall.

Is ThermoBall insulation sustainable?

Yes, newer versions like the ThermoBall Eco are made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials, aligning with The North Face's commitment to sustainability.

Which jacket is better for travel?

The ThermoBall is unequivocally better for travel due to its superior packability, lightweight, and ability to handle a wide range of weather conditions. It provides peace of mind that you'll stay warm whether you're in a dry, cold city or a damp mountain region.

Can I wear the Quince jacket for hiking?

Yes, you can wear a Quince-style jacket for light, fair-weather hiking. However, for more serious treks or situations where weather can change quickly, a technical piece like the ThermoBall is a much safer and more comfortable option.