KNOW YOUR TECH: The North Face WindWall Fights Winter's Bite

KNOW YOUR TECH breaks down the scientific technology used in your favorite sneakers and activewear.

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KNOW YOUR TECH breaks down the scientific technology used in your favorite sneakers and activewear. Let’s demystify your next purchase: today’s technology is The North Face WindWall. As winter temperatures make their way to the east coast, it's essential to suit up in warm, comfortable gear if you're going to be staying active outdoors. One of the biggest threats posed by winter weather is its unrelenting wind, which can drop the air temperature drastically. With The North Face WindWall products, you'll be able to stay comfortable and warm without being bogged down by unnecessary layers.

What is it? The North Face WindWall is a fleece construction designed to provide the softness, flexibility, and breathability of normal fleece material while also serving to block wind chill. Traditional fleece garments test at 200 CFM, while WindWall has been found to rate between 10 and 40 CFM. In terms of wind-proofing, a 0 CFM rating denotes a 100% windproof garment. 

How does it work? The North Face WindWall comes in both WindWall 1 and WindWall 2. The North Face WindWall 1 makes use of a mesh liner and a bonded fleece which eliminates 80-95% of wind chill, allowing athletes to keep going at their highest level in blistering winds. WindWall 1 is recommended for hiking, backpacking, or everyday outdoor activity such as running. Meanwhile, The North Face WindWall 2 is equipped for more extreme temperatures, with its gridded fleece liner in place of mesh for heavy duty warmth. 

Notable products: The North Face WindWall 1 Jacket, The North Face WindWall 1 Vest, The North Face Women's WindWall 1 Jacket

Bottom line: It's easy to check the temperature before you venture out, but wind can be a little more unpredictable. Be sure you're prepared with The North Face WindWall.

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