The North Face Summit Cayesh GTX Pro Jacket sits at the top of the brand’s Summit Series—gear designed for serious time in the alpine backcountry, whether that be off-piste skiing, ice climbing, or anything in between. It’s a minimalist, uninsulated shell designed for people who move quickly and spend their days in the midst of mountain weather.
Out of the box, it feels light but solid. The fabric exudes a quiet confidence, as if it were made to work hard, not just look good. It’s comfortable straight away, with a soft, slightly stretchy hand feel that makes it easy to move in.
Key details of The North Face Cayesh
- Fabric: Waterproof GORE-TEX Pro 3L
- Fit: Regular alpine cut with room for layering
- Weight: Around 420g (Men’s M)
- Hood: Fully adjustable and helmet-compatible with a laminated brim
- Zips: Two-way #5 YKK AquaGuard main zip with internal draft flap
- Vents: Underarm zips that open easily, even with gloves
- Pockets: Two harness-friendly chest pockets, one internal zip pocket, one drop-in mesh pocket
- Other features: Adjustable cuffs and hem, articulated elbows, and clean internal seams for comfort under a pack
On the mountain
We took the Cayesh for a long day in the Australian backcountry to see what it could handle. Conditions ranged from warm and still to windy on the ridgelines.
Straight up, the Cayesh feels great in motion. The articulation and cut allow it to move naturally when climbing or scrambling, and nothing binds under a pack. The mobility is spot on—it “gets out of the way,” which is precisely what you want in a shell like this.
The pit zips deserve a mention; they’re easy to use one-handed, even with gloves, and don’t snag. The main zip can catch slightly near the top, but with a thumb behind it, it runs smoothly.
Breathability was another highlight. It was warm—around 20°C—but the jacket managed moisture really well. Where most hardshells would have been stripped off early, this one stayed comfortable longer. That extra bit of breathability makes a big difference for backcountry missions where you’re constantly changing pace.
The hood design worked perfectly in the wind, cinching down securely with no flapping or gaps, and the GORE-TEX Pro fabric handled the gusts and abrasion without fuss.
Who it’s for
This is a jacket for mountaineers, climbers, and ski tourers, who spend long hours outside and value gear that just works. It’s not built for chairlifts or resort laps; it’s for people who spend their time purely out in the backcountry.
If you’re the kind of person who notices when a jacket moves well, packs down small, and doesn’t feel clammy on the climb, the Cayesh will make sense.
What we liked about The North Face Cayesh
- Lightweight and very breathable for a GORE-TEX Pro shell
- Excellent mobility and fit with a pack and harness
- Easy-to-use pit zips and hood adjustments
- Minimal, functional design that suits alpine use
What could be better
- The main zip can snag slightly near the top
- The lighter face fabric may scuff faster than heavier alpine shells
Final thoughts on The North Face Cayesh
The Cayesh GTX Pro Jacket hits a nice balance between protection and simplicity. It’s light enough to wear all day but tough enough to trust in rough alpine weather. The design is thoughtful—it’s stripped back, but nothing feels missing.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be everything to everyone. But if you spend real time in the backcountry, this one’s built with your kind of days in mind.
More The North Face Reviews:
Field tested: The North Face Cobra 65
The North Face Off Width Pants Review
The North Face transforms Sydney’s World Square into immersive climbing experience.
The North Face Summit Series Futurelight Papsura Jacket Review
