Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Jacket Review

Overview

The Falketind Gore-Tex Jacket is Norrøna’s do-it-all technical hardshell, built around a 3-layer 30D ePE Gore-Tex fabric rather than the ultralight Paclite membrane found in some of the brand’s other shells. It’s aimed at climbers, ski tourers, and hikers who want a single jacket that can handle everything from a summer alpine start to a wet, windy winter day — not the lightest shell on the market, but one built for durability and year-round use rather than pure gram-counting.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight (men’s)	410 g (14.5 oz)
Weight (women’s)	372 g (13.1 oz)
Fabric	3-layer 30D ePE GORE-TEX, recycled nylon face and backer, 101 g/m²
Waterproofness	28,000 mm
Breathability	RET < 13
Windproofness	Total
Fit	Technical fit, Y-cut, articulated arms
DWR	PFC-free

Performance

Norrøna markets this jacket as its most versatile waterproof shell, and that’s a reasonable claim on the trail. It’s built with a genuine 3-layer Gore-Tex laminate, not a 2.5-layer construction, which means the interior has a real backer fabric against your skin rather than a printed lining. Reviewers who’ve tested the jacket in the field back up the manufacturer’s waterproofing and windproofing claims: the waterproof and windproof claims held up during hikes in snowy conditions, with water beading and running off the jacket while wind couldn’t cut through it the way it does with lesser “windproof” jackets. That’s a good sign for anyone planning to use this as a genuine four-season shell rather than a fair-weather rain jacket.

Fit is where this jacket draws the most polarized feedback. Norrøna calls it a “technical fit,” but in practice that means trim. Testers describe it as a lightweight and breathable hardshell with a tighter fit than other jackets, with a contoured fit for active users that doesn’t leave too much room for layering underneath. If you run a heavy midlayer or puffy underneath, size up — this isn’t a jacket designed to be your outermost layer over a thick fleece. On the flip side, that trim cut pays off in mobility. One long-term user noted the arms have a naturally articulated curve to them and the cuffs extend down at a cut angle to the outside of the hand longer than most coats, which translates to less cuff-riding when reaching overhead — useful for climbing or scrambling.

Breathability is a genuine strength of the ePE Gore-Tex membrane compared to older PU-based Gore-Tex fabrics, and the underarm vents help dump heat on the climb before a storm. That said, this is still a fully waterproof/windproof shell fabric, so on aerobic uphill efforts in mild, humid weather you’ll still sweat inside it — RET < 13 is respectable for a 3-layer shell, but it’s not going to feel like a softshell. The pit zips are there for exactly this reason, and I’d use them liberally rather than relying on the fabric’s breathability alone.

Durability and everyday livability get consistent praise. One reviewer’s overall verdict was that this coat is a great buy for both fit and function, noting it was lightweight and packed down well in a backpack when not needed. The adjustment points are also well thought out — single-hand toggles at the hem and hood, which allows for a helmet, and adjustable Velcro cuffs — and the underarm vents, “mid-mounted” zippered hand pockets positioned to work with a backpack or waistpack, and a hidden inner pocket are genuinely useful in the field rather than just spec-sheet filler. Norwegian resale listings for the current version also confirm it uses the updated 30D ePE membrane at 101 g/m², a step up in fabric tech from the earlier Gore-Tex Pro-based Falketind models.

Where the jacket draws criticism is mostly around fit and price. Some users find the shortened hem length awkward for layering or for use as a standalone daily jacket, and at a premium price point, this shell is a bigger investment than most 3-layer competitors from brands like Outdoor Research or Rab.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Genuine 3-layer ePE Gore-Tex construction with strong waterproof (28,000 mm) and total windproof performance
• Articulated arms and long, angled cuffs improve mobility and reduce sleeve-ride during overhead movement
• Well-placed underarm vents and helmet-compatible hood adjustable with one hand
• Packs down reasonably well for a durable 3-layer shell, not just a paper-thin rain shell
• PFC-free DWR treatment, in line with current environmental standards

Cons

• Trim, technical fit leaves little room for bulky midlayers — plan on sizing up if you layer heavy
• 410 g is on the heavier side for anyone chasing an ultralight rain shell; this is a durability-over-weight tradeoff
• Premium price relative to competing 3-layer shells
• Some users find the shortened hem length less practical for everyday or town use

Who Should Buy This

This jacket makes the most sense for climbers, ski tourers, and backpackers who want one shell that can handle real weather across all four seasons and who value durability and fit over shaving every last gram. If you’re a dedicated ultralight thru-hiker counting ounces, Norrøna’s own lighter Paclite-based Falketind or a competitor like the Outdoor Research Helium will save you meaningful weight for milder-weather use. But if you want a shell that can also survive a Norwegian winter storm on a ski tour, the extra fabric weight buys real peace of mind.

Verdict

The Falketind Gore-Tex Jacket delivers on Norrøna’s promise of a genuinely versatile, technically cut hardshell — waterproofing and windproofing are trustworthy, and the fit rewards active use even if it punishes heavy layering. At 410 g it’s not an ultralight pick, but for backcountry travelers who want one shell to cover three seasons of real weather, it earns its keep. I’d rate it a 7.5/10 — excellent execution, held back slightly by price and a fit that won’t suit everyone.