The North Face
Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket
The North Face Retro Nuptse 1996 is a boxy, short-hip-length puffer jacket insulated with 700-fill goose down certified to the Responsible Down Standard, built with a shiny ripstop nylon shell treated with a durable water-repellent finish for cold-weather warmth and packable travel use. It has a stand-up collar with a built-in hidden hood, a full-length front zip, zipped side pockets, elasticized cuffs, and a drawcord hem, and it folds into its own pouch for storage. A white embroidered THE NORTH FACE logo appears on the left chest and upper back, with a small "700" print on the left sleeve.
- Material
- Shiny ripstop nylon fabric with durable water-repellant treatment; 700-fill goose down, RDS certified
- Style
- casual, retro, classic, relaxed-fit, boxy, travel-friendly, sustainable
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Specifications
Retro-inspired packable down puffer jacket with a shiny ripstop nylon shell and relaxed boxy silhouette.
Durable water-repellent ripstop nylon, 700-fill RDS-certified goose down, packable into its own pouch, stand-up collar with hidden hood, front zip, and zipped side pockets.
- Material
- Shiny ripstop nylon fabric with durable water-repellant treatment; 700-fill goose down, RDS certified
- Secondary
- down
- Style
- casual, retro, classic, relaxed-fit, boxy, travel-friendly, sustainable
- Occasion
- everyday, casual, travel, weekend
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Additional Attributes
- shiny ripstop nylon shell
- durable water-repellent treatment
- 700-fill goose down insulation
- RDS-certified down
- relaxed boxy fit
- packable design folds into its own pouch
- stand-up collar
- built-in hidden hood
- front zip closure
- zipped side pockets
- highly packable construction
- Retro Nuptse 1996 design
Product Insights
Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket 700-fill down warmth for roughly 15-30°F and below for short periods; no official temperature rating is published. Water-repellent, not waterproof: light rain and snow bead off, but sustained rain can wet through. Stows into its right hand pocket; packable but fiddly, with no separate stuff sack. At 460 CAD, you get RDS 700-fill down, heritage design and broad stock; the main tradeoff is rain protection.
Verified claims
- fit
- Relaxed, boxy cut with room to layer; start with your normal size.
- sizing
- Runs Small through X-Large; size M is about a 39-41 in chest.
- warmth
- 700-fill down warmth for roughly 15-30°F and below for short periods; no official temperature rating is published.
- insulation
- 700-fill recycled waterfowl down; listing's 'goose down' wording reflects older phrasing.
- sustainability
- RDS-certified down supports animal-welfare sourcing, but not full farm-level traceability.
- weather_resistance
- Water-repellent, not waterproof: light rain and snow bead off, but sustained rain can wet through.
- durability
- Ripstop shell and taffeta overlays at collar and yoke add abrasion resistance.
- packability
- Stows into its right hand pocket; packable but fiddly, with no separate stuff sack.
- storage
- Do not store compressed long-term; unpack, shake and hang to restore loft.
- care_washing
- Machine-wash front-load only, warm, gentle/low spin, with down-specific detergent; no bleach or softener.
- care_drying
- Tumble dry low for a long period with dryer balls; do not hang dry.
- hood
- Attached three-piece hood stows in the collar, is adjustable, and is not removable.
- cuffs_hem
- Elastic cuffs with hook-and-loop tabs and a hem drawcord let you seal out drafts.
- pockets
- Secure-zip hand pockets; the right pocket doubles as the stow pouch.
- closure
- Exposed VISLON center-front zip; no storm flap behind it.
- styling
- Iconic '96 look: shiny ripstop, oversized horizontal baffles, embroidered chest and back logos.
- silhouette
- Boxy, short hip-length puffer with slightly tapered sleeves and elasticized cuffs.
- use_cases
- Best for cold dry winter days, travel and urban layering; add a shell for wet or windy conditions.
- value
- At 460 CAD, you get RDS 700-fill down, heritage design and broad stock; the main tradeoff is rain protection.
- variants
- Two colors (Black, Chocolate/Espresso) across S-XL, all in stock at 460 CAD.
- model
- Current men's 1996 Retro Nuptse, style NF0A3C8D; 775 g and 26 in center-back length.
Product record
- Title
- Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket
- Brand
- The North Face
- Price
- 460 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 9 sourcesUses
Cold-weather warmth with packable down
Packs down small for travel and storage
When you need to pack a bulky-feeling jacket into a small bag, this puffer compresses easily thanks to its 700-fill goose down, which is warm yet extremely compressible. It is described as highly packable and can be stowed in its right hand pocket for easier packing and travel.[1,3,4]
Staying dry in drizzle and damp weather
For damp days around town or on the trail, this puffer's ripstop nylon fabric carries a durable water-repellent treatment, and The North Face describes its Non-PFC DWR finish as adding water repellency. That helps light moisture bead off while the 700-fill down keeps you warm. It's a wet-weather-ready layer rather than a fully waterproof shell, so heavier rain calls for more protection.[3,4]
Snap it into a GORE-TEX shell for extra layering versatility
The Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket has adjustable elastic cuffs with Triclimate loops that snap into The North Face's GORE-TEX Mountain Jacket, and it is also zip-in-compatible with that jacket. This lets you pair the insulated puffer with a compatible shell for added layering versatility.[1,2,3]
Tightening the fit and blocking drafts
The Retro Nuptse 1996 has an internal drawcord with cord locks at the hem, so you can cinch it to fine-tune the fit and seal out drafts. The attached hood also adjusts with a drawcord and cord locks, letting you add coverage when conditions shift. Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs give further control over fit at the wrists.[1,2,3]
A go-to everyday puffer for casual wear
Wear this jacket as a casual everyday layer, styled over a T-shirt and pants for daily outings. The relaxed, boxy fit makes layering easy, while the exposed front zip lets you get it on and off quickly. Secure-zip hand pockets keep your essentials close, and the ripstop fabric with a taffeta overlay on the collar and yoke is built with durability in mind for regular wear.[1,3,5]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket: Choose this if you want a warm, retro-styled down jacket: its 700-fill RDS-certified goose down and oversized baffles hold in warmth, while the relaxed, boxy hip-length cut delivers the signature oversized '96 look. It is highly packable—it stows into its own right hand pocket for travel—and the stowable attached hood and water-repellent DWR finish add coverage when conditions shift. Note that it is a midweight down piece, not a waterproof shell: the brand recommends layering it with a baselayer, fleece, and waterproof outer shell in wet, windy weather, though its Triclimate loops snap into the GORE-TEX Mountain Jacket for exactly that versatility.[1,2,3,4,6] | Aconcagua 2 Puffer Vest Relaxed Style: Choose this if you want a sleeker, less bulky puffer vest for milder conditions or layering, rather than a maximally warm statement piece. It pairs 550 RDS-certified goose down with Heatseeker insulation at the shoulders and side panels, plus a PFC-free water-repellent finish and a 50-denier shell one Reddit commenter describes as slightly more durable but slightly heavier. Note the same reviewer says its finer baffles use less down fill and can mean more possible cold spots, so it won't be as warm or puffy-looking as The North Face's Nuptse-style vests.[7,8,9] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a black quilted puffer jacket worn by a model; high stand collar, visible central zipper left partially open, horizontal baffle quilting, embroidered chest logo on the wearer's left side, elasticized cuffs and a center drawcord at the hem.
- Overall silhouetteBoxy, short-hip-length puffer jacket with wide horizontal quilted baffles filling the body and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.14 · w 0.76 · h 0.68 (high) - Material and finishSlightly shiny ripstop-like outer fabric with smooth, matte-gleam finish on baffles.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.56 (medium) - Collar constructionHigh stand collar with visible inner lining and top edge stitching, collar stands upright behind the model's neck.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.06 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Front closureCentral front zipper left partially open revealing a light gray T-shirt underneath; visible zipper tape and pull at lower center.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.18 · w 0.20 · h 0.62 (high) - Hem adjustmentDrawcord with a short hanging cord and toggle visible at the jacket hem center front.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.68 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high) - Sleeve cuffsNarrow elasticized cuffs creating a slight gathered finish at the wrists.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.70 · w 0.16 · h 0.14 (medium); x 0.72 · y 0.70 · w 0.16 · h 0.14 (medium) - Chest logo“Embroidered white logo reading THE NORTH FACE on the wearer's left chest above the top baffle.”
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.14 · w 0.16 · h 0.08 (high) - Side pocket seamsHorizontal seam lines and slight zipper seam impressions at roughly hand level indicating side pockets, partially visible.Partial
2 regions
x 0.56 · y 0.52 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (medium); x 0.24 · y 0.52 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (medium)
Other
Studio front-facing product shot on a standing male model against a plain white background with even lighting and soft shadowing.
- Model and poseMale model standing, facing camera, arms relaxed at sides; jacket worn over a light gray crew T-shirt and dark pants.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.03 · w 0.84 · h 0.94 (high) - Background and lightingPlain white background with even frontal lighting producing soft shadows at model edges and a subtle shadow on the wall behind.
- Image crop and framingCentered crop showing upper thighs to head; jacket and torso fully visible, some space above the head.
Colors
black· outer shellwhite· chest logo- Overall silhouetteBoxy, short-hip-length puffer jacket with wide horizontal quilted baffles filling the body and sleeves.
- 02
Product
Close-up view of the left front and sleeve of a black shiny puffer jacket with a high stand collar, visible chest logo, and a marked sleeve cuff; jacket is shown zipped to the collar and gripped by a model's hand.
- Chest logo“White embroidered three-quarter dome logo with stacked text 'THE NORTH FACE' embroidered on the left chest panel.”
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.19 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (high) - Sleeve marking“Small white printed numeral '700' on the outer side of the left sleeve near the cuff.”
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.40 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (high) - Collar constructionHigh stand collar, quilted and padded, shown zipped partway to the top; collar has horizontal stitching and a slightly rounded top edge.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high) - Closure detailVisible central zipper track runs up to the collar; zipper pull is not clearly visible but seam and zipper tape are apparent at the jacket front.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.42 · w 0.20 · h 0.34 (medium) - Wrist constructionLeft cuff has an elasticated inner wrist and an outer fabric cuff with a visible stitched tab area consistent with a Velcro strap closure.
1 region
x 0.23 · y 0.35 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high) - Shell material and finishSmooth, slightly glossy ripstop-like nylon shell with visible quilting lines and plumped baffles reflecting light.
- Shoulder and sleeve shapingRounded, heavily padded sleeve and shoulder with horizontal baffle seams and a prominent curved seam over the upper arm.
1 region
x 0.54 · y 0.28 · w 0.40 · h 0.48 (high)
Other
Studio-style close-up crop showing model from mid-chest to lower face against a white background; model's left hand with silver rings grasps the collar, producing a cast shadow on the background.
- Shot compositionTight three-quarter crop focusing on the jacket left front, cuff, and collar; lower face and jaw of the model are partially visible at the top edge.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (low) - Model hand and ringsModel's left hand is holding the collar; two silver rings are visible on the index and middle fingers.
1 region
x 0.17 · y 0.12 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Background and lightingEven white studio background with a soft shadow cast to the left of the model; lighting highlights the jacket's glossy surface.
Colors
glossy black· shellwhite· logo and text embroidery- Chest logo“White embroidered three-quarter dome logo with stacked text 'THE NORTH FACE' embroidered on the left chest panel.”
- 03
Product
Rear three-quarter view of a black quilted puffer jacket on a model showing horizontal baffles, a stand-up collar, elasticized cuffs and hem, and a white brand logo on the upper right back.
- Overall silhouetteShort, boxy puffer jacket seen from the back and slightly from the left side on a standing model; jacket ends near the waist and has a wide, padded profile.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.76 · h 0.72 (high) - Horizontal baffle quiltingWide horizontal quilted baffles run across the back and sleeves, forming three prominent padded bands on the back panel.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.22 · w 0.68 · h 0.52 (high) - Stand-up collarPadded stand-up collar with smooth outer fabric, rising around the neck and visible in profile at the left side of the model's head.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.06 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (high) - Sleeve constructionPadded sleeves with the same horizontal baffle pattern; sleeves appear slightly tapered toward elasticized cuffs.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.20 · w 0.30 · h 0.52 (medium); x 0.66 · y 0.22 · w 0.20 · h 0.40 (medium) - Hem detailSlightly rounded, padded hem with a visible seam line and elasticized look at the lower edge of the jacket.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.68 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (high) - Outer fabric textureSlight sheen on smooth synthetic outer fabric with subtle ripstop-like square texture visible in places on the surface.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.26 · w 0.52 · h 0.40 (medium) - Back logo text“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.16 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Back yoke seamHorizontal seam across the upper back creating a yoke above the top baffle, visible as a stitched line.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.06 (high) - Left cuff detailElasticized cuff on the model's left sleeve with gathered fabric at the wrist.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.70 · w 0.14 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio shot of a model wearing the jacket against a plain light background; directional lighting casts a shadow to the left and the image shows the jacket cropped near the hips.
- Model and poseMale model shown from the rear three-quarter angle, head turned left in profile, left arm relaxed and visible; lower body shows dark jeans.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.10 · w 0.84 · h 0.82 (high) - Background and shadowPlain light gray or off-white background with a strong soft-edged shadow of the model projected left of the subject.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.36 · h 0.86 (high) - LightingHigh-key directional studio lighting from the right producing highlights on the jacket's right-side surfaces and shadows on the left.
- Image cropFrame crops the model near mid-thigh; hands and lower arms partially visible at the bottom of the frame.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.60 · w 0.84 · h 0.36 (high)
Colors
black· shellwhite· logo- Overall silhouetteShort, boxy puffer jacket seen from the back and slightly from the left side on a standing model; jacket ends near the waist and has a wide, padded profile.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- The North Face
Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Variants
8 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4621541 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Black - Small | CA$460.00 | Yes |
| 4621542 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Black - Medium | CA$460.00 | Yes |
| 4621543 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Black - Large | CA$460.00 | Yes |
| 4621544 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Black - X-Large | CA$460.00 | Yes |
| 4621545 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Chocolate/espresso - Small | CA$460.00 | Yes |
| 4621546 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Chocolate/espresso - Medium | CA$460.00 | Yes |
| 4621547 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Chocolate/espresso - Large | CA$460.00 | Yes |
| 4621548 | Retro Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket - Chocolate/espresso - X-Large | CA$460.00 | Yes |