There are waterproof jackets, and then there are proper waterproof jackets. The kind you reach for when the weather turns ugly and you genuinely cannot afford to get wet. The Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex Jacket sits firmly in the second category. Built in Norway, tested in mountains that do not forgive bad gear decisions, this is a shell jacket designed for people who take their time outdoors seriously, whether that means summit attempts in autumn squalls, ski touring in deep winter, or a three-day backpacking trip where the forecast promises nothing good.
I have spent time with this jacket on a recent trip to Scotland across a range of conditions, and what follows is an honest account of how it performs, where it excels, and who it is actually built for. If you are weighing up whether the Falketind Gore-Tex is the right shell for your kit, read on.
Me, top of the Ben Nevis Ski resort
What Makes the Falketind Gore-Tex Different?
The headline feature is the membrane. Norrona now uses the new ePE GORE-TEX, a significant upgrade over older PFAS-based membranes. ePE stands for expanded polyethylene, and it matters for two reasons: it performs to the same world-class standard as traditional GORE-TEX, delivering a waterproof rating of 28,000mm and a breathability rating (RET) of less than 13, and it does so without the environmental burden associated with older fluoropolymer chemistry. For anyone building a kit with sustainability in mind, that is a meaningful step forward.
The construction is 3-layer, 30D recycled nylon on both the face and the backer, weighing in at 101g per square metre. Three-layer construction means the membrane is bonded directly to the outer fabric and the inner liner, rather than hanging loose inside the jacket. In practice, this gives you a shell that feels noticeably more streamlined and responsive when you move, and considerably softer against the skin than older 2-layer or 2.5-layer alternatives. Reviewers consistently note that the fabric feels softer and more pliable than you would expect from a dedicated hardshell, which is genuinely true. It is not a heavy, crinkly shell. It moves with you.
On the Ferry to the Isle of Mull
Key Features Worth Knowing About
Underarm vents. These are proper, generously sized pit zips with a two-way zipper. When you are pushing hard on a steep ascent, the difference between a jacket with functional pit zips and one without is enormous. You can crack them open from either direction, which gives you real control over ventilation rather than a binary on/off choice.
The storm hood. This is engineered to work with or without a climbing helmet, and it shows. The one-hand adjustment system means you can cinch the hood down mid-climb without stopping to fiddle with cords. The semi-rigid peak stays in position and deflects rain rather than folding flat against your face. It locks your field of vision when you need it.
In Oban
Mid-mounted pockets. This is a detail that separates dedicated mountaineering shells from general outdoor jackets. By positioning the hand pockets higher up the torso, Norrona ensures they remain accessible when you are wearing a backpack with a waist belt or a climbing harness. Reach your phone or a trail map without removing your pack. It sounds small. On a long day out, it is not. To be honest I wouldn't buy any Gore-Tex shell jacket without this style of pocket now, if you can be that specific about pockets! They sit at such a good point on the jacket, so comfortable when standing about waiting for the Oban ferry for instance.
Asymmetric cuffs. Cut longer on the back of the hand, these seal effectively over gloves or mittens and stop water tracking down your arms. Combined with a Velcro tab for adjustment, they are one of those design choices that reveals itself in the field rather than in a shop. I really liked this design element and hadn't experienced it on any other shells I've had, it felt really considered.
Where the Falketind Gore-Tex Performs Best
The Falketind was built for mountaineering, and that heritage shows. If you are heading into technical terrain, ski touring, or multi-day routes in unpredictable mountain weather, this is the jacket that earns its place at the top of your kit list. The articulated sleeves and Y-cut construction give you genuine freedom of movement for climbing, scrambling, or swinging ski poles for hours. Nothing binds when you reach overhead.
Fort Augustus, Loch Ness
But the "all-season" description on the spec sheet is not marketing noise. This jacket genuinely works across four seasons, just in different ways. In spring and autumn it handles the mixed conditions that define British and alpine mountain weather: squalls followed by sunshine, wind shifting direction without warning, temperature drops above the treeline. In summer it is light enough not to become a burden on warm days but dependable enough to justify its place in your pack when afternoon storms are a genuine possibility. In winter it functions best when layered properly, with a technical base layer and a good mid-layer underneath. The jacket itself is uninsulated, so your layering system carries the warmth; the Falketind's job is to keep the weather out and let the excess heat escape.
It also travels well. At approximately 356 grams, it is genuinely lightweight for a full 3-layer GORE-TEX shell, and it packs down into a manageable size for a daysack side pocket or the top section of a larger pack. However, like any Gore-tex shell its equally as tricky to fold nicely!
One honest caveat worth flagging: the Falketind is not the right choice for sustained severe winter storms. Its 30D face fabric is light rather than burly, and if you are regularly operating in extreme alpine conditions with prolonged wind-driven rain and no option to shelter, a heavier-duty shell like the Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro would serve you better. For three-season use and mixed winter conditions, though, this jacket hits a genuinely useful sweet spot.
Fit, Sizing, and What to Expect On-Body
Norrona describe this as a technical fit, and that is accurate. The jacket is cut to sit close to the body without being restrictive. There is enough room for a mid-layer underneath, but you are not going to layer a heavy puffer jacket and expect everything to move comfortably. Think a merino base layer and a lightweight fleece or Primaloft piece, and the system works well.
The sleeves run long, which is a deliberate choice for functional coverage over gloves. If you are between sizes, it is generally worth sizing up rather than down. Sizing tends to run on the slimmer side, consistent with Norrona's Scandinavian fit philosophy, and reviewers note that the Norwegian cut works well for taller builds. Stick to your usual size for a precise, active fit. If you prioritise layering room or simply prefer a more relaxed cut, go up one.
The articulated elbows and Y-cut pattern deliver what they promise: a jacket that does not pull or restrict when your arms are raised, which matters more than you might think after hour four on the hill.
For me it just felt like a really decent, close fit, almost tailored which is great in a marketplace with some many baggy box cut shell jackets.
On the Isle of Mull with Jim from Norrona
Washing and Care
Getting this right protects both the GORE-TEX membrane and the DWR finish that keeps water beading on the surface. Follow these steps:
- Machine wash on a warm, gentle cycle at 30°C. Use a small amount of liquid technical detergent. Close all zippers and fasten all Velcro tabs before washing.
- No powder detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, or bleach. These degrade the membrane and seam taping permanently.
- Rinse twice to ensure no detergent residue remains in the fabric. Residue is one of the primary causes of reduced water beading.
- Tumble dry on a low to medium heat setting for 20 minutes after washing. This reactivates the DWR finish, which is what causes water to bead and run off rather than soaking into the face fabric.
- If water stops beading even after washing and drying, apply a GORE-approved DWR re-proofer spray to the damp jacket, then tumble dry to activate it. This is normal maintenance for any technical waterproof, not a sign of a faulty jacket.
- Do not dry clean, do not iron directly onto the fabric, and do not use high heat at any stage.
- Wash the jacket regularly. Dirt, body oils, and salt from sweat all compromise DWR performance over time. A clean jacket breathes and repels water more effectively than a dirty one.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Norrona Falketind Jacket
1. Is the Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex jacket fully waterproof? Yes. The ePE GORE-TEX membrane delivers a waterproof rating of 28,000mm with fully taped seams throughout. It will handle heavy rain and sustained wet weather across four seasons.
2. What does the new ePE GORE-TEX membrane actually mean? ePE stands for expanded polyethylene. It is GORE-TEX's newer membrane technology, replacing older PFAS-based fluoropolymer membranes. Performance is equivalent, waterproofness and breathability are maintained to the same standard, and the environmental footprint is lower.
3. Is the Falketind warm enough on its own? No. This is an uninsulated shell jacket. It is designed to be the outermost layer in a system. Pair it with a good mid-layer fleece or insulated jacket, and a technical base layer, for cold weather use.
4. Can I wear this for skiing? Yes, and it is well-suited for ski touring specifically. The mid-mounted pockets clear a waist belt or harness, the pit zips manage heat output during uphill sections, and the helmet-compatible hood fits neatly over a ski helmet.
5. Does the Falketind run true to size? It runs on the slimmer side. Stick to your usual size for an active, precision fit. If you prefer room for thicker mid-layers, size up one.
6. How heavy is the jacket? Approximately 356 grams for a 3-layer GORE-TEX shell, which is genuinely lightweight for this construction type.
7. What is the warranty on Norrona products? Norrona backs their products with a 7-year warranty, which reflects the expected service life of a jacket built and maintained properly.
8. Are the pockets accessible with a backpack on? Yes, that is exactly the point of the mid-mounted positioning. The pockets sit above where a rucksack waist belt sits, so they remain fully accessible on the hill.
9. Is this jacket worth the price? If you are regularly outdoors in challenging conditions and want a shell that performs across four seasons without needing to be replaced every couple of years, yes. The combination of ePE GORE-TEX, considered construction details, and Norrona's build quality justifies the investment for active, regular use.
10. Where can I buy the Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex jacket in the UK? Here with us at Urban Industry Of course! We stock the Falketind Gore-Tex jacket with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 3pm, and ships to EU countries with all duties paid.
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