Expert Review: The North Face Men's Silvani Anorak Shell Jacket
All photos courtesy of Tyler B.
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the jacket, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2020.
My take
The North Face Men’s Silvani Anorak Shell Jacket is ideal for all types of days/conditions (cold or warm) and is made for all skill levels. The features have not changed from the 2020 model year I own. The design of the color has changed, but that is it!
About the jacket I own
- Model: 2020 The North Face Men’s Silvani Anorak Jacket
- Size: XL
- Fit: Runs a little large.
About me
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 170lbs
- Experience: +12 years of snowboarding/skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought this: October 2020
- Days tested: 20+ days
- Where I’ve used it: Colorado Resorts
- Conditions I’ve used it in: Powder, resort days, best in 10-25°F
How it performs
What I was looking for
I wanted an anorak with a large front pocket that would be durable and not too heavy. I run hot on the mountain, so I wanted something that could ventilate and keep me warm when needed.
Why I chose this gear
I decided to buy The North Face Men's Silvani Anorak Shell Jacket because I truly loved the overall design and have trusted TNF products for several years. I had considered other options from Patagonia and Smith but ended up with this one just because of the overall design and features.
Scuff from rails over the years
What I love about it
- Fit: Slightly large, which I prefer. It adds a little more coverage from snow/wind and adds style.
- Range of Motion: Excellent/full range of motion. It makes it easy to ride in.
- Design: Very functional. It has two ventilation zippers and a pass zipper on the wrist. The two-tone color scheme looks awesome.
- Style: Larger fit and attractive two-tone colors that are easy on the eye and stylish on the mountain.
- Quality of Materials: The North Face has been known for its durability and quality of products, and the Silvani Anorak holds to that. The Silvani feels like a snow jacket should with waterproofing and durable material. At the same time, it feels light and not extremely heavy.
- Durability: I have owned this jacket for almost three years with no tears, rips, etc. I have taken some spills on rails, and some of my pants have ripped but not the jacket. There are some marks from the rail on the front side, but no tears (see pictures). I have not had to make any repairs which is a good thing, but due to the durable material, it would be a difficult repair.
- Pockets: Hoodie pocket, anorak front pocket, and pass pocket on the wrist. The pass pocket is one of the most useful for card passes, allowing for a much easier scan of RFID lift cards. The hoodie pocket is massive and has a zipper which is great for keeping items dry.
- Waterproofing: 8.5/10. TNFs Dryvent 2L 100% Polyester with non-PFC DWR. The Silvani Anorak is one of the most waterproof jackets in my closet. I have several jackets from other known brands, and when I know the weather will be windy, snowy, or wet, I know the Silvani will be the one to keep me dry and comfortable.
- Breathability: The hood with a zipper up keeps warmth in well. Vents under the arms, combined with the hood down, are very breathable. There are two zippers on the sides that start at the bottom and are quarter zips that are awkward when opened. When opened, they allow the jacket to flap open too much.
- Weight: Lighter side 3/10 (10 being heaviest). Most anoraks are on the lighter side, so this fits the style. I think it's one of the best performing (most waterproof and wind resistant) for its class.
- Features: The anorak pocket with hoodie pocket is excellent (lots of storage). The hood fits over my medium Oakley helmet. The powder skirt at the bottom keeps snow out well.
- Comfort: The softer lining of the jacket and the outer waterproofing make this jacket extremely comfortable. It keeps warmth in without that scratchiness some outerwear has. The larger fit makes me feel less restricted and more comfortable based on my moving ability. The best comfort is on windier days and days when the snow is coming down.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Warmth: It could be more insulated because the jacket is not entirely warm.
- Any workarounds? Keep the side/bottom vent zippers closed, and one will be good. When they are opened, the jacket flaps around on both sides too much and causes an awkward feeling.
Favorite moment with this gear
I remember being at Breckenridge on a typical windy day mid-winter, and a baselayer combined with this jacket was absolutely perfect for me and was comfortable.
Value for the money vs. other options
The North Face Men's Silvani Anorak Shell Jacket is absolutely worth the money. For its class, the jacket is slightly underpriced compared to similar items. Patagonia offers the Isthmus Anorak, which has a slightly higher price point than the Silvani, and Oakley’s TNP Anorak runs at the higher end of the price range for anoraks in its class. The Silvani Anorak is a great value for how durable the jacket is.
Final verdict
The North Face Men's Silvani Anorak gives one top-of-the-line waterproofing with several pockets for storing mountain essentials. Perfect for those who run warm on the mountain or windy or moderate temperature days.
