Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Rain Jacket Review
Updated:
Nov 04, 2025
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
2.5-layer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus
Weight
7.8 oz.
Fabric
20D nylon
Vents
Core
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite
Editor's note: The Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite has been discontinued. If you're looking for a similar jacket from Norrøna, check out their Falketind Dri1. This lightweight, packable 2.5-layer shell offers a nearly identical silhouette and feature set. For the rest of this season's top shells, see our guide to the Best Rain Jackets.
For a sub-8-ounce shell, the Norrøna Falketind Paclite offered an impressive level of defense during testing in Norway’s Lofoten Islands and the Picos de Europa mountains in Spain. This rain shell is constructed with 2.5-layer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus; the material is thin, but was nonetheless effective at keeping moisture out. In Lofoten it held strong winds and downpours at bay, as well as consistent rain while I traveled by boat. At one point, after two hours in heavy precip, the jacket started showing some signs of absorption into the outer fabric, but it still beaded water and my layer underneath stayed completely dry. The jacket’s thin materials keep it from feeling completely fortress-like and trustworthy for full-on winter conditions, but it’s a great backcountry partner if the forecast calls for moderate rain.
The Falketind’s wind resistance is also excellent while remaining breathable overall. The tapered design at the back and sleeves provided extra coverage (the cuffs easily fit over mittens), and the adjustable hem cinch allowed me to keep the jacket snug. Finally, the hood with its small visor held up great in strong wind and consistent rain.
Light doesn’t necessarily mean comfortable, but the Falketind fit me perfectly (note: the fit is quite trim, which we detail below) and its fabric is quiet and non-crinkly. The flexible, thin material allows for a wide range of motion, a trait boosted by the jacket’s articulated elbows. Despite the snug fit, the Falketind’s collar remains comfortable and non-constricting when fully zipped. (A soft, felt-like fabric located at the top of the zipper and where the hood cinches around your forehead offers a comfy next-to-skin layer.) The face fabric is also smooth and zippers have easy to grip rubber tips. While this rain jacket lacks the stretch found on a shell like Black Diamond Highline and doesn’t have the brushed interior of some heavier models, the on-body feel it delivers is worth applauding given its pared-down design.
Minimalist shells sometimes have the breathability of a garbage bag, but the Falketind’s 2.5-layer Paclite Plus membrane and lightweight face fabric are dialed for moderate-output pursuits—think hiking at a decent pace, or laid-back cross-country biking. It kept me comfortable over a base layer as I hiked uphill with temps in the mid-50s Farenheit.
Notably, this jacket lacks armpit vents, but it does have one 10-inch zippered vent on the right chest. As I built up heat while gaining elevation, the vent helped cool me down. I rather liked the chest vent as opposed to the standard pit zips—it was easy to access and the zipper was smooth. That said, the placement at the front of the jacket and the fact that the vent doesn’t have a mesh backer means you can’t open it in anything more than a gentle mist or you’ll soak the layers underneath.
At 7.5 ounces for a women’s small, the Falketind Paclite is Norrøna’s lightest and most packable waterproof jacket. The vast majority of rain shells are 10 ounces and up, so this is an impressive feat in itself. It’s even more of a standout when you pull in a jacket of a similar weight: Outdoor Research’s minimalist Helium (7.1 oz.) falls short of the Falketind in just about every performance metric (other than price).
I found that the Norrøna packed down impressively small and felt nearly as thin as my Patagonia Houdini wind shell, but far more durable (and waterproof, of course). While it doesn’t have a separate stuff sack, the jacket stuffs into its chest pocket and secures with the two-sided zipper. Alternatively, it rolls easily into its hood, packing down to the size of a large grapefruit. With that type of compressibility, I’d heartily recommend this shell for gear-intensive trips where pack space is at a premium, or for single-day smash-and-grab missions where you don’t want to weigh yourself down.
The Falketind’s Gore-Tex Paclite Plus construction features an abrasion-resistant treatment that makes it more durable than its thin, 20-denier face fabric would suggest. (Still, it’s not as resilient as a 3-layer membrane.) It’s held up great for me on hiking adventures in Norway and Spain, and our wider Better Trail team has taken the Falketind on everything from alpine rock climbing adventures to multi-day backpacking trips without tearing or damaging the fabric. The Falketind also includes printed dots on the materials’ backer that help maintain distance between the membrane and the body, creating a more durable, less sticky interior. All of those features, plus this shell’s sealed seams and smooth zippers, give me confidence in its longevity.
That being said, the shell is undeniably thin and requires some level of care around rock and sharp gear like crampons. If durability is a priority, there are thicker and more substantial 3-layer designs, including Patagonia’s Granite Crest (3L construction and 30D face fabric) and Arc’teryx’s Beta (3L and 80D). Of course, weight jumps with those options and they’re less packable, too. (To read about more options, check out our rain jacket guide.)
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Hood
Helmet-compatible hoods can be a hit-or-miss in comfort, but the Falketind’s toes the line well. The hood was spacious enough to accommodate a climbing helmet yet doesn’t feel too roomy if you’re not wearing one. I comfortably layered anything from a wool beanie, fleece hood, and insulated hood all beneath the Falketind’s hood. The cinch system is located at the back and features a simple, single-handed press-and-release plastic cinch piece. Additionally, the visor on the hood is small but effectively kept rain off my face.
Storage
This streamlined shell has only one zippered pocket, located on the left chest. It measures about 7 inches, but the internal space of the pocket is about 12-by-7 inches—generously spacious for a minimalist jacket. I stored my iPhone 14 in it, and it felt comfortable without sagging under weight.
The lack of hand pockets is a nod to the Falketind’s mountaineering-focused design; hand pockets are often obstructed by backpack hipbelts and climbing harnesses. It took some time to adjust to the lack of hand pockets—it felt strange to me because of the habit of wanting put my hands somewhere when not wearing a backpack—and is an undeniable downside of the shell that limits its appeal around town.
Tester: 5’3” 103 lb.; 32" chest; 26.5" waist
Size tested: Women’s small
I typically wear a women’s small and tested the Falketind in that size. It has a technical, trim cut, yet still provided enough room for light layering and a full range of motion. The fit around the shoulders is neither constricting nor too baggy, and the back has a slightly tapered hem that covers my entire bum, falling about an inch below it and providing ample coverage. Notably, the arms have tapered cuffs that extend over the back of the hand. (When fully relaxed and with the velcro loosened, the cuffs reached almost to my fingernails.)
This jacket is spacious enough for plenty of layering. I comfortably wore a base layer, midweight fleece, and an insulated jacket underneath. The shell fabric pulled taut over all those layers, but only in appearance—I didn’t feel too snug or limited in my motion. (I do think that it’s ideal to wear close-fitting garments; the Falketind might not provide full coverage with oversized, looser layers underneath.)
Patagonia M10 Storm ($389): The Alpine Climber’s UL Shell
If you ask an alpine climber, the Falketind Paclite’s biggest competition is Patagonia’s M10 Storm Jacket. The M10 Storm is a little heavier than the Falketind at 10.9 ounces and features a 3-layer build that uses a 7-denier knit backer rather than the Falketind’s coating, which translates to more next-to-skin comfort, a boost in breathability, and better long-term durability. On the other hand, the M10 does not feature pit zips or a chest vent like the Falketind (these aren’t necessary when climbing). In terms of features, you get a two-way zipper, helmet-compatible hood with two front adjustments, and two chest pockets (one is large enough to fit bulky gloves). We don’t recommend the M10 for hiking given the lack of ventilation, but it’s a more comfortable and durable option for alpine climbers. For more, read our review of the Patagonia M10 Storm.
Patagonia Granite Crest ($289): The Essentials at a Lower Price
At a significantly lower price point, the Patagonia Granite Crest offers a formidable alternative to the Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite. The Granite Crest is constructed with Patagonia’s 3-layer in-house H2No Performance fabric, features standard hand pockets, offers pit zips, folds into its chest pocket, and weighs more at 12.4 ounces for a women’s small. Its 30-denier face fabric is comfortable and flexible, and is a tad more durable than the Falketind. Although both rain jackets feature performance-focused designs with thin face fabrics and helmet-compatible hoods, the Granite Crest doesn’t quite meet the minimalist standards of the Falketind. The Granite Crest, however, does win out in terms of versatile, everyday appeal. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Granite Crest.
A step up from most ultralight rain jackets, the Falketind is highlighted by the trustworthy protection of a Gore-Tex membrane, decent breathability, and a premium build quality. However, the trim fit and fragile construction aren’t a great match for everyday use, and the price is high.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The M10 Storm is a streamlined and packable waterproof jacket built to keep you dry during fast-and-light alpine pursuits. But without hand pockets or pit zips, it's very purpose built and has limitations for everyday or casual use.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The Granite Crest is a breathable, comfortable, and highly mobile rain jacket with a full suite of performance-oriented features, including a helmet-compatible hood and watertight zippers. However, it's on the expensive side for a rain jacket.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Falketind Paclite for You?
The Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite is not your typical minimalist rain jacket. Its waterproofing and comfort stand out for a jacket this light—the Paclite Plus construction is a serious upgrade over typical 2.5-layer jackets—and its breathability means we’d wear it for most outdoor activities. Although it wouldn’t be our top choice for extended harsh weather—it’s simply too thin for all-day and unrelenting rough conditions—the Falketind provides reliable weather protection when you’re out alpine climbing, day hiking, or fast-packing. For weight-conscious adventurers, the Falketind will be a great companion in the backcountry. Just don’t pick up this shell for cruising around town—it has bigger ambitions in life.
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