Can’t Get Your Hands on the Coveted North Face Nuptse Puffer? This Retro-Inspired Down Jacket Is Even Better
If you’re a person on the internet (or have even a peripheral knowledge of Pete Davidson’s dating history), then you probably saw the photos of the comedian and model Emily Ratajkowski courtside at a Knicks game last fall. Like most celeb dating rumors, the buzz around Emrata and Davidson’s budding courtship fizzled out almost faster than the “news” took over our social feeds. The one thing the internet couldn’t stop talking about, though, was the cool, chocolate brown puffer Ratajkowski was wearing—The North Face Nuptse 1996 Puffer Jacket ($320). With its relaxed, boxy silhouette and retro look, the packable puffer instantly became the new ‘it’ jacket.
Nuptse unboxings and try-ons dominated our FYPs on TikTok until the viral jacket inevitably started selling out near the end of the year. If you never had the chance to realize your Nuptse dreams this winter, The North Face’s 71 Sierra Down Short Jacket ($380) is an excellent alternative that's currently available in all sizes and colors. While it's nearly identical to the Nupste, we think it's actually the better of the two—here's why.
Just like the North Face Nuptse, the 71 Sierra Down Short Jacket has a vintage vibe, touting a roomy fit that’ll compliment any outfit and outlast the trends. Both jackets come in a variety of colors, but if you really want to cop Emrata's look, the brown is a timeless neutral that still manages to stand out in a sea of black puffer coats.
Like the Nuptse, the 71 Sierra is filled with recycled down to keep you warm and toasty in even the coldest of temps, while the recycled polyester body keeps you dry thanks to its water-repellant finish. The Sierra Down Jacket has the Nuptse beat in the function department, however, thanks to the adjustable, 3-piece hood that comes equipped with handy draw cords and locks to offer a secure fit (because no one enjoys having their hood blown off by icy, cold wind). Snap it on for wintery walks out in the sleet and snow. When the sun comes out, you can remove it all together—it snaps off at the collar. Other cozy details include elasticated cuffs that provide a seal against the cold, a storm flap at the throat, and drawstring hem that allows you to customize your fit to your liking.
Another thing to love about the Sierra Down Jacket? The pockets. It has so many. With a whopping seven to the Nuptse’s three pockets, the Sierra Down Short Jacket practically doubles as a purse. The internal zip pocket keeps essentials like your phone and wallet safeguarded from bad weather. If you do decide to store things in the external pockets, they sport a flap-closure to keep valuables out of the elements. Don't worry—there are side-entry pockets for your hands, too—the pockets pull double-duty.
While it doesn't have as many reviews as the Nuptse (since it's a new style), The North Face customers are just as impressed as we are. One shopper claims it served her well during Seattle's recent ice storm: “This coat is perfect,” says the 5-star review. "Fits great and is super comfy.”
According to another North Face shopper, the Sierra Down Jacket’s short and boxy silhouette delivers a curve-friendly fit. “There's also enough room to wear layers under the coat if needed,” says another customer. This is where that drawstring hem really comes in handy, allowing you to optimize your look and lock in heat, which you'll appreciate when temps drop.
So yeah, the 71 Sierra Down Short Jacket isn’t the Nuptse—it’s better, in our opinion. And North Face shoppers agree, making it a well-worth investment piece in your winter wardrobe. Get yours on The North Face.
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