Published October 9, 2026

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Updated October 9, 2026

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Though its innovative design and robust protection made it a staple of extreme expeditions, the garment was quickly embraced in urban areas and by hip-hop culture, going way more mainstream than TNF could have possibly imagined.

Now, more than three decades later (and 30 years on from the standout 1996 edition, the brand still sells a retro version of), the Nuptse returns to its roots, so to speak, with a high-performance new edition, the Summit Nuptse.

The lightest and warmest Nuptse to date, according to the brand, it retains the classic color-blocked aesthetic while adding yet more innovation, including the first-ever insulated hood — an adjustable, packable, climbing helmet-compatible component to boot.

Engineered for lightweight durability and abrasion resistance, the jacket leans on recycled nylon and targeted ultralight woven ripstop fabric (with Spectra yarns) at the yoke, collar and hood.

It also boasts Cloud Down construction to reduce cold spots and boost packability as well as 800-fill ProDown, which lends lightweight warmth, compressibility and the ability to retain loft in wet conditions.

These materials are major reasons the 20-ounce puffer can still pack down into its own stuff sack.

Rounding out the feature set are two internal drop-in pockets, stretch-knit cuffs with FlashDry tech, secure-zip hand pockets and a relaxed fit ideal for layering. 

Bonus: For fans who place a thumb on the scale of style over performance, TNF also introduces the $430 Pertex Reversible Nuptse.

This variant offers two different looks: a clean modern aesthetic on one side and a color-blocked origin Nuptse-referencing aesthetic on the other, complete with oversized baffles.

Made using Pertex Quantum fabric, this version is not without its performance bona fides, as it still boasts wind resistance, water repellency and cozy 700-fill recycled down insulation.

Zippered hand pockets, internal hem adjustment, articulated sleeves and elastic fold-over cuffs round out the look, which I won’t be at all surprised to spot on New York City’s streets and subways this winter.

The North Face Summit Nuptse is available now for $700.