Men’s The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Boot Review

Bottom Line

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated blurs the lines between trail runner and winter boot, proving that boots don’t have to be clunky and big to be warm and weather-resistant. These slim boots have a great weight-to-warmth ratio, making them an excellent choice for moving fast and staying warm on your next mountain adventure.

One of the most comfortable boots in our guide to winter boots, the Vectiv Fastpack is built with a high-rebound EVA midsole that makes each step supportive and cushioned. Another unique feature contributing to this boot’s all-day comfort is the rockered sole. This creates a rolling feeling while walking, avoiding the clunking and clomping found in other boots. The Vectiv Fastpack quickly became a favorite for all-day adventures, where it kept our feet snug, supported, and comfortable mile after mile. 

The only limit to these versatile boots is their relatively lower shaft height. This made them more vulnerable to being topped by deeper snow, particularly through gaps at the tongue and back of the leg where snow could enter. Despite this small issue, the Vectiv Fastpack has impressive weather resistance throughout the rest of the boot, making it an excellent choice no matter the weather this winter.

How We Tested

Our gear analyst wore and tested The North Face Vectiv Fastpack over the course of 2 months in Alaska’s harsh winter conditions. We wore them while climbing mountains in the Chugach Range, snowshoeing local trails, and using them around town to test them in a range of conditions and environments.

Comfort

From our first hike in these boots, we could immediately tell that they are extremely comfortable. Now, after taking these on multi-hour hikes and testing them over the course of two months, we can say with confidence that The North Face Vectiv Fastpack is one of the most comfortable boots in our lineup. 

They are unique for their rockered sole, a feature not often seen in winter boots. This gives them a rolling feel when walking down the trail, avoiding the clomping commonly felt in winter boots.  The high-rebound EVA midsole is supportive yet lightweight, making this boot feel more like a running shoe than a boot. The only place we felt discomfort was on the shaft of the boot. The two metal lace hooks did press into our ankle bones initially, but that alleviated as the boots broke in further.

Warmth

Filled with 200g Heatseeker synthetic insulation, the Vectiv Fastpack is a trim yet extremely warm boot. We hiked in these in single-digit temperatures and never once experienced cold toes. The insulation extends up the shaft of the boot, increasing the insulation to the ankle as well. For a lightweight boot, we were impressed with the warmth the Vectic Fastpack provides. It proves that low bulk does not equal low warmth, as the synthetic insulation is low volume yet still warm enough for most winter temperatures.

If you want a boot to stand stationary for hours in frigid temperatures, you may opt for something bulkier and warmer. But for active outings, the Vectiv Fastpack was more than warm enough for all the temperatures we encountered while testing in Alaska.

Traction

The traction on the Vectiv Fastpack Insulated is confidence-inspiring and feels steady in a wide range of winter conditions. The outsole uses firm rubber with 4-millimeter lugs that dig into packed snow and mud and provide reasonable grip on ice. The lug pattern offers good braking and climbing grip, and they are widely spaced to shed snow and ice that may otherwise clump and reduce traction. 

The only area where we felt that the Vectiv Fastpack’s traction suffered was in loose, sugary snow. The rockered design, while extremely comfortable for walking, means less surface area makes contact with the ground. This meant that fewer of the lugs were actively engaged with the surface, making the boot somewhat slippery. Although the lugs were plenty deep for most occasions, they lacked that extra depth needed for grip in deep powder.

Weather Resistance

The Vectiv Fastpack delivers reliable protection for cold and damp conditions without feeling bulky or restrictive. The boot is constructed with a waterproof leather outer that repels water and withstands all moisture. We found the waterproof label to be true during testing, whether hiking through snow or standing in an icy creek. 

The only source of weakness for snow and wet to enter these boots is the ankle opening. We found gaps at the front and back of the boot where snow could enter while postholing. We suggest pairing these boots with your favorite gaiters if you’re planning on heading out into deep snow.

Durability

We are impressed with the durability of the Vectiv Fastpack considering its a lightweight boot. The leather outer is extremely durable and firmly welded to the rubber rand, protecting toes from impact. The soft yet supportive midsole has held up with little compaction over time. Withstanding us toe kicking rocks and scraping down boulders, the Vectiv Fastpack proves that light doesn’t equal fragile.

Should You Buy The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated?

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated is made for anyone planning on logging long days on the trail and requires a comfortable and supportive boot. Its supportive midsole and rockered profile felt comfortable while hiking. This is one of our favorite boots for spending hours on the go for its comfort and durability. Though it has a relatively low shaft height and can let it snow around the ankles, this boot is best for less deep snow or paired with some gaiters to keep them fully weatherproof. Anyone seeking a lightweight boot for fast and light winter missions will find the Vective Fastpack to be a worthy choice.

What other winter boots should you consider?

Check out our full gear guide for all of our favorite winter hiking boots.

Keen Revel IV Review: Slightly heavier than the Vectiv Fastpack, the Revel IV has exceptional durability with leather construction.

Salomon Crosstrak Powder Review: Lightweight, but with a slightly taller shaft height, the Crosstrak Powder is exceptionally weather-resistant.

Sorel Caribou Review: If you’re looking for a boot for the coldest days, the Sorel Caribou has got you covered.