Very impressed by both the warmth and build quality. Used in Canada in -12c and windy but still kept me very warm. My only complaint is the lack of a hood. To buy this jacket with a hood costs much more than it should.

Similar Products Used:

North face Nuptse
Mountain Equipment Lightline

I looked at the Nuptse and Marmot(Parbat & Plasma). REI didn't have one of the Marmots that fit. I wanted to finish off my dividend. The Nuptse didn't seem warm enough for my intended purpose:sitting under the stars at plus 68 degrees north, and there was no hood on the one I looked at. I have a feeling that the Nuptse could be warmer due to the higher loft and 700 down. You will need the head protection with the Nuptse though. With a well fitting hood, I probably would have purchased it. I really liked the Marmot's. I just didn't like the hood fit, and REI in Denver didn't have one that fit me. I will be photographing the Aurora. That means little physical activty. The inside pocket on the Sub Zero will keep my camera warm and that is a plus for this trip. I also like the outside pockets on the Sub Zero. They are lined with a soft Fleece and inside the down layer. I will post my experience with this jacket, when I return sometime after Christmas.

Customer Service

No experience yet. But, when you buy any clothing check the seams. Make sure everything is tight and no loose threads. I know the sales person is checking you out and wants to move on to his/her next sale, but take your time. Inspect the inside and outside of the the jacket for anything that doesn't look right. If you take the time to make sure that what you are buying is good up front, you won't have to deal with the Customer Service department. Most of these jackets, no matter who the manufacturer is, is produced by low cost labor(Korea, China, Maylasia). Take your time. Go through it, and you probably will have a piece of clothing you will cherish forever.

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I have been in the past a North Face bigot. But, I feel they have sold out lately. North Face seems to cater now to the young Alpine Sports crowd (Skiers and Snowboarders). They have more more syle than function. I have a North Face down bag I bought about 20 years ago. It still keeps me warm down to zero degrees as long as I keep it dry. But, I have taken good care of it. Good equipment will be with you for a lifetime. I am not sure about the latest North Face gear though. They need to get back to what they were good at.

Excellent jacket - however I wish I had spent the extra for the sub zero parka which has a detachable hood. It's makes for an excellent belay jacket and is cut perfect to leave your harness accessable.

Similar Products Used:

None

I was looking at the North Face Nuptse and this jacket for heavy duty insulation under a shell. The Nuptse is a good jacket and available for slightly less money, say $20. For that difference the Sub Zero blows it away. Not only is the front double faced to stop the wind, the construction just seems to have paid closer attention tot he details. Seams are all very tightly sewn. The shoulder and arms are covered in a heavy black clothe for protection. Much stronger than taffeta. The jacket comes with good deep pockets (including hand warmer felt lined lower ones. The waist snug is nicer as well, also the wrists. It only took a few moments of inspection to see that this was a much better layer than the Nuptse. Done deal.

Similar Products Used:

The North Face Nuptse jacket

This jacket is awesome. The polyester lining feels really soft against my skin, the fleece handwarmer pockets rule....everything about this jacket is awesome. I use it backpacking, or whenever I get a chill. It was about 6 degrees here yesterday, all I had was a t-shirt under my Sub Zero jacket, and I didn't get chilly once. The only qualm is that the factory DWR is kind of weak, but if you wash this jacket with Nikwax Downproof, it repels water really, really good. In my opinion, the best down jacket. Plus, I got mine for $100 on sale!!

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

none

It's a great down jacket, yes, there are many others on the market, but its details really are thoughtfully executed and make it perhaps the best in its class.

Similar Products Used:

Moonstone, The North Face

This jacket is very impressive, if a little pricey. I love the hand warmer pockets, they really make a difference. It also packs down to a nice size. There are plenty of pockets too which are handy for all your little bits and pieces. It's also a very fashionable jacket, I use it mostly in the tent or just out and about around camp.

Customer Service

No experience with customer service yet!
But I do think MHW should give a little more "care" instructions for the jacket on the tags, packaging etc.,

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine Primaloft Jacket
Mountain Equipment Drilite