I too wonder about bad eggs... The first time I used this jacket, I was climbing a very steep mountain in a summer lightning storm in Japan (very humid), and when I arrived at my destination totally winded, I thought the inside of the jacket was soaked from rain coming in sideways.... but another tame hike on a flat trail with no backpack produced the same results, as did a recent bicycle ride in humidity-less california winter climate. I thought perhaps it was the humid Japanese summer (but what other jacket would be better? - this is SINGLE layer!), but my experiences in California have also shown that working up anything of a sweat produces a wet layer throughout the inside of the entire jacket. Did I get the non-breathable model?? Is this the same as double-layer jackets, but you can''t see the wetness because of the intermediate layer? Regardless, I have consistently become soaked in this jacket and found it totally useless - I may as well not be wearing a jacket! I bought this jacket from an online vendor who bought a lot through a North Face factory outlet, thus the cheap price. I called the outlet, and they assured me that it was not a second, and even if it were, it would still be fully functional in the waterproof/breathable department.(?!?) But, it doesn''t have the guarantee, so I''m out of luck - and left with this useless piece of expensive blue material. A wasted graduation gift to myself... too bad I couldn''t afford full price with the guarantee, because I DEFINITELY would have been returned it. I''m COMPLETELY soured on this jacket and will probably not buy North Face again.

Customer Service

They were nice enough, and even said they *might* take a look at it, since the Gore Tex should be functional, even as a factory outlet model. But since I don''t have the reciept directly from the out

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REI Switchback

Please tell me that I just have a bad egg, or rather had. I hope that Thom, Dan, and Andy all have better versions of the jacket than the one I just sent back to TNF for a refund. WOW, the seam tape was so thin that it wore through on the first trip. After returning the jacket for a complete seam tape redo I expierenced the same problem in some of the areas that had just been repaired. I have many other products from TNF and I haven't been disapointed but I have also not been impressed either. Good Luck, you will soon need it.

Customer Service

The customer service was fine when I returned the jacket the first time. I just returned it for the refund and I haven't had a chance to call them seeing that it is the weekend.

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Marmot Alpinist lightweight, Colombia Omnitech, TNF middle triple

I've tried and owned a lot of different shell jackets in my time (including other TNF coats)and my prior experience with their gear is less than stellar. But this product is a definite standout in their line. Light weight, packable, very sturdy and, dare I say, well built for a change.

I had to get used to the rubbery texture of the exposed Gortex on the inside of the jacket but, once I did, I was convinced that it breathes better then the old style 2 and 3 ply Goretex.

A little short on pockets, the only other draw back to this coat is the price tag (although many other jackets from TNF competetors are starting to come close in price).

This jacket isn't for casual users, as the price indicates. But, if you are going to use this jacket for what its designed to do, you'll find it worth the price

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TNF Mountain Light
Patagonia Storm
Patagonia Torre
Sierra Design ??

INcredible performance on the mountain! It kept me completely dry and comfortable through all my adventures. Paclite is wonderful for traveling as well. One drawback: It rips the bank apart.

Customer Service

no experience.

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REI switchback parka

great Jacket, used it many times on Alaska climbing expeditions. Paclite is great.