Goretex XCR, more breathable and just as good as the classic goretex. Great for backpacking and mountain biking. The core vents at the front helps tremendously. Wished it has pit zippers also.
Went through a few rainstorms biking with no problems. 4 hrs. later, a bit dirty but still dry. Can't wait until this winter to really test it out.
Has anyone play paintball in a middle of a snowstorm or blizzard? That's another story.

Customer Service

A life time warrantee....that's really good!

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Own a Cabela goretex parka, a LLBean goretex parka, and an Eddie Beaur goretex parka.

Bought the 1998 Mtn Light from Ebay brand spankin new and I have totally loved it. I think it performs exactly like a shell should. Combined with the Nuptse down jacket you have one hell of a mountain jacket. I have used them both individually and together and am very pleased. I would hate to pay $360 but from what I understand about the warranty and Gore I expect this jacket to last me a lifetime. The five stars is for what I have seen so far and time will tell if the five stars stay.

Customer Service

Had a question for TNF I sent via email and they were very quick to respond.

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CB Goretex (very old...still works)

If you are concerned about fashion
and plan to never leave town this is a
good jacket for you! I had the 1997
model, which performed adequately.
After less than a year, it began to delaminate. I have had several shells and this was the worst. I'm surprised Gore put it's name on it. WHat's sad is that after waiting six months last year, I finally got my replacement from TNF. The new jacket is even worse than the last! It has no pit-zips and those vents in the front only work if you are down-hill skiing!

Customer Service

Costomer service is the worst Ive ever delt with. Last time I called I was on hold for 25 min.

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Moonstone Momentum Tech (awesome), Marmot Alpinist (great)

I borrowed this jacket from a friend for a week long snowshoeing trip, and it was just wonderful. I was very happy with it's performance in every condition i used it in. from warm (35 degrees) slogs across open fields in the valleys to freakin cold and windy, stormy, snowy conditions on the ridges. the gore tex could stand to be a little bit more breathable, but since the jacket has such good ventalation, too much persperation was not a problem.
five stars for performance, five stars for value (especially since I borrowed it!)

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None

Goretex Rules! Lightweight, waterproof, warm, interchangeable fleece. 3rd season skiing with the Mountain Light. Keeps you warm without the weight and bulk. Love the attached hood.

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None

Absolutely the best jacket I've ever had. Grew up in Seattle and have had this jacket for 7+ years. I use it all year round anywhere from downhill sking to camping. It's been through the rinner and then some, but still hangs in. I love it so much I may by another one this year or get an Kichatna Jacket instead, something a little more heavy duty. Although the price is high, this jacket has outlasted all other kinds I've owned, so that makes it worth the price.

Customer Service

Excellent, the lifetime warrenty is great. Took it into the store about 4 years after I got it with a broken zipper and loose velcro on the cuffs. It took a few weeks to get back, but it worked great.

Unless you come from Alaska, you probably don't understand what it's like to have an average daytime temperature of -7 degrees Farenheit and an avergae night temp of -24 for six weeks straight. All I can say is that this is the best jacket I have ever owned - and believe me, I've owned a few winter jackets. It's light, wind reistant(to a point), and has a few really nifty features. For example, even at -7 you sweat when you run, so the pit-zips/Gore-tex combination kicks ass! It's long - protects your cheeks nicely - and has a great swivel hood. This thing is also very durable - I'm surprised it hasn't ripped yet.

I also use it in the summer for rain protection at the crag - it's a little bit warm when the temperature gets up into the 70's, but it keeps me totally dry. I paid $280 Canadian for this jacket, and I won't need another shell for at least three years. Out of all my outdoor gear, it's my prize piece.

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Buffalo skins, Cariboo skins, Beaver pelts and Muskrat fur. We all live in igloos here.

I'd never leave on a hike without this jacket. I love it. I've never needed another. It's light, durable, etc, etc. What can I say... a totally worthwhile investment. Besides, The North Face stands by their gear 100%. It is a bit pricey though. This is a popular enough jacket that you should be able to find it on sale somewhere.

Customer Service

I bought my first parka in 1990 at a mountaineering shop. I used it on a couple of 30 to 60 day backpacking trips (PCT and GWT) and many, many other trips. I basically wore it out due to extreme use (started leaking). I took it back to the shop where I bought it... they forwarded it to the North Face... and about a month later they sent me a brand new, current-year jacket! I can't promise they'll do the same for you, but I found it incredible that they gave me a new parka simply because I wore it out. When they say Lifetime Guarantee they mean it.

My Mountain Light is about three years old now and it is still going strong. It is light enough to use all year and I do. Three season backpacking and hiking, skiing and snowboarding, this jacket has see it all and held up very well. My only real complaint is the way the hood is stowed. It is basically rolled up and held with a tab of velcro behind the neck. I think there are better ways for storing a hood. The only other feature I would like to see on this jacket would be a powder skirt.

Overall I thought it was a good product. It met my waterproofing needs. One problem I had was that I bought the jacket online and the sizing information provided was incorrect. I had to downsize. Also the drawcord at the waist broke right away. Fortunately they have imroved a few things since when I purchased the jacket. I would have liked a hood that zipped off. North face designed a really goofy method for stowing the hood.