I wanted a TNF jacket for years. I was finally able to afford one. I wanted one jacket I could add liners to and use all year'round. The waterproofness is subpar. The arms are so skinny that when I added the fleece liner (great fleece!) I could barely bend my arms. Forget a down liner. Even without the liner I had to push the arm lining back into the sleeve when I put it on, like the liner was too long. I've replaced it with an REI switchback system. Much happier. Dropped my northface in the coat donation box at REI.(Kept the Liner!)

Customer Service

None available from TNF.

Similar Products Used:

REI Switchback

I actually have the Flight Jacket, also a HyVent product, which might I add BLOWS GOATS. I have a $5 fleece that repells water better than HyVent, I swear. Sure, water beaded up on it for the first 30 seconds or so that I ever wore it in the rain (brand new) but I was soon spreading it on the floor to dry. It was still damp a couple hours later when my class was over. And it was still raining on the way home. The way I see it, you shouldn't advertise a jacket as waterproof unless you're going to be the one wearing it while commuting on a bike in the rain in December.

Customer Service

I'm still waiting to hear from the dealer, and TNF doesn't even have an e-mail address or hotline of any sort.

Similar Products Used:

Columbia Omni-Tech (same results, but MUCH cheaper and to be expected)

The Talkeetna Light Parka is worth looking at if you are on a tight budget. It's light, comfortable, and sheds water adequately. I have worn this jacket in Sierra and TX downpours and have had no leakage. I was a little suspect of the Hyvent coating, but it does a good job. Besides, I would hope that TNF would not invest all that money into something does not work. The core vents, in theory are great, but in reality are adequate. I still like pit zips. My only complaint is the hood does not seem to fit well. If you do backpacking into rough terrain, this jacket won't take the beating. However, for dayhikes or for walking around town, this jacket fits the bill. I'm of medium stature and build, so if you fit that description, I would recommend this parka.

Customer Service

Good.

Similar Products Used:

Moonstone, Marmot

I am not at all impressed with this jacket. I have had mine for about a year now, and I can''t take it out in the rain for fear of getting wet. The HyVent is not holding up. I am a tall skinny guy and so it is too bulky around the middle. It needs to be cut slimmer to fit better. If I were to do it all over again, I would spend the extra money and get a GoreTex jacket that is made better.

Overall, this is a very good buy. Bought it at an outstanding price from campmor, and you usually cant go wrong with TNF. the waterproofing seemed to give in a little after sledding one day, and i noticed some moisture inside the shell and on the outside of my fleece liner. One tip- you dont need TNF fleeces to zip into TNF shells- you can find quality shells elsewhere and pay less than half you would for TNF stuff. Overall a good buy, and would recommend for someone who is looking to do moderate backpacking or walking on a wet day.

Customer Service

Can''t go wrong with Campmor!

Similar Products Used:

None