After two years of use, I am just about to send this jacket back to MHW and ask for my money back. This jacket might be relatively abrasion proof agains rock or my backbacks harness - but not against it`s own velcro!!! In places (all along the front zipper, near the cuffs, all along the sleeves) the jacket looks like a fur! I bought the jacket to last ten years - Im through with it after maybe 30 "field days" alltogether. I sent in the jacket after the first year. They agreed to replace it with next years model, supposedly less vulnerable to velcro. This never happened, because they changed the sizes, and neither M nor L fit me anymore. Apart from all this, it could have been the perfect jacket. But it is definitely not abrasion proof.

Customer Service

German importer reacted very slow, problem has not been solved

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TNF 3-Layer GTX, Gore Pants

I used the FTX jacket in the rockies this winter. It was great it's definitely a bombproof jacket. A friend stepped directly on it w/ crampons on and it didn't even leave a mark lucky for him. definetly worth the money

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None

Did a lot of research on this shell before deciding to buy. First time out in 40 - 50 mpg winds and blinding snow it performed up to the hype. This shell is completely wind and snow proof. Haven't tried it in drenching rain yet but that will come. All pockets are very accessable and I like being able to get to the inside of the coat through the chest vents. The arm vents are very easy to use even with gloves on. The only improvment that can be made to this shell is the way the hood folds into a collar. There's got to be a better way.

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TNF Workhorse Shell

I love this totally bomb-proof jacket. It is so comfortable to wear. I never even worry about tearing or hurting this thing in any way. The number of pockets (2 napoleon, 2 handwarmer, 2 interior water bottle) are fantastic. It even has 2 pass through pockets to get to your inner layers without having to unzip the front. The hood is amazing, as well.

I would highly recommend this jacket to anyone who only wants to buy one jacket for an unlimited number of activities. It is not cheap, but I got mine on sale (saved over 20%). Thank you Mountain Hardwear for such quality products.

Customer Service

I called them to get some info on the jacket and was able to get information directly from the designer of the jacket.

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NF Mtn. Light, NF Middle Triple, NF Kichatna, Patagonia Torre

I have owned this jacket for several months and have been lucky enough to take it on several trips. It is totally bombproof, maybe a little too much, and as a result is very heavy and hard to pack. The pockets hidden under the zippers are great, and the core vents as well as the pit-zips provide ample ventlation. I now think that the FTX parka would have been a better deal because of its longer cut and lighter weight. It is nice to have the entire jacket made of reinforcements but for me I do not find them essential.

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Marmot Alpinist Lightweight

Waterproof Great/ After 1 year of Zipper broke"

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None

Dig the jacket, works great. I've dug several snow caves with it and it keeps me dry. One warning: on long ascents/descents with a helmet and pack, the hood tends to strain the neck muscles. After coming off Rainier in a storm, I was in severe pain and had to hold up my head with my arm. There's probably a way around it, but I'm not smart enough to figure it out. The tradeoff of having a high cut (to allow for a harness) compromises its stormproofness, but not much.

Customer Service

never bothered 'em

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Several other brands that claimed to be waterproof but fell short- I buy only Ultrex and Gore- tex equipment after having been less than satisfied with others.

This jacket is great. The pocket layout makes sense and gives easy access to the inside without having to open the front zip.
It has 2 water bottle mesh pockets inside. I used it on a skiing trip to
Whistler, BC and day hiking - stuck in a Vancouver rainstorm to whiteout conditions in Whistler, this jacket stays DRY DRY DRY. It's also very lightweight, and is fully reinforced with UltraFTX which is Gortex's strength fiber. The addition of UltraFTX on the elbows and other reinforcement points doesn't add to the weight. Folded up, the jacket is still very light. It's also warmer than the Marmot Alpinist which I used to own - that was a great jacket, but was cold - this one seems to insulate better in the snow and rain, and isn't much heavier. In addition, it's oversized slightly, which is great if you've got bulky inner layering. It's slightly expensive at
list, but I got mine on sale. Buy it if you can get a 20% discount- it won't let you down.

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Marmot Alpinist III Climbing Jacket.

First impressions after a few days out and a fair bit of research before buying.
A well designed and superbly built jacket. Lighter and more flexible than I expected given the toughness of the material.
Obviously technical with a short cut and no pockets low down to interfere with a harness.
Hood is very good in use, with elastic in the lining that helps it to track with the head. Foldaway is serviceable but not inspiring.
Various clever ideas to stop velcro hook tabs catching on clothes. Captive drawcords and two capacious internal mesh bottle pockets on the chest.
A premium product at (in the UK) a premium price !

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This replaces an old favorite, but much less technical, TNF Aspen jacket

Extremely expensive, but very solid construction. Soft, quiet fabric, with heavier fabric in high abrasion areas makes for a comfortable, packable jacket. Has all of the bells and wistles you'd expect for the price.

Customer Service

If you can find this jacket on sale get it. If you work at a shop get it. Otherwise stay away unless you're really hard core 'cause you'll be labeled a poser.

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LL Bean Mountain Guide Jacket.