The North Face Ama Dablam Jacket Shell Jackets

The North Face Ama Dablam Jacket Shell Jackets 

DESCRIPTION


Shell Fabric: Gore-Tex® PacLite™, Double Diamond Ripstop Fabric

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-5 of 5  
[Jun 01, 2006]
Bryan
Skier

I received this jacket as a gift and was initially very pleased with its performance. I have the "Stretch Infusion" version which I believe to be slightly different than the original in regards to the shell fabric. Wearing this jacket for skiing in the Northwest, I was very happy with its water-repellency and how it blocked the wind. Unfortunately, after only wearing the jacket six times, I noticed that my Camelbak sternum straps and water reservoir were beginning to cause large rub spots. The fabric across my chest and lower back, the area exposed to the most abrasion, pilled up noticeably and lost all of its water resistance. The areas exposed to the rubbing were soon wetting out. Concerned that this happened after only six episodes of wear, and that such minimal abrasion caused the problem, I returned the jacket to a North Face store. They were very helpful and returned the jacket to the warranty service department. Unfortunately, the only thing they did there was shave the rubbed areas and return the jacket. I'm VERY UNHAPPY with the result. First of all, for the money, I can't believe that this jacket didn't wear better. Second, I'm appalled that their solution was to shave off the pilling (thereby thinning the original shell fabric) and return the jacket to me. Has anyone else experienced a similar problem with this shell? Were it not a gift, I would return the jacket to the original store and be done with TNF brand entirely. So much for their purported durability and customer service.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[May 15, 2005]
GW@outdoors
Backpacker

Ok, I have to say that I loved this jacket when I first got it. It breathed, the water shed off of it beautifully, and the stretch material just made the jacket so comfortable. However, I have since had my orriginal replaced, and the New one is starting to have the same problem as the old one. The problem is in the DWR. TNF's DWR just doesn't last, as long as the competitions. I got my new Jacket in November, and already the DWR is gone. Water soaks right in and THe breathability og Gore-tex goes out the window. Also when the water hits the Gore-tex in causes condensation to form, and you end up all damp on the shoulders, and back. Everything else is awsome, and I still love to wear it. The core vents work great(i don't have any velcro on mine), and the adjustments on the jacket make it that much more comfortable. But with suck poor DWR, it deffinately not worth the money.

Customer Service

Usually very good, However I had to push to get them to replace my old jacket wich was soaking through after 1/2 a winters use. I understand they get alot of crap their but 1/2 a winter(with 2 back packing trips) is not acceptable for a jacket this expensive.

Similar Products Used:

Patagonia jacets,which are more pricy but they seam to last much longer.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
2
[Apr 26, 2003]
kenloove
Backpacker

I agree with everything the reviews above say. The 3 ply GTX XCR does wonders. I am bringing this to my NOLS course this summer to the Wind River Wilderness, I am excited to see it's performance. This is the kind of shell you can throw on with a cotton t-shirt and you would be comfortable for days. The older version paclite with the dots gets very clammy. Havent noticed any dirt stains. I use my 300 weight denali under it - very comfortable. I like the core vents, but have the same problem with the velcro, I to prefer pit zips. Love the ripstop when im mountain biking. Haven't had any problems wearing it with my 7000 cu in pack. If you fit it, certain tech features allow for extented range of motion. I'd swear my life to his shell, its that good.

Customer Service

Well, seeing as how I am employed by The North Face. Customer service is 99.9% always right. It's the customers that are the problem (at leaste in my experiences).

Similar Products Used:

My first shell... I've never been too big on the zip in compatibles.. I like easy on/off layering

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 22, 2002]
chare
Snowboarder

i agree w/ the post below regarding the core vents, the velcro on the flaps keeps sealing them shut, to remedy this i removed the velcro, works much better. the core vents also can double as hand pockets provided you're wearing a fleece underneath that has 'pack pockets' as most fleece now-a-days do. for me, i think pit zips ventilate better than the core vents, maybe if the core vents didn't have storm flaps over them... the other minor complaint is the double storm flap over the zipper, it inhibits moving the zipper and may be a bit over kill on keeping the weather out. over all the jacket is very breathable and very water proof, i like the hood adjustments and have had no problem with stains or wear. this is a very light jacket and fairly robust fabric considering its featherweight. i use mine for snowboarding, backpacking and commuting on the bike in the rain.

Customer Service

have not used yet

Similar Products Used:

marmot

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Mar 05, 2002]
Willas
Backpacker

I found the jacket on sale at 30% off ($350 Can), with its'' looks alone I was sold. The jacket fits nicely, with plenty of mobility in the arms and shoulders. Unfortunitely the hood is a real pest, it moves against your heads movements and is extremely stiff. The core vents never remain open, because the storm flaps( with velcro tags) keep catching and closing. Regretfully the worst thing about the jacket, is what originally sold me on it. The bright RED outer fabric picks up dirt like no other and shows it real well. After backpacking for 2 day in febuary (-15.C Knee deep snow), the jacket now has faded black shoulder and hip stained area. This will not fully wash out, yet still remain waterproof. Not to mention the waterproof zippers put up a good fight everytime. You need at least 2 hands while standing still to open them. On the better side seams are well sealed and the 3 ply goretex has great breathablilty. There has been no material fraying from my 70 pd pack and continous use. The jacket works great in all conditions, I wouldn''t buy it soley for the looks (color RED). After a month, regardless it will be stained black in areas(exspecially wrist & storm flaps)and some of the black will not fully wash out. Structurally the coat is impressive for all types of weather.

Customer Service

None. I over look the coats new cosmetic flaws.

Similar Products Used:

Arc''teryx Theta AR (same stuff, different pile)

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 1-5 of 5  

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