From reading some of the reviews of this jacket, I guess I own the "older version." I bought it in '97 to use mainly as a piece of rain gear and it still looks brand new. It's since become my bombproof go no where without it jacket. I not only use it hiking, biking and paddling, but it's the only thing that keeps the wind out while cruising in my hovercraft at 50 mph in minus 10 degree temps in Minnesota. The Pit zips are great when the weather warms up, and it zips together with my NF Denali fleece jacket to make a sweet all around winter jacket. I've never gotten wet in the thing, and it does what GoreTex says it should, wicks moisture away. All of the seams are still holding, and the tape is still there. The hood is the crown jewel, though. It's the most comfortable, well designed hood I've ever used. It turns with the head, not without. I'm able to sinch it down to my face to pretty much any degree needed. It wraps up nicely and tucks away using the velcro strap. Overall, I love this jacket, and I'm very disapointed that, if ever needed, it can't be replaced.

Customer Service

One of the toggles broke in half about 4 years ago. I brought it back to REI, and within 2 days, I had it back good as new. Haven't delt with NF yet. Not sure if they still do it, but one of the added bonuses buying this jacket was NF's program of turning in your used gear to donate to folks that need it. I thought that was a great idea and in a small way, aided in my decision to buy this jacket.

Similar Products Used:

REI gore jacket

I enjoy the jacket, but my one biggest gripe is lack of pockets. The handwarmer slits just dont cut it for me. I use this shell as a rain jacket for tropical climate a great deal and its wonderful for that just wish it had real pockets that were covered more to keep out driving rain. ALSO the shell ''''slits'''' dont line up with Nuptse jacket pockets at all. Its criminal for the company to advertise the zip in feature when pockets dont even match up(they are both size medium and new models). The style is nice, but I can definetly tell of changes in production from an older shell I tried. the newer models just feel flimsy, velcro instead of brass buttons. Core vents instead of pit-zips. Note that the Core vents are also the handwarmer pockets. Horrible design change, the older models were so much nicer when it came to pockets, huge well covered durable pockets that would have made this newer model perfect for my applications. All in all a good shell, but I would not have paid more than $200 for it.

Customer Service

No experience

Similar Products Used:

Patagonia, Lowe Alpine

The previous posters comments are unfortunately true. The last few years have seen the beginning of the destruction of a once great gear manufacturer. The Mountain Light is still my favorite shell. The 1997-1998 model year that is. I managed to just find another, new 1997 Mountain Light on ebay just the other day. Anyone interested in an excellent shell should try the same technique. They can be found for around $150, brand new, and still in the plastic. The new models are inferior. The original Metal snaps on the storm flap over the zipper were replaced with velcro. The pit-zips were replaced with totally useless "core vents". Not that the concept of core vents is a bad one. The Vanity Fair version used in the current model is just an ineffective one. I fear that in years to come we will see North Face gear in department stores sandwiched between the Eddie Bauer tents and Martha Stewart towels.

Customer Service

I havn''t bothered to try since the takeover.

Similar Products Used:

Many

Same experience as a reviewer bellow - jacket started leaking after 1 year...

That was the last TNF jacket I bought

Customer Service

When I called `to complain that the jacket lost waterproofness after only a year - the only thing they were willing to do was tell me to use water reppellent spray....

Similar Products Used:

None

First, I would like to recommend you NEVER buy gear online. It's just a hassle al around to send stuff back.

I own 4 gore-tex jackets and by far this is the worst. It used to be a respectable jacket, but ever since 99
and the take over by Vanity fair, this jacket's gone to crap!

The most expensive part of a jacket to stitch and tape are the pit-zips, so TNF
has conveniently removed them and replaced them with "core" vents. The trouble is that they are not even good and proper core vents! Just another way for them to make more money and reduce costs at the consuner's expense and quality.

This jacket is not at all light as the name suggests. Try a 3-ply to save weight.

The Urethane coated zippers aren't quite as well made as many other jackets
such as arcteryx or Moonstone.

I have found that the water-repellancy
fails after less than a years use!

I will never buy a TNF jacket again.

Customer Service

It makes me sad with the direction TNF has taken in the past few years. First, it has become such a trend for yuppies, greenhorns and posers. I see it everywhere, from department stores to second-rate sporting good stores. They have lost touch with the core.
Their new focus has been trend, mass production and wholesale name marketing.
Marketing has become the true focus, not making quality gear that the professionals desire. The North Face is owned by Vanity Fair!

Similar Products Used:

Moonstone
Arcteryx
Marmot
Patagonia
Mountain Hardwear

I Purchased TNF Classic Mountain Light Jacket (98 version) About a year ago. I paid 208.00 for it and after looking at one of the newer versions I found the Classic to be not just a better deal but a better product. The classic has essential functions that the newer models do not. The stow away pocket and under arm venting. I put this jacket through hell. Hunting, hiking, and I relearned to ski in Colorado where the jacket kept me completly dry. I even used it as a throw rug to sit in slushy snow and no leaking. With the zip in function this jacket converts in to a very warm expidition worthy piece of equipment. The only complaint I have would be that the outer zipper was at first difficult to zip but after many uses it has loosend up also the stow away pocket tends to snag the cool mesh lining to the point where it ripped. I have yet to call The customer service but will soon. Overall a great jacket I love the hood and hand warmer pockets as well. I would have paid 345.00 for this older version rather than the newer one.

Customer Service

none yet.

Similar Products Used:

none. This was my first shell jacket however My Fiancee has the Marmot version of this jacket. Which is Three layer gortex rather than 2 and does not have the stow away pocket or dual zipper function for other jackets. It does have A nice hood design.

Good product, but too hot for my preferences - I use it when the temperature is below 40F

Customer Service

I received this jacket because I took my former mountain parka to North Face's store for repairs. Since it was under a lifetime warranty and the parka tore, they were fixing it for free. But then they offered to give me $150 off on a new parka instead, so I took that offer. Where else can you get a $150 trade-in on a 20 year old mountain parka?

Similar Products Used:

Just North Face, no one else provides the super product support

Good product, but too hot for my preferences - I use it when the temperature is below 40F

Customer Service

I received this jacket because I took my former mountain parka to North Face's store for repairs. Since it was under a lifetime warranty and the parka tore, they were fixing it for free. But then they offered to give me $150 off on a new parka instead, so I took that offer. Where else can you get a $150 trade-in on a 20 year old mountain parka?

Similar Products Used:

Just North Face, no one else provides the super product support

The weight of the jacket allows flexibility for all weather types. Used in overnight snow camping with proper layers to day snowshoeing adventures in the burning sun. Either way the jacket is functional, dry, and keeps me going.

Customer Service

Their customer service department needs some improvement, but any place where the gear is purchased should take care of you.

Similar Products Used:

None

I've had Mountain Lights before and this new one seems pretty good. My only comment is that hand warmer pockets are important, and this jacket DOES NOT HAVE THEM. Too bad. . .

Customer Service

My experience with NF customer service is good, but I'm in the Bay Area, where there are tons of NF stores. One of my old Mountain Lights had some slight unravelling in one of the pocket stitches, and they replaced it, no questions asked. I was impressed.

Similar Products Used:

None