Being windproof is sweet

By Ian McCalder Ranked #3 - Men's Softshell Jackets February 4, 2009

This jacket is an awesome light softshell. I use the word "light" in its description as it is thinner than your "standard" softshell jacket. As such, it's not particularly warm, but it is very light.

I have noticed a theme, particularly with The North Face, that their Windstopper jackets are not completely lined with Gore Windstopper. For example, the Cipher jacket has Windstopper panels in "key wear areas". The Sentinel is one of the few that is totally lined with Gore Windstopper, thus making the entire jacket 100% windproof. This has proved to be an excellent mild weather jacket for breaking the wind.

There are two drawbacks that I would like to see rectified, especially since this is a Summit Series jacket. First off, there are only two pockets. How about a Napolean pocket? Or something on the inside of the jacket? Furthermore, if they moved the zippers up so I could get at the pockets whilst wearing a pack, I'd be wearing this thing all the time. Secondly, a hood would be nice. Again referencing the Cipher jacket, the hood is not Windstopper lined. A Sentinel with a hood would be totally awesome.

I'm very happy with this jacket, and expect to get a lot of use out of it, but it doesn't "wow" me enough to get 5 stars. If you're looking for a nice windproof softshell, go for the Sentinel. Unless you need a hood.

View Details: The North Face Sentinel Windstopper Softshell Jacket - Men's

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