Great jacket with quibbles...

By Byron Go Ranked #44 - Men's Down Jackets January 26, 2012

Love the fabric, super downproof, breathable, sheds light moisture well, all of that.
-actually, after wearing it for a while under and over layers, I've found that I can still snag down out of it on a daily basis. Annoying, especially when it's poking some part of you or having you imagine there's something poking.
Love the fit, typical TNF, I'm a medium, 5'11", 42" chest, 180lb, no prob.
-actually, I tried on the Small a little bit later, and it totally fits me better! Sleeves are long enough, fit is tighter and snugger, much more like my Arc'teryx Solo jacket. I prefer the tighter fit, the looser jacket was fine, but this size for me is better.

Love the hem drawcords, never had hidden ones (in pockets) that worked so well.

Even love the two-way zipper, great for belays and for sitting down so the jacket doesn't bunch up. For those who have a hard time zipping it, don't try to force it. If it's sticking, start over again.

The quibble is this. My arms are pretty sensitive to inside stitching, such that most softshells just don't work for me. The fabric is too chunky and rubs when I move. Notable exceptions are the welded Backcountry/Stoic coats and my trusty Gamma MX hoody.

In this case, there IS a full seam running down the entire sleeve, and while it didn't bother when I used the jacket as an outer layer (the sleeves were roomy enough to not rub), when I put it under a shell, that seam rubbed all day long.

So I know it's a weird thing, but when you're out all day in the freezing cold and your jacket keeps rubbing you the wrong way...well, it can get tiresome.

Lots of great thought and features, TNF, but that is a bad detail to overlook especially at this SUPER high pricepoint.

View Details: The North Face Diez Down Jacket - Men's

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