Gear Review
The North Face Agency Jacket - Men's
not impressed, sucks for the price
By billikenn
Ranked #87 - Men's Ski Jackets
January 28, 2008
Kevlar up on top of the shoulders is a novelty. Why didn't they put the abrasion resistant fabric somewhere that might receive some abrasion?
Insulation is less than the fall jacket I wear around town.
The three-zipper system looks good, but is awkward at best. The zippers themselves seem cheap.
The cut of the jacket is for fat people. I'm slim and in pretty good shape with a 32" waist, 40" chest, and wide shoulders. I got a Medium. The waist can be cinched in with the weird belt, but that still leaves enough room in the torso for a substantial beer belly. Maybe they were thinking that they need to leave room for the layers you will NEED under this jacket, but even considering that, the shape is still wrong. The abdomen should not be wider then the shoulders.
I was really excited about finding a ski jacket that I liked the look of, but I think this one is going back - Definitely not worth the cost.
View Details: The North Face Agency Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- Nylon, Kevlar
- Waterproof Rating:
- Hyvent fabric, over 60 PSI on Mullens Test
- Breathable Rating:
- 650g on MVTR scale
- Core Venting:
- Underarm zips, 3 front vents
- Pockets:
- 2 Lower hand, 2 lower media / tool, 1 chest, 1 internal cell phone pocket
- Seam Taped:
- Unspecified
- Powder Skirt:
- No
- Hood:
- Yes
- Removable Hood:
- Yes
- Zip-in Compatibility:
- No
- Recommended Use:
- Skiing, snow sports
- Warranty:
- Lifetime
- Country of Origin:
- China
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: 3 days ago By: von2617005
I had the same problem with the jacket. The arms aren't the length they appear to be at first from the pictures, they are even longer, because the seam for the arms is buried a couple inches inside the jacket, which allows the arms to extend. Sure this allows somewhat more range of motion, but for a person like me with a 39" chest and normal length arms (I bought a medium), it makes you look like you bought a jacket 2 sizes larger than you. This is no exaggeration. If this jacket was available in a small, which I have been informed by NF, is is not and never will be, it may have been a good jacket for me. Otherwise the triple zip front is really a PITA to take off and zip back up, plus you can't leave it half way open, you basically have to remove it completely or zip it at least 3/4 of the way up or else you will look like a peeling onion. Got rid of the jacket and bought the St transformer in small from backcountry, currently on its way. We'll see if that's any better.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
I think we have snowsports riders versus urban stylers. This jacket was designed for serious snowsports. I understand urban stylers like it, but cry over warmth, kavlar on shoulders. Well if you ski trees in New England you will understand the shoulder protection. This is a ski jacket, designed for serious snow sports. So as a pro skier I like it, and understand it use. The ST line was designed in 80s for founding father of outback and free skiing, not riding on a subway. Yeah it looks cool, but please state if what you are using it for. Remember...serious snowsport folks buy gear for function, safety, and style. So please state if for serious skier, urban style, or rarely used snowsports. This is very important in your review. As a PRO SKIER...this is an Bad ASS piece of GEAR!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No