The North Face Bizzo Jacket - Men's - 2010 BCS

In the cliched world of fashion vs function, it seems that nobody ever gets it right, until now. The Bizzo offers the quality and high performance you've come to expect from TNF, without loosing out on any style categories. It's nice to have equipment that's technically durable, without having to look like you're on your way to Everest.

I got this shell about a month ago, and have been absolutely thrilled with it so far. Most TNF shells in the past have had more of a skier cut, and this has a baggier cut, which I prefer. Really good feature set; great placement of the core venting zips (I like that they don't have mesh, though I know others prefer it). The Fabric has held up really well so far, though the bright yellow is prone to smudging from my black gloves (has happened on every jacket I've ever owned). Lots of pockets, and I really like the goggle wipe included in the forearm pocket on the left hand. Definitely recommend the jacket to anyone looking for a good technical shell.

I got my Bizzo jacket a few weeks ago to replace another brand when the seam blew out. Since I was already about $400 into the experience, I "only" had to cough up another $100, which is the most I've paid for a jacket before. Early assessment after about 10 ski days (ranging from single digit blowing blizzard to very temperate in the mid-30s): I love it! It's very well made of very high quality materials with lots of great features and numerous pockets(a big deal for me). The collar and hood function well (a pet peeve on the Orage this replaced), the cuffs tighten down enough to easily fit into my Hestra Heli gloves (also see my review for this excellent piece of gear), and the whole thing just feels bomber. A few peeves: 1) I'm right-handed, but the key clip on an elastic (a great feature) is in the left pocket. 2) It isn't rocket science to keep snow out of the pit zips with a mesh lining, so why doesn't TNF do that? 3) the goggle wipe on a strap is in the left wrist pocket, which is really suited to be for my pass, so I moved it to another pocket since I really do NOT want to be opening & closing the lift pass pocket & risk losing it. Otherwise, a great looking and extremely functional jacket that I already love and expect to get a lot of use from.

I've never owned a The North Face item until now, and I couldn't be happier. The chest/pit zips are in a prime spot for unzipping/zipping when your pack is on and your hiking fast, and the hood/collar design is very nice for storm days. The fully taped seams and sealed zippers also add to the long list of techy features this jacket sports. I couldn't be happier with my first TNF purchase and will definitely be back for more!