The North Face Heathen Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

For Alpine style climbing, this jacket is top of the line. The strength to weight ratio is perfect. Considering my shell piece will spend a lot of time in the pack on big climbs, and usually comes out only when the SH*# hits the fan I need it to be light. This Jacket is light and yet DURABLE. The hood fits over your helmet, which is crucial. The pockets are designed to be functional with a harness on which is HUGE. And MOST IMPORTANTLY, the Gore-Tex Pro is the holy grail of water proof breathable fabric right now, and has a little bit of stretch which is VERY NICE. I personally think this is one of the most high performance shells out there. This is a sports car, not a station wagon.

I feel like I've tried on every jacket in this category shopping for the right one and nothing comes close. Super light, the fabric is very thin but has a cool texture to it so it doesn't feel like you're wearing a plastic bag.
I was initially put off by the lack of pit zips. I figured a jacket in this price range would have them. Aside from being totally waterproof (the easy part as a trash bag will do that), this thing breathes like crazy. I've even done stupid stuff with it like wear it on a bike ride in 60 degree sunshine and then keep it on in the car on the way home just to see what it does. It doesn't get clammy or damp. It just handles business.

Gore-Tex Pro Shell is listed as rugged. I hope it will last me as long as my old Gore-Tex (12 years and I still wear it when I work outside). This jacket is very thin; therefore I must wear a thicker fleece to keep me warm in the Michigan winter months. I'm sure I will use this jacket as my rain jacket in the spring/summer since it is breathable. :) Over all it is a beautiful jacket/fitted me great. I own a blue color with red accent around the sleeve collars and behind the main zipper. Nice!

So far I have trouble with the zipper. I have to work at it to zip up. It is possible that it is new and the type of water repellant zipper. Also both sides of the front jackets are made with thicker material therefore if the wind blows, it tends to flap open. Again it is possible that it is new.