The North Face Sentinel Windstopper Soft Shell Jacket - Men's - 2008 BCS

Light, packable, and perfect for hiking and camping. No hood isn't a problem for me as I have a rain shell for such occasions, but this jacket works well in the windy high alpine settings which it was used. The medium is just big enough to fit a fleece underneath, but it was rarely needed during the summer in Montana. Will be taking it with me to New Zealand as my daily jacket.

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.

Not only does this jacket have windstopper, it's also waterproof. It stops the wind great and is warm down to about 40 alone. I wear it almost every day. One annoying thing is the sleeve length. I'm 6' 3" and I have the XL size and the sleeves seem about an inch too short. I'm glad I picked it over the other North Face windstopper jackets I was looking at. I even paid full price for it :) Pick one up at these prices.

I have to say that I thought this jacket would be WARMER than the Apex bionic but it definitely is lighter and not as warm. It seems to move a little more easily and is not as rigid though. Amazing construction and even the inside lining of the neck seems to make the rain just roll up and bounce right off when the zipper is down and lining is exposed. I bought this jacket at half price in a clearance color and it is really great looking and gets lots of compliments. Use it for layering or for 35-50 degree weather for sure. I have worn it over a North Face Flight Series long-sleeved top in 38 degrees and been fine. I love the velcro arm closures. These light to medium weight jackets make a fantastic under coat layer for uuber-cold skiing and snowboarding days. The one drawback on this jacket for me is the fact that it has NO HAND POCKETS ON THE WASITLINE and I find myself constantly looking for them when wearing this about the town. However, the breast pockets have been enlarged and the zippers moved to the outside chest and they are enormous pockets. This is a fantastic layer, you should own it for sure. You will always find a use for it!

This is a great Jacket. Very soft inside against the skin. The fabric blocks the wind so this very light jacket will keep you very warm on a windy day. I am 5' 9" 175 lbs and I purchased a large. Fits well and not tight on me. Great in the rain also.

I wore it in 40 degree temp with a long sleeve shirt under it and was very warm

I highly recommend this jacket

I'm 5'6", and the small size fits me pretty well -- the arms are only about .25" too large. The exterior of the jacket has a nice sheen that looks good, not gaudy. The interior of the jacket is soft and comfortable. Not only is the jacket windproof, but it is also water resistant. Water will bead off of the jacket.

Jacket is truly windproof. Great fitting. Material is tough and seems virtually waterproof as well. Great alone down to about 45-50. Throw a sweatshirt underneath and your good down to about 20.

I own several North Face jacket and love the comfort, style, and qualiy the brand offers. I bought this coat to replace a heavier fleece for the winter, but ended up using it as a fall weight coat. The outter material wears nicely and the inside has a thin fleece layer. The jacket fits nicely and looks sharp. The pockets are a little high on the sides, but overall this a great coat to throw on to run out for the day.

i love soft shell jackets,especially north face...its the best jacket i ever had on all my jacket collections.it fits great,not so big and not so long.its warm yet its not bulky on cold weather...

Although I am down in Alabama, it still gets around 25-30f. I've had this jacket for about a month now and love it. Not only does it keep me warm, but its stylish too because chicks like it!

I don't know how they made a jacket this thin and light, yet so warm. I really didn't believe it when a buddy from Nebraska said it was all I'd need down here, but he was right. I recommend this jacket to anyone needed light and warm in 20-40f temps. Colder than that and it will serve as a great second layer.

Only criticism are the patches that say "Summit Series" and "Windstopper". Too sporty for work, but the Summit one looks cool for weekends because people look at it and say "Wow, that jacket must really be warm"....It is!

I searched high and low for a jacket and this 1 is up there with the best. It is warm, comfortable to work and to everyday stuff in. Light and did i mention looks good. Highly recommended for the $170-$200 range.