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Chilly belay ledges, all-day ski tours, and cold nights in camp all require the superlight, highly compressible warmth of The North Face Men’s Thunder Down Jacket. When you’re skinning up or out on the sharp end, stow the Thunder Jacket in its own pocket and clip it to your harness or stuff it in your pack. At lunchtime or during a quick re-rack, the Thunder’s 800-fill down fluffs up quickly for a toasty shot of core warmth.
Bottom Line: Ultralight alpine insulation for any day in the backcountry.
I often throw this jacket into my pack on any outing because of the warmth/weight ratio. I'm not sure the science of it but The North Face Thunder Down Jacket really keeps me warm for how light it is. I think it has to do with the high quality 800 fill down. Basically its just a great jacket which has a simple and functional cut and design. happy adventures, Renan
I really liked this jacket. Compared to others in its class it is higher than average quality and also higher than average warmth. It has a really good (non bulky) fit and uses better face fabrics than most other down jackets in its class. The sleeves were about an inch too short and so was the torso. I am 6 foot 3 and 230 pounds. this would not be a big deal but the arms are not articulated so reaching above my head forces the jacket to rise to about my rib cage and lets out all the warmth. If the north face made this jacket a little longer and articulated the arms it would be the ultimate jacket. The pertex shell is also very durable and breathable.
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so for you guys that have this, is the material for this season the Quantum Pertex? I saw this in a local store and the tags say it is but the specs just say 20D nylon. thanks.
You can wear this around Everest Base Camp while your Sherpa is getting your gear in order. I'm in Maryland and our wind (sailing capital of the world) plus cold weather makes our winters tough sometimes. This 800 fill jacket is perfect for shoveling out your car, looking great around town, or just keeping warm while being outside. This is an alpine fit....that means it is a slim fit. If you are looking for a down jacket without the Michelin Man look well this is the one. I wore a long sleeve dri-fit shirt under it in 24 degree weather while shoveling my sidewalk. I was wrapped up in my own heat. This jacket stays close to your body to trap your own heat in while the down keeps the heat from escaping and stops the wind from penetrating. This jacket has its place within your cold weather wardrobe. Worth the money 100%. It's Summit Series y'all...Nuf Said!!!!
so for you guys that have this, is the material the Quantum Pertex? I saw this in a local store and the tags say it is but the specs just say 20D nylon. thanks.
The good and bad news on this jacket is that I was very happy with the fit and look of this jacket; but, when the zipper malfunctioned it rendered the jacket useless. I would have been happy to get another one like it; however, the color was no longer available. Thank you, for your awesome warranty department.
Yes, the jacket will keep you toasty and comfortable at these temperatures. I find I cannot wear the jacket comfortably unless it is below freezing outside, and that is only wearing a t-shirt underneath. Jacket is super-cozy and it weighs almost nothing. I love it.
If you will use the thing exclusively for in-town (i.e. not as 'active wear'), maybe you might consider something with a hood as well to keep out icy city gusts...
Bought the Thunder down a week and a half ago and returned it today because below 30 it is not warm. This is definitely a light weight layering coat for activive use. Not a "keep you warm while your chilling out" coat at all. Good quality.
This is an incredible jacket. It's exactly what I was looking for. Durable, yet super light weight and breathable. It is also very, very warm yet on moderate days you don't overheat while you wear it. The packability is great as well.
Love this jacket. Exactly what I was looking for. A very light, comfortable, warm jacket. The fact it folds up into its own back for storage is also extremely handy. It fits in my small hydration pack with ease.
It runs larger than I thought it would. I originally ordered an XL, and ended up needing a large. (which was made very easy to switch by backcountry) I probably could have even gotten away with a medium. Take measurements before you order and follow the fitting chart.
you should get some good answers here, but I know they different fabrics, the Diez has less fill but 900 quality fill (this year) and a shiny fabric. I wanted the diez but I can't order it with that trash bag look. They differ between the years and I show the thunder uses the pertex quantum fabric from looking at them at a store.
Love this jacket. Exactly what I was looking for. A very light, comfortable, warm jacket. The fact it folds up into its own back for storage is also extremely handy. It fits in my small hydration pack with ease.
It runs larger than I thought it would. I originally ordered an XL, and ended up needing a large. (which was made very easy to switch by backcountry) I probably could have even gotten away with a medium. Take measurements before you order and follow the fitting chart.
I am 6-2 185 and the large fits me pretty well. I wear a 17-35 dress shirt. The sleeves are long enough, it is a little short on me (by design, for pack straps), but there is definitely some room in the middle for layering.
With jackets, it's always better to go a little too big than too small. Sizing up gives you more layering options, better mobility, and more coverage in nasty weather. If you get an XL and decide it's simply TOO baggy, backcountry.com is really good about returns on sizing issues.
Since this jacket is Summit Series, it fits more trim than many other North Face Jackets that I own. Super light and packable - this isn't my everyday down jacket, I'm going to save for ski tourning, climbing, and other trips where I need to save weight and space. I've got other jackets that can take the day to day beating. I just used the Thunder Jacket on a 9 day moto trip where I didn't have an inch of extra cargo space, and it was perfect. The 20 denier lining is awesome, really comfortable.
Does this jacket's zipper work with The North Face Varius Guide Jacket's inner zipper? i'm trying to wear this jacket as a mid layer and Varius Guide Jacket as an outer layer.. please let me know if the zipper on this work with inner zipper of varius jacket.
I usually don't need the added warmth of a serious down jacket, but I like to keep one in my pack during cold winter tours. So far I've used it twice this season during lunch breaks in exceptionally cold weather, and it kept me nice and toasty. The warmth is more than you'd expect from such a lightweight jacket, and it does what it is supposed to.
The up side is that it is small and light enough to be on my permanent packing list for any trip, short or long. I don't like hoods on these kinds of jackets, so this is good. It stows away into its own pocket, so no need for additional stuff bags that get lost or blown away in the wind. 800 fill power is really really warm, but the thickness of the jacket is thin enough to fit over a fleece jacket, yet comfortably fit under a hard shell jacket. It doesn't feel bulky at all. Amazingly, it stays nice and warm even during mild breezes that usually blow right through a fleece jacket. Right now it actually gets used frequently as a walk-around-town jacket as well during the winter.
The down side is that I don't think these kinds of jackets need pockets. I never use them. There are two hand warmer pockets, and one chest pocket on the inside, but most people won't need these. Its only a little, but since I don't use them, I'd like it even better if I could shave off even more weight by not having any zippers and pockets. (But then again, I would need a separate stuff bag for the jacket since right now it zips into itself.)
All in all, it is a great jacket, and only proves that I will ALWAYS have something negative to say about even the best of the best.
How does this jacket compare to the TNF Nuptse? Is this one a lot warmer? Is this one less or more "bulky/puffy" when wearing? What are the major differences between the two besides stitching?
Great jacket. Its lightweight, super warm, and packs into its own left pocket. I also liked that it doesnt have the "trash bag" look of the Diez. Fits true to size, but a little short in the torso.
As one of the first true down jackets I have owned I have been pleasantly surprised with it. Good fit, I am 6'1 about 210lbs and went with an XL to layer underneath, a touch big but good for putting some layers underneath....though this beast is so flippin warm layers usually are not necessary. Wish the pockets would be fleece lined like some of the MH down jackets. Other than that, the wicked light weight and warmth are great. Have hiked with it in cold weather in northern michigan and the Whites of New Hampshire....usually not a big fan of TNF, but I do love this jacket!
I had last years version of this jacket and was bummed about it leaking feathers everywhere. I returned and purchased the new version after a close inspection. This version seems to be completely downproof and it has more loft while the weight is exactly the same (as measured on my own scale, 13.1 oz. size small). The fabric isn't quite as soft as it used to be, but the quality of this jacket is now top notch in my opinion. It has a great performance fit and is in my pack year round.
I'm 5'9" 150lbs, skinny guy. According to the size chart provided in TNF website, small size fits me well. But it seems people are recommending medium for someone about same size as me. Which one should I go for?
I've had this jacket for three years now and it is still amazing. It is warm, lightweight, and packs small. I agree with the user below that it is hard to wear above freezing....I had my doubts when I got it out of the box, because it it packs so small and the material doesn't feel that durable. It didn't take long to change mind...it has been used on a lot of backpacking trips and it still looks brand new. Another plus, it packs down to the perfect sized mummy-bag stuff pillow.
What are the differences between Thunder jacket and TNF Diez? Both are 800 fill power down jacket and same price. Thunder weighs about 100g heavier. Does that mean Thunder is more insulated and warmer?
I'm confused by your original statement which says the Thunder is about 100g heavier. I just read the weight for the Diez and http://www.backcountry.com/the-north-face-diez-down-jacket-mens says the Diez is 16.3oz (463g) and that the Thunder is 14.2oz (402g)
The primary difference is the face fabric. The Thunder uses a 20D Pertex Quantum while the Diez uses a 10D Pertex Syncro. This is where most of your difference in weight comes from. As far as warmth they are similar in warmth.
Just received my Thunder jacket her in Australia and I am happy. It runs on the small side. I have a few other TNF items, all in Large, and this is a smaller cut. I think it's intentional though. It fits snug without being tight. I am 6"1 and 210 pounds.
To give you an idea it fits comfortably under my TNF Apex Bionic Soft Shell (Large) and also under another TNF insulated shell.
I just tried it on over a 260 Icebreaker Merino sweater and its comfortable but there is definitely no room for another layer.
Had I tried it in a shop I may have gone for the XL but I will get plenty of use for it as is as long as I don't develop a gut which is why I am off to the gym right now!
I'll be skiing with it under a Goretex shell which should give me more than enough warmth.
I contacted TNF about the fill weight. They would not tell me. Said that was proprietary info. However, I do know that the fabric, Pertex 20 weighs 1 oz/ yard. The jacket weighs 14.2 oz. The Marmot Zeus weighs 15 oz. and is constructed of fabric that weighs 1.1 oz./yard. The Zeus has 100 grams of down. My conclusion is that they the Thunder must have 80-100 grams of down. By the way the Thunder is baffled and the Zeus as well as the MH Phantom and Nitrous are sewn through. The baffled construction can cut down on heat loss and wind through the seams.
The jacket is good looking and light weight. Not sure about how warm it is because it is 30 degrees outside and not that cold. However, the hand pockets are not lined. You won't find much warmth there. The inside pocket is cut such that your credit card, license, etc. could easily fall out and be lost. I bought the denim blue and the lining is very sharp looking with red piping. The jacket fits well too. The problem is I think it is overpriced for what it is. If the price $50 less it would be more inline with what you get.
the pockets are on the inside of the down layer, they are plenty warm, they just arent fleece lined which is no big deal. this is a minimalist-ish down jacket
One of my boys is going to Boston for college next year. Living in Seattle now. Would the Thunder be warm enough for college living? He wears a large. and he is pretty trim.
I bought this jacket for my husband birthday. He lovesss it..it's soft, light and keeps you warm. It's definitely worth the price! Great customer service from backcountry as well! Fast delivery!
The TNF Thunder Jacket definitely has more loft (read: warmer) than the MH Nitrous, but otherwise they are very similar. The MH Nitrous weighs a few ounces less I believe.
this is my 3rd NF jacket. this is one of the lightest and most comfortable jackets ive owned.
It does its job of keeping me warm in all conditions from 0-50degs. I dont get too cold or over heat when the weathers mildly chill.
the only thing i dont like is the crease in the front. because of the design, there are 2 folds in the middle chest area that stick out a little. other than that i love the jacket.
im 5'10" 180lb. i can wear a large but i went w XL bc i like to wear a hoody underneath and usually prefer the comfy style. plus i have a long torso so the xl looks better on me.
Does anyone know how warm this jacket would be under a Gore-tex shell? I usually wear a Redpoint jacket under my shell but at -25c it gets a little cold. Today its -41c with the wind it -59c so I need a little more. Also my Redpoint is a large would I need a large in this to? Thanks for any help.
I have a redpoint optimus and a thunder jacket that I occasionally wear under my TNF Heathen Gore-tex Proshell. The Thunder jacket lacks a hood, but otherwise is definitely warmer than the redpoint optimus. I say "occasionally" because I usually find that the redpoint optimus or the thunder under a gore-tex shell is just too warm for most things in Wyoming, unless you are just sitting around.
Both models have jackets. Thunder TNF is a much warmer, and I assume warms. Sizes are similar. Great solution for Gore-tex. I assume four layers - warm underwear, sweatshirt with polarstrech, Thunder TNF, Gore-Tex XCR. How is the heat of fetching Down Jacket :-) This is incredibly lightweight and small, I recommend
Both models have jackets. Thunder TNF is a much warmer, and I assume warms. Sizes are similar. Great solution for Gore-tex. I assume four layers - warm underwear, sweatshirt with polarstrech, Thunder TNF, Gore-Tex XCR. How is the heat of fetching Down Jacket :-) This is incredibly lightweight and small, I recommend
I bought the first model of this sweater type of down jacket from THF, the M jacket. It's my go to Jacket now. None of my Nuptse ever get worn anymore. I'll be buying this Thunder Jacket this season to replace the M.
hello there, I am about to get this jacket, reviews shows is a great piece. the thing is... I am 6'' waist 32, and 106 cm in the chest. what size should i go for??
Sounds like the large would work well for you. This jacket runs a little more trim than most TNF jackets, so I would go with the large. Good choice - this is one of my favorite jackets.
The Thunder jacket is a very light jacket indeed. A lot of reviewers said this jacket is very warm and can withstand very cold temperature, I want to say "Please don't listen to these people because they don't know what they are talking about." If temperature drop below 30 degree, this is not the jacket to wear unless you insist. Compare to the Nuptse jacket, the Nuptse jacket is much warmer to deal with very cold weather because it is nearly 3X more insulated than the Thunder jacket.
I am 5 ft 8 inch tall, 165 lbs and size large works for me. The sleeves is a bit long; therefore I think the medium probably fit me better. Again, this jacket is good for average 35 to 45 degree temperature. It really is a thin jacket. Get the Nuptse if you want a puffy cold winter jacket. I know because I have both.
This is more a sweater than a jacket that is intended to be layered. In really cold weather, you want to layer it with a fleece underneath and probably a hard shell over . However, in 30 degrees F weather, this should be sufficient over a T shirt and no shell provided it isn't windy. I strongly suspect that you bought 1 size too large, and it isn't retaining the heat the way it is intended to. Others have already said this, but you want it to hug your body. Not too tight, but you shouldn't be able to fit much more than a fleece jacket under it. I'm 6' tall and weigh in at 224lbs, and I wear a size L, so I'm pretty sure you have a size problem.
I have worn this jacket with a shell and baselayer system in the coldest winter days we get here in Utah (~10 below). It's not a belay puffy and it's nothing like the Nuptse, but it's one of the warmest down sweaters out there. It sounds like you were looking for a parka, not a down sweater.
It's quite possible that if you're 165lb and you're wearing a large in this size, the down isn't close enough to your body to trap your body heat. It's a common mistake with down jackets to buy one too large. Cold air can get up in your jacket and let your body heat escape. I try to find down jackets that fit a little more snug to prevent this.
I live in Salt Lake city and think this jacket would be fine. If you're headed up into the high mountains where it's much colder than the valley (usually), you may want a thicker down coat like the TNF Nuptse
Hey if you want a lightweight down i think The North Face Thunder Down Jacket is a good choice, its significantly lighter than the big Himalayan models and perfect for SLC. The black color can even pass for a dressy occasions after long days in the hills...
This jacket works great for cool hikes and is exelent under a gortex shell on the slopes. I also have been complimented on the jacket when finshing up the day at the bar.
How does the fit of the Thunder down compare to the fit of the Eylsium down. Both have the same size chart, however the North Face Thunder site indicates trim fit.
The fit on the Thunder is pretty trim. The Elysium is a pure outerwear piece, where the Thunder is more of a down sweater that can be worn as a jacket or as a layering piece. I am a large in most TNF pieces, but am XL in the Thunder. Hope this helps-
This is my second "Thunder Down" (Blue and Red). Lightweight, warm, but runs a little small. Most of my TNF stuff is medium, but had to get this in a large. Taking it skiing next weekend, so I'll see how it performs in the snow.
hey guys, im 6'3" with super long arms and was wondering how long the arms are on this jacket, i have a few tnf softshells and the arms are long enough but i also have the redpoint optimus jacket and the arms are a little short in the xl. im fairly skinny so i like to keep it trim throughout the chest, but its hard finding arms that are long enough without stepping up to an XXL.
Interesting reading this. I hope you will forgive me for posting this here, but the above 2 posts struck a chord with my situation!
I'm 6'2" with long arms, and quite slim (32" waist). I am unfamiliar with US sizing, since I'm in Europe. I have a TNF Prism Optimus which is European-XL (mail-ordered) but I have often wondered if a Large would have been adequate, because although the arms fit great, I find it a little too large around the torso, which means that unless I layer-up (which I don't like to do), it is quite baggy on me and does not insulate as well as it would if it was closer-fitting.
I've been unable to locate a comparison chart to compare European and US sizing for TNF products. I'm also aware, from experience with various manufacturers, that down jackets are frequently made excessively baggy, presumably with the assumption that users will layer substantially beneath the jacket.
I'm looking to purchase a US TNF Himalayan (Black) but I'm extremely wary, sizing-wise. On the TNF Himalayan user posts on this site, it looks like Large might suit me, but it's a heck of risk to purchase it and have it shipped all the way across the pond, only to find it is too baggy (it's already a very lofty garment indeed). Then again, a medium might be perfect around the waist/chest but too short for my long arms.
* Does anyone here have any comparative experience of the TNF Himalayan with other TNF down garments?
* Does anyone here have any comparative experience of TNF USA sizes with European TNF sizes? (ideally specifically with the down jackets, but I'll take whatever info I can get :-) )
Funny that you ask- I just went through this scenario with this jacket, and I am 6-3 as well. I ended up with the XL, and it fits great- arms long enough and still pretty trim everywhere else. Try the XL.
I tried on this jacket at TNF store, great fit throughout the body but a little short. What other jackets are out there that are similar in size/warmth but have a little more length? Water-resistant is a huge plus...
Hey Anon. Check out the Transcendent Sweater by Outdoor Research, the Nitrous Jacket by Mountain Hardwear or the Patagonia Down Sweater. You'll likely find the Outdoor Research or Patagonia jacket fits the longest and MHW tends to cut puffy jackets short to fit above a climbing harness.
Got my coat about 4 weeks ago and the weather in North Alabama has gone crazy. I have worn it 5-6 times, it misted snow and sleet and the wind has been blown strong. I stayed toasty and dry, Its a comfortable coat and allows you room to layer, great investment.
is there a hooded thunder down jacket? looking for a waist length hooded down jacket that is very warm and not too bulky. I live in NJ and winter is pretty cold. I have the TNF summit series 850 fill, best jacket ever!!! But its really bulky especially when driving.
I bought my husband this jacket in red in a 2XL. He's very muscular, so we thought this would be a good fit. It's definitely too big, but not so much so that he looks rediculous, and an XL might not have been wide enough in the shoulders. The color looks great, although it's very...well...red! Luckily, he's able to pull it off. With a TNF shell as a top layer he said it was perfect for ice fishing. Super light, but the shell made it waterproof as well as helping to make it windproof. Be aware that the material used to make this jacket is slightly transparent, allowing the down to be visible through it. It almost looked stained at first. Great jacket though, and a nice break from all the camo I've been trying so hard to get him out of. And thanks a bunch to Backcountry's customer service. They got this out really quickly for me, as it was an exchange for a jacket that I ordered incorrectly. You guys rock, and are so friendly!
The large is perfect for me at 6" tall and 175 pounds
Great jacket but keep in mind that it is not officially waterproof or windproof. Therefore, it is great by itself in the fall or mild winter without precipitation. Throw an outershell on top if it's colder or raining/snowing. Super light, comfortable and keeps you warm. I am happy with it.
I tried all brands down jackets but this is the warmest amd fits perfectly. Patagonia 800 dw jacket is ok but too much roomy on me and people who work out regularily. So best fit qnd light weight
I recently bought this jacket and I have to say I am very pleased. This jacket is really light, but it provided plenty of warmth in zero degree weather on a recent trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. The feature that allows you to roll it up into one of its own pockets is great! Very nice jacket!
Great jacket, a little bit short for medium , but fit great. The color is cool . OK. That is enough for fashion. This is why I DID NOT BUY THE JACKET. The jacket DOES the job. Keep you very warm. I tested the day we got 12 inches of snow and it was very windy. I wear a layer inside, but nevertheless , I kept me warm as it said in the description. I will definitely recommended. If you can get a good deal in this jacket, take it. One more thing before, I forget, it is LIGHT and not PUFFY!!!
I often throw this jacket into my pack on any outing because of the warmth/weight ratio. I'm not sure the science of it but The North Face Thunder more...
I really liked this jacket. Compared to others in its class it is higher than average quality and also higher than average warmth. It has a really good more...