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The North Face Thunder Jacket - Men's - 2008 BCS

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Thunder Jacket - Men's
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Whether you're waiting for your buddy to finish skinning up the hill or you're at a chilly belay eight pitches up, The North Face Men's Thunder Jacket keeps you warm with highly compressible and lightweight 800-fill goose down. This ultralight down jacket stows in its own pocket, so it disappears in your pack or clips to your harness when you don't need it. A nylon ripstop shell buffs rock scrapes and bushes so you don't have to cover yourself with duct tape patches.

Bottom Line: Ultralight insulation for climbers, skiers, and hikers.

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would this be good for a skiing trip to be used as a mid-layer,

would this be good for a skiing trip to be used as a mid-layer, below a shell?.
i have a down jacket but its on the heavy side and its not as compressible as i would like, and i'm looking at something like 2 layers below this, this one and the shell.
or would i be better with what i have

By:
June 11, 2009

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This jacket would be fine with a very light baselayer as well as a shell over it. Make sure that the shell provides you with adequate venting because there is a chance of overheating. I rock mine with a t-shirt and shell though and am plenty warm.

By:
June 11, 2009

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You could layer this with a shell for sure. I would suggest you use a shell with plenty of venting. I wouldn't suggest wearing this and the shell with two layers below it. That would be overkill.

By: Backcountry.com Employee
June 11, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

Packs to nothing!

By:
February 17, 2009

This jacket has a great athletic fit.
And works great as a mid layer.
A very warm jacket for how light it is to carry for ski touring,and ski mountaineering.
For wear and tear I think you are better off with the Red point optimus hoody.
Great jacket for it's intended purpose.
Did I say it feels soft and comfy!

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was wondering, if ash from a cigarette fell onto the jacket

was wondering, if ash from a cigarette fell onto the jacket would it put a hole in it, given the material is made out of seems a bit fragile.

By:
June 7, 2009

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Yeah, the pertex quantum fabric would probably get little scorch marks and holes on/ in it. If you were really worried about it you could always get some ripstop patch tape to cover holes.

By:
June 11, 2009

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yea its not going to do real well i dont think every time it would but there is the possibility for sure. i would use a differnt jacket or just not smoke...

By:
June 7, 2009

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Rating for this product: 1

AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE

By:
January 28, 2009

This is a warm and cozy jacket BUT within just 2 weeks of using it, it had lost ALL of its feathers in the back area. My backpack compressed the down, and little down feathers would be sticking out and would catch on anything and everything (shells, chairs, sofas). I spoke with TNF warrantee department, and it is going to take 5-6 weeks for me to get it replaced!!!! $230 dollars for a jacket that lasts 2 weeks is completely ridiculous. Yea, it's super warm (comfortable down to the single digits) and light, but the quality SUCKS. PERIOD.

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1 Comment Last Comment: August 29, 2009 by:

By:
August 29, 2009

unless you are on the top of mount rainier, or in the arctic circle, you should not be wearing a down jacket under your pack. you should be staying warm enough moving to only need your jacket when you stop, and take your pack off. i would hesitate to believe this guy

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which is warmer Thunder or the Red Point

which is warmer Thunder or the Red Point

By:
April 28, 2009

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I have owned the TNF Redpoint Optimus (hooded Redpoint) and the Patagonia Down Sweater (800 fill down) and must say that without the hood, the patagonia is much warmer. Down is the most superior insulator, it just doesn't retain warmth when wet.

By:
May 5, 2009

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Without having done a direct comparison (i.e. trying both on) I would say the Thunder. In my experience Primaloft (in the Red Point) is great stuff but cannot stand up to 800-fill down (in the Thunder). I have tried on the Red Point, and it was fairly warm. However I've tried on the OR version of the Thunder and it was fantastic even with a lower lofting down (650+). Go for the Thunder, you won't regret it.

By:
April 29, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

Northface is worth every penny!

By:
November 9, 2008

I live in the northeastern section of the United States and between fall and spring, you never know what type of weather to expect. I'm also a college student and I prefer to wear light weight, comfortable and sporty clothes. This jacket is all that I could have asked for and much more. It's like wearing nothing, but Its look allows you to wear it in most situations. Thank you Backcountry for your quick and great ordering and shipping service!

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Is it true that feathers do slip out of the outer shell? I read

Is it true that feathers do slip out of the outer shell? I read negative reviews saying the complete goose load is floating out of the jacket. I fitted this jacket today and I discovered one feather peaking out on my shoulder in the middle of the fabric already, not even near the stitchings. I'm curious whether this is a very nice fitting jacket, but which lacks long life quality?!

By:
February 24, 2009

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That feather issue was more of a problem with the previous model to the Thunder Jacket (Flash Jacket). You are always going to lose a few feathers on 800 fill jackets, but the issue that people were referring to is called "punch through" when the down was added to the jacket before the baffles were sewn, creating more opportunity for feathers to get pushed through the fabric. This was corrected on the Thunder jacket.

By: Backcountry.com Vendor Rep
February 24, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

The best coat ever

By:
December 12, 2008

WOW! What can I say. I looked for a coat for myself for over a year- researching and trying. Found the women's jacket like this and my husband thought it was great. This year was his turn- a Christmas present that I just couldn't keep until Dec 25. I was SO excited to give this to him, and he loved it. Everyone had made comments about the jacket. The two best features are the near weightlessness and the soft as a cloud fabric. GET ONE!

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Which is better for warmth, the North Face Thunder or a triclimate

Which is better for warmth, the North Face Thunder or a triclimate jacket like the Vortex?

By:
January 7, 2009

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Pound for pound, the Thunder wins

By:
May 5, 2009

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depends on the humidity. Dowm is always better for dry conditions, but if you expect to get wet, synthetic insulation might be the better choice.

By:
January 25, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

I love this thing.

By:
December 21, 2008

Like everyone else says, it is SUPER light and highly compress-able and so fluffy soft! It works great when its really cold for me (although I am not out in the cold for more than 20-30 minutes or so at a time) and when its not very cold, this thing doesn't overheat me. My back isn't all knotted up from the cold when I am walking like with my other jackets and I don't have to layer with this thing. I tested it with only a t-shirt for 15 minutes (walking to a restaurant)in 40 degrees with NO problem. Wasn't even SLIGHTLY cold!!!(not sure what results would've been had I been standing still for 30 plus minutes but who does that???) Zipper zips super easily. Plus, I also get compliments from complete strangers -no BS.

Cons - only has 2 pockets. None inside.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS JACKET, I couldn't stop raving about it for the first 2 weeks to everyone!

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how cold can i expect this jacket to take me? if just wearing

how cold can i expect this jacket to take me? if just wearing a medium weight base layer to what temps can i expect this jacket to keep me warm to? not just 10 minutes from car to office. actually outside for hours, backpacking purposes

By:
January 3, 2009

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If you are hiking, to could probably take it down to the 20s, seriously. Exertion warms this jacket up hardcore. Just chiling around, probably in the 30s.

By:
May 5, 2009

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If you're hiking around, probably high 30s. If you're belaying or around camp, high 40s.

By:
January 3, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

Nice Jacket

By:
August 16, 2008

I bought a black one. It is very good and light.
It is the best jackt I ever used

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Will you be selling the Black (Size - Med) anytime soon?

Will you be selling the Black (Size - Med) anytime soon?

By:
December 27, 2008

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Rating for this product: 4

Very Happy Purchase

By:
December 15, 2008

Great jacket, super light & warm even in colder temps & yet you can wear it inside & not overheat. Only complaint would be that it needs pockets on the inside & feathers seam to poke through quite often, but I still love it. Looks great too...

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Hi I was wondering if medium would fit me if I tighened it up.

Hi I was wondering if medium would fit me if I tighened it up. im 5 foot 6 inches and 100 pounds

By:
December 19, 2008

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i'm 6' 160 and a medium was too small for me...

By:
January 3, 2009

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Rating for this product: 4

recommend

By:
December 4, 2008

the jacket is very light but it keeps my fiance and i very warm. I love the way it fits on him and it doesn't look half bad on me either.
i wish the pockets were lined but other than that, we're happy with our purchase.

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Hello All, Could all reviewers please consider providing their

Hello All, Could all reviewers please consider providing their height, weight, and body build type PLUS the size that they bought when explaining the fit? Many thanks, trek on!

By:
December 3, 2008

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6'0" 170 lbs. athletic frame. i wear a large

By:
August 29, 2009

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Kevin,I have an older North Face shell that is a L and still fits me perfectly. 6' 1", 200lbs, athletic build. Five eight 155lbs to 160lbs size medium athletic build.

By:
February 14, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

the bomb! super warm!

By:
December 10, 2008

I have a size Med which fits me perfect! 5'10" 168lb
very light and very warm! with a shell and a light base layer you won't have to worry about being cold at all. I get many compliments and I highly recommend this jacket. the down regulates temp so well. as for leaking down I have not had a big problem with that at all... Ladies this would be a great gift for your man!

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at what approximate temperature is the Thunder jacket comfortable

at what approximate temperature is the Thunder jacket comfortable on its own?

By:
November 22, 2008

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I got the jacket and wore only a t-shirt with it on a 40 degree night (weather.com said it "feels like 37 degrees" - I guess because of wind?) and I walked for about 15 minutes and felt NO cold. My hands and legs were freezing though. No exaggerations but am unsure what the results would be if I wasn't moving or just stood in the cold for an hour. Again, I was only wearing a t-shirt just to test this thing out. I was actually surprised.

By:
December 19, 2008

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Rating for this product: 1

Not even worth it

By:
December 3, 2008

This is the first 1 star rating I've ever given here.

This has a great sport fit, hugs tight. However I wore it around the house to test it out and within a few hours it already was leaking down. There are around 5-8 holes where feathers are coming/poking out. I'm leaving them there as evidence for my return. Maybe I got a defective one?

I would not recommend this to a friend and am promptly returning this.

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I'm stuck between the northface thunder versus the patagonia

I'm stuck between the northface thunder versus the patagonia down sweater. Anyone suggest which one is better and why? They both seem very similar as far as I can tell. Thanks.

By:
November 21, 2008

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They are very similar. Patagonia uses sweet, recycled fabric. But the North Face jacket's curvy lines just looks better, IMHO. I ended up getting the Patagonia down pullover. It's an anorak version of their down sweater, and I am very happy with the purchase. You really can't go wrong with any of these jackets. Also consider the Marmot Zeus. Very similar, but significantly less money.

By:
January 27, 2009

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Rating for this product: 5

Outstanding Jacket

By: Backcountry.com Employee
October 28, 2008

This jacket is awesome. Great loft with 800 fill down, Pertex shell and an amazing fit. This will work great as a light weight layering piece.

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Does the northface thunder have a stronger exterior than the

Does the northface thunder have a stronger exterior than the Patagonia down sweater? Which one will hold the down better better?

By:
November 21, 2008

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I think they are both equally as strong!But I am pretty sure the north face has a better warranty!

By:
February 14, 2009

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Is this jacket warm enought for near zero degree temps?

Is this jacket warm enought for near zero degree temps?

By:
October 9, 2008

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Not on its own. But with not much layering, you should be set.

By:
October 9, 2008

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can this be used as a zip in liner witha northface shell

can this be used as a zip in liner witha northface shell

By:
August 2, 2008

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No, this jacket is not zip in compatible.

By: Backcountry.com Employee
August 13, 2008

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Change me.

Out of Stock

Item: TNF3637

2008 Model No Longer Available

We have a lot more Men's Down Jackets than that

Men's Down Jackets

Research other out-of-stock versions:

Packs to nothing!

5 star rating

By: Mike Traslin February 17, 2009

This jacket has a great athletic fit.
And works great as a mid layer.
A very warm jacket for how light it is to carry for ski touring,and ski more...

AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE

1 star rating

By: dou2613931 January 28, 2009

This is a warm and cozy jacket BUT within just 2 weeks of using it, it had lost ALL of its feathers in the back area. My backpack compressed the down, more...

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Material:
[Shell] 100% nylon ripstop 
Insulation:
800-Fill down 
Hood:
No 
Pockets:
2 Front 
Waterproof:
No 
Core Venting:
No 
Weight:
13.4oz (380g) 
Recommended Use:
Climbing, skiing, casual 
Manufacturer Warranty:
Lifetime