THE NORTH FACE Mammatus Jacket 2008/2009
Product Description
Description:
As storm clouds roil over the the skyline, threatening snow, rain, or both, protect yourself in The North Face's waterproof Mammatus Jacket that's specifically designed for the alpine climber. Water and ice roll down the seam-sealed GORE-TEX Pro Shell surface and polyurethane-coated zippers, from the adjustable, helmet-compatible hood to the hem cinchord that keeps water and wind out, all as you climb unhindered by the trim, performance fit.
Features:
When stormclouds threaten, pull on waterproof GORE-TEX Pro Shell protection that's seam-sealed to keep every raindrop out and breathable so you're never left feeling sticky
Fend off all precipitation with polyurethane-coated zippers and a fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood with hidden cord locks and a laminated brim
Twist, turn, and move in comfort, the performance fit doesn't cause awkward bunching and the laminated tricot collar is soft against your chin
Water won't sneak down your sleeves with the non-abrasive molded cuff tabs that don't chafe
Stow your GPS or trail map in the 2 alpine pockets that sit above a harness or in the 2 Napoleon pockets that don't interfere with pack straps
Block the wind by adjusting the hideaway hem cinchcord or by tightening the waist cinchord via the adjustments in the pockets
Specifications:
Weight: 1 lb 1.6 oz
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Pro Shell 3 layer laminate
Shell fabric: 40 denier nylon ripstop micro-grid woven
Secondary fabric: 70 denier nylon plain weave
RETAIL PRICE: $499
Features
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delmarco - Sep 16, 2008 4:30 pm - Voted 4/5
Light and easy to wear! Does the job but too many quality control issues...This is TNF serious premiere alpine jacket, that is not intended for street/urban fashion wear. So my curiosity put it to test during a wet, chilly September weekend in the Gunks.
Immediately I noticed that all my issues with the Modulus (weight, sleeves being too short, bulk and difficulty to wear during active outdoor sports) were solved with the Mammatus. The Mammutus is much lighter and easier to pack away and to throw on for anything from a weekend rock climb to a day out on the slopes. It wore comfortably with my climbing harness and because the hem is longer than the Modulus I didn't get much problem with it riding up whiles climbing. My only complaints were the copious amount of "vertical" zippered pockets across the chest that become useless once you put on a backpack and find the straps from your pack covers all four chest pockets. Not sure why TNF insists on tons of poorly designed pocketry in the wrong places. Just by having the chest pockets slightly slanted would have made them pack friendly and easier to access. How hard is that to do? The zippers are also very stiff (stiffer than other brands) during the first few times out and that is in warm weather not when temps dip below freezing (when that happens good luck with them pockets). Also, while the design of the jacket is okay, the quality of the outer nylon and stiching is very very very cheap. It literally has the feel and look of a $20 Walmart rain coat. I'm serious. That said, this jacket is way overpriced at $499. With that money, getting a Marmot Exum which cost around $375, or the Arcteryx Theta AR which costs $499, will be a much better deal for anyone serious about their outdoor pursuits.
After a weekend of semi-rigorous wear, I doubt that the quality of the Mammatus will give me years of use. Maybe the careful adventurer may get about 2 good years out of it. Then again that supports TNF recent philosphy of flooding the markets each couple of months with completely brand new gear that isn't an improvement from the last season line up. Someone needs to tell them that changing the colors and names of their gear doesn't make it better that what was out the year before.
PROS: Light, Easy to pack away and wear, Hood is pretty sweet, Sleeves are nice and long, ProShell.
CONS: Super high price, Super poor quality, Pocket quantity and locations, Hemline and waist cinch cords are impossible to get to-and this is without gloves or mitts, color choices very odd.