User Review: The North Face Men's Mountain Light Jacket

An all-around all-weather good jacket. I purchased this jacket back in '98. I don't recall exactly how much I paid for it but I think it was the retail price. It didn't matter, I was too excited about getting my first TNF Mountain Light Jacket. I bought a large and to this day I wish I had gotten the medium. I am 5'6" and it hangs too long as well as in the sleeves if I don't have them velcro'ed up.

I've worn the jacket everywhere from backcountry, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, around town, and plain old daily use. It is lightweight and easy enough to roll and stuff away. I don't think the jacket has ever leaked but I know it could use a gore treatment. At first I had to get used to the chest pockets and still would like some hand warming pockets down by the waist. I had to send the jacket to North Face once to have the outer zipper repaired. I find the pit zips very useful in cooling down and the interior stow pocket great for storing things away.

In '99 I purchased a Denali vest and wore that zipped in as my insulation layer. I've never had a problem with trying to remain warm alhtough I wish I would have gotten the Denali jacket instead. The interior zipper for the Denali broke off and I haven't attempted to send the jacket back. I just wear it as a two piece instead of one.

Recently I have been looking around for a replacement. I haven't decided if I will stick with buying another Mountain Light or try a Mountain Hardware or Marmot. It will probably depend on which one has a good sale price.