User Review: The North Face Mountain Light Parka

The North Face Mountain Light Parka
Above: The current Mountain Light Parka, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed April 2, 2001 by Jon Pollard

Rating:
Fabric: Two-ply Gore Tex
Price Paid: $269

I have worn this jacket for two winters here in the southeast Alaska rain forest. I really wanted to like the jacket because I spent a bunch of money on it and who wants to admit to making a mistake? However, I realize now that it's not a particularly well-designed product. The hood is lousy - it is impossible to cinch it down properly for wet and windy conditions and the wind whips it around like a rag. The storm flaps around the main zipper, pockets and vents ALWAYS get stuck in the zippers - it's amazing that I haven't ripped the material. The "core vents" provide inadequate ventilation, particularly when I am carrying a backpack - there are no pit zippers. The cut of the jacket is bag-like and ill-fitting (at least for my torso), and the DWR is not durable or water repellent for long. I don't thinks this jacket is worth purchasing at any price, given the much better jackets out there.

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