Cath Lewis
Reviewed: 09 December 2004
Don't rely on this to keep you dry for long!
Very warm with the fleece in. Comfortable. A good length. Security pocket between the two layers is very secure. It looks nice.
This developed wet patches within half an hour, in moderate rain. Clearly visible wet stripe inside the hood along the volume adjuster, around the cuffs, and in the creases of the arms. The wet patches correlated with areas on the outside that didnt look waterproof: some water was on the surface as beads, and some had soaked in, leaving darker patches. Not enough pockets. Annoying to have the waist draw-cord inside the main pockets.
As this leaked within half an hour, you would be soaked wearing it all day. OK for walking the dog round the block on a cold day, but a rip-off for what it cost. North Face say there is nothing wrong with it according to their tests (not sure what these are, but recommend they try wearing it for a few hours instead) so the shop will not refund/exchange. Watch out for shops that dont offer no-quibble returns on waterproofs!
