DO NOT USE DRYER SHEETS WITH SYNTHETIC MATERIALS! They stick to the fibers and will rapidly turn your soft, cozy fleece into worse than a dog blanket...

Go to a (good) shoe store and ask if they'll measure your arch length for you. Chaco sizes depend on arch length and not toe length.

The hem cinches are definitely there, the cords are tucked into the pockets with the toggles down below them at the hem in front. This prevents them from snagging on harnesses or other climbing lines.

Comment on last years model:
TNF's earliest prototypes had used 10 denier Syncro, which evolved into 10 denier Pertex Quantum GL (gossamer lightness). This is the shiny material on the shell. It's shiny because it is heated to tighten the fibers and make it more down proof. This is necessary because the material is so thin. That process also gave it the excellent tear and abrasion resistance that it otherwise wouldn't have.
The liner material is a 20 denier traditional style Pertex Quantum, which is softer against the skin.
Long story short, it is Syncro, but under a different name. It's also Quantum.

I hope I'm not too late to be helpful, but there is absolutely no way that this even comes close to comparing to your Alpha LT or any other Goretex Pro Shell in breathability or any other function. All of the other design and material aspects set aside the reasons this will not be as breathable is because this HyVent 2.5 has 300,000-500,000 pores per square inch whereas Goretex like on your Alpha has over nine billion per square inch. You're right in that hard shells are only SO breathable - this is where construction comes in. Eventually sweat condenses since even the most breathable waterproof material is still a modified plastic bag, the question then is what happens with that condensed sweat. In theory a material like HyVent 2.5 is more breathable than a three layer material because the moisture vapor goes straight through the waterproof breathable material without having to go through something else, but it's still going to condense. With a three layer Goretex Pro Shell like your Alpha this condensation can be wicked through the membrane by the third layer, but this jacket, lacking the third layer, will instead let that condensation continue to condense and drip down your back, impacting breathability and reducing comfort.
I hope this answers your question about breathability - if you have any other questions please let me know.

I would actually recommend sizing up to the Large, as they tend to run small. You could try the regular - if you're wearing ski or snowboard boots and using the built in gaiter the difference might not even be that noticeable. I wear 32 (medium) long in my everyday pants but a large - regular in my ski pants. The main reason I like the shorter length is to help prevent anything I'm wearing on my feet (snowshoes, crampons, etc.) from snagging the cuffs.

If you're talking about the color name, R is for RECYCLED and TNF is The North Face. The TNF in it really doesn't mean anything, but the R means it's made of recycled materials.

The straps for connecting skis diagonally have another attachment point directly across from where they originate, to be used for snowboards, and can be moved to one or the other easily. When you move it, you have the ability to carry a snowboard vertically. I haven't tried it, but it may be possible to turn those clips so that you could carry a snowboard horizontally. It would be worth a try.

For a true winter boot you're best off looking for something completely waterproof, as you might be walking through slushy snow with them on. Apres boots and shoes are made for just kicking around the lodge, and although they work alright for powdery, light snow, they'll get wet and not be warm in moister snow. These are a winter boot.

No. The Denali is made of Polartec Classic 300 fleece, this is made of TNF's proprietary TKA fleece. TKA is denser and not as warm for its weight as that of Polartec.

Call TNF warranty and if they don't have them in stock, they'll help you work something out!

This should fit a little slimmer than usual.

If there's a women's jacket that's warmer, it won't be by much. The shell is windproof, and there is a lot of down in it. The length helps keep it over the blood vessels near the surface of your inner thighs and makes a huge difference in warmth. If you're worried that it might not be enough, look into the Himalayan Parka or some other similar design. My sisters both live in Chicago and they love their Arctic Parkas.

I wouldn't trust it for a sensitive piece of expensive electronics unless you could find a way to pad it. As to it attracting attention, you'll find that TNF products attract a lot of attention abroad as well. The shoulder harness would also likely be too narrow and might end up pinching your neck and being uncomfortable, since women's harnesses are narrower. You could try it, though!

Extremely well, as the tent is actually entirely made of fly material (single-walled). The material is also extremely breathable, and will likely develop less condensation than any other fly material.

You can attach the Base Camp Gear Locker onto that part of it.

Good question. For that matter - are you just going between car and building or are you actively moving a lot or are you waiting for the bus? I've lived in Minnesota, this likely wouldn't be enough for most people up there. I live in North Carolina, and I wore the DIez (very similar design) very comfortably all winter without wishing I had a warmer jacket.

The women's harness is designed to accommodate narrower shoulders and curves more for a woman's chest. The back panel has a softer, less dense foam. The colors are cuter!

If you look at the EN ratings, you'll see this is actually more like a 0 degree bag. I have a couple of TNF Summit Series bags and I have noticed that they start to leak cold at the hood after about 4-5 hours. I'd probably recommend the MH Lamina -30. Naturally, if you're in a tent or otherwise sheltered as opposed to sleeping outside at those temperatures, then you won't necessarily need the warmer bag.

Hanging! The down's loft will be restored quicker. If it seems less lofty after a while, wash it using the tiniest thimbleful of detergent, making sure that it all gets rinsed out. Ideally, do so in a front-loading washer. Dry it then at low heat, and throw a coupla clean tennis shoes in with it to pound up and loft up the down. As long as you get all the detergent out, there's nothing you can do to down that can't be restored by a washing.

I got an update on this! TNF's earliest prototypes had used 10 denier Syncro, which evolved into 10 denier Pertex Quantum GL (gossamer lightness). This is the shiny material on the shell. It's shiny because it is heated to tighten the fibers and make it more down proof. This is basically necessary because the material is so thin. That process also gave it the excellent tear and abrasion resistance that it otherwise wouldn't have.
The liner material is indeed a 20 denier traditional style Pertex Quantum, which is softer against the skin.
Long story short, it is Syncro, but under a different name.
The new Fall 2011 version is even more awesome. It is still shiny. It is fully baffled rather than sewn-through quilting, and with 900 fill down. It weighs about 14 ounces as opposed to the older model's 10, but apparently 95% of that additional weight is more down.

The R TNF Black has a slightly denser-feeling fleece. It won't make a difference in warmth or appearance, it's almost impossible to tell the difference by looking at them and hard to tell by feel unless you're very familiar with them. Usually when TNF updates a color like this, they're using a more sustainable material and it has nothing to do with the color. My guess based on feel is that the R TNF Black would be more pill resistant, but otherwise there's no real difference.

True to size, but fairly narrow. I go with either a 9.5 or a 10, my foot actually being just shy of a 9.5. I got the 9.5 in these.

That would be a medium - regular. They have it.

The Surge is really made for a laptop. If you're not carrying a laptop, you're going to lose some usable space to that organization and it won't be much bigger than your Amira. If space is the biggest concern, the Women's Recon is the highest volume women's pack. The Recon will also be able to carry a laptop, but it won't be as secure.

This should pack down extremely well. The brim is slightly stiff, but not completely rigid like a baseball cap.

If they don't unzip all the way, send them out to TNF warranty. They'll take care of it for you. Don't force them to the point that they break, because then the damage won't necessarily be warrantied.

You could pitch the fly first using the footprint. I've never seen any insects get through the mesh, and I live in North Carolina where there is basically any horrible insect you could imagine.

The weight DOES include those items.

That piece is no longer produced. The most similar is the Salathe jacket for materials, TKA 100 Texture Masonic Hoodie for fit.

Yep! Almost all TNF bags, as well as many other manufacturers, use the same zipper for that purpose. Ideally get another TNF bag so you'll know for certain. One would have to be left hand, the other right hand zips. It wouldn't matter if the bag were regular or long, the zipper length is the same.

In this case, I recommend the Blue Kazoo. The advantages for the Nebula are the waterproof shell and draft collar. If you're going to be sleeping in a well-ventilated tent, the waterproof shell won't be doing much for you. It's best for frost or dew. The draft collar is nice for cutting off cold from making it down to your core, but the hood design on the Nebula leaves a lot to be desired. I have the Nova, which is the same design but warmer, and I definitely find cold sneaking in after a few hours along the sides of the hood. The 800 fill down makes it more compressible than the BK, but that is offset by the HyVent shell, which is less compressible.
The new fitted hood on the Blue Kazoo is superb, and will largely offset the need for the draft collar. The Blue Kazoo is now lighter than the Nebula. The hood, weight, and price definitely make the BK a shining star this season.
Unless you're planning on sleeping out in frost or dew, the extra money for the Nebula probably isn't worth it.

This bag only comes with a compression stuff sack. Don't store it in that. If you don't feel like getting a larger storage sack, don't worry about it. You can store a bag just loosely placed on a shelf.

They're fairly huge in their sizing, I'd probably say XS

If you're going to be pushing the temperature rating, definitely go with the regular so that you'll fill it and heat it more efficiently. It also makes a difference if you're a side sleeper, as if you are you'll tuck your legs enough to make an inch or two difference. I'm 6'2 and a side sleeper and I mostly use bags that have a max user height of 6' so that I heat them efficiently.

The biggest differences are weight, hood design, and the waterproof shell. The plasma weighs a lot less.
The hood on the plasma is more fitted, I've noticed cold start to leak after about 4-5 hours around the sides of the hood on my other TNF Summit Series bags... unless you're really pushing the limits on the bag, you won't notice this. When you are, it can be scary. I've combated it by stuffing a puffy jacket into the neck of the bag, which works but is not comfortable.
The HyVent shell makes this bag awesome in situations when you're expecting a lot of condensation dripping off of the tent. I've found it most useful when I'm using my bags in very cold weather when I don't need to use a tent - don't even need to worry about frost on them. In theory, it should work the same way with dew if you're using it in warmer weather.
I have the Nova (same features as the Nebula but a 0 degree bag) and the Hightail, which is more like the Plasma. The Hightail is actually almost as warm as the Nova and I find myself reaching for it 9 times out of 10 because of the lower weight and the more fitted hood. If I had to make the decision, I'd go with the Plasma.

Yes, but only for a friendly one

Any TNF color (it's only in the Venture series this season) with a T in front of it is made with a new polyurethane that's 50% castor oil based, making it more sustainable. Because of the change in materials, the old colors (without the T) are on sale. Besides these materials, there is no difference in cut or performance.

I'd say large, mostly because if you wanted to put things in the pockets and went up to the XL, they'd probably fall down.

TNF product books for the fall say 17.5 ounces.

It would probably be okay, but if you're really worried about it, instead get a jacket made with Goretex. Almost all of the other waterproof/breathable materials that are proprietary technologies of a clothing manufacturer, such as HyVent, are a polyurethane coating sprayed onto the face fabric. Goretex and eVent are a laminate membrane created separately, then bonded to the face fabric. Whereas the PU coatings will crack and peel, the laminate membranes won't. I've worn through HyVent in only 4 months before.

You could probably loosen out the side compression straps. As to fit, the hip belt should be completely tight, the shoulder straps tightened just to the point where you feel them snug, not tight enough that there's weight on your shoulders. the load lifters should be at a 45 degree angle to your body, basically to where it's not so tight that you can't push them down. the sternum strap should not be tight enough that it pulls the shoulder harness inwards, only enough so to keep it centered.

I'd guess that's the reason that it was at the discount outlet.

Just the right cargo pocket this year has a zipper on it. The liner is amazingly comfortable.

I have the first model of the Diez (Fall 2010) and it says Quantum on the tags. I'm not sure if the lining and outside materials are actually the same thing, though. The lining seems very similar to the Quantum used on the Thunder Jacket, and the outside is, well, different... TNF has been saying Synchro since it came out, so maybe it is the case that Synchro is on the outside, and Quantum on the lining. It seems to me that they're different. As far as the 'down-proof' factor of the fabrics, the few down clusters I've seen poke through have ONLY ever been on the inside.
The outside is definitely shiny, the inside not.
Hopefully this helps... I can't say for certain what the material is, but i can say for certain that the liner and shell materials SEEM different.

Above all it's made to be abrasion resistant. I had the chance, with one that was already damaged, to try to push my thumbs through it. It's possible to do so, but it gives and stretches quite a bit beforehand. I've actually tugged and rubbed at these without any damage, it's really punctures that you should be concerned with, but ultimately any of those situations would see your body getting damaged, too. Something that really punched into it hard or for a long time might be able to work its way through. It's less durable than a thicker material - no surprise. For its thickness, it's very tough.

Climashield is a brand that produces synthetic insulations, Heatshield is TNF's proprietary stuff. The Climashield will be more compressible, lighter for its warmth, softer, and last through more compression cycles.

This is a top load only pack, with no side zipper or sleeping bag compartment

Probably too late to be helpful, but the Thunder would do just fine if the only snow you're experiencing is what's falling from the sky. Snow has such a low moisture content that you really only need a water resistant jacket unless you're going to be rolling in it.

Literally just turn the left hand pocket inside out and just stuff material starting with that part of the jacket. The whole thing will fit easily right in there. This is for transport only, not storage, though. Store it on a hanger, instead of stuffed. Repeated stowing and un-stowing will crack the polyurethane coating, at which point it will peel and no longer be waterproof.

Not even close. HyVent is a polyurethane coating sprayed on to a consistency of approximately 300,000-500,000 pores per square inch. Goretex inspects their material to ensure that every piece has more than 9 billion pores.

The BX version comes in a box that makes it easier for retailers to stock. Both of them would be the same tent, with all of the same specs and stuff sacks and so on.

Kennen Sie vielleicht jemanden, der in die USA wohnt? Wahrscheinlich wäre es einfacher, wenn er es kauft und weiterschickt...

I also have last year's model and haven't had any issues with the velcro. It might be worth waiting until a time when you're not using it, then send it in to TNF's warranty department. They've taken care of similar issues on other jackets on other occasions. The turnaround period can be a while, though, so make sure you can part with it for a while.

Literally just turn the left hand pocket inside out and start stuffing material starting with that part of the jacket. The whole thing will fit easily right in there. Store it on a hanger, instead of stuffed. Repeated stowing and un-stowing will crack the polyurethane coating, at which point it will peel and no longer be waterproof.

You had the Nimble Zip Shirt. That material is featured in the Nimble, Apex Elixir (gusseted for climbing), and the Cipher/Cipher Hybrid (constructed with Gore Windstopper through core and shoulders for higher weather resistance). The Apex Pneumatic is made with the same material in a thicker, more weather resistant weave. The Prolix is an even thinner, more breathable Apex soft shell. These jackets all have stretch-woven Apex materials that do not have a laminate membrane, which makes them more breathable than materials with a membrane, such as Windstopper.
The Kishtwar is made with the more water resistant Polartec Powershield Pro soft shell material. If you can still find it somewhere, the Aero jacket from last year is made entirely of Windstopper.
I've worked for TNF for quite a while and have owned many of these jackets. Except for the Kishtwar I stay completely clear of membrane soft shells. 85% of the time I use my Kishtwar, 10% Prolix, and on rare occasions I reach for my Cipher.
As far as other brands are concerned I'm not as informed. The materials are basically the same - I suggest staying clear of anything laminated.

for summer camping in NC i just use a twin sized sheet... weighs about the same and costs much less...

It comes with two pieces of cording that are in the top lid pocket. You can lash them anywhere you want on the pack. They're not elastic or shock cord, basically just nylon cord with toggles for tightening or loosening.

That's called de-lamination and is part of the normal lifetime of basically any waterproof/breathable material that isn't Gore-tex or eVent. Most of the time they'll last 3-4 years before coming delaminated, but that depends on use. Gore-tex, on the other hand, has a shelf life of approximately 20 years and is guaranteed for life to keep you dry. TNF warranty doesn't always cover de-lamination. Although HyVent is less expensive, Gore-tex pays itself off over its lifetime.
Some factors that speed up de-lamination are excessive stowing and un-stowing, and abrasion. For example, I wore out the seat and thighs of a pair of REI rain pants made with a polyurethane coating similar to HyVent in 4 months simply from riding my bike. The thighs wore thin from abrasion, the seat had the polyurethane crack and peel off, similar to what you've seen. Washing it in a machine actually is good for it - and one should do so when its dirty.
I now have a pair of Goretex Paclite pants that are as good as new after some serious abuse.

The new colors in the Venture series (they're all preceded with a T) are made of a more sustainable material that's 50% non-petroleum based polyurethane. The old ones went on sale, and that's why there's a difference. Asphalt Grey/Asphalt Grey/Asphalt Grey is named three times because there was a previous color called Asphalt Grey that had a different trim on it. They should both be all grey with no accents, though.
I think this has answered your question... holler if it hasn't!

The Zealot is an update on the Primero series - I'd look at reviews of that. One complaint I've heard with about 50% of the people who purchased the Primero was that the foam in the lumbar would eat them up and spit them out as an abraded, raw mess. The Zealot has addressed that, and has a better foam. My experience with the X Radial (both on the Primero and El Lobo series) has been EXTREMELY positive on long hikes. I work for TNF retail and was able to borrow both packs from our demo gear to try them out. The frame does an excellent job of moving with your body. With the older X-Radial the complaints had been that the frame, although otherwise very durable, was too exposed. There is now a plastic coversheet on the frame. As far as buckles... they're the same heat-treated ones that come on most other packs, and you can expect the same sort of durability. The most common situation for the buckles breaking is checking them on an airplane...
It could carry a load up to 50 pounds, and as comfortably as you can expect a load of that much to be carried. Naturally, I have a lot of TNF brand loyalty but would honestly suggest either a Gregory or an Osprey over the Zealot. Despite that the X-Radial is SUPERB, the Zealot is a very heavy pack. If you're going to stick with TNF, look at the El Lobo. The Osprey Argon series or the Gregory Baltoro would also definitely be work looking into. Don't tell the boss I told you that.
Hopefully this answers your question!

Good question! TNF had been making it with synthetics, then switched to the real McCoy last spring - it may be that some sites have the synthetic version still and others have the real leather version. Or the sites might be misinformed or otherwise uncertain of what they actually have.

Any TNF color (it's only in the Venture series this season) with a T in front of it is made with a new polyurethane that's 50% castor oil based, making it more sustainable.

I've actually played with my pit bull while wearing this. Her nails have pulled the stitches a little, but never torn the material.
I've also worn it on trips and have it grabbed by sticks with no pulls, no tears. Furthermore, this has been the most downproof material I've come across.
Think about this: the material was originally used in parachute canopies. If it can support the weight of a person, it can hold up to normal wear and tear. Just don't take knives to it, though.

Any TNF color (it's only in the Venture series this season) with a T in front of it is made with a new polyurethane that's 50% castor oil based, making it more sustainable.

Got this from TNF's website. It pitches the same as the Mountain 25, so you can use this. I believe this to be an outdated manual, the new model has clips and doesn't have the mesh on the vents. It also includes the fabric snow stakes. Setup should be the same.
Hope this is enough.
http://thenorthface.com/downloads/pdf/instructions-AAS8.pdf

It should have came with one. I'd just call TNF warranty and they'll be able to get one to you.

Yes. With high quality down and lightweight shell materials, little down clusters will poke through every so often. When they do so, grab them from the other side of the baffle and pull them back into it. Afterwards, work the material around it to help tighten the fibers where it was poking through. If you can't get the cluster back into the baffle, let it fall out on its own and then work the material.
Whatever you do - don't pull the clusters out. That makes the hole bigger and it won't be able to tighten back down.

No! The cuffs, hood, and hem are all pre-cinched to save weight. The elastic does make it snug on all of those points, but it's elastic, so it stretches. All told, I like the fit of it, being a tall skinny guy, because all of the cinch points are tight. Of course, I only know personally how the men's version fits!

Yes! One would have to be a left hand, the other a right hand zip.

Hard to say if they'll hold up to that, they're really made more for running. If a seam splits, you can always send them in to TNF warranty.

Backcountry has received the new version, with 650 fill down and a number of other updates (the new hood design is awesome!) and the TNF website still has the old style, with 600 fill down. TNF will likely update their site soon.

TNF's 'Alpine fit' is 2 inches narrower in circumference than their standard fit. As this is a climbing jacket, it is long, particularly through the sleeves. By my guess, you'd be in a medium. I'm 6'1 170 with a long torso and wear a medium, although I'm right on the border as far as the length in the centerback is concerned.
Hopefully this answers your question.

No. The only shells that accept zip-ins are the Mountain Light and Varius Guide jackets. You can of course always layer, but this jacket is very fitted and the only way you'd be able to fit this over a Denali would be to go one or even two sizes up.
Hopefully I've answered your question.

This vest has two hand pockets that zip closed. The left hand pocket is the 'stow pocket', and it can be stuffed down inside out into that pocket and then zipped closed. The 25 inch centerback is based on size medium. It has a performance fit, and will fit about 2 inches narrower in circumference than a TNF garment with standard fit.
Hopefully this answers your questions.

The set up is actually very simple - it's actually all color coded. Blue poles will go to blue grommets, blue clips will clip onto it, etc. The 'abandons conventional pole design' applies to the poles that are yellow and orange. They are connected at a hub, and that helps reduce weight while still providing steeper side walls and more space and headroom in the interior. Although this is labeled as a 3 pole tent, it's actually difficult to say how many poles it has. The orange and yellow poles, being hubbed, are all connected by the same shock cord and are attached together. The blue pole is separate. The 'Jake's Feet' on the orange and yellow poles make it very easy for one person to pitch without poles coming out of grommets.
This is a very comfortable and remarkably sturdy tent! I've sat out some pretty strong storms with 4 people in it sitting up and playing cards without it feeling cramped or unstable. I work for TNF, and we had one in demo gear to check out. I used it so many times I decided I needed one for myself, and have been very pleased with the purchase!
Hopefully this answers your question.

It has only one, and it's to save weight that it doesn't have a second!

That would work. Honestly I'd just use a small amount of a powder detergent, and make sure to give it an extra rinse. This is NOT a waterproof garment, nor does that product actually waterproof the material. For all practical matters - if it's warm enough to be raining, it's much too warm for the Him Parka.

In terms of warmth or weather protection - nothing. If you're just looking for a jacket to wear around town, they'll be the same for you. However, the Bionic breathes very poorly and this does an excellent job of allowing out the moisture vapor from your sweat. The hand pockets of the Gritstone are higher up to be harness and backpack compatible, and are larger so you can get into them with big mitts or gloves on. The pockets also vent. The Bionic has no stretch or give, and the Gritstone does. All told the Bionic is a casual only jacket, and the Gritstone will work much better for technical use as well!

Nope!

The fit should be the same, with the exception of the Sentinel Thermal having pre-cinched cuffs and this having cuff tabs. The thermal fleece (theoretically) is about 15-20% warmer, but has a tendency to 'grab' whatever layers you have below it. The Windstopper of the Sentinel has pretty nice give through the shoulders, but the Gritstone isn't lacking in give either. Windstopper is slightly more water resistant, Windbloc is more breathable. The alpine pockets of the Gritstone are easier to get into, and ultimately will help with venting. The shell material of the Windstopper is a touch smoother, making it a bit quieter. All told, I own a Sentinel Thermal from last year (it's better this year), but I would still purchase the Gritstone if I could make the decision again this year. Not to mention that the red zips help it look a little less dull!

In addition to a shell, probably. If you tend to run cold, you might want to go up to the Redpoint Optimus jacket. I know someone who summited Kiliminjaro last February in a Redpoint Optimus and she said she was the only one warm on summit day.

TNF used a lot of 3L performance shell this year because it has a little more give and stretch than the pro shell. I can see how backcountry got mixed up - generally only the pro shell is 3L.

probably too late to be useful to you, but remember that ALL north face tents are warrantied, unless the O or the A on the label has been blacked out. the 'o-block' or 'a-block' means that it was from an outlet or has been marked as damaged or defective, respectively. Outlet and D&D products no longer have warranty.

i'm 6' and i use a regular for warmer weather bags, long for colder weather. if you compress the down (if your feet are really pushing at it) it loses its insulation value. if you don't feel the down compressing, you're alright in the regular. also, if you're a side sleeper you can generally make do with the shorter bag since you don't extend your body all the way.

it's still PVC, now it's just phthalate-free PVC.

i work for TNF and we got bored one day and did the math out... The medium is either one inch too tall or one inch too long for an overhead compartment if it's overstuffed. with a normal load in it, it fits exactly.

fabric's just as good - TNF wanted it to be 'greener'. Costs 10 bucks more, though.

i'd suggest taking out the bladder and using the sleeve for the laptop, then just bring a water bottle.

take off the hip belt and shoulder harness and stow them in the pack, sometimes they confuse it for a duffel bag and let you bring a much too large pack in a plane