Team Geared Up

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND (Team Geared Up) - I’ve noticed these being heavily advertised in a lot of the major American climbing magazines recently (the only climbing magazines I have available in Australasia!) and since I actually own one, I thought I may as well put together my opinion/thoughts.

Here’s North Face’s description: “This ultra-lightweight, full-zip, hooded shell is constructed of HyVentâ„¢ Dry Touch performance fabric for the optimal combination of weather protection and packability. Features like mini pit-vents, a hem cinchcord and reflective logos make the DIAD as versatile as it is light. The North Face® Flight Seriesâ„¢.”
Link to The North Face’s site also here

Firstly, I bought this for a 3-week trip to China last September. It was acquired on the pretense that it packs up to a tiny size, is ultra-light, and is fully waterproof (something not all the ultra-light jackets guarantee). It performed admirably in a full 20-hour non-stop rain shower while in China so I can definitely confirm it’s performance from that point of view. It was being used on a continuous run/hike - we decided to the 2-1/2 day trip in one blast - at the time and I didn’t have any major problems of being soaked internally from sweat (no more than expected) considering the high humidity, the pits zips made a big difference with this.
The hood is great also, considering it’s only a single pull-string for the whole head it fits remarkably well with out a hat or a light-weight running hat on (haven’t tried it with a helmet so can’t comment).
Unfortunately, the original had to be returned as the one and only pocket (upper chest) decided to separate from the rest of the jacket. The jacket’s primary design point is that all the seams are heat-treated, not stitched. Unfortunately, while out running with my mobile in the pocket, it pulled apart. I’d no problems with an exchange however so that’s a compliment to North Face.
The second has shown no problems, but having said that, I haven’t run with a phone in the pocket either ;) Lesson learnt, but I do think that was just unlucky anyway.
Other than that, it’s been ultra-reliable on this 6-month tour taking all the abuse of a non-stop trip, including the usual bashing through trees, etc. without any damage.
I have noticed that the jacket does ride up your waist a bit while using the jacket for high activity (i.e. running) but it’s not overly bad – I’m very thin, and it’s probably the best jacket I’ve had (i.e. it doesnt’ move up badly) for total lack of movement.
All in all, a good buy for a pretty decent price.

Sizing: I bought a small originally, but the replacement is a medium (no smalls left in the shop and I was leaving for Asia!). I don’t think the jacket is any longer in the chest, slightly looser on the shoulders and in the arms.