The North Face Men's Free Thinker Jacket

Dink Reeves - 2008-04-06

Bullet proof.
So why did I by a second one? For fear they may break the mold on the Free Thinker model!! A lot like the old North Face RTG series, this is the best shell on the market if you want the toughest longest lasting layer between you and the elements. And thanks to the designer for toning down the logos. Worth the wait and the investment.

Was this North Face Free Thinker Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No (1 of 1 liked this review)

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Dink Reeves - 2008-04-06

Bullet proof.
So why did I by a second one? For fear they may break the mold on the Free Thinker model!! A lot like the old North Face RTG series, this is the best shell on the market if you want the toughest longest lasting layer between you and the elements. And thanks to the designer for toning down the logos. Worth the wait and the investment.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Anonymous - 2008-03-09

Versatile shell worth every penny
The Free Thinker is a lightweight shell that can be worn in a wide range of weather conditions (outdoors and even roaming the wet streets of NYC). It is probably the most waterproof shell from TNF that I have owned (compared to Sedition, Ama Dablam) and the fabric is very durable. In addition, I purchased the Free Thinker in white understanding how quickly it can get dirty but surprisingly, the fabric does a fairly good job staying clean. The pockets are deep and many to store items and a loose enough fit to have a mid-weight insulated layer. You definitely get what you pay for with this light, breathable, and extremely waterproof shell.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No

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> Read All 36 Reviews

Dink Reeves - 2008-04-06

Bullet proof.
So why did I by a second one? For fear they may break the mold on the Free Thinker model!! A lot like the old North Face RTG series, this is the best shell on the market if you want the toughest longest lasting layer between you and the elements. And thanks to the designer for toning down the logos. Worth the wait and the investment.

Was this North Face Free Thinker Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No (1 of 1 liked this review)

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Dink Reeves - 2008-04-06

Bullet proof.
So why did I by a second one? For fear they may break the mold on the Free Thinker model!! A lot like the old North Face RTG series, this is the best shell on the market if you want the toughest longest lasting layer between you and the elements. And thanks to the designer for toning down the logos. Worth the wait and the investment.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Anonymous - 2008-03-09

Versatile shell worth every penny
The Free Thinker is a lightweight shell that can be worn in a wide range of weather conditions (outdoors and even roaming the wet streets of NYC). It is probably the most waterproof shell from TNF that I have owned (compared to Sedition, Ama Dablam) and the fabric is very durable. In addition, I purchased the Free Thinker in white understanding how quickly it can get dirty but surprisingly, the fabric does a fairly good job staying clean. The pockets are deep and many to store items and a loose enough fit to have a mid-weight insulated layer. You definitely get what you pay for with this light, breathable, and extremely waterproof shell.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No

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Anonymous - 2008-03-09

Versatile shell worth every penny
The Free Thinker is a lightweight shell that can be worn in a wide range of weather conditions (outdoors and even roaming the wet streets of NYC). It is probably the most waterproof shell from TNF that I have owned (compared to Sedition, Ama Dablam) and the fabric is very durable. In addition, I purchased the Free Thinker in white understanding how quickly it can get dirty but surprisingly, the fabric does a fairly good job staying clean. The pockets are deep and many to store items and a loose enough fit to have a mid-weight insulated layer. You definitely get what you pay for with this light, breathable, and extremely waterproof shell.

Was this North Face Free Thinker Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No

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krekc - 2007-12-20

Fantastic Jacket!
Im 6'3" 230# and it fits perfect. I have long arms and the arm length is just right on this jacket. Unfortunately its not what Im looking for right now. I need a bit thicker jacket so Im returning this for a North Face Mens Ice Jacket which is a better fit for me at this time. However I would love to purchase this jacket in the future. The service at altrec was fantastic also as they were helpful immediately in my return. Kudos to Mike at altrec for helping me.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (7 of 7 liked this review)

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krekc - 2007-12-20

Fantastic Jacket!
Im 6'3" 230# and it fits perfect. I have long arms and the arm length is just right on this jacket. Unfortunately its not what Im looking for right now. I need a bit thicker jacket so Im returning this for a North Face Mens Ice Jacket which is a better fit for me at this time. However I would love to purchase this jacket in the future. The service at altrec was fantastic also as they were helpful immediately in my return. Kudos to Mike at altrec for helping me.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No

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Matthew Cooke - 2007-10-03

The best Ski Jacket on the market
We have been using the Freethinker for the last few years and wouldn't use anything else. We are a ski school in France and have over 60 instructors on the hill for 7 hours a day for 20 weeks a season. This jacket does what is says. Simple.

Was this North Face Free Thinker Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No (8 of 8 liked this review)

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Matthew Cooke - 2007-10-03

The best Ski Jacket on the market
We have been using the Freethinker for the last few years and wouldn't use anything else. We are a ski school in France and have over 60 instructors on the hill for 7 hours a day for 20 weeks a season. This jacket does what is says. Simple.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Wyndel Wayne - 2007-05-18

Fantastic North Face!!!
Incredible jacket!! Light weight, water proof, breathable, and most importantly keeps you dry!

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Wyndel Wayne - 2007-05-18

Fantastic North Face!!!
Incredible jacket!! Light weight, water proof, breathable, and most importantly keeps you dry!

Was this North Face Free Thinker Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No (0 of 1 liked this review)

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eg6turbo - 2007-05-01

Reviewed All Top Selling Jackets!! This won my vote by far!!
i was looking for a great snowboard jacket that wouldn't weight me down...this jacket by far is comfortable yet protective when the weather got nasty in the sierra this past February...been to 8 snow boarding trips this season and this baby has never let me down once...winds up to 75 mph gust and snow falling almost horizontally i stayed dry as a bone and barely felt a draft...now they are on sale!!

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (1 of 1 liked this review)

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eg6turbo - 2007-05-01

Reviewed All Top Selling Jackets!! This won my vote by far!!
i was looking for a great snowboard jacket that wouldn't weight me down...this jacket by far is comfortable yet protective when the weather got nasty in the sierra this past February...been to 8 snow boarding trips this season and this baby has never let me down once...winds up to 75 mph gust and snow falling almost horizontally i stayed dry as a bone and barely felt a draft...now they are on sale!!

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C T - 2007-04-25

Excellent Jacket - Extremely Versatile.
This jacket is extremely versatile. Whether I am snowboarding in 20 degree weather or 70 degree weather, the Free Thinker jacket keeps me dry and protected throughout the day!

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C T - 2007-04-25

Excellent Jacket - Extremely Versatile.
This jacket is extremely versatile. Whether I am snowboarding in 20 degree weather or 70 degree weather, the Free Thinker jacket keeps me dry and protected throughout the day!

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (4 of 4 liked this review)

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king hsiung Hu - 2007-04-08

a real good jacket
My daughter bought this jacket..i did wear it to China..it was really good ..light comfortable...no more cool even under very serious cold weather..

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (0 of 1 liked this review)

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king hsiung Hu - 2007-04-08

a real good jacket
My daughter bought this jacket..i did wear it to China..it was really good ..light comfortable...no more cool even under very serious cold weather..

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Mike S - 2007-03-17

excellent jacket
The jacket is very good waterproof and durable. It is very stylish and well made. It is a great ski jacket.

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Mike S - 2007-03-17

excellent jacket
The jacket is very good waterproof and durable. It is very stylish and well made. It is a great ski jacket.

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Anonymous - 2007-02-14

Heavy Duty
This jacket has solved all my issues with ski coats. It basically goes anywhere and does and everything with exceptional technology. I have never been wet, cold, or had any issues with zippers, seams, etc. I would recommend this jacket to anyone that is serious about being out in the elements while enjoying skiing or even just being outside.

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Anonymous - 2007-02-14

Heavy Duty
This jacket has solved all my issues with ski coats. It basically goes anywhere and does and everything with exceptional technology. I have never been wet, cold, or had any issues with zippers, seams, etc. I would recommend this jacket to anyone that is serious about being out in the elements while enjoying skiing or even just being outside.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Chia-Cheng Chang - 2007-01-21

The most functional jacket
The best thing about this jacket is lots of pockets and lots of hidden parts in the pockets, I had purchased TNF Gor-Tex mountain light jacket ten years ago, today it still working well, Today, I am really pleased by my free thinker, oh by the way the Altrac sales person gave me the best service that I have never had before and their professional knowledge is very impressive as well.

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Chia-Cheng Chang - 2007-01-21

The most functional jacket
The best thing about this jacket is lots of pockets and lots of hidden parts in the pockets, I had purchased TNF Gor-Tex mountain light jacket ten years ago, today it still working well, Today, I am really pleased by my free thinker, oh by the way the Altrac sales person gave me the best service that I have never had before and their professional knowledge is very impressive as well.

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Anonymous - 2007-01-18

over all execellant jacket
very good jacket what would be the cost in pounds if i was to buy it

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (0 of 1 liked this review)

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Anonymous - 2007-01-18

over all execellant jacket
very good jacket what would be the cost in pounds if i was to buy it

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Brandon B. - 2007-01-06

The Best North Face Jacket to Date
I received the Men's Free Thinker jacket as a gift for Christmas. My previous North Face jacket lasted 5 years including two harsh winters in Montreal and numerous ski trips. The North Face though has raised the bar with this jacket. I recently spent a week in Colorado. The tapered fit is better then the old straight sided design. The adjustable powder skirt and waterproof Goretex fabric made the jacket all the better for the varying conditions that I encounteres. This jacket was worth every penny and I would snatch it up before there are no more because The North Face only makes a small number of their high-end jackets for distribution. They sold me on the jacket, so now I need to look at the pants.

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Brandon B. - 2007-01-06

The Best North Face Jacket to Date
I received the Men's Free Thinker jacket as a gift for Christmas. My previous North Face jacket lasted 5 years including two harsh winters in Montreal and numerous ski trips. The North Face though has raised the bar with this jacket. I recently spent a week in Colorado. The tapered fit is better then the old straight sided design. The adjustable powder skirt and waterproof Goretex fabric made the jacket all the better for the varying conditions that I encounteres. This jacket was worth every penny and I would snatch it up before there are no more because The North Face only makes a small number of their high-end jackets for distribution. They sold me on the jacket, so now I need to look at the pants.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Logan B - 2006-12-04

Best Jacket Available this Season, and Maybe Next
I bought this jacket in Cardinal Red when i was looking for a new "hardcore" exposure jacket. The 3-layer Gore-Tex XCR and seam seals keep water and snow out without compromising breathability, additionally core vents are at your disposal; also, the durability and high denier of the XCR fabric means you jacket wont show wear after ALOT of contact with packs, tools, trees, rocks and so on. The off-set zipper doesnt irritate you chin in cold weather and the bicep and forearm pockets are great for quick access to chapstic, kleenex, coughdrops, etc. The adjustable powderskirt fits great and is perfect for keeping out snow and strong winds. I also have a Cloudveil RPK jacket and an Arc'teryx Alpha SV, but i still select the Free Thinker. Unlike the Alpha SV, the Free Thinker allows enough room for your base, and second layers which are cumbersome and awkward under the Alpha SV. The Cloudveil RPK is just as durable and burly as the Free Thinker but is long enough to prevent wind and moisture from getting to your waist, even on short torso's like myself. Another added plus, if you're a true back-country enthusiast, the Free Thinker if among the first lines of apparel released with the new RECCO Avalanche Rescue System (uses harmonics from a radar hand-tool to detect your RECCO device on your upper right sleeve) In all, this is one of the finest jacket available, even compared to the tough competition of Arc'teryx, Marmot, Cloudveil, and Mountain Harwear. The price reflects the quality and you'll be glad you spent more on a jacket that will double the life of your last jacket.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (3 of 3 liked this review)

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Logan B - 2006-12-04

Best Jacket Available this Season, and Maybe Next
I bought this jacket in Cardinal Red when i was looking for a new "hardcore" exposure jacket. The 3-layer Gore-Tex XCR and seam seals keep water and snow out without compromising breathability, additionally core vents are at your disposal; also, the durability and high denier of the XCR fabric means you jacket wont show wear after ALOT of contact with packs, tools, trees, rocks and so on. The off-set zipper doesnt irritate you chin in cold weather and the bicep and forearm pockets are great for quick access to chapstic, kleenex, coughdrops, etc. The adjustable powderskirt fits great and is perfect for keeping out snow and strong winds. I also have a Cloudveil RPK jacket and an Arc'teryx Alpha SV, but i still select the Free Thinker. Unlike the Alpha SV, the Free Thinker allows enough room for your base, and second layers which are cumbersome and awkward under the Alpha SV. The Cloudveil RPK is just as durable and burly as the Free Thinker but is long enough to prevent wind and moisture from getting to your waist, even on short torso's like myself. Another added plus, if you're a true back-country enthusiast, the Free Thinker if among the first lines of apparel released with the new RECCO Avalanche Rescue System (uses harmonics from a radar hand-tool to detect your RECCO device on your upper right sleeve) In all, this is one of the finest jacket available, even compared to the tough competition of Arc'teryx, Marmot, Cloudveil, and Mountain Harwear. The price reflects the quality and you'll be glad you spent more on a jacket that will double the life of your last jacket.

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Anonymous - 2006-11-27

This jacket is VERY waterproof and durable.
Waterproof, durable, stylish, and functional. It has everything that you could possibly want in a ski jacket.

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Anonymous - 2006-11-27

This jacket is VERY waterproof and durable.
Waterproof, durable, stylish, and functional. It has everything that you could possibly want in a ski jacket.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (1 of 1 liked this review)

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solar wave - 2008-02-11

Dry, warm, and extremely durable
Pack often, live on the Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest and thrive in the wet, windy weather. The Free Thinker is a quality rain shell with a welcome amount of large and small pockets - rare in technical shell jackets! Powder skirt, arm vents to the fully adjustable hood are well designed as are the other adjustable features. Replaced my fourteen year old Moonstone shell last year and can easily tell the three layer XCR is resilient and resistant to gear, and nature's wear and tear. A two-way torso zipper for future designs would prove superior.

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solar wave - 2008-02-11

Dry, warm, and extremely durable
Pack often, live on the Olympic Peninsula in the Pacific Northwest and thrive in the wet, windy weather. The Free Thinker is a quality rain shell with a welcome amount of large and small pockets - rare in technical shell jackets! Powder skirt, arm vents to the fully adjustable hood are well designed as are the other adjustable features. Replaced my fourteen year old Moonstone shell last year and can easily tell the three layer XCR is resilient and resistant to gear, and nature's wear and tear. A two-way torso zipper for future designs would prove superior.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Anonymous - 2007-12-17

Fantastic North Face Warranty
I just received the news form North Face they will exchange my "Summit Series" jacket with this "Free Thinker" jacket. I got the "Summit Series" about 5 years ago, also under a warranty exchange, for a jacket I bought in 1996. The first jacket got a real deal of a delamination problem and had wear-through marks on the arms where the jacket came in contact with the rest of my body. I used it quite a lot, 7 days a week while going at the University. My freshly unshaved beard also wore down the inside of the collar. And at some point the zipper just came off. That is when I tried the exchange. The "Summit Series" was great, though I did not like the pockets. I put-on this jacket much less often: when raining, when doing outdoor sports (skiing, skating, sailing, plowing). The zipper had always been a bit clumsy. But, at some point the zipper was just not working right anymore. I could spend 5-10 minutes zipping it to 2/3 without it tearing itself in the middle. And it also started delamination inside the hood. I tried again the warranty exchange 1 month ago. It went quite well, I certainly recommend trying it for anybody out there. I guess the only down point was my two previous ones were blue and this new "Free Thinker" will be gray/black (no blue this year in the line-up).

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (2 of 10 liked this review)

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Anonymous - 2007-12-17

Fantastic North Face Warranty
I just received the news form North Face they will exchange my "Summit Series" jacket with this "Free Thinker" jacket. I got the "Summit Series" about 5 years ago, also under a warranty exchange, for a jacket I bought in 1996. The first jacket got a real deal of a delamination problem and had wear-through marks on the arms where the jacket came in contact with the rest of my body. I used it quite a lot, 7 days a week while going at the University. My freshly unshaved beard also wore down the inside of the collar. And at some point the zipper just came off. That is when I tried the exchange. The "Summit Series" was great, though I did not like the pockets. I put-on this jacket much less often: when raining, when doing outdoor sports (skiing, skating, sailing, plowing). The zipper had always been a bit clumsy. But, at some point the zipper was just not working right anymore. I could spend 5-10 minutes zipping it to 2/3 without it tearing itself in the middle. And it also started delamination inside the hood. I tried again the warranty exchange 1 month ago. It went quite well, I certainly recommend trying it for anybody out there. I guess the only down point was my two previous ones were blue and this new "Free Thinker" will be gray/black (no blue this year in the line-up).

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Anonymous - 2007-04-10

Love this jacket!
It's been a couple weeks already since I bought this jacket & I've used it a couple of times already both in a windy snowstorm & recently in a rainstorm. What can I say? It's waterproof, windproof & durable! I was dry as a bone. Uniquely designed which makes it a great head-turner. Roomy side pockets are a plus! My only gripes are the micronized drawstrings tabs that are hard to grab when using gloves (even with light gloves such as TNF pamir windstopper gloves). Inside pocket for ski googles seems smaller & would also be better if the hood is stowable. Overall it's a great jacket!

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Anonymous - 2007-04-10

Love this jacket!
It's been a couple weeks already since I bought this jacket & I've used it a couple of times already both in a windy snowstorm & recently in a rainstorm. What can I say? It's waterproof, windproof & durable! I was dry as a bone. Uniquely designed which makes it a great head-turner. Roomy side pockets are a plus! My only gripes are the micronized drawstrings tabs that are hard to grab when using gloves (even with light gloves such as TNF pamir windstopper gloves). Inside pocket for ski googles seems smaller & would also be better if the hood is stowable. Overall it's a great jacket!

Is this Useful? - Yes - No

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