I haven

 

Both really.
Are they good, yes.
Are they extremely popular, yes.

But this is not a "coach" bags deal, where they aren't really any nicer than the $20 brand. North Face does make fine clothing, and they are usually better than the cheaper brands.
I own some Helly Hansen clothing, which is one of TNFs biggest competitors. Its great clothing and I usually wait for sales.

One thing I should point out about winter clothing in general, is that you won't be able to beat L.L.Beans return/warranty/sales policies anywhere. So if you don't want to be a walking advertisment for TNF but do want some good gear you might want to look at L.L.Bean.

 

I have the columbia titanium jacket and it keeps you really warm, infact a little too warm at times lol. North Face I think is awesome, keeps me at just the right temperature. Never had HH but I hear its awesome as well, really good for snowboarding

 

Depends what you want it for. TNF used to be cream of the crop for outdoor sports (mountaineering, etc) but were bought by Vanity Fair (or Vogue, but I think it was VF) and their quality went WAY down. I don't buy their stuff anymore personally.

For around town keep warm during NE winter, its probably fine.

You might also take a look at:
-Marmot
-Feathered Friends
-Arc'teryx
-Mountain Hardwear

You can usually find good prices on outdoor type gear at:
-campmor.com
-sierratradingpost.com

I could go on for a while on this stuff if you really want to know the ins and outs. Used to sell this type of gear and have been an avid user for years. But I figured the short version would be better to start with.

 

Isn't that the truth. TNF is piss poor, and worn by all those people who love to look like they are into something.

 

Thanks for feedbacks.

I'll look into Columbia Titanium and other brands.

My only fashion requirement is that the jacket is not puffy. Other than that, I just need something that can keep me warm in my 10-15 min. walk to the train station along the beach during Northeast winter in 30+ mph wind - roughly something like -30F w/ chill factor.

 

^ wow, what a bunch of BS.

North Face is good, the price is worth it. There are other companies out there that make great stuff as well, without the premium on price. Yes, non-mountain climbers buy North Face, just as they buy Helly Hansen. They also buy Columbia, which is worth every penny, as well. I fail to see why a person wearing a North Face jacket to the mall is any more of a poser than someone who parks an S2000 in the mall parking lot Smart people buy winter coats for far harsher conditions than they plan to get into, that's just common sense.

Pretty much any quality down jacket is going to be a good investment. North Face materials are a bit more abrasion resistant than some others, so the jacket can last years longer. Go to a store, and try them on. I was this close to buying a Burton snowboarding jacket, but the collar was stiff and uncomfortable, sticking you in the face all the time. As nice and durable as the coat was, I went with another brand I had never heard of, and could not have been happier. North Face, Columbia, and Helly Hansen are all quality brands, along with many, many others out there you've never seen.

 

boxster drivers don't wear north face,
boxster drivrs wear arrrrrrrrrrma- ni.

 

Oh God... I take the train to work, so I'll wear whatever keeps my butt warm in the winter




On topic: I am looking at L.L.Bean jackets... looking pretty damn good. Thanks 9311

 

Not BS at all. I specifically told him that it'd be fine for around town wear. I didn't say a word about the fashion aspect of the brand. I'm talking quality for the price. The other brands I mentioned, IMO, offer much better quality for the price. I've used TNF gear for years, in the situations it's made for. My old TNF gear is great. My newer TNF gear has all be sold.

Buy whatever you want. He can buy whatever he wants. I don't personally care. He asked for an opinion and I gave it to him. Mine happens to be that the quality of TNF gear has dropped significantly over the last decade while the prices have gone up. There are other brands that have better gear for the same or less money.