High on fashion -- but functionally useless
Written: Mar 11 '04
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Overall Quality: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Dries quickly. Fabric has nice hand.
Cons: Useless and dangerous sleeve design.
The Bottom Line: Look elsewhere if you want functional clothing.
|
|
|
| tingri_dream's Full Review: The North Face Mens El Cap Zip Shirt |
I've used TNF gear for a long time and loved it. This includes older versions of the El Cap. During last year I had to replace several of my ragged TNF tops after much outdoor abuse. I logically purchased some of the same gear. Big mistake! They've changed the design which now has a big flaw. Like a number of other companies, TNF has opted to make a fashion statement and no longer bands the sleeves. As a result, the long sleeves constantly droop when you drop your arms. The sleeves are constantly getting in the way -- sometimes in rather dangerous situations -- like trying to place protection which snags on the gear. No amount of pulling up of the sleeves keeps them up. If you're going to pull them up, why have long sleeves? Also, cold air easily flows up the sleeves. As a result, I've relegated my purchases (which included the El Cap and Cirque tops) to casual use and even gave some away to relatives who don't do the things I do. It's really unfortunate and a costly mistake. TNF is not alone in this design. I highly recommend you stay away from this design unless you're only going to wear it casually.
Fortunately, I've found some who make tops as they should be made. One such company is Pearl Izumi. I've again replaced my upper body gear but this time purchased Pearl Izumi's Adventure tops and Endurance tops. They're absolutely brilliant! Unless TNF resumes designing for function rather than fashion, I'm sticking with Pearl Izumi.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 39
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
tingri_dream
|
|
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.