| The North Face MET5 Jacket is a soft shell, technical jacket that comes with an built-in heating system. The MET5 employs battery operated heat panels throughout that are controlled by a pliable switch panel on the left chest. A jacket with integrated electronics—now that’s technical outerwear. In fact, the MET5, The North Face’s unique soft shell jacket that comes with a built-in heat source, may be the most technical, innovative piece of outerwear on the market today. Use it as a self-heating midlayer under a waterproof shell, or as a standalone jacket in frigid temps. The MET5 is constructed from Polartec Power Shield—a tightly woven, nylon fabric that’s highly wind and abrasion resistant—with Polartec Heat panels throughout. These panels are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries, and are controlled from a pliable switch panel located on the upper left chest of the jacket and welded right into the fabric. (Batteries and AC recharger included.) Just hit the HEAT button to turn power on or off, and the MODE button to control the heat output (medium or high). An LED power indicator is built into the TNF logo so you know when the MET5 is on. Both molded buttons are raised and easy to locate and operate with gloves on. The battery pack remains clear of a climbing harness, backpack straps, and other outdoor gear so you can move freely. Sporting an athletic fit, the MET5 makes a great midlayer, and maintains generous flexibility and stretch for light layering underneath. From hardcore ice climber to warm-blooded winter haters, the MET5 keeps you as warm as you want to be with the flick of a switch. |
Reviews: The North Face MET5 Jacket - Unisex
Not ready for "primetime"
I bought this jacket 2 months ago. For the first 2 weeks it worked (I just wore it back and forth to work in single digit weather.) The first day I go skiing it stops working as I'm on the lift. The North Face sent me a brand new one (I'm without it for 2 weeks). The new one had a bad battery pack. They Fed Exed me another battery...The new battery is again bad. So...Even though it's a great concept and when it worked, it worked well…but I don't like spending $500 to be a test pilot.Quality of Materials: Excellent;Concept: Excellent;Execution: Poor;Quality Control: Poor
A great improvement
I bought the Met5 jacket over a year ago and there was a process you had to follow to "synchronize" the batteries. The bottomline was it just did not work, so I returned it. This winter, I decided to order another Met 5 because I had read that Northface had redesigned the battery system. I have had the jacket for several months now and have been very pleased with the operation. It worked everytime and the length of battery life is excellent. I use the coat around town and when I ski, turn it on high when on the lift, hmmmm so warm. While I think the price is high, it does do what it says and I am very pleased with the performance.
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