GearBuyer
Product Videos Product Reviews Buying Guides

The North Face Freethinker 2 Jacket

Men's Clothing > Jackets & VestsRated: ***** by 7 reviews.

REI

Free your mind, and the rest will follow. This premier waterproof, breathable jacket from The North Face brings high-level protection to freeriders who go big in the park or the backcountry.

  • Sturdy Gore-Tex® Pro Shell Enduro uses 3-layer construction for superb durability, light weight and waterproof, breathable protection
  • Built with Infusion technology, a unique infused polymer process that increases durability of the shell and eliminates separate reinforcement panels
  • Embedded Recco® reflector enhances radio signals from search-and-rescue Recco detectors for quicker acquisition of position in an avalanche
  • Nylon microgrid lining resists snags, enhances breathability, decreases overall weight and eases layering
  • Integrated hood with beefy laminated brim withstands intense weather with ease and comfort; drawcord sides secure fit, even over a helmet
  • Powder skirt with gripper elastic keeps spindrift out; use attachment loops or zipper integration with compatible pants (sold separately) to create a seamless fit
  • Pit-zip vents with laminated zippers open wide to adjust body temperature
  • Featuring laminated zippers, the handwarmer pockets, chest pocket and forearm pocket (with goggles cloth) keep accessories organized and protected from the elements
  • Inside of jacket features pockets to stash cell phone, goggles and small valuables
  • Drawcord hem and rip-and-stick cuffs seal out the elements and help retain warmth
  • Buddy lift clip keeps your lift pass close at hand for quick access in line

Mountain Gear

Created for backcountry enthusiasts who are unfettered by the usual boundaries, the Free Thinker II jacket from The North Face provides advanced waterproof protection and a sleek design. You're shielded from the weather by waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Pro Shell, a built-in Recco avalanche receiver increases your odds of survival in avalanche conditions, and 7 specialized pockets ensure that you have no lack of places to put small gear, goggles, or snacks.

Features:

  • Be a little safer in the backcountry with the built-in Recco avalanche rescue reflector that increases your odds of rescue during an avalanche situation
  • Be safe while you stay dry - the hood is helmet compatible
  • Buddy lift clip
  • Even the zips keep moisture out with infused polymer construction and PU zip technology
  • Get more ventilation when you need it by opening the rotated pit-zip ventsW specialized pockets: 2 zippered handwarmer pockets, Napoleon pocket, wrist accessory pocket with goggle cloth, internal media security pocket, internal cell phone pocket and internal goggle pocket
  • Protect yourself from snow with the zip integration powder skirt, pant-a-locks, adjustable hem system, and hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs
  • Stay consistently dry and warm in wet conditions with fully waterproof GORE-TEX Pro Shell that blocks severe downpours while allowing your sweat to evaporate

Zappos.com

The Free Thinker II Jacket is the pinnacle ski or snowboard jacket for boundless, expert riders.
Waterproof, breathable, and windproof fabric allows hardcore athletes to enjoy longer exposure to harsh conditions without losing a degree of body heat.
Recco avalanche rescue reflector.
Infused polymer construction with polyurethane (PU) zip technology.
Helmet-compatible hood.
Rotated pit-zip vents for adjustable air circulation.
Offset entry zip.
Handwarmer zip pockets.
Napoleon pocket.
Wrist accessory pocket with goggle cloth.
Internal media security pocket.
Internal cell phone pocket.
Internal goggle pocket.
Zip integration powder skirt with pant-a-locks.
Adjustable hem system.
Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs.
Buddy lift clip.
Harness and pack-compatible.
SL GORE-TEX Pro Shell Enduro nylon shell.
Machine wash cold and line dry afterwards.
Product measurements were taken using size MD. Please note that measurements may vary by size.


The North Face

The Free Thinker II Jacket is the pinnacle ski or snowboard jacket for boundless, expert riders. Engineered with the burliest material available, GORE-TEX® Pro Shell 3L, this waterproof, breathable, windproof fabric allows hardcore athletes to enjoy longer exposure to harsh conditions without losing a degree of body heat. Our most innovative alpine jacket, this surprisingly lightweight jacket is equipped with a liberal amount of technical features keeping it a cut above the rest.

Features:

  • Adjustable hem system
  • Buddy lift clip
  • Fabric 3L GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Enduro nylon
  • Features
  • Handwarmer zip pockets
  • Helmet-compatible
  • Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs
  • Infused polymer construction with polyurethane (PU) zip technology
  • Internal cell phone pocket
  • Internal goggle pocket
  • Internal media security pocket
  • Napoleon pocket
  • Offset entry zip
  • Our most innovative and technical waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® Pro Shell jacket, engineered to be highly durable with progressive styling
  • Pant-a-locks
  • Recco® avalanche rescue reflector
  • Rotated pit-zip vents
  • Waterproof, breathable. fully seam sealed GORE-TEX® Pro Shell
  • Wrist accessory pocket with goggle cloth
  • Zip integration powder skirt

This description was also provided by: O2GearShop.com (Fall 2008), USOutdoor.com


Paragon Sports

The North Face Men's Free Thinker II Jacket is constructed of the most rugged, breathable, waterproof, windproof shell fabric available.

Features:

  • GORE-TEX Pro Shell 3L Enduro nylon; Fully seam sealed
  • Helmet-compatible drop hood; Rotated pit-zip vents
  • Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs; Buddy lift clip
  • Internal cell phone pocket; Internal goggle pocket
  • Internal media security pocket; Adjustable hem system
  • Laser-cut infused polymer construction with PU zip technology
  • Meets the demands of hard-core outdoor athletes by allowing longer exposure in extreme conditions without increased moisture or the loss of body heat
  • Recco avalanche rescue reflector; Offset entry zip
  • Wrist accessory pocket with goggle cloth
  • Zip hand pockets; Napoleon pocket
  • Zip integration powder skirt; Pant-a-locks

Altrec

The North Face's most innovative and technical waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex® Pro Shell jacket, The North Face Free Thinker II Jacket for Men is engineered to be highly durable with progressive styling for all mountain use.

Features:

  • Adjustable hem system
  • Buddy lift clip
  • Fabric: 3L Gore-Tex Pro Shell Enduro nylon
  • Handwarmer zip pockets
  • Helmet-compatible
  • Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs
  • Infused polymer construction with PU zip technology
  • Internal cell phone pocket
  • Internal goggle pocket
  • Internal media security pocket
  • Napoleon pocket
  • Offset entry zip
  • Pant-a-locks
  • Recco avalanche rescue reflector
  • Rotated pit-zip vents
  • Waterproof, breathable, fully seam sealed
  • Wrist accessory pocket with goggle cloth
  • Zip integration powder skirt

Backcountry.com

The North Face Men’s Free Thinker II Jacket provides bomber protection from the elements during your heli skiing trip in the Chugach or ski mountaineering expedition in the Wrangell-St Elias range. The Free Thinker II’s Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric seals out moisture, even in the gnarliest of conditions, while letting your perspiration escape so you don’t get clammy.


Appalachain Outdoors

This men's jacket from The North Face is the pinnacle ski or snowboard jacket for boundless, expert riders.


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Back length:30 inches
Breathable Rating:Guaranteed breathable
Core Venting:Underarm zips
Fabric:3L GORE-TEX®
Gender:Men's
Hood:Yes
Manufacturer Warranty:Lifetime
Material:[Shell] Gore-Tex 3-Layer Pro Shell Enduro nylon
Pockets:2 Hand, 1 chest, 1 sleeve, 1 internal goggle, 1 internal media, 1 internal cell
Powder Skirt:Yes
Recommended Use:Big-mountain skiing / riding, ski / board mountaineering, expedition
Seam Taped:Yes, fully
Shell fabric:100% nylon
Shell lining fabric:Nylon
Type of waterproofing:Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer waterproof breathable laminate
Waterproof Rating:Guaranteed waterproof
Waterproofing:GORE-TEX
Weight:1 lb 12.5 oz
Zip-in Compatibility:No

View other products from The North Face classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

View all products from The North Face.
View other products classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

The North Face Free Thinker JacketThe North Face Free Thinker Jacket$411.97
The North Face Free Thinker PantThe North Face Free Thinker Pant$249.99 - $399.00
silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
View other top products in this category...

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
SmallMediumLargeExtra LargeExtra Extra Large
Tibetan Orange
Tibetan Orange
568.95569.00568.95569.002 More...568.95569.003 More...568.95569.003 More...568.95569.00
Tibetan Orange / Sunset Orange
Tibetan Orange / Sunset Orange
569.00569.00569.00  
Iceland Blue
Iceland Blue
 568.95569.00568.95569.00569.00569.00
Iceland Blue / Arctic Pool Blue
Iceland Blue / Arctic Pool Blue
569.00569.00569.00  
S51 Iceland Blue
S51 Iceland Blue
 568.95568.95  
Asphalt
Asphalt
482.99569.00573.00482.99569.002 More...482.99569.002 More...482.99569.002 More...482.99
Asphalt Grey
Asphalt Grey
568.95568.952 More...568.95568.954 More...568.95568.954 More...568.95568.954 More...568.95569.00569.00

Legend

  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - REI
  •     - USOutdoor.com
  •     - Moosejaw
  •     - The North Face
  •     - Altrec
  •     - Appalachain Outdoors
  •     - O2GearShop.com (Fall 2008)
  •     - Zappos.com
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Paragon Sports

The North Face Freethinker 2 Jacket Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****5
****2
***0
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Men's Jacket Reviews.

Reviews:

Great Jacket

Rating:*****
I own both this version and the 06/07 version. The similarities are pretty obvious between the two. That being said, there are some good improvements on this version. The zipper on the left arm on the previous version does not zip up at the very top allowing water to get in. This is not a huge deal but it is a flaw in my opinion. To fix this, TNF put a piece of the coat material over this part of the zipper(noticeable in this picture in zoom mode). Now the zipper is able to tuck in, allowing water to drip off rather than seep in. They made a similar improvement on the chest pocket. The pro shell version isn't much more waterproof in my opinion than the xcr, or at all. It really isn't suppose to be though. The pro shell is suppose be slicker on the inside of the jacket (it is), which makes the cloths you layer with slide easier against the jacket for better movement. The green version of the jacket is in my opinion the best. It has a sheen to it in person resembling a emerald almost. It does not look too flashy though. Overall, this jacket is by far worth its weight in gold. It has great looks, along with many cool features. It has many useful inner coat pockets, such as a cell phone holder and goggle holder. The previous version did not. If you can afford this jacket, buy it, you won't regret it.
Ron at Altrec on 02/02/2009

Best. Jacket. Ever

Rating:*****

I've never been one to blow such a big chunk of change on anything, but this jacket was worth every penny. There's a reason this is the official patrol uniform at Silverton Mountain: it's a bomber jacket that can't be beat.
Though it's not really insulated, the Gore-Tex Pro Shell keeps heat well while still breathing, the most I've ever needed to layer with it was a fleece top on a really cold day. It was a bit hot for the sunny spring days though. Pockets abound everywhere on this jacket; if you can't find a spot for everything you're carrying too much (the large front pockets fit a small water bottle perfectly). Open pit zips ventilate incredibly well, and the powder skirt keeps the fluff out (the "pant-a-locks" even work with standard belt loops). My older model had a smaller hood, the new helmet-compatible one is a welcome upgrade. Runs pretty big, I normally wear large and the medium is a loose fit.
Bottom Line: It looks great and performs great on anything you care to ski or board. Maybe not the best deal on the market, but you will not regret the purchase.

JesseJanko at Backcountry.com on 08/29/2009

Great Gore-Tex product

Rating:****
I recently purchased TNF's Free Thinker II shell for winter snowshoeing and mountaineering. I am pleased with product's Gore-Tex capabilities and the color I chose. However, the hood is "helmet compatible" witch makes wearing the hood with out the helmet difficult. It’s kind of a pain to synch down the hood to properly fit your head. Also, I bought a size large, wish is cut "baggy." I like my garments to fit a little bit more forming than baggy. I contacted Altrec and they sent me a size medium to try on. (great customer service!) The medium sized shell fit much better, but I noticed the area that rises in to your armpit area, rises slightly more than desired. The fit makes you feel a fleece more in the arm pit area, which can be annoying. I am struggling with whether to return the large or the medium. Other than those complaints, it’s a great jacket for outdoor enthusiast!
Christopher Green at Altrec on 01/24/2009

"Fantastico!"

Rating:*****
Well I would have bought this jacket from you guys, but really wanted the orbit green. Couldnt find it anywhere except my local ski shop (witholding name) Jacket is by far the best I have owned. Love the variety of pockets, but without the bulk (bite of sandwich)the offset entry zipper is so smart! No more chaffing of my chinny chin chin. The hood is great for a helmet under it. And it links up great with my TNF pants as well. RECCO reflector? Good idea, although not gonna do that much for you unless your really in the backcountry> Great for picking up chicks though. Pricey yes.... but zip it up for the first time and you'll agree. Well worth the money!
Erik at Moosejaw on 10/04/2009

This coat has it all

Rating:*****
The Free Thinker II is built to last with its Enduro proshell material. I couldn't believe how much more breathable this coat was than my old TNF Mtn. Guide 2 layer gore coat. It has the perfect amount of pockets and they don't weigh it down. Enjoy the goggle pocket! I also love the integrated goggle wipe tucked away in the wrist pocket. It deserves to be used for what it was built for… killing it out in the powder!
Nathanial at Altrec on 01/05/2009

nice and thoughtful.

Rating:****

I'm 5'8 165lbs, I usually wear Medium but Small fits perfectly with enough space for layers. with the price, I expected 3-way adjustable hood but it's only 2-way. This jacket is best for ski or snowboard, if you want a nice 3 layer gore tex mountaineering jacket, you might want to consider Arc'teryx Alpha or theta.

ini2911633 at Backcountry.com on 09/29/2009

If you have the money, it's worth it.

Rating:*****
Great Jacket! Light weight and versatile. You can wear this jacket alone and it breaks the wind or with layers and it is perfect for skiing, hiking and a variety of other outdoor activities. As far as sizing goes, I am about 5'8" and about 160lbs and I wear a size small.
Anonymous at Altrec on 02/23/2009