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jeffrey armbruster
(book) - M
north face triumph anorak on 02/06/2011 13:18:33 MST Print View

Anybody have experience with this? Under six ounces, waterproof/breathable...like a windshirt on steroids? I'm especially curious about its wind-blocking properties.

Tim Harney
(baldknobber) - F

Locale: Ozarks
Triumph on 02/06/2011 13:22:55 MST Print View

I have one, and like it quite a bit. My mens medium weighs under 6 oz. Windshirt on steroids is accurate. The lack of venting options and lack of full coverage makes it mainly a pack queen; when I know I'll be hiking in anything more than light drizzle I take my Peak shell.

Art ...
(asandh) - F
Re: north face triumph anorak on 02/06/2011 17:08:29 MST Print View

my size XL weighs 183g (6.4oz).
I like it a lot for ultralight adventures.
To me its totally windproof.

not sure what is meant by "pack queen" and lack of coverage.
I prefer my shells a bit large, thus the size XL.
I could fit into a medium snugly and it probably wouldn't cover my butt.
But the XL has plenty of coverage and is still very light.

I did add an elastic drawstring to the waist which tacked on 3 grams.

Edited by asandh on 02/06/2011 17:09:53 MST.

Tim Harney
(baldknobber) - F

Locale: Ozarks
Re: Triumph on 02/06/2011 17:35:45 MST Print View

"not sure what is meant by "pack queen" and lack of coverage".

What that means is that I usually only take the Triumph if I expect only periods of drizzle, because as breathable as it is I sweat heavily wearing while hiking because of limited venting options (no pit zips, 1/2 zip) Consequently, it usually stays in the pack.

In terms of lack of coverage, that should be self-expanitory. My medium barely covers the top of my waistline. You seem to have addressed this by sizing up.

If it's raining I want my rain jacket to have full features to keep me dry as possible.

To the OP, the Triumph is a nice anorak, but IMO better used as an "oh crap" option if you're surprised by a brief shower.

Art ...
(asandh) - F
Re: north face triumph anorak on 02/06/2011 17:52:05 MST Print View

the Triumph is a "minimalist" piece of raingear.
It should be analyzed and considered in that context.
No bells and whistles, very light weight.
size up one size and its great for fast, ultralight adventures.
I do own a North Face Diad, XL (9.5oz) for times I want more options.

jeffrey armbruster
(book) - M
triumph anorak on 02/07/2011 10:26:12 MST Print View

Thanks guys; this is about what I expected for this piece of gear. Seems like better wind protection than a Houdini.

eric chan
(bearbreeder) - F
thar she blows on 02/07/2011 10:34:47 MST Print View

absolute wind proof isnt always best for moisture management ... a bit of wind flow can improve the "breathability" of garments

ive never used the triumph so i cant tell you how breathable it is ... but generally most rain gear aint as breathable as a windshirt for higher output activities ... some may have better ventilation though making up for it

consider that a full zip rain jacket doesnt weigh much more, and that its easier to put on and off and you can vent better

John Topping
(JohnT) - MLife

Locale: Peak District
Windshirt Replacement..... on 02/07/2011 11:03:21 MST Print View

Hi,
I have a Triumph and would agree with the other posts.

Fit is very slim/short and going up a size is a good tip (I didn't but wish I had after using it a fair bit).
Breathability is worse than Paclite
Waterproofing is on a par with Paclite (and much better IME than event.....)

Like Tim, I generally take this garment along when I don't expect to use it very much, e.g. week long summer trip in the Alps/Sierra where you would not expect a lot of rain but if the weather turns you are going to be in trouble with just a windshirt. The Triumph is good insurance and has kept me dry.

I wouldn't recommend the Triumph as a windshirt replacement (the Houdini is in a different league when it comes to breathability and useability albeit that it quite quickly reaches its limit in heavy rain).