i have a couple of friends that own retail stores that swear by the Sierra design stuff. I own a light, wind/water proof pull over thats an awesome light jacket. Unfortunately i lump Northface in with Columbia now. Mountain Hardware's new gear for this year is some really nice stuff.

I've had absolutely no issues out of any of my NF stuff, its just the weight of the fleece's vs. other brands at the same price point. I cant really see spending the same for an inferior product. Ultimately its the name anyway, i seriously doubt the gear is going to be used to its potential. I do like the TNF, but i've got a soft spot for patagonia, as the **** is just plain comfortable, yet pricey. I have nothing against Marmot, just nothing has really struck me enough to pick any of it up.

IMO the Arc'teryx gear has no competition.

of all my gear ( patagonia, kavu, nf, columbia, sierra design, mountain hardware) the goretex summit series shell is by far the warmest.