Hybrid Bicycles - 7.2 Chain Jamming, Seat Hurting

I've got a 7.2 FX with less than 100 miles on it. The chain has an annoying habit of jamming itself when I try to shift the front derailleur while pedaling up hill, or when pedaling with a lot of force in general. Is this normal?

And what is the advantage of a hard seat? I find it really uncomfortable after a few miles.

Normally a bad idea to shift the front chainring under load. As to the saddle, that's a personal preference. But if you're new to riding could be your butt just needs to toughen up some. I personally find most of Trek's seats fine to ride on, but fully understand others don't share that opinion.

the stock seats on the fx line are brutal- get rid of it- their too soft
first thing i did was put a specialized avatar on mine-

I've got a 7.2 FX with less than 100 miles on it. The chain has an annoying habit of jamming itself when I try to shift the front derailleur while pedaling up hill, or when pedaling with a lot of force in general. Is this normal?
It indicates that your shifting technique needs to be better.

You need to reduce the force (by a lot) on the pedals when the shift is occurring. Also, when going up hill, you have to shift earlier than you would on the flats. That is, if you shift when you need to when going up hill, you are probably shifting too late.

Note that it takes longer for the shift to complete in the front than in the rear.

Yeah, you can't shift the front under load.

As far as the seat, the shape of the seat is more important than the amount of padding, you will have to find one that fits you better. But give it some time, after a period of not riding, I'll be a bit tender after the first ride, you really do need to toughen up the butt by riding.
As for shifting, as the others have said, you have to shift earlier on hills. Anticipate the hill and shift so you can keep your RPM up, and not get bogged down because of the hill.
You don't have to back off much, just enough to release the pressure on the chain. Practice, it's more of a feeling thing. After you master shifting the front, you can work on double shifting, that's when you shift the front and back at the same time.

You are likely to find that your saddle preference changes as your riding ability/skills/avg length increase. I prefer a harder saddle now than a few years ago.

Dont get a gel or faux sheepskin covers, but get your LBS to help you out. Some shops here allow a 30day trial on saddles so you can try the new one out extensively. Even if they normally dont, at least the LBS that sold you the bike should be willing to help out.

Then allow that in a year or two you are likely to find that saddle inadequate.

Yeah, you can't shift the front under load.

Don't shift the rear under load, either.

One is better off learning (and getting use-to) shifting without load and then seeing what you can get away-with later.