Let me preface by saying I bought this parka about 3 winters ago, so the jacket has changed a little since that time but I wanted to let people know I've tested it and it has held up in both durability and in styling.

One of the changes TNF has made to this jacket since I've purchased it is to the outer shell material of the parka. In previous years, the Hyvent was matte and looked like cotton. Starting last year or so, the material is now shiny, rougher looking (more grained) and nylon-looking. In my opinion, the outer shell looks cheaper and less refined in urban environments, but it's still water and wind proof which many parkas are not. A real advantage if your in an area that sleets or has wet snow. Wet down is cold down. No worries with this coat.

As for the style, it's really practical with a clean front and inconspicuous zippered pockets. The pockets aren't very deep nor are they lined/insulated for warmth. You'll have a hard time fitting your hands in these pocket or get much warmth from doing so but they're great for putting your keys or that winter lipbalm since the zippers prevent anything from falling out. I also like they're inconspicuous and subtle. As for the shape, the bottom of the jacket seems to really bell out. Maybe it would be a great shape for hippy people... regardless when viewed the jacket poofs out like a bell below the waist while the upper body seems quite fitted. The bell-ing doesn't bother me too much and i think the jacket looks good for casual occasions and when I need to be more dressed up.

The best part of this jacket? it's warm. Warm enough for most people and in most environments. I had bought a Nobis jacket last winter to replace this parka and the Nobis doesn't even come close to it's warmth despite being longer and more than twice the price. At first I thought this jacket was a little expensive but over the years I've gotten so much use out of it and it's lasted. I think I've gotten more than my money's worth out of it. However since moving to an area known to be a snow belt (we're talking waist-high snow, -25 Celsius without the wind and wet), this jacket is ultimately not warm enough for me. Best for people who live in a city with temps down to -12 celsius or people who don't feel all that cold. When this jacket is warm, however, it's really warm without a way to vent that heat. When really moving, this jacket doesn't feel all that breathable. I don't think it's really constructed for activity. No pit zips. No mesh to vent. Another disadvantage is the bulk of this jacket at times and a lack of a good way to carry it. When you're not wearing this jacket, the bulk that was such an advantage outdoors is a pain indoors. it's a bulky jacket to lug around in my arms, especially in a mall during Christmas shopping season. Canada goose and triple 5 soul have straps on the inside of their jackets allowing them to be worn as backpacks when not required as coats. Would be nice to have my hands free and not have to constantly switch arms to hold this jacket. However, i guess it's a small price for having a stylish jacket that has held up year after year and kept me toasty for most of my winter days.

I purchased the Arctic Parka 6 years ago and this version is NOT the same. So disappointing. It's boxy and restricts movement. The inner cuffs of the sleeves are scratchy and bulky. The logo used to be discreet and now it's gigantic and cheapens the look. Overall, the coat is poor quality. Please bring back the older version :(

I live in Chicago, so a warm coat like this is definitely a need. This coat is warm and is great in the cold weather. However, every time I wear it, I am COVERED in feathers. I am so disappointed. I dread putting on this coat, especially when I'm wearing dark clothing. I've been a North Face customer for years and this is not the quality I remember.

I read scores of reviews, compared coat after coat, and ultimately this one came out on top. I was all set to order until I realized that you can't get it online (sold out and from all partners), so I went to the store and tried one on, and I am glad I did. First off, the website said this coat was out of stock except in black in store. This was not the case. When I got to my store they had green and black and I desperately wanted green. So check your store before giving up hope.
Secondly, nearly everyone has said this coat runs small. I would say it really depends on your chest size and body type. I thought for sure I would need a M or even an L. I am 5'7" and 145lbs. I ended up with an S and here's why:
- I have athletic arms and shoulders
- I have small to medium size chest (34B)
- I have athletic/flat stomach
If you have a bigger chest you will need the M. If you have a bit of a belly, you will need an M. If you have a very large chest, you will need an L. If you want to wear huge sweatshirts under it, yeah you will need an M or L, BUT it is so warm you will not need them.
I am also an hour glass shape. This is important because I tried this and a popular 3-in-1 and my boyfriend said this is way sexier and has good shape. If you have small hips, this coat will be too big on your hips. If you are pear shaped, this might be too big on top to fit your bottom.
Lastly, this coat is WARM, hot even. I was burning up trying it on in store.
All-in-all I recommend going to the store and trying it on, or (if you have the money) ordering 3 sizes to try.

Points to take away:
Looks best on hour glass shape
Size will greatly depend on bust size and stomach
Go to your store as there may be more options than you think!

Purchased this jacket in November, it is end of January and the inside of the jacket has started having holes with feathers coming out. Quickly falling apart.

Love this for cold-weather camping and have used it twice in freezing climates. Kept me warm and dry so the overall functionality and quality is as stated. However, if you're 5'4 and shorter, it'll be at your knee and below. I personally wanted this to be mid thigh, but it turned out to be longer than expected. If you also want to layer a thick sweater or light jacket under, I'd size up. I ordered my normal size small and the arms pinch with just a thin sweater underneath.

I bought this coat because of the extreme cold weather we have been having this winter, I have another north face spring jacket and I love it. This coat??s name and price should indicate that it would be an ideal coat for Canadian winters - this is not the case!!! The second I went outside wearing the coat I knew it wasn??t warm enough. The wind blows right through it. I can??t even wear it because I freeze. I have gone back to wearing my old Columbia coat. Very disappointed in this coat

I have never been so disappointed for years I have bought TNF product for my family and myself. I bought this coat last December wore it for 4 months, I pulled it out and wore it for two weeks this fall, the zipper has broken and the snap ripped off. There solution is to pay shipping and send it away for 6 weeks. Well that leaves me with no winter coat when it is -20 outside. I would say the quality of this coat is nothing like previous stuff I have owned. There product is becoming cheap and not worth the money. I will never buy it again, time to find a brand that is ready to stand behind there product.

Love it, used in March in Iceland and feel warm with only a shirt under. Works perfect on rain or snow. I can't wait to use it again

About 10 years ago I bought a parka from TNF and loved it. I still wear it to this day and it feels like a warm hug. When I got this coat, I liked it but it never had the "warm hug" feeling. Then I wore it and the Velcro snagged on everything, it drove me crazy. Why would they choose Velcro?? I ended up returning this coat and purchasing a different style. Please get rid of the Velcro!