Norrøna Stranda dri 2 Insulated Jacket - Women's - 2010 BCS

This jacket is the best I have ever owned. I am slim 5'11" and the Large fit perfectly in shoulders and arms without looking too bulky- and the hood was roomy enough for my ski helmet. I love all the added details- like the hand cuffs and storage pockets and waterproof seams. The coat is insulated enough to be warm- without added bulk. In 30 years of skiing- this is the warmest and most comfortable I have been! Worth the money!

This jacket is the best I have ever owned. I am slim 5'11" and the Large fit perfectly in shoulders and arms without looking too bulky- and the hood was roomy enough for my ski helmet. I love all the added details- like the hand cuffs and storage pockets and waterproof seams. The coat is insulated enough to be warm- without added bulk. In 30 years of skiing- this is the warmest and most comfortable I have been! Worth the money!

I was a little concerned about the question of insulation after reading other reviews. So now that I've worn it skiing a few times, here's my opinion. It isn't a super thick jacket, but it's enough that with one layer underneath (R4) and this jacket, I was completely warm for three days of skiing in March, with temps in the 30s. If it was colder than that, I would probably just add another layer underneath. I'm normally cold - I wear toe heat pads in my boots, but this was fine.

We had strong winds - gusting to 50mph one day. I will say that the wind did seem to come through the front zipper, and up from the bottom (I'd taken the powder skirt off). But I put the powder skirt back on and that stopped the wind.

As far as how it fits, I'm 5'8", 135lbs, and normally wear a medium. The medium fit great, over ski pants, and plenty of room for another layer underneath. One thing that I haven't decided on whether I like it or not yet, is that it does go a little lower in the back, which covers your behind, but the overall look is a little weird because of it.

The wrist gaiters are great, they keep the wind from going up your sleeve, and my mittens can fit over the sleeves no problem. The sleeves are plenty long (and I have long arms), and you can tighten them up with the velcro to allow gloves to go over them, or keep them open to put gloves inside.

I will agree with bro3629080 about the collar - it's annoying because it's stiff. When zipped up to keep the wind out, I was constantly trying to fold it down to soften it up. Maybe over time it'll get softer.

This jacket rocks. The color's bright and saturated (I got the blue atoll and love it), every detail feels well designed and constructed, and it is warm and cozy. I took it on a week's vacation in northern VT, where conditions ranged from wet and warm (45 degrees/rain) to frigid (-2 and windy, fresh powdery snow). Crazy week. It was a little too warm on the hot days (even with the large, well designed pit zips) but was completely waterproof, and it did really well in the cold with a merino baselayer plus a thin sweater underneath).

The wrist gaiters, which were a selling point for me, work very well, and there's a transparent watch window in the left one that lets you see your wristwatch without getting cold--very useful! The gaiters are thin and tough, and gloves slide on easily. My iphone fit perfectly in the media pocket on the right chest. There's a little cord gasket included that lets you string your headphones through so the cord lies inside the jacket, though fastening the velcro tab at the top of the plastic window is a must. The small inner pocket on the right chest is just big enough for a powerbar and a wallet. The handwarmer pockets are large and capacious. That goggle wipe in the lower left inside mesh pocket got a lot of use, too! The fit is right on, though if you want a really sleek snow-bunny silhouette you'd best look elsewhere. The hood zips off--yes! but also fits well over my helmet. Bungee pulls keep it on the helmet without obstructing peripheral vision. I got in the habit of pulling it on during the second half of lift rides and pulling it off halfway down the mountain.

The powder skirt zips out, which is nice for wearing the jacket around town. Zipped in, its silicone grippers keep it in place really securely. If you want more security, buy the Norrona pants, which have snaps that the powder skirt snap into, AND ALSO an adapter that zips both to the top of the pants and also to the jacket zipper where the usual powder skirt zips in. I was really happy with the regular powder skirt, but on the coldest day this week used the zipper adapter thing and didn't have the slightest draft between pants and jacket. Really comfortable.

My one gripe is the stiffness of the collar, which is very functional in cold weather but mildly annoying when wearing the jacket around town in milder conditions. I have to tuck it down under the shoulder belt of my seatbelt when in the driver's side of my car.

I checked out a couple of Norrona products, comparing to Arcteryx and North Face, and was similarly impressed. The colors and styling in particular stand out--no girly crap, just bright, unusual colors, solid detailing, and nicely adjustable features. Good stuff.

Note: the blue is brighter/lighter than pictured, which I like. Looks like the blue atoll color in the Lofoten insulated jacket, though the details are jade green rather than fuschia. And the hood/collar lining is closer to black than gray. It all looks great with black pants and boots--easy for my husband to pick me out on the slopes b/c of the slightly unusual color.

Very warm jacket;
great design;
practical hood

I just test drove this jacket in 35 degree weather last night, and am very excited about it. The fit is fantastic, and although it's pretty lightweight, it blocks out the wind and keeps the heat in very well. I can't wait to snowboard in it. The articulated arms ensure that it doesn't ride up when you lift or move your arms. The fit is slim but long enough for us tall girls.

Oh, this is a Euro brand with a euro fit, so size up. I'm 5'9", 155, true size medium (US), and I ordered a large.

This is a nice jacket; but is not warm by itself. It definitely needs a liner. It is very form fitting. I am 5'7" 160, broad shouldered, and fuller in the rear-end area, but still smaller in the waist. I bought an XL - good size; but needs a form fitting liner or it would be tight. There is ample room in the shoulders, etc. plenty of moving room. I can still fit a form-fitting liner in it. Butt-bib zips out as well for non-ski time. The sleeves are extra long, which I like; and they "bunch-up" nicely with the multiple zelcro. I like the high collar and the fact that there is a cover over the top so the zipper won't rub your chin. The hood can be tightened around your head; and it has an extra small visor that cannot be tightened...good idea, better appearance. This does cover my butt; so it is a good length as well.

This is a beautiful jacket, but if there is insulation I can't find it. It would make a great shell, but that's not what I'm looking for. Very disappointed to have to return it, but I need a warm jacket.