I got The North Face Alliance to protect my lighter down coats on a January trip to the Boundary Waters and it performed exceptionally. The jacket kept me slightly warmer as it blocked the wind flawlessly and it saved me a couple hundred bucks in replacement gear when I found myself crawling through the thick pine forests. I now use the jacket for all snow sports and I cannot compliment TNF enough for creating an afforable shell with zip-in capabilities that performs as well as the alliance does. My only gripe is about the crinkling sound the jacket never seems to loses.

Overall: Protection on the cheap.

I choose this jacket partly because of the price, but also because I already own a North Face Fleece. I have worn this jacket by itself in the rain, or on windy days and it holds up great. I have also added the fleece to it and it has made an excellent winter parka, warm, and resistant to the elements. I would absolutely recommend this jacket both as a light jacket and as an outer shell.

I got this jacket and the Denali (http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF0115/The-North-Face-Denali-Fleece-Jacket-Mens.html?mv_pc=r200&cmp_id=EM_TRN1003#reviews) b/c I wanted a very warm winter jacket.

The warmth that the combination of the two provides has been satisfactory. The Alliance, as a standalone jacket, has been like the many good reviews on this site along with the product description. It is a good wind/water resistant jacket.

The fit is nice for this jacket, but it feels a little uncomfortable when I line the Denali inside. I got smalls for both.

Bought this shell to replace another North Face HyVent shell. I am giving it 2 stars because of the fit only. I ordered the same size as my other North Face, but this one was cut differently. It was too large around the waste and rather tight across the chest and back. Backcountry 100% satisfaction program is outstanding. I returned this shell and ordered a different one with no problems.

I got this jacket at the end of the winter beginning of spring season and a nuptse down jacket for the liner. There were a few colder rainy days in very early spring and it helped repel the rain great. And with the zip-in capabilities it keep me very warm. I then went to Virginia for a weekend and it was idle for the humid and breeze climate there. Being able to open the armpit vents was great. The only thing that I would change would be longer sleeves, but I have long arms compared to my other sizes. All and all a great purchase.

This baby got me through Madison, Wisconsin's wettest winter with an nice zip-in fleece. But seriously, great for anybody with a nice zip-in fleece layer to make an effective winter jacket at a pretty decent price. Maybe not quite as breathable as advertised, but the hood zips off, the fleece zips in, and it looks pretty nice. Tough jacket.

This jacket is exactly what I wanted and exactly is as advertised. I am a big guy so got the XXL. It is a little tight in the shoulders, but that is a minor deal. The jacket was a bargain and Backcountry gave quick, easy delivery as always. I live in North Dakota and so I know what cold really is and this jacket is just perfect for this climate. TNF rocks.

I got this jacket for 89 dollars. Extremely warm and useful for rainy days. No napoleon pocket, simple Northface. Good transistion from my boarding jacket. Although this one can be zipped in as well. A little bit tight in the shoulder area. And can be noisier compared to my other TNF jacket.

This jacket could be good, but one has to be pear shaped to wear it. I ordered an XXL because I'm big across the shoulders, I'm not fat. The XXL was too dang tight across my shoulders and it was like wearing a bell. Get it if you like wearing a bell.

I do not normally write reviews but for this jacket I gladly will give my thoughts after using it every day for a month of cold, windy, rainy March days (except one day hit 70) in the Norheast. I'm a young 60's something that needed the following features in a jacket but never found the features all in one jacket until now - hip length, two way zipper, inner pockets for wallet etc., wind and water proof, a collar and lining with a velvety - warm feel to skin, good looking, lightweight, can use a liner for winter, does not bunch at waist when driving, removable hood, warm pockets, and zippered vents in arms. I wore this jacket for the usual everyday tasks - grocery shopping, playing outdoors with my grandaughter, and driving to meetings. I did not climb a mountain, mountain bike, cross country ski, snow mobile, hunt or fish with this jacket for which I am sure it was intended. I did wear it on and an unusual 70 degree day in March to find the zippered vents kept me well ventilated. I also wore it the next day (with arm vents closed) in 20's temps with wind chill in teens and felt warm with just a long sleeved shirt. I found I could easily reach for my wallet, keys or cell phone while standing or sitting with this jacket. What is amazing how this garment is so well suited for active young folks and us older less active folks.
Twice I asked on line questions about this jacket and received expert online advice from a Backcountry specialist. Oh yes, I also got a fantastic buy on this jacket from Backcountry plus free shipping! Thanks Backcountry for an easy to do transaction and excellent on line advice on this great all purpose jacket. Will definitely shop Backcountry again.
As suggested by the Backcountry specialist, I usually order large and she told me to order an XL and she was right, it fits just perfect.
Negatives for this jacket - NONE!

The garment appears to be well made although it is grossly untrue to size. I wear a XL Denali which I planned to use with the Alliance, but the XL Alliance was too small before I ever put my Denali in it. Just another improperly sized garment thanks to the avarice of the manufacturers in Viet Nam and the owners of The North Face.