This jacket seems warm and has a nice, clean look, but it is not cut for athletic builds. I am 5'9" and 135 pounds. Normally I wear a medium (6 or 8) in every other brand. Because the reviews said this jacket runs small, I ordered a large. The large was enormous everywhere except the shoulders, which fit fairly well, so I exchanged it for the medium. The medium was tight in the shoulders and the sleeves were not quite long enough, while the jacket was still too large in the waist and hips.

If you've got a more athletic build, I suggest Mountain Hardwear. I bought their Downtown coat (which is about the same length as the Arctic) and the medium fits perfectly.

I am LOVING this coat. I have been wearing it for the past few days and it has far exceeded my expectations. My favorite part is the higher neck on the coat. I used to have a puffy black down coat by Eddie Bauer and had to wear a scarf with it. With the TNF coat, I don't even need one (yet, anyway. Let's talk again when it's below zero). The temps in Chicago have fallen below 30 degrees, and this coat is doing it's job. Since I have an active Lab, a warm coat is essential for our daily walks. The furry hood is also a big plus. I like that it flips down for extra coverage/warmth.

The only thing I would change about this coat is the pockets. I would make them fleece lined.

As for fit, I am 5ft. 7in and normally wear a size 6/8 pants and Sm/Med. tops. I bought a Medium in this coat and it fits perfectly. Definitely fitted, but in a good way.

As mentioned in the previous review, this coat is nice looking, functional, and WARM - totally agree with this comment! winters here in Ireland (it's a pity they don't sell jackets like this one here!)can be down to -5 (Celsius) but I'm going home to Southern part of Russia for Christmas and the temperatures there are normally down to -20 (Celsius). i'm positive that with another layer the jacket should be warm enough. the cherry stain colour looks very cheerful and i'm looking foward wearing it in the cold and dark winter days. I'm size small which is size 10 in UK and 38 in EU and S/P size is a perfect fit for me, plus i've got enough space for an extra fleece for those extra cold days. I'm 173 cm tall and the length for me is great, it comes down to knees. Also, it doesn't look like you are wearing a quilt around yourself since the jacket is nicely fitted and the shape is very feminine. i love this jacket and would recommend it to anyone and i can't wait for the winter to come:-)

Ok, so I live in the Indiana/Chicagoland area and have a HARD time finding coats that are nice looking, functional, and warm for the crazy weather we have. This coat is perfect. The pic on this site makes this coat look slightly unattractive and I originally passed it over. If you want a good realistic pic look it up on the REI website and it may sway your vote to a yes as it did with me. I bought the Brownie and it is a very attractive color. It does run small, I can surely attest to that. I usually wear a small (I am 5'7" 126 lbs, broad shoulders for a woman) in North Face fleeces and I bought a Medium in this coat thanks to the reviews. It fits perfect with still enough room for a sweater but I doubt you will need it :) The length is great, it comes down to my knees and I love that the hood is fully attached. I hate flimsy zip-on hoods, they never work as well as they should. There are enough pockets to put things in if you are just running to the store real quick. The shape of the jacket is feminine which is a nice change from the normal boxy, poofy, unattractive winter coat. All around I am so extremely happy with this coat, I can't wait until it snows! :D

Re: 2007/2008(?) model

Pro - great in the warmth factor
Con - poor zipper design - keeps getting stuck, sometimes because it grabs at the seam/material that is next to the seam because it is so fluffy and interferes with the zipper. Literally has taken me sometime up to 5-10 mins to zip the coat.

Hopefully this year's model has fixed the zipper issue. Tired of fighting with the zipper the last couple of winters so took it back to my local NF store to send to the manufacturer to see how this can be resolved. Let you know the response from NF!

I am about 5'3", 120 lbs and generally wear either a size small or x-small. After reading the reviews I ordered both a size small and a medium to compare. The small was very snug - couldn't fit a fleece or sweater under it and still move my arms, and I felt a distinct chill when I took my test stroll in zero degree Montanan weather. The medium, however, fit much more comfortably and was significantly warmer than the small - I even had to unzip the coat to cool off a little (this is a unique experience for me as I generally freeze all winter long)! This is a down coat - down only works if it is allowed to loft and expand appropriately. While from the front or back the A-line shape is nice, from the side I look very pregnant - not very flattering at all - but the medium makes such a significant difference in warmth and is so much more comfortable that I'm putting my vanity aside and returning the small.
Also, the pockets are placed poorly - there isn't much use for the chest pockets, the internal pocket is right against my waist, and the side hand pockets are too small to easily hold a pair of gloves. But, in spite of all these things, this is the warmest coat I have ever worn and therefore it's a keeper.

Man I need to go on a diet so this coat can fit me better Cuz it's really warm. It is awesome. But I can't wear thick sweaters or hoodies underneath. I wish North Face made plus size.

The coat was just to bulky for me and the pocket i did not like.

This coat is very fitted and has feminine flair. The coat is fitted in the waist and it adds a nice look to the jacket. This coat runs small so I ordered a size up and it fits me perfectly. I wear a size large and got an extra large for when I wear heavy wool sweaters. I love the faux fur on the hood, classes up the jacket. The material is a heavy canvas and seems pretty durable. I haven't worn the jacket yet because it hasn't been sub zero yet in Chicago. I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing this everyday to work and on the weekends to keep me toasty warm!

We recently went through several bouts of nasty winter weather in Chicago, including -33 degrees windchill and snowstorm. This coat was excellent, windproof, waterproof, very warm!

I've had this coat for about a month now, and I'm really enjoying it. It's my first down coat, and I'm impressed with how snuggly warm it is. The coat looks equally good with jeans or dress clothes. The brown one was a little too red, but the black one is just right.

I use this coat to get through Colorado winters and it does a great job. I'm a size 14 and the L was too small for me so I have the XL, which is a little too big. The coat IS bulky and does not give the most flattering streamline silhouette, but that's because it's stuffed with wonderful down to keep you incredibly warm. Waterproof too so it's great for those freezing rain days!

I have the Vintage White and it gets dirty pretty quickly...but that's what I get for buying a white coat. If you wash this coat, don't put it in the dryer like I did :( The label says you can but the faux fur hood looks crappy now.

I purchased this coat last year and it was truely the best investment ever! Definitely keeps me warm in below zero temps even when I have to shovel my car out of 6 inch or more snow. I got a medium (i'm 5'4'' and wear Large tops) which fits just right (without a bulky sweater) but I wouldn't wear anything thick under this jacket since it's so warm! I did get the brownie brown color and love it!

I got this coat in Vintage White. I regret getting this color. I chose this one because I thought it would match everything, which it does. I didn't want to buy a brown jacket and not be able to wear it with black. The jacket is VERY warm, and I am usually always cold. I was also worried about getting it dirty (since it is white), but dirt wipes right off. It is water proof, so everything just rolls right off it. I have even spilled coffee on mine, and it wiped right off :-)

Ok, so the pic on this site makes this coat look slightly unattractive and I originally passed it over. If you want a good pic look it up on REI and it may sway your vote to a yes as it did with me. It does run small, I can surely attest to that. I usually wear a small (I am 5'7" 126 lbs) in North Face fleeces and I bought a Medium in this coat thanks to the reviews. It fits perfect with still enough room for a sweater but I doubt you will need it :) The length is great, it comes down to my knees and I love that the hood is fully attached. I hate flimsy zip-on hoods, they never work as well as they should. There are enough pockets to put things in if you are just running to the store real quick. The shape of the jacket is feminine which is a nice change from the normal boxy, poofy, unattractive winter coat. All around I am so extremely happy with this coat, I can't wait until it snows! :D

In many ways, this coat is exactly what I've been looking for. Finally, it occured to someone to make a long coat that has the warmth of down, but also has a windshell on the outside (which also adds a slightly sleeker look).
I've read a bunch of reviews for it though, and at least one person has pointed out all the downfalls I also noticed. Here's a summary:
1) the cut of this coat makes the sizing totally off. it seems like they intended for it to only be worn by women with almost non-existent shoulders, and if you try to go a size up it fits too big around the waist. Take this into consideration esp if you have an 'athletic' build or big bust!!
2)everything sticks to it - lint, cat hair, etc.
3) the main zipper get stuck constantly. even in the store when i was trying it on, i had to ask a sales associate to help me get it unstuck.
3) the windshell makes it a little sleeker, but don't be fooled - it's definitely still a big puffy jacket

The thermometer said -9 when my parka arrived via UPS - talk about a welcome sight! I "test drove" it immediately and have been pleased with its performance ever since. This is the warmest coat I've ever had and I have zero complaints. I suggest going with your usual size - it worked for me. I also have a North Face Metropolis coat which is not nearly as warm as the arctic parka. If it's below freezing, go with the arctic parka. If it's hovering around the freezing mark or above, the metropolis is great -- so lightweight and comfy. My only problem with either of these coats is the build-up of static electricity!

I bought this coat 3 years ago in "Brownie". Now normally, fashions change over the years, right?...Although this coat is still fashionable 3 years later, I wouldn't care if it did go out of style. It's attractive, it's warm, and perfect for extremely cold weather days. I live in NY, so the temps definitely dip in the winter. In below zero weather, I was actually sweating with this coat on!!! Only 2 downfalls...#1, everyone and their mother has this coat now!!! LOL. #2, it's a bit on the expensive side, so much so that I kept bypassing getting the black one that I also so desperately wanted, but I just purchased the black one today (finally!) Now I'm set. No matter what outfit I choose to wear, I'll have a warm coat to match (not to mention my NorthFace Greenland zip boots, and NorthFace power stretch gloves; both items in both colors). I loveeeeeeeeeeeee TNF!!! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow :)

I live in Wisconsin, and finally broke down and bought this last February. It was wonderful. I was warm walking the dogs, went to the Beargrease (dogsled race in Northern Minnesota) and laughed at the frigid temps. I love this coat and recommend it to anyone who is tired of freezing but also wants to be stylish.
Don't hesitate, you will not regret. Backcountry are awesome!! Helpful, patient, they rock.

So far today is the coldest day in Chicago at 12 degrees & I was nice & toasty with just a regular sweater under this jacket. This is really amazing because I am seriously ALWAYS cold & even the slightest breeze makes me freeze. I can't say enough about how amazing this jacket is....buy it, you won't regret it!

I love this coat. It keeps me warm and even has a bit of padding if I accidentally bite it on the ice. I have also experienced both the zipping and the lint issue but I find them only mildly annoying.

this coat is great! this is my very first warm coast since i've been living in chicago about 3 years ago. and about time now that it's subzero weather outside. i always wear the north face windwall or a thick sweater underneath so a size medium is perfect for a 5'4, 120 pound girl and i can easily move around in it with a few layers with the coat. the hood is warm and very cute! the hand pockets are nice, but the chest pockets are a little useless and i don't use the media pocket on the inside. i really wish this coat had more outside pockets for gloves, ipod, and my bus pass. the only problem i have is the zipper. it keeps on getting stuck! but it's all worth it for a very warm and cute coat! get it! i know it's 300 dollars but it's well worth your money to keep warm!

The reviews were all right on. This is the warmest coat I have ever owned. Love it for Chicago weather. I'm 5ft 6in, 135 lbs. The medium fit me perfect. The coat fits a bit puffy with all the down so you don't want to order extra big....you'll look like you gained weight instead. Be sure to order your correct size. Lint does stick to the coat a little bit. I don't own a pet so it's not a problem at all.

I've had this coat for about 4 years and love it. Last spring I noticed the fur collar was looking a bit matted, so I sent the coat in and they replaced the fur! I'm so excited for winter this year b/c it's like a new coat! It was 35 degrees out this morning and I was warm as can be. I am a size 8 and have the medium and it fits just right - I don't know if maybe they've gotten smaller over the years maybe - but this one can accomodate a heavy sweater underneath and it's snug but good. Thanks backcountry!

As someone who lives in Minneapolis and is out for about an hour an evening with two high-energy dogs regardless of the weather, I can't say enough about this coat. It is warm, comfortable, and is holding up remarkably!!!
I thought I would only wear it in the worst weather when I bougt it, but it has become my first choice for winter wear. I am 5'10" and the sleeves are the perfect length, the hood is cozy and stays in place, and after two full winters of wear, is as good as new. I wear a size 6 and the medium fits perfectly.

I agree with all the other reviews that this is one warm parka. I struggled between the black and the vintage white, and finally went with the vintage white. The black picked up too much lint. In the white, I'm just careful when walking b/w cars, but most surface dirt has brushed right off. I'm 5'7", 125lbs. I thought the small was a bit too snug, the medium is perfect for layering without feeling too bulky. I love it!

We have had some cold weather in Chicago so far this winter and SO glad I bought this coat! I wear just a normal thin shirt under it and it's fine most days! On the very cold days I layer up and not a chill! Bad things as noted is it does get lint BAD but I bought a lint brush as it's worth it. The only issue I have had is the zipper, I have gotten it stuck twice where I couldn't unstick it without the help of either another person or pliers. But all in all it's a fantastic buy! I originally bought a large but it was too big, it's pretty true to size, I am 5'7" and wear a 6/8 and bought a Medium.

This is my third winter in Boston and I needed a very warm coat (I'm from Italy and I'm always cold here). They told me that this parka is the best..and it's absolutely true! The best purchase ever! I can walk and wait for the bus when it feels like -4 degrees (-20 Celsius), since this coat is windproof, waterproof, and very very warm. With the hood my ears and head are protected from the chilly wind.
I'm 5.3ft, 119lbs. I found the "View Sizing Chart" very useful. However, before ordering on line I tried XS and S at the store: the S was too big for my shoulders. At the end I got a XS and the parka fits a little tight on my chest only when I need to wear a sweater plus a fleece jacket. But it's still ok.
It's a great investment! Highly recommended!

I ordered a medium because I read the sizes run a bit small and I wanted room for lots of layers. It fits perfectly and I love that the longer length keeps my waist and thighs warm! My biggest issue is that I have problems zipping it up quickly since the zipper is so far down! It is not puffy, but not as flattering as I expected. I hoped the waist would be a bit narrower/defined. The lower half is a bit too roomy, looks-wise, but allows good movement. The hood looks a bit funny up and I probably wont use it. I am nit-picking a little...Overall, I love the jacket and have never been so comfortable in freezing temperatures!

I got the black one and it's really good looking, and REALLY warm even with these days weather... Saved my life actually!
Just one bad thing : everybody here wears the same as mine...

This coat is delightful in both Boston and Chicago weather. It is cute and works well when the conditions are cold, windy and/or wet. I am curvy and wear a size 14. The XL fits well and I can wear thick sweaters underneath with ease. The coat is extraordinarily comfortable. The only cons are that the side profile is less flattering than the front and it is a little scratchy near the throat area when zipped. All things considered, however, I am very happy with the purchase and would recommend it to my friends.

Great jacket - I bought it as a gift and the recipient is over the moon. A word of warning on sizing - I read here that they run small. I ordered up a size and had to exchange it for a smaller one.

The black version has a bluish sheen to it, which is very slimming.

Overall, awesome. Plus Backcountry's service rocks.

After years of looking for the right coat to keep me warm in these terrible Chicago winters, I finally decided, on the advice of friends, to spend the money for the North Face Arctic Parka. I originally bought a large as others said it ran small, but had to return it for my usual size medium. This coat is warm enough to withstand subzero weather, and I love that it has that furry-edged hood. I feel no cold from my knees up to my neck when I wear this. It is a snug fit, but even that is OK. Who wants to look like they are wearing a duvet? In short, BUY THIS COAT if you want guaranteed warmth. Highly recommended.

This jacket is on the heavier side because it's not down. The arms are roomy and unattractive IMHO. The torso is cut okay but the way it is designed, the potential to look pregnant is there. I am a petite woman (5'2") and the arms are too long but the length is perfect, hitting right at the knees. It's cute and lady like; the fur is okay, not great because it looks pretty fake, but it's a generous piece of fake fur and real fur can offend some people so it's no big loss. It is waterproof and warm and overall a great coat. I just roll up the sleeves and tell everyone I'm training to be a football player.

i'm size 0-2 and i got XS. note: it's preeeeeeettty small. i'm only able to wear 1-2 layers underneath. (like thin shirt + thin jacket) there's no way i'd be able to wear hoodie underneath. // jacket is light. so that's great. it's not heavy.. // it has kept me warm during 20-30 degrees but i don't know if it'll keep me warm during 0 or negative. //oh. and i love the hat. you can put over your head and it'll keep your head really warm.

I recently moved from Miami to Chicago and have never experience a winter season anywhere near the temperatures here. This jacket is the only item that keeps me comfortable. It's amazing and worth the investment!

I just moved from Southern California to Boston, MA. I have been told over and over again that it's wicked cold here so I decided to ensure that I don't hate my new city just because of the winter. So we had out first storm last weekend and in the single digit temperatures, rain, and snow, I have found myself stepping outside and thinking, "Oh, this isn't that bad." I can wear one layer underneath and still be cozy in the soft warmth of my coat. I kind of feel like I never left my bed. And I love it. I'm warm, warm, warm, in the wind, rain, snow, and freezing temperature. And according to my very honest friends, it doesn't completely eradicate all signs of the fact that I've got a body under there.

I ordered a large based on everyone saying it ran small; it was WAY too big. USE THE SIZING CHART provided as it worked perfectly for me to re-order a medium (just be sure to measure the right spots! my mom re-measured me and took a total of 8 inches off my waist and hips b/c I had measured in the wrong spots!)The coat was very warm in the recent -30 temps here in Wisconsin. I have had no trouble with zippers as some have mentioned, and while it may pick up some pet hair (I wouldn't advise this coat if you have a heavily shedding, long-haired dog), I keep a travel size sticky roller in my bag for touch-ups. I have only sticky-rolled it ONE time in a month, and that was because of my mom's collie jumping on me. No problem with my cat's hair and this coat. I have NEVER loved a coat more than this one for deep cold winters and record-breaking snows here in Wisconsin, especially one that looks SHARP rather than looking like I am wearing a snowmobile suit to work!

I got to try my Arctic Parka over the holidays. I live in Chicago and we just experienced some of the lowest temperatures in history, it was brutal! THe coat truly kept me "as snug as a but in a rug" and I really appreciated the hood, although I thought the fur trim looked a little on the cheap side so I removed it. I also would appreciate deeper side pockets, I already lost one of my leather gloves. Overall, I still love the coat and the color (cherry stain).

This parka is extremely warm and perfect for the sub zero days in the Twin Cities (there is even down in the hood!!). I've had a hard time finding a coat that will keep me warm enough, and this one fits the bill.

I'm 5'4" and and about 128 lbs - I ordered a medium, and I think it may be a little too big, but I wanted plenty of room in the coat for when I wore sweaters. When I took my measurements, I fell between a small and a medium, so the chart seems to be about right.

The only down side to this fabulous coat (I bought it in black) is that the material seems to pick up lint/dirt/animal hair fairly easily, so it does need to be wiped down more often than other coats.

THis coat was cut poorly. I take a large, and I ordered this size, and the shoulders and arms fit snug, but the waist was a sack. Since the coat, does not have an inner waist drawstring....it just wasn't a go. I know I could not take smaller, as chest and arms were snug. I also wasn't that pleased with the quality...the stitching was doubled over in many places, hapharzardly sewn. So I had to return it.

I originally ordered the large given that people said they run small. I wear an 8-10, but am shapely (carry in the hips.) I felt the large was too big and the air came right up under it and through the top. I exchanged it for the medium and am quite happy. It fits nicely and is not huge in the waist like the large.

Some features I really like are:

- somewhat "fitted"
- cherry color is nice/ not plain like a black coat
- Hood fits great and snugs up nicely when fully zipped -- no wind getting in!
- The fur ruff keeps the snow out, and when it is going sideways you can further flip it down so that nothing gets in.
- The material is wrinkle-free and seems like it'll last a long time
- It is fully wind & water-proof (unlike other models that are "resistant."
- The zipper is plastic (zips much easier than metal, imo.)

I LOVE this coat! Ithaca winters watch out!

I went to Northface to try the sizes. I'm a US6, so SMALL is a perfect fit with room for layering, and it doesn't look puffy. This coat is so warm, I have no idea how I endured past winters in NYC without it. It's fantastic for daily wear in the city, and I've received so many compliments on it. It's totally worth the money. Not to mention it looks pretty chic.

I bought this coat after trying it on in the store and after reading the reviews below. And I must say...it's one of the best decisions I ever made! It definitely beats those cold, cold winters in Chicago and I actually look cute at the same time. Northface know what they're doing. I'm 5'6" and have a slender frame so a small worked perfectly for me.

Backcountry.com was a great place to buy from as well. They provide the best price and ship out right away (which is perfect when you're about to get -10 degree weather).

All in all, great buy and will definitely keep this coat for as long as I can.

If you're petite definitely stay with the x-small. I am average built but a little smaller on top and the small is a little too big and I can feel the cold air come through because its NOT snug. But otherwise it does the job on cold New York days/nights.

I love this jacket. I am always
cold, but this jacket keeps me
very comfortable. My only gripe
is the armholes are tight.
Definitely order larger than you would. It fits me fine if I don't wear anything bulky
underneath, which I haven't had
to do because it is so warm!
I'm glad I bought it!

Cozy! But yes, order up -- I usually wear a 10 except for tight stuff, and I am happy with my size L, although the sleeves are too long. And Yes, it picks up lint, but on the other hand, it's a nice matte finish.
Ideally, I would have liked to have the option to button the front so I don't always have to try to get the sometimes fussy separating zipper together if I'm just running out for the mail. The good side is, no velcro to catch and ruin your sweaters.

I got this coat a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it! This is my first Chicago winter and I needed something to keep me from freezing while scraping my car in the morning. As for sizing, I am 5'3, 115lbs but I have broad shoulders. The small was too tight and not confortable, so I returned it for a medium and it fits great! The coat is soo warm that as soon as I enter a building I have to take it off. That's only bad when I have to carry it around, it's bulky and annoying to carry. Other than that it's a perfect winter coat. I would totally recommend it to anyone who is trying to survive a long cold winter!

This is by far the warmest and most waterproof coat I've ever owned. I live in Boston and spent a good 20 minutes waiting for the bus in a sleetstorm and it kept me dry and warm. It's a slimmer fit and true to size, but gets a little snug when you have a big sweater underneath. My only gripe is the zipper - it's hard to pull up and down and occasionally gets stuck. But aside from that I highly recommend the coat.

My wife comes from a year-round, very hot climate and always feels the cold. Unusually, we have been down to -10 this week in London and she has not complained at all, plus she wears it all the time, so I guess it must be working. Looks nice too.