i just got this and it is defintley sized too big. im usually perfect for S size in northface but this one is way too big. it also has no tightening bungee for the bottom of this vest. sadly, this one is going back

Alright team,

Listen up. The North Face Trooper is a piece of gear that I am proud to throw into all of my gear bags whether it's on kayak self supports, ski trips to the resort, single track mtn biking on a chilly day, or just sitting around the house munching on popcorn and watching 30 rock. The rib-zips are great since they eliminate cold spots down the chest like your average zippered vests/jackets. Also, when overheating becomes an issue, double ended zippers allow for extra side venting.
ISSUES: The only issues that I see with this piece of gear are entry from the bottom and zipper grade. Entering a vest like a hoodie is not the norm. It's not so much an issue with the vest as it is a societal norm. Also, the zippers are light weight, and I worry that it may sacrifice the integrity over time.(This is pure speculation on my part.)
Last but not least, I am normally a medium and the small fits me just fine.

After reading alot of the reviews for the trooper vest, I was pretty skeptical myself and hesitated to buy it. Nevertheless, I kept comparing it to many other vests like the Mountain Hardwear Sub-Zero, Marmot Guide's Vest, and other North Face down vests, and just didn't like the looks and specs on them as well so I ordered the trooper. I'm glad I went with my gut feeling because so far I've been very impressed with this vest. It functions quite a bit differently than a lot of other down vests. I really like the fact that it is a pullover because it eliminates those cold spots that run along the zipper of front-zip vests for starters. It has 2 zippers on each side which is also nice if you start to get warm, you can release some of that heat by unzipping part of the vest rather than the whole thing. Even though this vest is 550 fill down, the pullover design heats me up very quickly and retains body heat. The neck zip is a nice feature as well to release or retain more heat depending on the circumstances as well, zippered pockets function well as hand-warmers. So far, some people have complained about the fit of this vest saying it runs large. I typically wear a large in North Face gear, and the large on the trooper vest fits me perfectly; Quite honestly, I couldn't ask for a better fit. I can see however how the fit could be a little off depending on your build, especially since the bottom of the vest is tapered to your waist size. For this reason, I might advise purchasing according to waist size because if the vest is too loose around the waist, you won't retain much body heat, but if it is too tight, you won't be able to zip the side panels, the chest is a snug fit, but that's exactly what I want in a down vest. Last but not least, the trooper is very compact and looks nice, so if you don't like looking like the stay-puffed marshmallow man from Ghostbusters, this is a slim, trim, and functionally warm way to go. The trooper gets 5 stars from me!

I agree with a lot of the reviews here, this vest is probably better suited walking around breck on you way to the bar, than as an insulating layer.

With that said, I love this vest. Yeah, it can be a pain to take on and off, but it's different. If you don't want to be like every other poser rocking a puffy vest- this is the one for you.

And despite what I said earlier, I have actually used this as a layer skiing, and found it to be pretty effective. It helps block any drafts that might have snuck through your shells zipper because it's zippers are on the side. Sure, an 800 fill vest would be better, but I wouldn't look as cool in the bar when I'm done skiing. Lastly, the pockets are well placed for warming up your hands on the long walk home.

as pointed out, this vest has strange sizing (go a size smaller). fairly warm with a lightweight fill. good for brisk days but i doubt it's effectiveness as a base layer when it gets colder. the embroidery on the black vest is not as shown in the picture. it's more of a brown color. also the liner is a deep brown color with a sublimated print.
with all the zippers you'd think they would have taped the seams to eliminate the bulk and prevent the zippers from catching and becoming stuck. it's these minor details throughout that keep this piece from getting an enthusiastic recommendation from me.

I had this on under my mountain hardware shell with a fleece crew neck shirt under it. It was a day that the wind chill was - 35, real temp -2. I skied all day we took one break and I was warm the whole time. If I had to change something about it, I would change the zippers. They are easy to get unstuck, but you have to do it almost every time you open the pockets. If I knew about the zippers before I purchased it, I would still buy it, if that tells you anything.

This is unique vest, the pullover feature with side zippers is curious. Once you get the Trooper on you can begin to feel the 550 fill heat you up. I am a medium size (5'10 140 lbs) nearly all of the time, and the medium fits well. The Trooper definitely has a technical fit which makes it great for layering. I find myself wearing this around town a fair amount as well. All in all more exciting than the standard front zip down vests out there.