Mountain Hardwear Downtown Down Coat - Women's - 2008

This coat is slim, gorgeous on, and warm. What else do you need? Plus the medium is a genuine medium. The fit is much more standard and well suited to athletic builds. I returned the North Face Arctic for this coat and I couldn't be more pleased.

If you are thinking about buying this coat, don't wait any longer. If it's back-ordered be patient, it's worth the wait. I love this coat! After spending hours researching and comparing I decided on the Mountain Hardwear due to the specs and the reviews. I am more than pleased with my decision. I bought the XS and it's a perfect fit. I'm a petite 5'3 and slim and this coat fits my curves, thanks to an inner adjustable elastic cord at the waist. I look like a woman, not like a shapeless sack of potatoes. The length hits mid-thigh. I also like the fact that it doesn't have a big brand logo sewn across the chest. I live in NY and spend a lot of time outside in the cold. In fact, I have a tendency to ALWAYS be cold. This coat is so warm you won't need a lot layers and you will get too warm wearing it inside for even a short amount of time. This coat can also be dressed up or down which is a nice alternative to my dressy mid-length wool Ann Taylor coat. I can still look fashionable on the streets of NYC. The velcro can be a bit annoying, but it's better than having the wind blow through the zipper flap, and much better than fussing with snaps. You have to remember why you're buying this coat in the first place. Moreover, the pockets are lined with fleece as is the back/chest portion of the coat. No tacky faux fur around the hood (the hood is removeable as well). Initially you may get one or two bits of down that come through a seam, but that is normal with any down product and it usually subsides after a wear or two. And one last thing: The outside is nylon rip-stop. A must with any down coat.

The good: no giant logo, great length for city walking with two-way zip, fluffy filling, soft fabric, really warm.
The bad: the velcro closure is very annoying, the furry lining is static-y, and the fit is unforgiving if you are short-waisted like I am.
I had to return it, and live with the giant horrifying logo of the Northface coat I exchanged it for(the Metropolis Parka) which fits better and has a snap storm flap and is much less static-y.

I've had the coat for a month or so now and I can't praise it highly enough. I went to Europe with it, drove around the US with it, and have had no problems whatsoever. It fits like a dream. It's super warm, even in dreadful, cold weather. It's lightweight and easy to carry around. Yes, tiny little down feather-matter comes out sometimes around the seams, but it does on any down coat. I've not had any issues with the velcro -- in fact, I like it. It keeps me even warmer since no wind can blow through the zipper. For the first time in years, I haven't minded the bone-chill of winter!

This is a beautiful coat--though I would classify it more as a sweater than a coat. Since it is not windproof, it just wasn't warm enough to be my only winter coat. If I had more $$$$ I'd have kept it because of its good looks and great fit, but alas I wanted something I could wear in frigid temps and this didn't fit the bill. The quality is what I would expect from Mountain Hardware, that is to say, excellent. The espresso color is a very attractive shade of deep brown that goes well with other colors--not reddish. I am usually a Medium and it was true to size and fit to just above the knee *I'm 5'7".

i have to return it and with huge regrets. my purse has a wide woven strap that is not rough on the edges at all but it has been snagging my new coat since i got it a month ago. the outside material of the coat is very soft and very thin. i am sure it would get a hole in it very easily. i would buy this coat but i would only use a really soft leather shoulder bag and be very careful around fences or football stadium seats if they are wooden. the purse strap that snagged is woven, like a thick grosgrain ribbon, not anything that should have caused so many snags on a garment. i will continue to carry the purse because it is not the problem, the coat is, unfortunately.

I have been cold every winter. With this coat, I am so cozy and warm. I love the way it is slightly fitted through the waist area. I have really enjoyed our cold Chicago winter this year, thanks to this great coat! I absolutely love it!

The one & only thing that aggravates me (alot) is the velcro. Unzipping always take longer than I'd like. Would be much better w/ snaps(at least I'd have a choice).

I own two other Mountain Hardwear size S down jackets(Phantom Jacket and Sub Zero SL Jacket), but this coat in size S is slim fitting.

I am size 4, 5'3 120lbs, wear size S, but wearing this coat with a long sleeved t-shirt feels small around the chest area. Zipped up and sitting and moving your upper body is uncomfortable.

I really liked the design, texture and the longer length and even considered exchanging to size M but checking the size chart, I decided not to.

Maybe this coat was designed differently from the other styles, and I am more used to less fitting style, but I wish the sizing were universal within the same brand. Also, I wish they had more color choices.

I like this coat. couple things I dont like are the feathers coming out of the nylon and the velcro closures.

This coat is very warm, sleeves are great for long arms, I love it. It's much warmer than any other down jacket I have and the length is awesome.

I bought this coat for my wife for Christmas. She absolutely loves it. It's form fitting so very feminine and is cozy warm for those 70 minute soccer games. Highly recommended.