bob, how big are you? i'm 5'11 about 175 pounds athletic build, and a medium fits me fairly well. Bob, I have two North Face Jackets the Mountain Series Mountain Jacket which I bought about 7 years ago and the Venture Hyvent which I bought about 6 months ago. The Mountain Jacket is a medium, and the Venture is a small. From what I've noticed TNF has changed the way they are making their clothes fit, they seem to be getting bigger. Older reviews seem to say snug, new review seem to say too big. I had the Denali in a small, and it was too big around. The arms were the right length and the waist was about the right length (little long), but the shoulders where about 2 inches too big in diameter. I'm 5'8'' 145lbs, I wear a 38 short coat, and have it taken in about an inch or two in the middle. I'm considering getting a kids size, XL boys is basically the next step down from small. If your looking for insulation, and general all weather (minus wet) check out Montbell Ultra Light Down series, it's warmer, lighter and less bulky. I generally never take it off.Bob, I'm 6'2 and about 200lbs. I wear this in an XL with the waist cinched up. It is a bit baggy compared to any other NF jacket I have, which are all XLs. The L fits, but almost too snugly. - (Justin)

I've often wondered the same thing until I got a NF with the breast pocket (from the Flight Series). I think with pockets, come zippers, and with zippers comes additional weight. The breast pocket is nice, but I find I stuff it with things like my phone, wallet, moleskine, or whatever else I can get into it, then the whole thing becomes annoying and the jacket turns saggy at the chest. I prefer to keep it two pocket.

I'm 6'2 and a fit 190-200lbs. I wear this in an XL and it fits nice and snug. Heat definetely doesn't escape, and the material is malleable enough to just form around your movements. I think a L would probably work out well for you. (I'm a 34waist)