The North Face Arctic Down Parka - Women's - 2008 BCS

Let me tell u that i did a lot of research before buying this jacket or coat.. the North Face Arctic down parka is the best.. I was in europe for 6 months.. I am from australia ... I was in paris, netherlands among other european countries in the middle of winter and i was more than happy wearing my coat.. i used to wear a tiny top and on top of that my North face and i was o.k.. it is very warm so do not try to wear more clothes because it is enough..

my friends from poland and other places were jelous because they were wearing like 3 or 4 jackets and I was only wearing a shirt and my northface..

love itttt......

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.

can't wait to wear it out!!! I was worried about the sizing I wanted to get the black small but it was out of stock. I went with the blue xs and im super glad i did. the color is really nice, and the small would have been too big. Im 5'8 around 125 lbs. the arms could be longer but with gloves its not a problem. the coat is very warm and i love the way it looks. it was a great investment!!!
The zipper does stick a bit but no more than any other puffer coat I have had in the past.

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.

I bought this for my fiancee' and she LOVES it! We live at 7,000 ft, so winters around town can get brutally cold, but this coat keeps her warm and it looks great! One of the reasons I chose this coat over other downs is the outer material. Most puffies have a pretty delicate exterior, so one snag and you're screwed. Not this coat! The outside is tuff, so it can take all the abuse a late night on the town can throw at you. The furry hood helps with snowy conditions as well.

VERY WARM, EXCELLENT FIT WORTH EVERY PENNY.

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:-)

I bought this coat in Bittersweet Brown, and I love, love, love it! Looks cute with jeans, corduroys, even casual skirts.I gave this coat 4 stars instead of 5 because choosing the right size can be tricky. I am almost 5 "8 and 156 lbs, small frame (but curvy) with very narrow shoulders. I wear an 8/10 in pants and Sm/Med tops. I tried both the medium and the large. The medium is very true to size, but the large was huge! My hands were swallowed up by the sleeves (and I have long arms) while the waist was huge (from the side I looked pregnant.) I bought the medium and now that I am accustomed to the fit, I am very happy with my choice. It seems that this coat is meant to have a tailored fit, and since it is so warm, you probably won't need to wear anything really bulky underneath.(I can't wear a heavy sweater under it, but a medium weight sweater or hoody is fine.) Also, the coat will flatten out and feel slightly roomier after a few wearings. If uncertain, go with your usual size!

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!

Warmest coat I have ever owned! Perfect for those nigh sub-zero, winter days (and nights). Like another commentator said, this jacket really is like wrapping a down comforter around yourself. Its a bit bulky and puffy, but its does not make you look ridiculous like some bubble jackets.I just bought one and it arrived a few days before christmas. I purchased one in black and a size large (I'm 160lbs).The black color seems to be more of a navy color rather than a true black. I'm somewhat bothered by it, but not too much. If I could purchase this again, I would not buy it in black. In regards to size, I find that it fits somewhat true to size. The sleeves do not seem too long; for me the cuff falls just about an inch/inch and a half past my wrist which is perfect for me. The jacket falls slightly below my knees. It fits somewhat perfectly everywhere (not too tight, not too big but almost just right). The only problem was the chest area. There seems to be plenty of space there, even when fully zipped. I don't mind it too much so I usually place a scarf and that take some space.The outer fabric of the jacket tends to attract lint however not as much as some tend to exaggerate. I've had the jacket for about 3 weeks now and you can barely see the lint on it. The inner lining is okay, however I wish North Face lined it with some short faux fur inside the hood/neck area. Without a scarf it tends to get a bit cold.The zippers on this jacket seems to be the only reason I gave this 4 out of 5 stars. About 80% of the time, when I zip the jacket the zipper catches on the lining. I wish this jacket had some kind of outer buttons for quick/easy closure. The faux fur is removable (not the hood itself) which is good for cleaning the jacket, and quite an upgrade from the previous version of this jacket. The previous version had a faux fur lining that looked a dog's matted hair. This one looks a better and could almost pass for the real things.Other than those last two items, this jacket is nigh perfect. I'm quite happy with my purchase and uber warm this winter. I can literally wear this jacket with only shorts and a tank underneath and go out in single digit degree weather, and be completely toasty warm.

this jacket is GREAT. today it is 18 degrees outside and in my jacket I can take on the outdoors! The fur trim is removable which I like, typically I leave it off but today I put it on and it makes a great shield to the wind! The jacket is warm while being able to move! My only complaint is similar to others - the zipper does get stuck on the lining from time to time. But I'll take the warmth and durability any day.

i live in Canada where good winter coats are a must
i wear a t-shirt when its -10 degrees out side+ the coat and i'm not at all cold
i finally said goodbye to those heavy sweaters
i'm a size 10 and i got a L
it's confortable and styleish at the same time
by far the best winter purchase i ever made with my Sorel boots
i finally enjoy winter

Keeps me very warm with a stylish fit. The high zip neck and fur-trimmed hood are feminine AND functional for keeping the gusty wind out. Considering it's stuffed with down and does have some loft I still get compliments on the slight waist-tapered shape. I'm 5'3" and it hits me above knee. The longer length keeps me very warm at -10 below.

For size, if you want to wear any sweater other than one that's fitted in, say, merino wool, it's best to size up. I'm usually XS in North Face pullovers. I bought the XS parka at first but exchanged it for the S. The XS parka fit perfectly when I wore a t-shirt under it, but became uncomfortably tight in the shoulders, under the arms and short at the wrists with a thick wool sweater underneath. Sizing up did the trick.

I received my new coat about 2 weeks ago. Temperature was in the single digits and my coat did a great job keeping me warm. I am a complete wimp when it comes to the cold, so that is how I justified spending this much money on a coat.
Some drawbacks though. The sizing is interesting. I am almost 5'10'' and weigh 138lbs. I usually wear a medium, but after reading all of the reviews, I ordered a large. The upper part of the coat fits great! I can fit big sweaters and sweatshirts underneath and still be comfortable. The bottom part of the coat (from waist down) is quite large. I am used to having a much more fitted coat, so I didn't like this at first, but have accepted it because it is warm. The other drawback is that the hood in not detachable, so I need to have my scarf on with this coat to keep my neck warm when the hood is not up. Not a big deal, but something to note.
The outer lining is quite durable. I don't have to worry about snagging it all of the time.
It really is a nice warm coat, not the most attractive, but I was going for warmth and I think I have finally found it!

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!

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

After years in SoCal, I moved to Poland. I wanted to equip myselp in really warm coat for years. After many reviews of people from cold, wintery states and Canada, I decided to invest in NF Arctic Parka. After several days, I must say this coat is overrated. During temp. as low as 17F I was cold. I really don't want to think about 5F during my winter holiday in this coat :(It's definitely NOT loaded enough in down. You can just feel 'bald places' through the fabric with your hand. Too bad for this price!As for size: I'm between sizes S and M, and I chose S (I didn't try Medium though). And I think is a bit snug. I'm 5'3" and 120 lbs. 34B chest size. I can only wear it with really thin wool sweater and tee underneath. Not good, since it's not warm enough for me :/
Edit: My oldie knee-length Guess down coat was warmer than NF Arctic parka. Maybe I should try Medium size to leave some space for the air circulation as I've read in one review?...

I am in love with this jacket, I currently live in Toronto where it gets bitterly cold in the winter with severe wind chills, I always thought you had to compromise a nice looking jacket for warmth, however this jacket proved me wrong. I am so warm and cozy in this jacket and it's tailored so it's not puffy to make you look big, I'm 5'6-1/2-5'7 and weigh 120lbs i got Medium in Black, and it fit perfectly. I have no regrets about this jacket....it's absolutely the best winter jacket i have ever had, and i am so so in love with it

Wonderful for extremely petite with no heavy clothing underneath...sizing is tricky even with extraordinarily helpful backcountry help. If you're over 95 lbs. you'll need at least a small or a medium if you have a suit coat or heavy sweater on, despite the manuf. measurements. Very attractive...more formfitting so you don't look like Phil. Doughboy.

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'm a bit dissapointed with the fitting of this parka.
I'm 4'11,very petite.I ordered the xs and it's too big.
I have to admit the arms and shoulders fit perfect is the rest what doesn't makes sense.The A-line i think was designed for tall women.For petite women the A-line is out of proportion.It looks like you have a huge peticoat under the parka.
I live in europe and is too expensive to return it.So i send it to a tailor to fit at the sides.
A positive note ,it is the warmest coat i have ever bought.I have the brown color and the material is strong and looks very nice.

I didn't know what to expect after reading reviews, so I took a chance and ordered size M in ink blue as it was the only one available and I'm visiting the Midwest soon so I need a warm coat. Love the colour and the fur.
I'm 5'5", 140 pounds, usually wear size 4 and 6...I think the size S would fit ok but the M will actually allow me to wear layers underneath. How it holds up in the cold weather remains to be seen!

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.

Coat was warm, but the zipper didn't work. The teeth in the zipper don't match and I had to step out of the coat multiple times to get it off. After one exchange, I returned the coat and got my money back. I expect much more for a $300 jacket!

This down coat is stylish enough to impress in the city but will also keep you warm, comfortable and *dry* when you're out in the elements.Strong zippers, good pocket placement and size, and adjustable snap tabs in the back of the waist and at the wrists. No elastic cuffs at the wrist, but that's okay b/c of the aforementioned tabs. Hood cinches tight and the fur flips in when you find yourself in the middle of a snowstorm.The coat is super warm, so I haven't needed to wear a very bulky sweater underneath, but it seems like the arms are slim enough that a very bulky or loose sweater or fleece would be a problem. Generally, I'd say the fit is slim but comfortable, meaning you can't wear a zillion layers underneath. You'll look super cute, but you'll also be warm.My only gripe is that when I bought it a couple years ago, the fur trim was attached and unremoveable, which means the coat has to be dry-cleaned. (I've read angry reviews by people who've tossed the coat in the washer and dryer.)

I'm very pleased with this coat, im a person that have to have sweaters on top of sweaters. So i took it for a test , it was 13 degrees here in N.Y. i wore only one sweater nothing on top, this coat was the only coat that kept me warm...you go north face...you're the best!!! P.S. and i looked absolutely wonderful in it...

Before purchasing this coat, I read several reviews and considered all the pros and cons. I am 5'4", smaller in the shoulders than the hips and wear size 6, bought a medium and feel completely comfortable in this coat. It is puffy and the drape at the knees puffs out...it could be that there is too much down in that area, but I don't care because I have been able to go for a walk on my lunch hour even in 4 degree temps. Though I have enough room for a sweater, I don't have to wear one. The outer shell does attract lint fibers, so I sprayed it with static guard, which was quite successful. This is a super warm coat, and I got the white one on sale, so I am doubly satisfied.

Brilliant. I m sung and smug standing on the cold train platforms in the UK waiting for the late trains becuase of the 'wrong kind of snow'!.
I went for the small, i am 5ft 9inches tall and a UK size 8 (US4), but have oddly long arms!
The small initially felt a bit tight around the shoulders but it seems to have moulded to my shape and its so comfy i can't recommend it highly enough. The length is excellent, it is just above the knee so not too long it trips me up, but long enough to keep out any draughts.

This is the nicest coat I have ever owned! It is deceiving at first. It runs small and is fitted. I bought it a long time ago in a Medium and it felt snug so I returned it. I wanted to give it another try - after a wore it a few time it gives a little and is perfectly comfortable now. I have several TNF down coats, and always wore a small and they were loose. This one just needs to be broken in and well worth it! The hyvent outside lining insulates you and keeps you warm. Puts all the other TNF coats to shame! I want another one, just waiting on a sale.

I got this coat just before the cold spell we recently had here in DC and was so glad I did. I felt nice and warm even though it was -10 c outside with windchill to -16. It does run small as I have another NF coat which fits me and is extra small but I had to go up to a small in this one. I really love this coat and with the hood up I feel like I'm wrapped in my duvet, warm from my head to my knees. Looks nice and is not heavy. I got the dark brown and as other people have testified it does pick up bits - dog hair, fluff etc. Also, another tiny gripe but it might be just me, I have trouble doing up the zip as it is right down at the bottom.

I bought this coat as a Christmas present for my wife and she loves it. She always cold and this jacket keeps her warm.

Great purchase!

I got this coat for my girl friend for christmas because she was always complaining about the cold. She loves it!! Looks great, very well made, and worth every penny. I wish north face would make a better selection for men, everything seems more for women and kids??

This coat looks fab and stylish online, in reality it not worth the money: The same coat is available in stores for less. Fits too snug so u have to get a sz larger, color sucks (ink blue looks like dk charcoal,) and the double zipper is too much trouble to work...not any warmer than other coats on market..disappointed after searching for over a month for a nice warm down coat!

Love, love the coat. It makes walking in the winter in the Northeast cold bearable. It is big and puffy but I don't care, since I am now warm. This coat has changed my outlook on the winter. I highly recommend it.

1st, the size is true to fit
2nd, it's the warmest jacket
3rd, it's versatile - fanshonable, functional

The only downside, EVERYONE in Chicago has one!

I bought this coat when I was moving from Ireland to Sweden in the depths of winter. This coat is amazing. It looks good and it keeps me really toasty. The size and length was great. It looks much nicer on than The North Face Metropolis parka, and the material feels really tough and durable. I would highly recommend it.

Great fit tends to be on the small side. Extremely warm, windblocker, good length, and waterproof.

I love this coat! I wear it all the time. It is the perfect coat for Minnesota winters! This coat is worth every penny. Only small issue is the zipper - can be a bit tricky at times.

I love this coat. I work in Chicago and it can withstand all of the temps that we have had so far!! It is worth every penny.

This is an attractive coat and it is very warm. Great for Chicago winters. However, it is so warm that I get overheated in stores and many times have to take it off. I try to wear a thin top underneath unless I am going to be outside for a period of time. The zipper is a hassle at first until you realize it is easier to just let it slip in by itself.

I'm 5' 4", 115 pounds, very slender, although I do have fairly broad shoulders for someone my size. I ordered one in SMALL and one in MEDIUM, and the SMALL is going back! Tight around the shoulders, back and arms, just like other reviewers have said. I haven't tested the coat yet -- I'm going to NYC at the end of the month, but am currently in balmy L.A. -- but I feel sure it's going to be great. Also useful for L.A. film shoots at night, when I am always FREEZING. Love that it's water-proof.
My only complaint: When you take the fur off the hood, the hood is quite small, not nearly deep enough. So you kinda have to leave the fur on. (I do have a large head and a lot of hair.)

I just got this coat yesterday and had to test it out. It was 14 degrees and I just had a t-shirt underneath the coat on and I have never felt so warm. This coat will definitely keep you warm during the coldest of winters. The quality seemed to be very good and there is a warranty on the coat so I don't have any worries about anything breaking. The zipper felt strong and the hood is removable (zips off). Overall, this is a really good coat for those that live in colder climates. The coat is true to size. It does look a little puffy and isn't as attractive as the Metropolis parka but it is so much warmer than the Metropolis.The only downside is that it does attract a lot of dust, animal hair etc so it is a little higher maintenance than most down coats but the warmth and quality definitely outweigh that.

it took me three weeks to figure out what size i'm going to get. i am 5'2 and 120 and the small is just right and fit me good. it's very cold where i live and this jacket is worth every penny. i love my jacket and thank you backcountry and to the nice person i chat with help me figure out the right size fo me.i just received my jacket today.

I love this coat. It runs small so I needed a medium even though I usually buy a small. I live in Upstate NY where it can get quite cold, but I haven't even needed to use a scarf as it zippers quite high to the neck. It is so very warm and very attractive compared to other down jackets I have owned. It is also very convenient to drive with as it comes above the knee. I would definitely recommend buying this coat from Backcountry as it arrived on schedule and there was free shipping. When I had a question, the customer service was quite good and answered the phone immediately.

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!

I'm 5'7" and about 120 lbs with a slim build, so I ordered this jacket in small. The jacket fit really tight in the shoulders and under the arms (without any layering), though the rest of it was more or less my size. I exchanged it for a medium. This time, the shoulders fit ok, but the rest of it was huge. I eventually returned it. My opinion? It'll get you through the worst winters, and you probably wont need to layer too much. There's a lot of down in there, and the exterior material (nylon) seems pretty tough. The stitching isn't bad either. But don't buy it if you want to look cute. The cinched-in waist of the jacket in the photo is really just great marketing, because it sure doesn't look like that when you take it out of the packaging or put it on. It's as bulky as any other down-filled jacket if not more so, so you still get the Michelin man look. And the detachable faux fur band (the hood itself does not detach, only the zipped-on band of fur) not only looks reeeaaally fake, but it's also kinda scratchy against your skin. I also don't like the zips on the chest. They slope diagonally and coupled with the cut of the shoulders, have the effect of making your shoulders look rounded, as if you're not standing up straight. So you look fat and round-shouldered. Backcountry customer service was excellent during the return process though, so I'll be returning to the site for my other gear needs.

Really Waterproof! and Wind proof.
Pretty warm but quite weak around the back of neck..which really wants to be warm.
Great pockets!
Great hood!
I was out in miserable, cold, rainy day and was comfortable at 45 with only a long sleeved T underneath.
Missing- SNAPS!!!..so you always have to bend down and zip, which is a real lack in the otherwise good coat. Please get this observation to Northface...A real mistake, annoying as hell.
I expect to get a lot of use out of this coat. For NYC a bit dorky looking, and worse cause I got the blue, which is a nice color...A bit bulky around arms, Had to get the XL and I am really not an XL..
BUT- quite warm except as noted above.

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.