The North Face Arctic Parka - Women's - 2007 BCS

2007/2008 model

After a year or two of wearing it, I had to give it to my local NorthFace store to send it back to the manufacturer as I couldn't imagine another winter trying to fight with the zipper!

Pro - really warm for cold, frigid Canadian winters - love the coat for the warmth factor.

Con - poor zipper design - the coat is really fluffy and I find that the zipper keeps getting stuck and grabs onto the fabric near the seam . Sometime it literally takes me 10 mins to zip up the coat or to unjam the part of the fabric that gets caught in the zipper.

I'll let people know the response I get from NorthFace.

I read the reviews AFTER I bought this coat, and was then worried that it would be too small and tight across the chest. I'm 6'2 and I really struggle to find coats that fit across the shoulders and with long enough sleeves. When the coat arrived, I was amazed. It wasn't too tight on me, in fact I feel I could have maybe gone a size down. I wear XL in Columbia, but this coats XL feels a bit generous through the body. I feel though that I would have lost some sleeve length in the L, so I'll stick with XL even if it is a tad big. This coat is so warm and beautiful! And I love all the pockets! The sleeves are perfect length on my long arms. I'm just thrilled with it. I can't wait for it to get cold enough to justify wearing it. Worth every penny!

I needed a coat that would keep me as warm or warmer than my previous coat. This did the job. It is absolutely warm, it looks good and is very comfortable - - feels like you're laying on a down comforter.
It arrived quickly and in great condition. I highly recommend this if you're anything like me and fear the cold!

This is a great coat - combines the warmth of down with the durability and weatherproofing of a ski coat. Warning: It does run small. I am a size 8-10 and the medium was too small for me. The faux fur is decent-looking, and I like the plum color a lot. Great pockets. The only drawback in my mind is that it is quite "puffy" - it is flattering but not exactly form fitting, especially in the chest/arms.

When I first got the jacket, I was a bit concerned that the jacket felt and looked "puffier" on me than it appears to be in the photo. However, I received a good amount of compliments on the first day I decided to try it out, so maybe it was all in my head. All in all, this jacket is amazing. It is virtually impossible to feel cold while wearing it, stains are easily removable, and the length of the jacket provides additional warmth. I'm 5'6", wear a size 2-4, small-medium bust and I felt a size small was true to size.

There was a cold snap when I got my TNF Arctic Parka. Temperature ranged from -30C to -45C and the parka was perfect. I ordered a small and was thiking that this might be too big based on the reviews I read. But when I got it I was very pleased with the look and size. It looked a bit bulky at first but after the first wear, it flattened out and was a nice fit. My only issue with this jacket is the zipper getting stuck alot. But otherwise, very happy with the purchase and worth every penny.

Just moved from Florida to outside of Chicago. Had coats to keep me warm, but dry was a problem. This coat does both. Can wear a thin layer underneath and still stay warm. Fits great. Highly recommend.

I really like my gear. This is the best thing ever. I was alway freezing with my other jacket but now it's perfect. Even my mom wants it. Here, in Québec (Canada), during winter ,it's really cold. Sometime is -30 and with this Parka I'm still hot. Even if it's raining it is really impermeable so I can still wear it. Also, i can wear it while i'm shopping because it's breathing. Finally, this is the best gear ever.

Love almost everything in the jacket
1. it's warm
2. it performs well as a windstopper
3. fits perfectly
4. it's very cute

Things I do not like
1. zippers (hard to zip)
2. hood is not removable (I knew it when I bought, but sometimes I feel I wanna take them out)
3. the cell phone pocket is really small, very tight

I bought the black version of this jacket but as a owner of a white Husky I am starting to regret my colour decision.

The minute I opened the packet containing the jacket a zillion dog hairs stuck to the fabric. The jacket creates so much static electricity I can never get rid of them...any suggestions? I am thinking of sending it back for another colour...can anyone recommend a colour that wouldnt be so hair-obvious?

Other than the constant hair covering the jacket...I love it..cozy and cool at the same time!

The inside of the parka I received is gray with a pattern. I ordered a medium (my size is 34D, 125lbs, 5'4") and though the body of the coat is too big, the arm sleeves are too tight. It is a warm coat, but mostly because it's long, and I wish that this coat would have armpit zippers (which is an amazing asset to any winter coat).

Was happy to find this site carried this coat as the local North Face store told me this coat was sold out nationwide. hmm - maybe through their NF stores. Good service and received in a week. I am 5'7" small frame. (size 0 Ann Taylor exp) Ordered size small. Fits very well, however is a little fitted in the shoulders. If you have broad shoulders - something you might want to consider if you prefer things a little more roomy. hoping it will loosen up as believe the med could likely be too big. Do not plan to return. Since no plans for warm travels this winter hoping this coat will get me through! This coat does pick up lint - dog hair, but I will deal with it.

The coat has a slim fit (too slim over heavy sweaters??) and seems very, very warm. BUT, the exterior material is very heavy and stiff.

This jacket just survived its first bout of cold weather in December during a trip to NYC. Not only did I NOT have to bring a purse while trekking around Manhattan (thanks to the coat's many, many pockets!), BUT I was comfortably warm all day. I am a gal who is highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, so believe me when I say that this jacket is highly recommended for wintry conditions! You won't have to wear much underneath to keep warm (but please wear underwear!) For those who are concerned about fit, I am a size 2/4 with a medium bust, so if you like your coats to fit a little snug against your body, then get your true size.
Also, I had concerns with hand-carrying the coat on my flight to and from NYC, but it 'smushes' nicely into the airplane's overhead compartment without any trouble. I have received many compliments on the coat and have spotted several women wearing various colors/versions of the Arctic Parka. In short, people will say you look like a fancy Eskimo, but you know they're just jealous that they don't own the best winter coat ever made.

I live in northeast VT where it was -20 F last winter so I wanted to buy a coat to keep me warm and one that covered my bottom. This coat is perfect because it's not too long, I'm 5'4 and it hits above my knees and has another zipper on the bottom to zip upward to give your legs more room if needed say while driving.
The only complaint I have it the snaps on the back can hurt while sitting against them in the car, etc. I love this coat. It's warm and it looks nice, not a puffy type of jacket.

There was a cold snap when I got my TNF Arctic Parka. Temperature ranged from -30C to -45C and the parka was perfect. I ordered a small and was thinking that this might be too big based on the reviews I read. But when I got it I was very pleased with the look and size. It looked a bit bulky at first but after the first wear, it flattened out and was a nice fit. My only issue with this jacket is the zipper getting stuck a lot. But otherwise, very happy with the purchase and worth every penny.

Fabulous coat. Very "techy" as all North Face products are. The brown color great for winter's in Vail. XS was all that was available (I'm a 2 - 4) and it might be a little snug as it is fitted but it is so warm I won't have to layer under it.

Haven't worn this for winter yet, but can tell it's going to be my warmest, most comfortable winter yet in chicago wearing this coat. I normally wear a medium to fit well, large to be comfortable. Got an XL, and it is comfortable - could be a bit trimmer around the middle, but fits well in the arms. The hood is hilarious - feels like I should be crawling out of an igloo when the fur is pulled all the way forward. Again, looking forward to a very, very toasty winter!

I fell in love with this coat the first time it was out on the market. It didn't matter that other North Face coats were out I wanted and needed to have this style. And I ended up buying two the brownie and the black. I'm 6'2 and I had to purchase the XL and it is so warm I only wear one shirt and a scarf and I'm good.

I ordered the coat after trying on a shorter version in Atlanta. The xsmall fit fine but no sweater would fit under it. So a small it was. Most of the puffer jackets fit about the same. This one is great for a small framed person. The sleeves are the perfect length and can't wait for the snow to hit! :)

I was in constant search for the perfect winter coat, until i came across The North Face Arctic Parka... i am so in love with this coat... it is warm and cozy, just right for ny winter weather... plus,with all the compliments i get, this is a winner... i did go up a size as recommended, but i think i can still get by with my regular size... this store had all sizes available and they delivered lightning fast...next time, i will try to get other colors...

Perfect jacket for Midwest unpredictable weather. Fits nicely and is long enough to keep my legs warm also! Worth every penny!

Great Jacket, keeps you very warm, it is also very thick. I always order medium in everything and this fit true to size. It is a little puffier looking in person. The winter where I live averages in the 40s during the day and the 30s at night. I can wear the jacket with just a shirt underneath and stay warm. It hits just above my knees. The inner lining has a great design that isn't shown in the picture. The fur on the hood is also a little more brown than gray. Lots of little pockets inside are cenvenient.

After reading reviews that this item ran small, I ordered a large and found the coat swallows me. I am 5'9 and 125 1bs small bone structure and slender build but definately not skinny. The coat is kinda thin in the arms but it definately roomy in the body. I feel I could have easily worn the medium and would have ordered it if not swayed by the reviews. BUT I am totally in LOVE with my coat and could not part with it long enough to send it back for an exchange. I lived in Florida my whole life and when I moved to Massachuessets nothing seemed to keep me warm. This is the warmest, coziest coat I've ever worn! I recommend this coat to anyone who is struggling to find that perfect winter coat. Amazing!

I bought it for my wife, and she loves it. She said it is the warmest coat she has ever owned. It appears to be very well made too. It seems so warm, that I may look for a men's version for myself.

My daughter loved her parka---style wise, comfort, fit, and WARMTH...but, the zipper is kind of difficult to work. It might be a glitch in this one, but now that she's worn it so much, returning doesn't seem like n option. Any ideas?

This coat will keep you warm when even when the wind chill is close to zero. From the photo it's impossible to tell that the fur-covered edge is actually on the inside of the hood and is shown folded back. So, when flipped forward it blocks the wind from your face almost completely. The mission plum style has a swirly, floral, plum and lavender colored lining. I expected gray or black and was pleasantly surprised. I particularly like that the hood is insulated. . This is the second TNF jacket that I've bought (It's not a replacement for the first one, a 3-in-1 jacket. I bought that six years ago and I still get compliments and questions as to where I bought it.) There is one small detail that can be a bit annoying but is easily fixed--the sleeve lining is just a half an inch or so too long and sticks out a bit from underneath the cuff when I wear the jacket. I've been pulling it up from inside the sleeve after I put it on but plan to shorten it by tacking (sewing it from one side only) it to the inside cuff.

Live in cold Norway; this keeps me nice and warm ,just like like Florida!My best purchase ever,it is perfect!

After looking for a winter coat for months, I found this one, read the reviews and ordered it. It is incredibly warm. It's true a t-shirt is enough underneath even when it's 10 degrees outside. I don't mind the cold anymore; I actually look forward to a cold day so that I can wear the coat. I ordered a large because reviews said the coat runs small. Large was too big. Then I ordered the medium. I usually wear a medium. It fits a bit snug, but it beats being cold, or looking HUGE in the large. I'm VERY happy.

It may be the warmest winter coat that i've ever bought! No matter the elements...the coat does its job!!

I have read in other reviews that the coat runs small however I disagree. I am a size 12 and only needed a Large. It feels snug when you first put the coat on but I find that if I wear one layer or three layers I can still fit into the coat. Ok, it does get snug with three layers but I can still wear the coat comfortably. This is possible because the down in the coat compresses and makes room. This is a wonderfully warm coat and the hood is awesome. With this coat, I am warm in 30 degree F weather with only a very thin sweater on.

This is the nicest, warmest coat. I couldn't be happier with it. I would say it runs slightly on the small size, so if you are unsure go up a size. I am a size 6 and got a medium and it fits me perfectly.
I go to school in the city and honestly am
never cold. I don't have to "bundle up" to go to class. I love this coat!!!

I finally found a real coat! I live in The Windy City and if u have ever spent January or February in Chicago u know they can be brutal! But, not with this coat! U dont even need an umbrella the hood totally covers your face and it is waterproof. You could wear a t-shirt and be in sub-zero temps(as I have) and not feel a thing!

This coat is totally worth the money! Super warm, super waterproof! It's the best coat I have ever had!!

In most clothes I usually wear a 10-12, or medium. Often I've found medium too large, I have to get a small. I received this coat in Medium & it was WAY too small. I doubted that even a large would be big enough. Too bad -- it was a lovely coat.

In the 2 weeks that I have had this coat, I've endured snow and sleet, freezing temperatures, and -15 wind chills. This coat really works! I'm 5'2'' small-med bust, and got the size small. Fit is roomy enough now for thick sweaters, but I can wear a single layer top and feel warm (I think an extra small would be too snug for sweaters). The iPod pocket is great! Also, since the coat is waterproof, I fell in dirty slush once and my white coat didn't even have a mark! Love this coat!

Really warm, really cute! I love it.

Hey, this is really good. I like it so much, I wear it without any swearter when it was snow and windy. This is waterproof and warm.

I received my jacket and I love it. Looking forward to next winter!

Ordered the parka the 10th April - it reached Switzerland within 5 days - just great. Mine is a size S vintage white and it fits perfect and looks great. Now spring is slowly coming and I'm looking forward to next winter to wear this great and just perfect parka.

Got this parka (in brown) before my trip to the midwest in mid-December. I live in CA so had nothing to wear in that COLD weather. It was great! Even in sub-zero temps. I was very happy with it, both for warmth and style. The phone representative was extremely helpful, too. I didn't want to look like the Michelin man and she recommended this coat. You have a new customer. Thanks!

I was hoping that the unquilted look would be more sleek and less puffy. It's still a bit puffy and not as sleek (although it feels thinner) than my old down coat. It's also a lot shorter than I was looking for. Just trying it on, it took about 5 tries before I could get the plastic teeth to line up properly. Needless to say, I'm taking it to the post office to return it.

This is the best coat I've ever worn. Very warm, comfortable and makes me feel hugged! That's tough to buy! As far as the sizing goes, this jacket definitely runs small. I normally wear a size for in other brands, such as ISIS, and this coat fits comfortable in a Large. I ordered the Moonlight Ivory, which now appears to be the same as the Vintage White. The inside lining is the same color as the outside of the coat. It's amazingly stainproof, as I spill coffee on it daily and have dog paws on me and it still looks new. When I purchased this coat in Oct of 2007 it cost $104 less-just 2 months ago on this site. Only wish is that the fur trim was removable. Otherwise, the BEST!

I received the parka and I returned it for a full refund. I purchased it for my daughter and she didn't like it. Oh well.