The North Face Thunder Down Jacket - Women's - 2008 BCS

This is a phenomenal down jacket- it is extremely light weight, packs very small, but is also incredibly warm. I am 5'8/size 6 and wear a medium. The Thunder is a must have for the outdoor clothing arsenal/back-up layer for your pack. It provides good protection against the wind, and when temperatures get chilly it is an easy layer and light piece to throw on. I wore this out the house this am to go ski-touring in 5 degree weather, and then put it back on at 13,000ft in a biting cold wind to ski back down. It functioned perfectly, and allows for great movement and flexibility. Reliable warmth and well cut for women, I also like the stitching and pocket placements. This is a fantastic go-to jacket for outdoor women and versatile for all kinds of activities. The weight to warmth ratio is it's biggest selling point..

This jacket is the perfect weight for all year--it's so useful that I just keep one in my backcountry ski pack all season just in case. It packs down really well, and is so comfortable on--great for winter when you just got to the top of the hill and are cooling off a bit to go under your shell for the way down, or for chilly nights outdoors in the summer you wouldn't need anything heavier.

light as a feather and so cozy. And a great price

Don't pay attention to the other review on this jacket. I am assuming she is talking about the silver or blue color, but I have green and it doesn't so the feathers at all. On the performance side, this jacket is amazing warm considering how light and thin it is. I get cold very easily but in this I am cozy down to 20 degrees with just a light baselayer. This is a great technical jacket for that reason because it would pack down really small and light. It is also windproof (no wind through zipper at all) and repels light precipitation. I love the look of the jacket too!

Pros: This jacket fits true to size and light.
Cons: I have the "molten red" and dark colored feathers still show through the fabric. I have not worn it out yet and found a couple of feathers poked through the fabric, hopefully the jacket does not continue "molting" too much. The fabric is thin (that's why it is so light) and has a low sheen to it. I compared this with the Patagonia Down Sweater and found the North Face is puffier with the same 800-Fill down. Also, I didn't care much for the large logos on the front and back on the North Face; and writings on the sleeves. As another reviewer said - "lke a walking ad for North Face."
Here's the Small jacket measurements (measured laying flat from the back):
Shoulder 14.5"; Sleeves 24"; Waist 17.5"; Under arm 19"; Neck to hem at back 23" (front slightly shorter)

Bought this jacket and was SO EXCITED. Then it got warm for a few days and I had to wait to wear it. When I finally got to wear it, I wore it running errands. Looked FANTASTIC on, sweater-like fit, warm. Got home at the end of the day, satisfied with my jacket and the compliments that it got. Laid it down on the table before I hung it up and noticed a leaky feather poking out the inside liner. I've owned other down jackets. I know they lose a feather and there. This is supposed to be down-proof fabric. This feather "stem" had torn a rather large (not literally large- but usually the feathers sneak out without damage) hole right the back inside of the. Maybe it was a fluke- but I kinda thought..if this could happen after a partial day of gentle errand running- and on the INSIDE of the jacket, what could happen if I was playing outside for the day. Was just disappointed. I guess I expected more from North Face. I really loved this jacket, but expect a jacket to hold up more... The down jacket I'm replacing was 5 years old- beat up like crazy and patched together- performance wise, it could have gotten me through another year, looks wise, it was in need of replacement. It doesn't seem like this could hold up for 5 years!!! Ended up getting a Mountain Hardware Sub Zero Parka- the look is totally different, but I'll get more coverage for the cold MN winters!! If it wasn't for the internal hole, I think I would have loved this jacket.

i really love this jacket! it is the lightest jacket you'll ever try on. you don't even feel as if you're wearing anything! when i first got it, i couldn't imagine that it would keep me warm. but i figured i would try it out. well, as a florida girl with very thin blood, it kept me incredibly toasty warm in NY. i recall waiting for the train late one night on LI, wishing that i could purchase ski pants in the same fabric, because then my whole body would be toasty warm. i also loved stuffing this jacket into my small purse - it's amazing! i could practically stuff it into a large ziplok bag, that's how great it stuffs. and when i pull it out - it's completely normal, no creasing or anything! anyhow, i adore this coat. can't you tell. just an aside, i normally buy size-medium tee shirts, and i had to purchase this in a small, so it runs a wee tiny bit large. enjoy!

I first bought the Patagonia down jacket from SAC and it just didn't cut it - the torso was too short and the arms were too long - I know it's made for climbing, but it was a little ridiculous. That, and the material just felt cheap. I am a big patagonia fan, however, but it wasn't what I was looking for. Then I did some major investigating, and stumbled upon the Thunder Down Jacket. I haven't been too pumped about the North Face, because it has gone too "Hollywood" in recent years, but I must admit, I LOVE this jacket. It is unbelievably light and so warm (and I live in MN, where it's cold!!!) This jacket has kept me warm, and it looks so good - not too puffy, like most down jackets. I highly recommend it!!

I live in L.A. so bad weather isn't really an issue. Hence, it doesn't take a drastic drop in temperature to make me feel really cold. I wanted a casual jacket for everyday errands that didn't make me look and feel like I was going camping instead (but would be handy when I do!). I ordered this one based on the description of it's light weight, slim fit, and warmth. When I received the package, I was very surprised to find I have sweaters that weigh more than this jacket. When I tried it on, it warmed me up immediately. The fit is perfect, very streamlined and actually flattering! I'm very petite (5'1") so the coat's length works for me. I wore the jacket to run errands tonight in 43 degree temps (freezing for me) plus rain and no umbrella with only a thin t-shirt underneath. Kept me dry, deliciously warm, and only wishing I'd worn a hat!! And it's machine washable too??? Can't get more awesome...

This jacket is not only warm, but breathable. This allows you to wear it in a variety of temperatures. It keeps out the wind and has a piece of material that keeps your chin from touching the zipper when the jacket is zipped up. It would be nice if it had an optional hood. But overall, a great jacket!!!

This jacket has been a life saver. I have considered buying a down jacket for 2 years now and I am so glad that I got this one. It is good for skiing and other sports and also looks fantastic on, so I wear it around town all the time also. I do not look like the Michelin man in this coat. It does leak the occational feather and I wonder if another fabric could minimize that. My husbands down coat does not leak as much but I can't remember what fabric it is made out of. I would recomend this coat.

Lightweight, easily stowable, and warm. Great as a base layer or an outer layer. I now have two of them. I wore my first one just about everyday in the New York City winter cold.

I couldn't decide if I wanted the Thunder Down Jacket or the Patagonia down jacket....so I bought both and I returned the patagonia because I didn't like the way it fit. I bought mediums of both brands and the Patagonia was way too big and the North Face fit just right. I haven't had any problems with the feathers falling out. So far I love it!

The ordering was easy. Shipping was excellent. I made the mistake of getting the Surf Blue jacket. You can see the dark feathers easily and so doesn't look good. I should have listened to some of the reviewers who had similar problems. I suggest getting a darker colored jacket. I returned it today and the return process is very efficient. I got Backcountry.com Luft 800 down in Carbon. Cursory inspection looks good. But haven't had a closer look at it yet. Hope that works for me.

A fantastic addition to your sporty outerwear collection. This one is super, super light; I was really surprised at it's featherweight when I pulled it out of the box.

It's really warm and comfortable. I would definitely, however, wear warm layers underneath for those windy days. This jacket does not stand alone below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

I was so excited to give this coat to my daughter for her birthday. When she put it on, I thought it was dirty, The outer layer is so thin that the dark feathers showed through.

I love this jacket (I own it in the blue and the grey), very light weight, easy to pack for trips. I have gotten a tons of compliments on it! I wear them both all the time, great for all temperatures-in below zero weather into the 60's I have worn them.

Received as a Christmas present, returned for a larger size to allow layering. Warm and toasty on the coldest days. Backcountry personnel ever pleasing and accommodating to the nth degree! Always delighted with BC gifts! Love my new jacket!!

I love my new NF jacket. It's so light and warm! Worth every penny. All my friends are getting one too which I find very funny. I have no problems with it. I had maybe one or two feathers coming out but I just trimed them. It happens to all feather jackets. I got the same jacket for my husband last year and since he loved it, I got one too. I definitely recommed getting one.

I bought the Patagonia Down Sweater first and had to return it because the sleeves were too large in diameter and too long. I then ordered TNF jacket. I usually wear a size 6 or 8 jacket and this fits me perfectly even with a heavy sweater on under it. It is warm enough for my midwest weather all by itself when running errands and when I am going to be outside for a longer period I wear a gortex shell over it. I just love how light weight it is and that the fit isn't boxy.

The finest fabric I have ever had on a down jacket. Light, warm easy to wear in many temperature settings. I bought two and the vests!

This jacket is so light that you will think that it can't possibly be warm but it is!! It is a nice fit like the other reviews say and I personally have not had any problem with losing any feathers or having them come thru the shell. I have many North Face jackets and this is my favorite. I just wish that it had more pockets and lining in the two pockets that it does have, but otherwise it is very warm and stylish. I am envied by my daughters who want one because it looks so NOT puffy.

So stylish and the color is fantastic! Ordered the Pearl gray for my daughter and she LOVES it.
Super folks to do business with and will definitely be a repeat shopper. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Pros: very light, material feels soft, and I can wear it in our 65F house like a sweater. I love the blue colour. It's great as one one of 4 layers under a camo fleece for goose hunting. It's nice to slip on when the weather is around 32F+. I can move freely in it.
Cons: the down falls out; the styling of the blue jacket is odd - it has black tape down the front placket, and a grey bit on top, and too much writing on it - I'm not interested in being an ad-board for NF! I feel like the Michelin man in the upper arms. And, it's not warm enough to wear as an outer layer (over a snow angels undershirt (fantastic product!) and a cotton shirt / sweater), unless it's around or above freezing.
I wouldn't buy another one but overall, the pros out-weigh the cons.
Backcountry's service is great!

Chose the jacket for my granddaughter for Xmas. Came in promptly, but problem was that it was dirty on the sleeves and vest area; plastic bag torn open. Look like someone had worn it. I returned it and am still waiting for the credit to appear on my card. Customer service had no explanation as to why the jacket was sent to me; couldn't find it in there inventory.

I got this jacket because i needed something for backcountry touring - haven't used it for that purpose yet, as it's now summer. but i have used it for camping and casual wear and it kept me very warm. i'm excited to see how it will hold up when i'm touring next season. it definitely is very lightweight and packable.