The North Face Venture Parka - Women's - 2009 BCS

I've had my Venture Parka about 3 years and the lining is falling apart and peeling off, especially in the neck and the hood. I have not worn it particularly hard at all. It fits fine, it did OK in the rain up until now, but it's now essentially useless on a wet day. If I'm going to spend a hundred dollars on a rain coat, it had better last me more than three years. My next rain jacket will absolutely have a fabric lining.

I couldn't find the parka in Hawaii, only the jacket was available. I was so happy I found the black parka on Backcountry!

I love the cinch-cords at the waist and hood, which allows for a more custom fit. The pit-zips & HyVent DT fabric worked well for ventilation. Alot of room through the sleeves, so no restrictions on movement while involved in outdoor activities. Totally light-weight and waterproof...perfect for our weather!

In Hawaii, we're so conscious of shipping methods and rates. Glad that Backcountry shipped USPS Priority Mail at $9.25! Purchasing online was hassle-free, and my order was processed and shipped out the next day. I received my parka a few days after that.

Thanks Backcountry...will check you out for future outdoor needs!

I'm a 5'4" 150-lb. woman who likes her rain gear to fit long and loose, so I originally ordered a Men's Venture Parka size Medium but it turned out not to be suitable for people whose hips are as wide as or wider than their shoulders. It was too snug at my hips so it rode up on me.

I exchanged it for a Women's XL, Shoreline Blue and am now as happy as a clam. I could've gotten by with a Women's L but it would've been too form fitting for my own liking. Plus the XL makes it easier to layer underneath. (Definitely necessary for colder weather. Despite the name "parka," this rain coat keeps you dry, not very warm.)

I love:
- the long length: it covers my bum when standing, and though it's not long enough to sit on, it still goes to the chair when you're sitting, so no rain sneaks down your waistline.
- the adjustable hood, which is big enough to accommodate a ponytail and still keep my glasses dry. Plus it's adjustable in two ways (from the sides, to pull it around your face, and from the back, to pull it up off your eyes)
- the long pit zips, which really help for venting, especially when you're moving fast (like on a bike)
- the large mesh pockets, accessible from outside and inside
- the option to tuck the whole jacket into one pocket
- the color (shoreline blue - a bit darker than a sky blue, very attractive)
- the velcro at the wrists
- the waterproofness - I took it for a bike ride in a light, steady rain and it kept me completely dry.

The breathability is okay. If you're really doing a hard work out, if you sweat easily, or if you're in a very humid climate, you'll be a little damp inside, but still 100 times dryer than if you were wearing a non-breathable material. I'm no expert, but I'm assuming if you want more breathability, you'd have to go up to a higher price point.

The Backcountry exchange process was extremely easy. I had absolutely no shipping or billing problems at all.

I really like this jacket, its long, comfortable, and keeps out the rain. The hood is also big enough to cover your head. Also, its huge! I would suggest buying a size down. Though its not warm at all, if its chilly out, you want to wear a sweatshirt of some sort under it!

What's going on with North Face? The quality has really taken a dive. The Venture Parka is the perfect length, fit and idea but the material is so flimsy and makes that awful crackling noise with every move. The way the collar folds open would be cute if the lining inside didn't look like the inside of a 1960s shower cap. Compared to my NF rain jacket from years ago, this is not worth the price. Additionally,this is not a winter jacket, even with a fleece underneath. I'm giving 3 stars for the idea and fit and the fact that it will keep you dry.

It's a slightly baggy fit but not overly so, enough room to layer, but it still has a "fitted" style.