Outdoor Research

Stormcraft Down Parka - Men's

Overall a good coat -- Having fit issue

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Large

Bought the XL and it was too huge. I'm 6 feet tall and on the skinny side and XL is generally my go to. I exchanged it for the Large and its a much better fit. Arm length perfect. Torso great. The only issue is at the neck line. Fully zipped the darn thing is almost choking me! I put up the hood and that relieves the pressure and feels great. But who wears their hood all of the time? Coat is warm and all that. If I had tried them both, the XL and the L, on in a brick and mortar store I likely would have purchased neither...

So, so good

I just returned from reporting on a blizzard in the Sierras for a national television network. I spent most of five days outside in blowing snow in the low 20s (Fahrenheit). This jacket is incredibly comfortable. I was warm and dry the entire time with just a midweight wool layer underneath. The hand pockets are lined with soft fleece material and are perfectly placed (not too high, not too low) for all-day ungloved comfort. The utility of the rest of the pockets on the jacket is awesome. Lots of secure, dry storage space. If I had one complaint it's that the zipper is sometimes challenging to engage at the beginning...like it's a little undersized for winter conditions. But once you've got it on it's like being indoors when you're outdoors. I'm 5'10", 195lbs and the Large fits perfectly.

Great Jacket!

I've only used this jacket a few times since purchasing it, and not in the rain yet, but the warmth and utility are fantastic. I'm a big fan of the pocket options as this jacket provides the most/best options of any other jacket I've ever tried. The only reason for the 4/5 stars is that the sizing is way way off. I haven't worn smaller than an XL in 12 years but this jacket in XL was comically large. In fact, the L is almost too big as well, but I'm keeping it in case I need to layer on bulky clothes underneath. If you can find the right size, then this jacket seems is a great choice.

Stormcraft Excellence

Great fit and finish with this jacket. The down is spaced apart perfectly and outer fabric of the jacket is quite durable. After searching for the perfect jacket, I can easily say it's been found!

Great coat, Iffy Zipper

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Large

Weight:

250

A 5 Star coat with a 3 Star zipper. Overall, I’m very happy with the coat. Extremely warm, but still breatheable. Great pockets and snaps. Zipper tracks seem sturdy, but pull and latch is too small and is occasionally difficult to start/unzip. Still, love the coat. Just hope the zipper holds out.

I would buy it back if some improvements are implemented

I ended up returning the parka it even though I liked most things about. Positive aspects: - Super light. lighter than other down jackets I have owned or tried while still as warm as them. - Lots of large spacious pockets outside and inside for storing your stuff (hats, gloves, wallet, phone, etc. - The outer shell seemed adequately durable (but not the top class). - Waterproof Gore-Tex shell was one reason I bough it it though I am still not sure that is much of use for clod snowy conditions. One doesn't need a waterproof shell for snow. I have had jackets with ordinary shells for the Canadian Winters and never had a problem even under heavy snow. - I ordered it in storm color which is a satin gray (a bit on the dark side and with a nice sheen). I really liked the color. Cons: - I wasn't convinced with its zipper with small teeth. Yet, maybe it was just fine. Zippers generally have not been the first things in a jacket that fails on me so I wasn't much worried about it. - The lining didn't feel organic but rather very plasticy to me. I have to say even much more expensive parkas have rather disappointing lining so I can't blame an average priced parka like this one much for this reason. - I found the parka wasn't adequately breathable for me. I am quite sensitive to this and hate sweating in my clothes. So this was the main reason I returned it. Suggests for improvements: - add armpit zippers. It helps making it more breathable. - Use a more organic lining; maybe a polyester/cotton blend? - Use a more heavy duty zipper. Finally, the sizing: I am 5'10", 155lbs and ordered small. It seemed like medium or even large with lots of space for layering.

Awesome parka!

I'm a landscape/outdoor photographer who poor circulation in his hands. Your parka is incredibly warm plus wind/storm proof and gives me many places to quickly get my hands out of the cold when I put my camera down for a break. Thank you!

Very warm and comfortable!

This is great all around parka, comfortable and very warm. I've worn this locally around town and also high up in the mountains on below freezing temperatures. The parka keeps me very warm and I do not have to wear many layers underneath, this is a plus! Sizing runs a little large, I purchase a size down and it fit me great.

Love the Jacket, had it for 2 years and just bought another.

Loved the jacket. Had the same one for 2+ years and it was my best jacket ever. The other night I was out in a snowstorm and gave it to a homeless guy and yesterday bought the exact same jacket again. It's ideal for cold, snowy, and windy weather. We do a lot of winter Razor riding, winter hikes, and camping and it does great. Did have zipper issues with the other one, but this seems better. My family jokes with me because I like the jacket so much. Sizing is similar to other comments. I'm between an XL and XXL and so the fit is perfect-it does run large.

So comfortable and warm

I am 5'7 and about 170lbs and I am so happy I got the Small! It fits me perfectly and I can wear another thin layer underneat if needed. So far so good. It is warm for sure but will have to see how it performs when is -20C.