Customer Reviews The North Face Arctic Parka

Absolutely love this coat. It should keep me warm this winter. I would have gave 5 stars, but the grey is a little lighter than what is pictured online.

I wear a 2xl, but the North Face 2XL Artic Down Parka was too snug and unfortunately I had to return it. The coat was warm and the perfect length for me (5'10") and our Buffalo winters.

We purchased the jacket for our daughter to keep her warm as she walks to classes at UW-Oshkosh during the cold (especially this year, 2014) winter months in WI. So far, she loves the jacket and says it keeps her plenty warm. The jacket is well made and good to see that a metal zipper was used in a $300 jacket. My only negative observation is that for $300, there could be more down fill in the sleeves. Otherwise, based on our daughter's feedback, it is a warm jacket that should suit her well during the cold winter months on campus in Wisconsin.

I originally wanted the Brooklyn, but I was able to this coat on sale, so I read the reviews before purchasing. The construction of the jackets are the same, but what sold me on this coat was its length. I bought this coat in a small ( i'm 5' 0", 110 lbs, small chest). I also tried the xs for comparison - it was tight across my chest, couldn't move my arms well. I think the coat looks slightly big on me (around the hips, but I think its just the overall cut of the coat and pocket placement), just my opinion. That being said, I don't mind the way it looks on me, just that it will keep me warm. The coat comes down to my knees - a huge plus for me when wearing dresses or skirts. I wore the coat last night, it wasn't very cold, but it was very windy - I didn't feel a thing. I removed the fur (it seemed flat, not fluffy). The exterior material attracts dust but it can be cleaned easily. I was lucky to get the coat at 30% off, but I would be willing to purchase this at full price.

I just purchased this coat for the cold, windy Chicago winters. I must say this jacket is very warm and comfortable. It protects me from the wind with no problem and the hood is awesome, it fits so nicely and keeps your head warm. It's not bulky and I can drive in it comfortably. I think it runs a little small, I'm 5'5 and 125lbs and usually wear a size small. I found the small was tight in my shoulders so I went with a medium which was fine with me, I can wear a sweater underneath comfortably. I would recommend this jacket.

So far I am pleased with the Arctic Parka. It is warm and I love the hood which keeps me very warm. The zipper works well but I needed a tutorial to learn how it works (hold the seam not the zipper). It has proven its mettle in the snow and rain because it is waterproof. It is warmer than I though it would be because it is so light. I loved the previous version of the Arctic Parka but it had severe zipper problems. I only wish I had known how to zip it up better. I like the fact that the zipper goes all the way to the neck.

Wonderful, beautiful coat but it runs small, so be sure to order the next size up or choose another style. Not all the styles run the same size.

I'm tall 510 and busty.This jacket is made very nicely but if your busty it maybe a little snug in the chest area so size up.Also, the sleeves tend to look short for my taste maybe if it were two inches longer.Protected me from the elements and love the pockets kept my hands so warm.

Let me preface by saying I bought this parka about 3 winters ago, so the jacket has changed a little since that time but I wanted to let people know I've tested it and it has held up in both durability and in styling. One of the changes TNF has made to this jacket since I've purchased it is to the outer shell material of the parka. In previous years, the Hyvent was matte and looked like cotton. Starting last year or so, the material is now shiny, rougher looking (more grained) and nylon-looking. In my opinion, the outer shell looks cheaper and less refined in urban environments, but it's still water and wind proof which many parkas are not. A real advantage if your in an area that sleets or has wet snow. Wet down is cold down. No worries with this coat. As for the style, it's really practical with a clean front and inconspicuous zippered pockets. The pockets aren't very deep nor are they lined/insulated for warmth. You'll have a hard time fitting your hands in these pocket or get much warmth from doing so but they're great for putting your keys or that winter lipbalm since the zippers prevent anything from falling out. I also like they're inconspicuous and subtle. As for the shape, the bottom of the jacket seems to really bell out. Maybe it would be a great shape for hippy people... regardless when viewed the jacket poofs out like a bell below the waist while the upper body seems quite fitted. The bell-ing doesn't bother me too much and i think the jacket looks good for casual occasions and when I need to be more dressed up. The best part of this jacket? it's warm. Warm enough for most people and in most environments. I had bought a Nobis jacket last winter to replace this parka and the Nobis doesn't even come close to it's warmth despite being longer and more than twice the price. At first I thought this jacket was a little expensive but over the years I've gotten so much use out of it and it's lasted. I think I've gotten more than my money's worth out of it. However since moving to an area known to be a snow belt (we're talking waist-high snow, -25 Celsius without the wind and wet), this jacket is ultimately not warm enough for me. Best for people who live in a city with temps down to -12 celsius or people who don't feel all that cold. When this jacket is warm, however, it's really warm without a way to vent that heat. When really moving, this jacket doesn't feel all that breathable. I don't think it's really constructed for activity. No pit zips. No mesh to vent. Another disadvantage is the bulk of this jacket at times and a lack of a good way to carry it. When you're not wearing this jacket, the bulk that was such an advantage outdoors is a pain indoors. it's a bulky jacket to lug around in my arms, especially in a mall during Christmas shopping season. Canada goose and triple 5 soul have straps on the inside of their jackets allowing them to be worn as backpacks when not required as coats. Would be nice to have my hands free and not have to constantly switch arms to hold this jacket. However, i guess it's a small price for having a stylish jacket that has held up year after year and kept me toasty for most of my winter days.

this jacket was too much. Little too warm for me and kind of dorky looking.

Based on many reviews I read, I thought this jacket would be exceptionally warm. I would say it is average. At this price I expected warmer. Based on down ratings, it may be what is expected at 600 fill, but if you aren't familiar with how they are rated (like me) it is tough to shop based on those numbers. It is excellent quality I love the soft fabric, fit and style of this jacket. The hood could be a bit deeper and adjustable.

Have an older version of this parka, probably 10 years old and in pretty good condition with the exception the color is a little faded. Unfortunately the new one would be a downgrade. Returned.

I bought this coat for a trip to Finland for a combo or city activities and outdoor snow fun. It was very warm and did the job. I love this coat but feel it needs more pockets to make it more useful for activities!

Genuine product quality and sleek design. Unfortunately, the fit is not true to the size. I bought XS but the size looks like S, hence, I have to send it back for return.

I owned a similar jacket before and wanted a blue version, but the material is worse than my old one, and the sizing is offS is too big and XS is too small.

The jacket is amazing but the zipper sucks badly.

Ran a little small and the brown was more purple.

This coat is not as warm as the previous Arctic Parkas

I have been a loyal NF customer for decades. I wore a long down puffer coat replaced by the Metropolis for 20 years, buying a smaller size after weight loss. It had sturdy snaps and a zipper. Why did you replace the snaps with cheap Velcro, at this price point? The Velcro secures even when you don't need it to, preventing easy access to the zipper. It snags sweaters and wool gloves, destroying them. Your coats are less durable and worthless. I bought the similar parka from Columbia, who uses snaps, for $100 less.

I've purchased North Face products for many years, and still have an earlier version of this coat from ~10 years ago that is still in excellent condition. I had to purchase a new, larger coat because...well, 10 years. Anyway, and I hate having to say this, I was disappointed in the coat that arrived. The material itself does not feel as high quality; the zipper is plastic instead of metal - which for a coat like this is not great; and the drawstring that cinches the waist of the coat exits the pockets with no apparent place to be tucked in. Meaning, my thumbs get caught in the loops at the end of the drawstrings in the pockets. All in all, it just feels pretty inferior in quality to the previous version of the coat. Big bummer for someone like me who had to save for a while to purchase it.

I don't like this parka! It is very uncomfortable material very stiff. The Velcro closures are annoying. I regret spending so much money and yet it is parked in my closet taking up space.

Never received this product from North Face after having to call in multiple times for a status update over a week. Ended up ordering from another retailer and enjoy it so far.

Kind of disappointed, maybe I should have looked at the cold rating but man...this coat is not nearly warm enough for the zero degree temperatures we've been experiencing in Minnesota this winter, especially in the arms. And boy...zippers on NF coats and jackets are always a challenge, I've had to replace two zippers in past years.

Bought this in my usual size, medium. Loved the look, wore it one time as soon as I got in my car and went to drive, it was way too tight in the chest and in the arms. Haven't even wanted it again hanging in my closet collecting dust. Sport Check would not allow me to return it

Sadly this one didn't work for me. The XL was too big and the L was a tiny bit too small if I wanted to wear a sweater etc. I loved the length, style and warmth of the jacket though. Wish sizing was a little better for me personally.