Customer Reviews The North Face Defdown Parka GTX

This Christmas I went to Canada for almost two weeks and it was a good chance to see if this parka will make it. It did with a great, I would say fantastic success. The temperature went down to -9 F in Quebec plus it was quite windy. I didn't feel it at all! I was unbelievably warm, love the hood and long sleeves. I didn't feel the wind, it didn't get wet, and I didn't get cold, period. I could fit into my packets probably a little pony-still would be plenty of room. Super stylish, love the neck area because only in Canada I realized the coverage is awesome-most of the times I didn't need even a scarf! This is the best parka ever!!!! Love it!!!

I'm 5'2" and 100lbs with an athletic build, and XS fits pretty well...it's close fitting but not too tailored, with plenty of room for layering. I was looking at the CG Shelburne also, but this is half the price, feels like half the weight, has a magnetic storm flap and foldover mittens built into the internal cuff, has a well-fitted hood lined with soft faux fur, and is Goretex shelled. Love Goretex, that stuff is incredible...windproof, waterproof, don't need to DWR spray. The exterior of the jacket also has a fine lined texture, makes it a little more interesting/nice-looking than just a flat material. Zipper is good quality, easy to engage and zip up or off even though it's at awkward knee level. Great jacket, it's a tad pricey but totally worth it considering its warmth, well-designed features, and practicality.

This coat is by far the best North Face product I have ever owned. The coats color is a Beautiful vibrant red and the pockets are extra large to accommodate big gloves or extra accessories. This costs waterproof/wind proof material is still very soft and the large faux fur hood adds extra protection against the winter elements at night when I walk my dog! The bottom of the coat has two zipper panels that allow you to move more comfortable and sit down with ease at the cost is long. I purchased this coat in extra large to accomodate a wider bottom and fuller top. I would Highly suggest this to anyone and am looking to purchase it in another color!

This parka is heavy and unless you're pretty tall, quite long (2" above knee for me, at 5'4", 120 lb). The body fit in a size small was okay - a little loose, and too puffy in the front in the middle, but enough room for layering. A little more tapering in the body would fit me better, to reduce the midbody puff that's just extra fabric. The down filling seems like it would be warm enough, particularly with the heavy gortex exterior. Other great things about this parka: the non-removable hood is a good size (at least once you remove the faux fur which falls in your face); it has magnetic closures instead of velcro, and they actually work; and the long pocket zippers (about 10") actually help the style and would allow you to carry a huge phone or any other number of things. Problems: The arms are ridiculously long, by about 2" for me. It has a wrist lining that pulls out too far (a full inch past my finger tips), so even if you have very long arms you'd have to adjust it every time you put it on or see odd fabric past the coat that doesn't look right. It might be designed for people who want to cover their hands without gloves (?), since you can fold over the wrist lining (think baby sleeper hand covers). Second problem is that the fur looks cheap, too wide, and fell into my face too much. This is minor, since it's removable, but if you want the fur for the style it may not work for you. I have a TNF Nuptse Ridge parka that fits perfectly in a small and needed a similar one for my daughter who's the same size. This definitely is not it. Please bringback the Nuptse Ridge or some thing more similar. For now, she's chosen the Marmot Lexi -- I an not sure it will be quite warm enough, but it looks great and has room for a couple layers. I hope this coat is redesigned to fit better. This version seems like a good bet for someone who's tall and has long arms.

My husband and I recently moved to New England and our current winter coats definitely did not cut it this past winter. We are happy to have gotten these coats on sale. They are so warm and cozy, and also waterproof. They do run a big big, so if you're between sizes I would suggest sizing down.

I rarely buy stuff so when I do I am REALLY picky. This coat is AMAZING! I have wanted it for a couple of years and finally bought it with ZERO regrets. It's warm, waterproof, comfy and fashionable. My favorite thing are the magnetic closures for easy on and off. Big pockets, double tab zipper and a bit longer in the back for full coverage. BUY THIS COAT and I promise you won't regret it. So happy

I am a heavy woman who struggles to find outerwear for cold weather. Here in northwestern Minnesota, I need a good warm parka for dog-walking but also for volunteer duty that has me standing (i.e., not generating any heat) outside for hours at a time. Last year I bought an Outer Boroughs coat, and it just didn't work for me. The shaping (in particular, the belt) fought my body, and the raglan sleeves were so restrictive that I struggled to do up the zipper. While I loved the multiple pockets, filling them only made the coat, which I'd bought in the largest size I could find, fit more snugly. The coat has plenty of insulation but I didn't have room to wear any more than the lightest baselayer under it. THIS coat, however, seems designed on a different planet. Despite being the same size, XXL, it's far roomier and boxier in cut without being baggy or allowing cold wind to blow up the hem. I have space underneath for even a bulky sweater, expanding the temperature range at which this coat is comfortable. The set-in sleeves allow for full range of motion. It comes down to my knees (I'm 5'5") but also has handy zips at the side hem to open up for driving, etc. The front zip is a two-way, and the magnetic "snaps" are easy to manipulate even with chilly fingers. The difference in comfort and practicality for me is striking, and I'm really glad I tried the Defdown! Thanks for offering something warm for a different shape!

Black was the only color available when I ordered this, although I really wanted a reddish color. The black is not funereal at all, though, and I was really pleased with the way it looked. Wore it yesterday on a very raw, wet, nasty day, and I stayed truly comfortable. It sheds water well, and it breathes! What a relief from a less expensive coat I had that made me sweat inside it. It was worth the money to me.

I love this parka. Purchased it just before a beautiful winter weekend away. Temps were sub zero, it was windy and snowy. I felt very comfortable and protected on the occasions we ventured out to play. It's unfortunate the zipper is so difficult. It's frustrated me enough that I have consider returning the coat.

Coat: Medium, red. Me: 5'2". Coat hits a little above the knee I bought this coat 2 weeks ago. Let's start with the good. I was a little hesitant to buy a red coat because it is "in your face" bright cherry red and my preference are dark colored coats. However, this was on sale and I have received numerous compliments on it. We've been hit by a ton of snow here in the midwest. This coat has kept me comfortable and warm as well as shielded from the elements and windchill -20 to -40 degrees. I walk my dog every day and a winter baselayer under the coat is enough. The coat pockets are also roomy to hold snowboarding mittens. The are zippers on the bottom of the coat conveniently allow leg mobility when I'm seated or want to cool down. Now for the cons: The fabric is proned to stain or fray. For example, I lightly leaned against my vehicle to clear snow and there are now dirt stains especially around where the magnets are. Additionally, fibers around the wrist are already frayed/pulled for some unknown reason. It's hard to believe this coat is GORE-TEX. I have several GORE-TEX coats of various brands and they still look new over the years and snowboarding excursions. The magnets should have been snaps. Stains collect on and around the magnets, which now has a visible circle stain. The convertible mitten storm cuffs are a great idea, but they feel too short/restrictive.

Love this jacket. It's true to size, super warm, great color. I like the magnetic closures.

I love this coat because it is warm to wear in the winter months. I love the two side zippers which permit you to increase your gate if you need to step up.

Hood, hand cover inserts and light weight down coat is the perfect combination to keep me warm. Added bonus is the stylish look. I'm 5 "4" 130, purchased small size, fit is perfect and leaves room for chunky sweaters. I can't wait for winter to show off during Maryland winter. Stay tuned for another update!

It's so Beautiful I love the fit and style and the color is very low key yet show stopper

Perfect for New York's harsh cold season

Great for cold weather walks.

Warm!! Nice fit Color great

Totally recommend it and I found it great to use it. The finger mittens are just perfect and with a base layer, one can easily be out and about just with a base layers with sub zero temperatures.

Perfect for Michigan weather.

This is my go to jacket when the temperature dips below 15 F. I wear it walking, snow shoeing, and is great to wear to watch outdoor sports

Hands down the best investment I've made on warmth and comfort in a coat. The hand covers and the magnetic buttons are additions I didn't realize I needed in a coat.

Kept me nice and warm during cold Michigan winter

Kept me warm through Chicago winter days. I was able to take a 20-30 minute walk in comfort.

Walking pets hiking in cold weather

I fell in love with this coat immediately it keeps me warm and dry. I watch a lot of soccer and in the winter we watch a lot of games in the rain. This coat is wonderful to keep the rain off. I am 5 ft 5 in and weigh about 128. I bought a small and it fits prefect. I have enough room to layer underneath a well. I liked the coat so much I bought another one in another color.