Most Liked Positive Review

Great Jacket!

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.