Does anyone have either the Merrell Isadore or North Face Arctic Parka?

[dontrunwithscissors]

If so, could you please tell me your thoughts on them? I'm trying to decide betwee the two. The cheapest price I've found for the Merrell is £160 (in stock.) The North Face seems to cost between £233 and £260, although seems to be out of stock pretty much everywhere. I'm trying to decide whether the North Face is worth the extra dosh + hassle of finding one. Many thanks!

Ive got the North Face Artic Parka -OMG so warm! I have searched for the perfect winter coat that is warm,stylish and waterproof and this is it!

gaynors online shop had the NF parka for £200 recently if that helps.....

Thanks! I've found somewhere that's due to get stock of the Arctic in soon for £233. Gaynors are £259 now, and are out of stock. I could really do with seeing both coats- might have to take a trip into town....

I bought a NF from Gaynors when it was still £200-ish. My word, it's a lovely coat! It was a little too hot a week or two ago, but we were outside all day today and I was lovely and warm - even a little sweaty when running! It's excellent when raining too, and the quality looks great, I'd expect it to last years.

I have the merrell Isadore (bought it before I saw the NF parka) The Isadore is sooooo warm - I have never had such a lovely warm coat - it is quite fitted and waterproof - would definetly recommend it.

Gibb8 - do you think you'd have bought the NF Parka if you'd seen it first? (Probably a difficult question to answer...)

I bought the artic parka last week (29.01.11) from here www.springfield-camping.co.uk/The+North+Face/Outdoor+Clothing/Women%27s+Arctic+Parka/2417/pc

It is definately worth the money, it's so warm, hood stays up in the wind and nice deep pockets at the hips for all your bits and bobs, 2 pockets at the breastbone and an inside pocket.

I'm 5ft6, 10.5 stone and a size 12. I got the medium which i'd say is more 12-14. I tried the large and it was massive although my measurements matched it on the NF sizing chart.

I have the merrell isadore. I tried on a number of these type of coats. My reason for going for the isadore is that it has a very neat hidden elastic draw-cord around the high waist level thus giving less of a michelin man outline, more of a padded hourglass silhouette.

Vain, but true!

Oh and it's super super-warm and lovely too.