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Original poster

North Face Arctic Parka - will I regret buying?

89 replies

NuclearStandoff · 06/03/2013 20:54

Should not be spending any money at moment, as I am unemployed.

But having shivered all winter, decided that I really need a warm and practical coat for walking dog and watching ds play sport.

It was reduced hugely in the sale, and I know I probably won't wear it until next winter now - but I hope it could last 10 years... and it even comes with a 2 year guarantee.

Please tell me I haven't made an expensive mistake?

OP posts:
JoannaGlumley · 06/03/2013 20:57

I have one and I find it really toasty and warm. It is a bit bulky and takes up masses of room in the wardrobe but definitely worth it, good buy!!!

bonzo77 · 06/03/2013 21:07

It's fab. Warm and waterproof. And machine washable. It's a bit of an odd shape, sort of too bulky in the chest (above the boobs), but it doesn't put me off. Wish I'd got it in the first place instead of cheaper ones the two previous years.

Incapinka · 06/03/2013 21:09

I want one! Where did you find it in the sale?! No you won't regret it Grin

Shattereddreams · 06/03/2013 21:13

Love love love mine. I commute by train to London and walk everywhere.

Never been cold, not once in my artic parka! It's really efficient when you zip it up and put the hood on. It should last years.
I paid £200 for mine 2 years ago so that should help you with the bargain or not issue.

thenightsky · 06/03/2013 21:21

I thought they were down-filled and not washable bonzo?

Speedos · 06/03/2013 21:40

I think I have worn mine everyday since buying it last autumn, never been cold!

Original poster
NuclearStandoff · 06/03/2013 22:08

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Bought it in the North Face shop - reduced from £320 to £190. Went in just to try it on and was going to then buy online, but when I saw it was on sale was same price as online so bought it there and then.

OP posts:
snoworneahva · 06/03/2013 22:27

They are down filled and they are washable - drying is a slight challenge - needs a few tennis balls in a tumble dryer or a bit of bashing works too. In general because the exterior is waterproof I just wipe mine clean. Btw I love it so much that dh bought a men's and I got similar ones for the kids so we are all toasty.

MrsMills · 07/03/2013 06:58

I love mine! Worn it every (v long) winter for the past 3 years. Has passed every test here so far and living in Sweden certainly tests it rigorously. This might make me look dim, but I've only just noticed that you can unzip from the bottom, making it easier to sit down!

This is not a purchase you will regret, promise! And you can wash in the machine too.

rubytutu · 07/03/2013 16:51

I paid £165 at a north face outlet, was the previous seaons colour dark green. I have not regretted it at all and is the first winter ever that I have never once been cold. bulky and mumsy but very very cosy.

MrsKoala · 07/03/2013 17:28

ooooh i have been coveting one for ages. I think i may treat myself - i can see them online for £189. The thing is, i really want the vintage white. Please talk me out of it and tell me the fig/brown/blue is better!

Also, does anyone know, is a large a 14?

motherofallmuddles · 07/03/2013 17:33

does anyone have link ?I have coverted this for ages but can only see them at full price on the north face site
cheers

motherofallmuddles · 07/03/2013 17:34

coveted even!

MrsKoala · 07/03/2013 17:34

here

Ginebra · 07/03/2013 17:34

I bought one four years ago and it has made me hate winter less. buy it i say.

MrsKoala · 07/03/2013 17:35

Erm no it's not, that's a car i'm looking at on auto trader Blush

try here

motherofallmuddles · 07/03/2013 17:37

nice car - good colour , matches the dark navy blue parka very well!

Shattereddreams · 07/03/2013 17:37

I am a 12 and wear a medium. If you don't have a huge bust, you may want a M.
Depends what you wear under it I suppose.

Ginebra · 07/03/2013 19:10

yeh lol at the car link. i thought my eyes were deceiving me.

i am size 10/12 but with no boobs. wear a small. there was no size 10, 12 etc. it was just small medium large i think

Ginebra · 07/03/2013 19:10

buy the car too Wink

MrsKoala · 07/03/2013 20:53

Just to keep you updated, as i know you are all desperate to know, i have bought the car...now i think i will buy the coat in chocolate - but i so want the white, although rationally i know it's totally impractical. :(

MrsKoala · 07/03/2013 20:55

i don't have a huge bust, but i am broad shouldered and planning on being pregnant on and off for the next 4 years, so i think a large is best. Thanks.

Speedos · 07/03/2013 21:52

Do they have the grey on sale, I have the grey and it's fab colour!

Speedos · 07/03/2013 21:53

Mrs Koala, it is quite fitted around waist, not sure it would stretch to pregnant tummy....

MrsKoala · 07/03/2013 21:55

oh no, i doubt it and i do get huge very quickly. i was thinking more of bfing and the after period.