Parajumpers

Long Bear Hooded Down Jacket - Women's

Very warm, pockets stink

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

M

Height:

5' 5"

Weight:

135

I just received this jacket, and I haven’t had a chance to test it in bitter cold weather yet, but I wanted to review it anyway because I struggled to find reviews and answers to my questions before purchasing. So I’ll provide what info I can, and I hope it helps someone else. 1. Warmth: Temps usually get to around -15F at least a few times each winter where I live in Iowa, with windchills sometimes down to -20F to -40F. I think this jacket can handle that, at least for short periods. The down insulation is excellent and full, especially on the hood. The outer fabric is very heavy duty and feels waterproof and windproof. I got too hot just trying the coat on in my house and had to take it off because I was overheating after less than 5 minutes on. So far, very promising. It’s much, much warmer than any other jacket I have, which includes some very nice Columbia, North Face, and Eddie Bauer jackets, none of which could handle Iowa winters to my needs. I neither run hot nor cold—I’m pretty average, so YMMV. 2. Pockets: the only pockets you can stick your hands in to keep them warm are all but uninsulated and only lightly lined with a very, very thin fleecy material between your hands and the outer coat shell. There is no way this coat will keep hands warm in serious cold. Also, the height and angle of the pockets is weird, and the fabric digs into my wrists when I hold my hands in them. The pockets are thus good for holding stuff but not for keeping hands toasty or comfortable. 3. Fit: I am 5’5” and 135 lbs, and I bought a medium.The sleeve length is excellent and on the longer side. I have normal to slightly long arms, and the sleeves are a hair long for me, which I love. Hopefully the jacket will work for taller people. The jacket is cut quite slim, and it is very flattering, but it is definitely smaller than your average US size medium jacket. Most of my other jackets are a size small, but I wouldn’t even be able to zip up this coat in a small. If in doubt, size up. The chest, especially, does not have much extra room for larger busts. I am a full B/small C cup, and this coat is as snug as I am comfortable with. It’s almost a hair too tight there, though it fits perfectly everywhere else. Larger busted ladies will probably have some trouble with this jacket. I have no problems with sizing otherwise. The length comes to about 6 inches above my knees, which is long enough to help with the wind and short enough to not restrict mobility. Color: I bought tapioca, and it looks exactly like the photo. Summary: It’s super warm, but the pockets stink. It feels very high quality, and it is flattering, but it runs a little small for US sizing. I am very pleased with my purchase, though I think I would be a little salty if I paid full price. The pockets are really not up to snuff for a $900 jacket. However, I bought this on clearance with an added 20% off coupon to bring the price to around $550, and for that price, I’m very, very happy with it.