Been thinking about a North Face Parka for a while now. What do you think to their latest offering: http://www.blacks.co.uk/mens/125002-the-no...parka.html

Seriously considering a purchase, although I concede it is a bit pricey. My old friend MasterCard has offered to buy it  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Are you committed to north face? If not I have an Arcteryx Fission AR jacket which has just the right level of insulation for uk winters and has the added bonus of having a goretex pro outer. Totally bombproof jacket. I admit the styling is completely different to the parka but thought I would suggest it anyway as it is such a good coat. Arcteryx are the absolute best you can buy in my view (and many others).


http://www.theoutdoorgearshop.co.uk/acatal...tAodlh0AKQ

Thanks for the link. Nice coat and I must admit that I have not yet decided. If it was colder instead of all this mild temps an rain, I would be buying tomorrow.

I do like the style of TNF gear but will keep my eye on other products. Cheers LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/the-north-f...77?loc=sub

And I might be able to get 15% off for you  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Really? Now you have got me interested Nick. Please feel free to let me know how I can get this discount  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I'll have to ask my brother how it works, but he is a member of the ski club of Great Britain and gets a discount code for them

Looking on their website it might be better to buy at blacks
http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/memberson...mWGAjK9KK0 Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Blimey, that's a decent discount. Keep me posted  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Before you buy, make sure you know what you're wanting it for.
Specifically, how long a jacket you want. I have the North Face McMurdo jacket which I got cheap from Go Outdoors.
It's a 3/4 length which means it covers your backside well. This makes a huge difference to warmth. It keeps your backside and tops of thighs dry and allows you to sit on wet seats, benches, walls etc. I found a lot of jackets just too short. Of course, a shorter jacket gives you more manoeuvrability so it all comes down to how you might be using it. Unless you're going to be wearing a climbing harness I'd take longer over shorter every time.
I have a couple of North Face jackets and whilst the McMurdo is a warm, waterproof and practical jacket I do find some things very annoying. I think it might be a North Face trait.
The hood doesn't have a volume adjuster so unless I'm wearing a hat to grip the inside of the hood material the hood is always falling over my eyes. The collar arrangement is rubbish but I've found this on most jackets. I find myself walking around with my head down to tuck my chin into the collar to stop the wind freezing my neck and throat. Either I need a thicker neck or outdoor jacket makers need to take a look at motorcycle jackets. My Heine Gericke waterproof jacket has a wonderful detachable neck guard that really makes a big difference in keeping you warm. Also, the hand warming pockets behind the big pockets on the front are way too low (for me) and unlined.
All these jackets cost so much money these days and yet they have these simple design flaws.
If my motorcycle jacket was 4 inches longer and had a hood it would be better than any mountaineering type jacket than I've ever tried. Oh and I've had a couple of Barbours too in my time. Expensive. Good pockets and hand warmers but rubbish hoods and collars.

Thanks

I plan on visiting some shops to try some on before ordering. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Another pet peeve is to do with water proofing. I've personally had little success putting back a water shedding properties to the outer surface once the original has worn off. I've used Nikwax etc and have been told it's actually the application of heat (tumble drier on low heat setting) that brings back the water shedding properties. The upshot of it all is that even with a GoreTex lining the outer fabric of the jacket gets waterlogged. It's particularly bad on my old motorcycle jacket when I've used it day after day for commuting. However, my latest bike jacket uses Goretex Pro Shell which I believe bonds the GoreTex to the outer surface. I have to say it seems to work very well. I'm not sure how many jackets use it but it's worth keeping an eye out for it.

Placed the order Many thanks to Nick for the insider info. I paid £288 so a nice £72 saving. mbna can foot the bill for now

I have heard TNF coats tend to be quite big so went for medium. The advantage is that it's being delivered to my nearest Blacks store in Derby, so i will try it and if I need the large size, they will send it back for me  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

My pleasure  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

stooby wrote:

The collar arrangement is rubbish but I've found this on most jackets. I find myself walking around with my head down to tuck my chin into the collar to stop the wind freezing my neck and throat.

Just had a look on blacks myself, been wanting a jetboil personal cooking stove

Searched and found one in green Description. Jetboil flash £48 then a £9 discount bought there and then the black version was £105

Not on the site anymore, so might have got the last one but think it too good to be true and expect my call saying no stock, or my order is delivered and wrong

It's one of these, but bright green
http://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/106289-j...black.html Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Hopefully all will be ok I am certainly prepped for winter now with that new coat with 700 fill goose down. I already have a trusty pair of karrimor gore-tex trousers to go over jeans etc. TNF hyvent winter gloves, TNF beanie, a random scarf and TNF arctic hedgehog walking boots purchased new last year.

Now we are bound to have the mildest winter ever...  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey