****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
UPDATE 11/04/2015: This will be our 3rd winter in this jacket, and let me tell you, it has been worth EVERY cent. It is still in tip-top condition - no tears, no worn spots, all the zippers and hardware are just as they were when we bought it. At this time of year my son wears just the inner "liner" jacket, but as the temperature dips to our customary below-zero, he will add on the tough, water and wind resistant outer shell. He tells me that it keeps him wonderfully warm, and I will tell you, the Nodak winter wind is no joke. The quality of this jacket is outstanding (I've amended my original 4 stars to 5) I would absolutely buy this again. He's 14 now and I expect a growth spurt over the coming year will prevent us from using it a 4th year, but if it does still fit, it is more than up to the challenge of another winter. Eventually I expect to pass it along to a younger child, it's just in that good of condition. It could easily last another 2-3 winters keeping another child cozy warm.Original review: My son picked out this jacket system at a local sporting-goods retailer. I was going to go back and purchase it but wanted to see if I could get a better deal online.Amazon had the same jacket at $40 less than the retailer. I ordered it and it arrived promptly, and was exactly the same as the one we had tried on.Winter is long and very very cold here in North Dakota, so a great winter coat is a must. We've had LL Bean and Columbia coats in the past, and I would say they are equal in warmth and versatility, the only real differences being styling.The thing I really love about this coat is that it is 3 jackets in 1. The zip-out "liner" is a fully insulated yet not at all bulky warm jacket that can be worn in the fall and during spring "transitional" weather. The outer shell is a well-constructed waterproof rain coat, long enough to cover hips. When used together, it seems like it will be unbeatable for keeping him warm and dry during the coldest months. Sleeves are long enough and adjustable for a snug fit around the wrists. The hood is NOT insulated, it is a rain hood, you're expected to wear a beanie or balaklava with it in the winter.It's a shame they don't have a picture of the interior lining of the inside jacket. Be aware that it uses their patented Omni-Heat (tm) reflective surface, which is covered with shiny silver dots to reflect heat back to the wearer. I see some purchasers were not aware of this and the "flashiness" surprised them. Its part of the technology that makes this jack so warm without being bulky.I will update after our next winter with a thorough review.UPDATE 11-14-2013: I just want to stress how NON-BULKY this jacket is, while still being so warm.
