The North Face Metropolis Down Parka - Women's $199.99 @ REI (11/20-30/2009 only!)

My gf was looking for a 3/4 length, and I talked her in the Sierra Designs Elara (at Sierra Trading Post) which we nabbed at ~$100 after a sale and a 20% off, FS coupon. A pretty good deal, but I think she would have def went for the EB coat if I had know it was such high quality(700fp).

I'm a big North Face fan myself, but EB is of very high quality, and their return policy is easier to deal with than TNF's warranty department.

Also, EB has petite and plus sizes, while REI only carries regular sizes, so you have a better chance of a good fitting coat.

MISURICK said: metropolis is in a realm of it's own (checked!) like Denali - it's exceptionally well made - it isn't puffy - and extremely warm!
lol, when talking about down, puffier = warmer.

MISURICK said:

w/REI you may not need to mess w/TNF warranty dept. / keep your receipt or join the club ! - and most likely you 'll not need your warranty w/TNF - have a lot / some 10 years or more (am not downgrading EB! no matter that I had an unpleasant experience w/EB years back! and it was time when their quality was much better!)

I would prefer not to abuse REI's extremely generous return policy. The REI policy allows folks to try stuff out risk free, especially since some gear you won't know if it works for you unless you actually use it. But after a few years of use, I think warranty issues are the responsibility of the manufacturer, and not REI.

One of the reasons I purchase TNF products, of which I have many and while are very good quality (though not nearly as good as a few years ago, either), is its lifetime warranty. And like I said, I choose not to abuse REI's return policy, and for me, returning a product to EB is easier than dealing with TNFs warranty department.

That being said, folks need to decide for themselves if they want to pay the premium for TNF products. REI's own brand of products are also of excellent quality and less expensive, and those should be returned to REI if there is a problem.

As for OP's deal, its a great jacket, but still overpriced. You can find TNF products as much as 50%-60% off retail at STP, Campmor, Backcountry, etc. If you're looking for a down parka now, the EB jacket is a great option because it is likely to fit better (more fit options than REI), is of good quality, is less expensive ($179 - 25% coupon = $134), and I have only had good experiences with EB's return policy.

Or you can just wait for the next REI used gear sale....I picked up my $300 down parka there for $35.

don't forget FC !!!