IZOD Snorkel Down Jacket (For Men)

I give it a 10!

The outer shell is nicer than I expected. Its textured and thicker (more durable) than the standard parachute nylon used in a lot of down jackets. Seems like it has decent water resistance, but probably a better powder jacket than raincoat. Comfortable thin fleece lining. Drawcords at waist and at bottom for adjustable fit. Two-way zipper for comfort when sitting, or for venting. Has pockets everywhere... I will loose something in one of them. I'd prefer if the collar laid down better, but it has down in it and wants to sit up. I'm sure I'll prefer the collar the way it is when it's cold... soft and warm. I love this jacket. I'm 5'-11", 185 lbs, with long arms and torso, and it fits me perfect. A lot of jackets that fit my chest are too short in the arms.

I understand that this jacket is intended for men, but I am a woman who is exceptionally pleased with it. I needed something insulated and waterproof for walking my dog in cold and/or wet weather, but I didn't want to pay $300 to $400 - the pricing norm for these kinds of products. When I saw the price for this Snorkel Down Jacket and read the glowing reviews about it, I didn't care that it really wasn't intended for my gender. I was a bit hesitant to order it in the XL size, but that was the only size left; I decided to chance it, since most of the reviewers commented that this product runs a bit small (I am 5'6" and weigh 130lbs; I am in good shape, and in proper proportion for my gender). I have been wearing this jacket to walk my dog for the past month, and it has kept me warm and dry during bitter cold weather and driving rain. Yes, this jacket is large for me, but I like that because I have the option to layer my upper body underneath. With or without layering, though, I don't feel "bulked up" and am able to move freely. I did remove the hood because it interfered with my peripheral vision when I used it; so, I wear a separate face-mask ensemble that snaps under the chin when I need head protection. The sleeves are long for me, but don't engulf my hands; the velcro-option allows me to adjust them as tightly as possible, so they are a comfortable fit - with or without gloves (if I forget my gloves, I am able to withdraw my hands into the sleeves for protection and warmth; a woman's jacket would never allow me to do this). I am also very pleased with the length of this jacket on me - it fits just above my knees. Most insulated, waterproof jackets that are made for women are too short (just above the hips), or too long (calf-length); most jackets for women are made for STYLE - not for FUNCTION, like walking a dog (although, this Snorkel Down Jacket is very stylish; I have received many compliments on it when I wear it for other occasions, such as shopping in the city - nobody knows that it's a jacket for men). The pocket options on this jacket are endless! I have been wearing this jacket for over a month, and am still discovering new pockets - all perfectly placed to accommodate my cell phone, kleenex, keys, and dog poop bags. My only complaint is that the zippers - everywhere - seem to be of poor quality. Sometimes I become so frustrated and impatient with the main zipper (when it refuses to dislocate), that I choose to "step" into and out of the jacket rather than struggle with it. The zippers on the pockets can be a bit stubborn too. Still, this is a great jacket for a bargain price - and it should be marketed to women too!

The jacket seems well made and is hard-wearing. It really lets itself down in terms of sizing and the inability to breathe. Good value but I regret not paying more for something better.

This is a great jacket. Just what my husband wanted, at a great price...BUT it didn't fit. He normally wears a large, we ordered an extra large so it would be roomy. It was tight across the back, and the sleeves were too short. Of course by the time we got it, there were no more XXLs, which might have been too big in the chest anyway. He was very disappointed.