Outdoor Research Chaos Parka - Windstopper® (For Women)

Purchased one for myself, liked it so much ,purchased another color. A friend tried mine out and purchased this jacket for herself!

As I will be travelling to Japan in winter and live in tropical Australia I needed to buy a warm coat that could cope with colder winters than we have. I am glad I found the Sierra Trading web site as I am now able to purchase real winter clothing at a very reasonable price. The Chaos parka feels light yet promises to be warm. It is quite firm around the shoulders but is warm enough not to require lots of layering.

Bought it last year in black for walking my dog, because of the longer length. It turned so good, very lightweight and warm, that it became my main coat for 25+ in the winter for walking and going to work equally. It looks quite nice, material has a little nice sheen to it, very packable, was absolutely reliable under the light to medium rain for about 1.5 hr, totally windproof. Bought one for my daughter for her last winter trip to Europe, and she also liked it and was wearing in 15 degree temperatures. So I ended up buying the second one now in pomegranate, which is also a very nice color. Finally the functional sport coat that covers my butt! Not so many on the market! Didn't use it for other outdoor activities, as material is pretty thin, though looks strong. Just tried for the review that the hood fits over my Giro ski helmet, but tight to be comfortable. Again I wouldn't use it for skiing, because of the upper material, but might take it for some backpack day hikes, when temperature drops.

Great fit, great price, nice and lightweight, and warm coat!

Light weight but very warm,. Great for commuting to work. Long to keep your back side covered!

I purchased this same jacket in the blue. I will probably never need another jacket! I read that it was a little snug at the hips, it is. But I wouldn't go up a size. Still, i knew this and I purchased a second of the same size!

I reviewed this coat upon receiving it, but I wanted to add to that now that I've worn it for a season. This truly has become my go-to coat for winter, for cold and wet weather, and even for cool, windy mid-season. I used to use a wool coat as my default in the city, but now I reach for this one first! It's very waterproof and windproof, quite warm, and yet light. It has worn well and looks about the same as it did the day I got it. My only remaining beef is the same as when it arrived-- the handwarmer pockets sort of conflict with the cut in the hip area and make it tighter and less flattering there. I also wish it had snaps instead of velcro on the storm flap. Otherwise, I LOVE this coat, and it would have been a 5 star for me if the cut in the hip/ pocket area were just a little more generous.

The lightest, warmest jacket I have ever owned. I ordered again in a different color.

I just got the medium exchange I was waiting for in this jacket (see previous review). I almost want to go up another size for a large, just because of the fit in the lower hip. It's like they took the small and just added a couple of inches everywhere, without taking into account a woman's proportions as the size increases. I am top/ bottom proportionate, but I feel like the fit at the hip could use just a little more freedom (especially because the handwarmer pockets also take up some space right near that point). I've decided not to go larger again because I have reached the correct fit in the top half. If you are very curvy in the hip, this jacket may not work for you, or you may want to size up.

Wow, this is a great coat. It is so lightweight that I almost thought it couldn't be in the box when it arrived. It's cut just like a waterproof shell, but lined in primaloft. I think it will be just the thing for nasty, wet Boston Nor'easters. I wasn't sure how waterproof the Gore windstopper was supposed to be, so I stuck the sleeve under the faucet for a minute. The fabric held the water out perfectly and it beaded right off at the end, at least for this short test. There are no pit zips, but there is a drawstring inside the waist and a few velcro tabs under the storm flap. Unfortunately, it did not fit me-- I am about a size 8/M and often take a size small jacket in OR (ie the Notion jacket). This one though, I will definitely need a medium. So it is true to size, but runs a little smaller than the brand normally does. I ordered the next size up, and I sure hope it gets here soon!