Big fan!
I have several North Face jackets, but this coat is one of my favorites! The jacket is warm, durable and very comfortable. It's perfect for the rain and even the snow - because it's thick enough for cold weather. If I could make one change, I would make the hood detachable. It is part of the jacket and collar, which is okay, but I would prefer it could be removed.

I like North Face products - prices are high but quality as well - So I look for good deals - I wish you good luck and recommend to check links with good offers !!!!

Good jacket, tight on neck
Altrec's customer's support team is great. This is a well made jacket which was a great deal. I especially like the lining and the avy reflector. I ordered a Large which fit my body fine and was a good length in arm and body, but was too tight around the neck with a helmet on. So I moved up to the XL which is a bit too long in the arms, but fits the helmet fine. The rest of gang have no trouble finding me at the base of the lift in the Taxi Cab Yellow.

Realization Shell
For starters - 6' 225# skier with broader shoulders/chest. I purchased the XL and wanted a little baggier fit to layer and to have extra length. Fit: The fit is big! Definitely a longer back than I imagined (which I was happy with) and a little baggier fit than I had imagined - on the verge of newschooler style? However - for my body type I was happy with the fit - if you are slimmer you may want to stick with a size down - cause likely it will size larger than you anticipate. So I just used the Realization Shell at Bridger last week - had a good mix of conditions to judge the coat on. Pros: 1) Like all of the features - pockets, powder skirt, zippers, hood, Recco tag, etc. No complaints with respect to any of that. 2) On a warmer (40ish)/sunny day for full day skiing - wore a base layer with just the shell over the top - and was plenty warm - even hot at times - opened the pit zips and helped to cool off. 3) On the cooler (10-25F)/snowy/windy day - wore a base layer and mid layer with the shell and was very comfortable. The wind/water protection were good - At times it looked like the material had become saturated - but then to look minutes later it was completely dry. Never felt moisture leaking through. 4) Value - great price for a full featured shell. Cons: 1) Not as breathable as I had hoped. I sweat more than the average person - and usually have concerns about breathability. This jacket seemed to be fine for an average perspire-r, but with the pit-zips closed, seemed it was not highly breathable - although I did not expect it to be (non Gore-Tex / eVent). 2) With all of the features - slight liner and bagginess of the jacket - the weight was more than I anticipated. I am typically not a very conscious of my gear weight - but it was just something that surprised me about the shell. Overall - I am super pleased with the jacket. I think I will be happy with it for a long time - it seems burly enough to last, and with all of the features, the fit, and the function - especially at this price point - I am happy with my purchase. I will post a picture when I get some uploaded.

Very well made for snow sports
This jacket has worked well for me this season. It isn't a true shell only design as it has an inside liner, which supplies just enough insulation on the cold days. Relaxed fit allows for layering underneath. Great windblocker and is water proof in light snow/rain conditions with HyVent Alpha 2L. The quality of craftmanship is great and all zips are easily accessible with gloves. The recco reflector isn't the standard rectangular shape piece (looks like a rain drop) and the goggle wipe in the sleeve pocket is a nice touch. All these little thoughtful design considerations make this jacket feel purpose built. My only wish is that the powder skirt can be removed and the hood stowable when not needed. That would have made this the perfect jacket. But for the price I paid - I'm not complaining. 95% of the TNF Free Thinker at <50% the price - looks almost the same from afar. What's not to love. One more note - compared to my other TNF and Arc'Teryx Gortex Pro Shell jackets the material doesn't seem like it will last as long. But I really count on those jackets for torrential down pours of rain of which we really only had a couple of days this season. For all remaining times - its the "Realization".