<p>My HS D loves her Denali. I picked it up at the EMS store near Columbus Circle in NYC a few years ago when that location was closing and everything in the stores was 33% off. </p>
<p>Also look at [Camping</a> Gear & Outdoor Gear - Outerwear & Outdoor Clothing from Campmor.com](<a href=“http://www.campmor.com%5DCamping”>http://www.campmor.com). It’s one of the better outdoor equipment websites. (also a hole-in-the-wall retail store in Paramus NJ that doesn’t look like much on the outside, but has very knowledgeable staff). </p>
<p>Lots of deals out there out there right now, so it pays to shop around. Sports Authority authority is giving either $50 off a $200 purchase this week or a ‘bounce-back’ $50 gift card.</p>
<p>Just want to mention that the NF customer service/life-time warranty is fantastic. If anything breaks, stops working, etc., just send it back (no receipt required) and it will be repaired or replaced for free.</p>
<p>Lands End and LLBean (?and E.Bauer?) also have lifetime warranties, and considerably lower prices (also REI’s brand, as mentioned)</p>
<p>Lafalum and others- do you think NF is really worth the extra cost compared to these and other high-quality mountaineering brands, or is it all about the logo?</p>
<p>I have a TNF day pack that is about 25 yrs old & has seen use for that entire time. First I used it for years including snowshoeing, then my oldest did- through highschool & college- only last year did she leave it here because there are worn spots on the bag.</p>
<p>I don’t have anything else that has seen that level of use & still been in good shape- both H & I have down bags from REI that are older than that- but they don’t get used year round.</p>
<p>I was raised to buy quality stuff- because it is much cheaper in long run( but expensive does not mean high quality) I still have ( & wear) my Burberry from 35 yrs ago & my grandmothers camel hair coat I really like the Denali, because I have short arms & many jacket sleeves are just way too long- the Denali is warm- almost too warm at times- it is much denser than many fleece jackets, although I would like something that was a little longer.</p>
<p>Another way to save money is getting the childrens sizing- pretty much the same thing & for many women ( unless you dont have shortish arms), they would fit. ( the children’s sizing is $99- compared to $165)</p>
<p>Patagonia is another brand that has excellent quality- I have never bought a Columbia jacket- although I do have some tops & skorts- but they are a little wide through the body- also why the jackets don’t quite fit me.</p>
<p>Lands End & LL Bean make good stuff- but the cut is also very large- sizing down doesn’t make enough of a difference. Eddie Bauer also used to make good stuff- but all the components aren’t of similar quality IMO- The jacket might look similar- but zippers break- or the shell rips too easily etc, so I don’t look there first.</p>
<p>TNF has a good name because their products seem to be more consistent & reliable- if someone wants to say that is all about the logo- well isn’t that what the logo should stand for? A sign of reliability?</p>
<p>All my boys wore lands end winter coats…the same ones. They wore like iron. I have a picture of them in these royal blue coats in the snow, like three stair steps. All ended up being handed down to neighbors for years more use. They had a couple of columbia after that, again three boys so everything passed down. If it lasts we get our money’s worth. They have grown up with llbean backpacks that have seriously been abused. We’ve never had to replace one because they are well made. I always felt the money was well spent when backpacks hit their 4th year and still looked great.</p>
<p>Based on the great information everyone has shared I’m going to watch for sales at REI, Nordstroms, and online. Most of all I’m going to have DS try it on with a hoodie to ensure he can layer it when it’s really cold, and the arms are long enough. You guys are amazing. I really appreciate all the feedback!</p>
<p>I have a lands end peacoat- that I bought for D1- it is extra small & while she wore it one winter- was too big- so I have it now & I can wear a down jacket under ( I am also not an extra small person) it is sturdy though , even the buttons are sewn on really well.</p>
<p>D2 also had a lands end jacket that I found at a consignment shop ( when she was 6) it was navy blue & to make it more visible- I decorated it w silver reflective fabric cut out in shapes of planets & stars ( her school had class rooms divided by planet names) she really loved that jacket.
We couldn’t really share clothes between the kids- cause older one had been a pink & purple girl to the nth power & younger one didn’t wear a dress till she was probably 16.</p>
<p>FYI-
having shopped for NF product I would like to recommend The Sports Basement in Northern California. I know they have an on-line shop too. I have no idea how they do it…but their NF prices are cheaper than anyone else I can find. And they give you 10% off if you show your Costco card! No waiting for a coupon from some other distributors…just go their for the best price! It’s a small chain…I love it! Discounted prices on everything.</p>
<p>I second the recommendation of sportsbasement.com. I have bought stuff from them for years and they have great prices, quick shipping and great customer service!</p>
I really like the Denali, because I have short arms & many jacket sleeves are just way too long- the Denali is warm- almost too warm at times- it is much denser than many fleece jackets, although I would like something that was a little longer.</p>