Backcountry.com Wool Hooded Jacket - Men's - 2007 BCS

During my 2008-9 winter expedition to the Pakistan, Karakoram, I made a radical shift from using polypro/fleece in my layering system to utilizing wool components. The cold weather performance difference was significant. To continue with wool in all aspects of layering, I chose the Backcountry.com Wool Hoody to layer over my Icebreaker merino base layers. I was surprised to find this system was much warmer and more efficient at moisture transport than any cold weather system I have used to date. I was even able to use this jacket as an outer layer on moderately cold days- as long as I kept climbing hard enough to generate some warmth. The athletic cut of this jacket fits me well, but I would prefer a drawcord at the waist to keep warmth in and the snow and wind out. The hood is also close fitting and not bulky, working well with outer shell hoods. This jacket will be a great mid-weight fleece for summer trips. As a bonus, when walking through airports on the trip home I didn't feel like the usual shaggy-fleeced Muppet.

I'm not somebody who gets cold easily, and my arms are, oddly enough, the last to get cold, so I decided to ditch the fleece and who knows how many layers and opt for this jacket with a windproof vest (The North Face Apex to be specific) underneath. When I'm hiking, I stash a light shell (Mountain Hardwear typhoon) in my bag and bust it out when it's super windy or rainy. What's great about this jacket is that it's much warmer than most fleeces, and fits much better. It's got an athletic trim and slightly stretchy fabric that hugs you in the right spots. The fleece pockets are a nice touch too, as is the little fleece protector at the top of the zipper. I was also tired of having to carry around an extra hat. The folks at the goat took care of that. With the inner cuffs that seal in the warmth in the sleeve, this is a great choice if you don't need perfect wind/water protection, but want something a little warmer than a fleece and want to avoid the alien look of the superfabrics. Only reason I didn't give it 5 is because it only has about 25% wool, which leads to a fair amount of wind leakage (hence the vest I wear anyway). So if you're looking for an all-in-oner, this isn't quite it. But if you're looking for something in between a fleece and the marshmallow insulated jackets, this is a great choice.

This jacket is a great causal / nice jacket to wear out and about. I've worn it to go out drinking, out to a business lunch when it was snowing and everything in between. Very versatile, always looks nice. I get lots of compliments on it. I should mention, when the wind blows really hard this isn't totally windproof. Very windy days aside, this will keep you nice and warm.

I have been looking for a wool jacket for a while and finally decided to give this jacket a shot. And I must say I cannot be happier. When I first got the jacket it was a little stiff and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. After wearing it around the house for a few hours it softened up and has been warn everyday since. I am 6'3 195 with a slim build and the XL is perfect. It is a little wide but that I am used to dealing with that since I have a long torso. As far as warmth, I can wear it with a t-shirt on a windless 30 degree day. wind is a problem, but nothing adding a sweatshirt under wont handle. I also wear this under my EMS Gortex jacket and I toasty warm in 5 below. I love the hood and the pockets keep my hands warm. It has a drawstring waist. No cinching at the wrist, but an internal cuff stops the cold very well. The graphite color is pimp and i have gotten muchos complements on it from the ladies. Its nice enough to wear to the office and technical enough to wear out in the wild. Great work on getting this jacket all kinds of right. (Windstopper backing next time and i will buy another in a flash.)

I've had this jacket for a few weeks and I like it overall. It's not really something I'd wear backcountry skiing, hiking, etc., it's more of a stylish piece, I think. Though I say stylish, it still has some great outdoor flare to it.

The overall feel of the material is awesome. This thing is thick and does a fair job at blocking the wind--even though it's not Windstopper. I had it on during some fierce and cold winds this winter and noticed only a slight amount of wind through the jacket.

For me, the only miss on this jacket is that if you wear a long-sleeve shirt underneath, be ready to have it pulled up to your armpit when you put the jacket on. Even with buttoned sleeve cuffs, the material grabs anything you're wearing and pulls it to your pits. Maybe the sleeves should be lined with nylon or something... dunno.

That's the only gripe and if you hold your sleeve while putting it on, it's better. Nice jacket overall... great for chillin with a hip, outdoorsy feel.

Im 5'7 and 145 lbs and the small fits perfectly. The only complaint is with the construction of the hoodie. The hoodie's brim isnt folded in and sewn. Instead it's left "open" and just stitched on top of. This causes the end of the hoodie to fray, which really ruins the look.

Jacket keeps me very warm.

This is the first piece of Backcountry apparel I've ever bought. Color me impressed. It feels like a couple dudes chatted about the things that make their favorite jackets great and then stuck them all on this one -- great chest pocket with a substantial zipper pull, snug hood, nice high neck, wrist cuffs to catch the wind, etc, etc.

Still... lots of jackets are technically sound. The coolest thing about this jacket is the streamlined, stylish look and the subtle branding. It's a sophisticated jacket, not some techy-and-a-little-cheesy red and black shell. Sure, I can wear it to a bar where they have PBR on special... but I can also wear it a bar where they don't.

I am 5"8 130 and I ordered the small (no more medium left) but it fits well. I could wear the jacket with another sweater inside, but would be tight.

Jacket is very warm. i love the inner sleeves and the ram logo.

not entirely wind proof

I'm 5'7" 180lbs. I had ordered a medium but it was too tight for my fit. There weren't any larges available so I decided to go with an XL. It fits fine, but the large would probably fit perfectly. I love the jacket so far. Keeps me warm and looks very good. I've gotten many compliments regarding the jacket, most asking me where I got it which I then referred the website. Definately a jacket I would recommend.

Fit is snug and athletic. Blocks wind very well. I found the arms are a bit long as people have mentioned and the inside of the sleeves grab and pull whatever shirt you are wearing up your arms. Still, a great piece to wear around town.

Liked it so much I bought another one for m wife. Very warm but needs a wind block layer on top. I used a The North Face outer layer.

I'm 5'9" about 145 lbs and the Medium fits me perfectly. The tailored cut is cozy and looks sharp. I also like that the sleeves are a little longer than most jackets - they come down to my thumb joint with my arms at my sides. A cuff tucked inside the sleeves keeps them from sliding around and they rotate with my hands. A big plus: the thin, soft synthetic lining inside the jacket gives it the benefits of wool without being itchy. It's warm, mildly wind-resistant, and I really like having the hood for when it gets chilly. Super versatile - I have worn this thing on a weekend backpacking trip in NC and to bars with my friends. Wouldn't change anything about it!

I'm 6'1" and 175 lbs, large fits me perfect. I had to exchange the medium I ordered originally because it was way too tight across the chest (my chest measurement is ~39 inches if that helps at all). The large is still on the form-fitting side, but that's good if you like your clothes that way. This is a great jacket- it looks nice but not too nice, if that makes any sense at all.

Im 6'2" and 185 and I bought a Large. It fits perfect and is super warm. I live in Utah and is perfect for cold winter days and nights.

Material and quality are all good. My only gripe is that what looks like an athletic fit was not.. Certainly not in XL. I'm 6.5 tall and use Xl in most Arcteryx clothing which this jacket was compared to in relation to fit. There's a lot of room for a beer belly and man-boobs. So I wouldn't say it's a slim fit. I like the pockets, zippers and hood, all very well done. A minor detail is that the seams (attaching the chinguard)on the chin part scratches my chin and neck quite a bit, even though it has a chin guard.

This jacket is the best jacket I have ever owned. Almost wind proof, high cuff so you are protected from wind while riding around on your "towny", great fit. All pockets have zippers and there are not too many of them. I am 5'11 at 160 and the medium fits perfectly. If you want to wear a sweat shirt underneath go with the large. Backcountry.com best woll jacket on the market!

This is the best purchase I have made for winter clothing. My budget was a bit tight but in the end I don't care because this is a 'life saver'. It is warm, wind resistant and stylish. I live in New Zealand so for those using metric terms and I am 5' 12" and 80 kg I purchased the large sized hooded jacket and it was a perfect fit - which surprised me from an internet purchase. Until it gets warm again this is my new second skin.

The jacket keeps me warm and fits well. The only problem is the jacket pills very easily around the wrists and forearms.

This is a wicked jacket. Fits perfectly. It will be great around town or at the crag climbing this summer. I was worried about the fit, but I'm 6feet and 180 and the large is perfect. It's a slim fit, and just the right length. This is my new favourite piece of gear. Way to go on the jacket.

Arc'teryx look out! This is the coolest hoodie ever. The soft wool hand offsets its hypertechnical nature. Fit is very slim and sleeves are on the long side- things I like, I've have a size L; and I've got a very large back (not so big waist) so it's snug in the arms/back but again, I'm pretty athletic. Super soft, warm, just awesome. The sleeves have internal elastic which is excellent.

I'm 6' 165lbs - got a Large and have a little room. Comfortable, warm, breathable and stylish, this jacket straight up rocks. Looks good around town and is durable enough for the backcountry. Blocks a fair amount of wind and sheds some water. The inner lining makes it really soft on the skin without being too cumbersome. Don't expect the hood to fit like a Hoody -- not quite as comfortable but way better in the elements. And the inner cuff takes a little getting used to, but you won't want to go back after that.

Doesn't have that nasty itchy feel like most wool, just straight up soft. Cut is nice, good comfortable fit and the inside of the sleeve by the wrist has this cuff which is really nice. When you put your hand through it's weird at first but definitely a good call. The logo is placed in a good spot too, I don't feel like I have a goat plastered all over me.

This came at a good time cuz I was sick of rockin' my Arcteryx softshell every where I go, time for something low key but that doesn't skimp on quality. Pockets are great too, one thing to know is that the collar rides REALLY high, like up to my nose. If that's not high for you then I guess I'm weird, I dig it though. Pockets have super soft lining, NICE job you guys! you nailed it!

I love this jacket. It's great for blocking the wind if you don't have a shell on. You may be able to feel the wind slightly, but it's not in a way that makes you cold, but refreshed. I love the neck gauntlet the most (like any hoody/jacket should be). The lining is rather soft which is a nice contrast from the wool outside. I've been wearing this on the regular now since the weather has turned cold.

A great jacket and I agree with the other reviewers that it is a bit on the tight side - I had to send mune back and get a larger size. I was out in New York at the weekend and I wasn't as warm in the jacket as I thought I would be - the wind just seems to cut right through it but it did keep the rain off.
Very comfortable jacket and cool looking

I used the free shipping on this jacket, that's supposed to take 10+ days, but yeah i got it in 2!!! and this thing totally rocks. comfy and great looking, i am a very fit guy, with a slim waist. This was the Hoodie/Jacket of my dreams, XL fits my chest fine and the slim taper waist fits great. LOVE IT LOVE IT. Backcountry.com rocks!

im 5'11" and 140lbs(skinny and lanky). i went with a small and it fits well. the sleeves are long enough for my + 3" arm span, but it wouldnt hurt if the torso was a tad longer and the hood was bigger. havent washed it yet, it would be bad if it shrunk a lot. overall though, this jacket is uber steez!

Very stylin, warm and snug
Not good as mid layer while skiing, will stink from synthetics

This jacket showed its versatility in the frigid temps of Vermont, chic Beaver Creek / Vail and Tahoe-fabulous Squallywood during the past several wks. Did not soak up jet airliner funk with the frequent flyer mileage. Sometimes the inner cuffs got in the way - trying to look at my watch or shirt cuffs would bind, but this is trivial.

I love this jacket. I'm a medium build tall guy and it fits perfectly (6'2" 180#). The jacket is warm enough to wear by itself in cool weather or layers perfectly with the cairn fleece by backcountry.com; it is not windproof. The fleece lining is super soft and is not scratchy like most other wool jackets.

I got a Medium, I'm 5'-11", 160 lbs, it fits quite snug but not too tight, seems to be very high quality.

So I odered this tenatively, but all of the reviews were so great that I had to at least try it on. The reviews were right. I live in this thing. It's nice enough that I can wear it at work, and it doesn't have the look of a traditional hoodie. It's also comfortable enought that I wear it on the weekends as well. It's super warm, and I get compliments on it all of the time.
If you are between sizes, order the smaller size. It has long arms, but is slender which is nice for you tall thiner guys like myself.

Perfect for the spring in the Rockies. The inner cuff on the sleeves fits snug. Good quality, very warm. In wind and blowing snow (spring in the rockies) it blocks almost all of the wind.

I'd say there's nothing significantly flawed with this jacket. There are however, a few minor details that annoy me. For my body size, (5 11, 140, waist 29"... lanky a little, i know), the jacket was just not long enough, i ordered a small, although the fit to the body was perfect. The chest pocket, is a little small for my taste. It is not as insulated as it may seem, but it does keep heat in very well.

The specs also didn't mention that there are internal pockets on both sides, no zippers on them or anything though.

I was eying this jacket for a while before I bought it and the only thing that was holding me back, was the price tag. It's a bit expensive, but well worth the price! I'm 6', 155lbs, and I bought the medium. It's a perfect fit, with just enough room to get another thin layer underneath for those really cold days. The inside is lined with fleece, so it's a very warm jacket, perfect for those chilly mornings. As River_Reverend had said, the only thing that bothers me a bit is when the jacket is unzipped, you see the backstitching of the backcountry logo. I wish it were a little more visible because I want to wear my backcountry jacket with pride!

Bought this jacket about a month or two ago and no complaints. Talked with a gear expert and he sized me up very well over the chat. I'm about 140lbs and 5'10" and ordered a medium, couldn't fit better! Within the first day I received three compliments on it, a co-worker wanted to steal it hah.

A great fitting jacket, that works well for many things/occasions. It fits like a Mtn Hrdwr Alchemy jacket yet its feel is very casual, a splendid mixing of styles.

id say this hoodie was well worth the money. ive got a million and this one is now my fav. id say the best thing is the neck protection it offers. in addition to that the hood is well fitting to keep in warmth for when your out in the cold. overall: best hoodie ever!

This is a great piece to have on the coat rack. Probably wouldn't be the first choice to spend money on, but it fills in the gaps between tech and street so well you'll be wearing it in in quick fashion.

nice and discrete. good weight and cut. it's actually more water resistant than I would have guessed too. I often will wear another sweater or hoody under it, and it works great like that.

I am 5'10-11", ~165 lbs, and I purchased a Medium. Definitely an athletic fit, with longer sleeves. If it were to shrink, it would be bad, but I think a Large would be too big. SO, it is a perfect, athletic fit for my size and weight. Basically, I love the jacket, and have received numerous compliments on it. I live in MN, and it is keeping me warm!

Very slim-fit so if you plan on wearing a lot of layers get one size up. I like the longer sleeves since they won't ride up when doing stuff.
Really like it. Dressy enough to wear to work but plenty toasty and breathable to for everything else.
It is also a lot more windproof than I would have guessed.

I was so bummed. I am an XL in Arcteryx, westcomb jackets and XL in other backcountry shirts, but this I can barely fit in the XL! So sad... maybe I need to lose some weight anyways. Good thing they have XXL.
The wool on the outside is really nice touch, and yes will get all baled up under the arms, but it is cool I think. The fleece on the inside is so deceiving. The wool on the outside is no merino and looks like you can use it for sandpaper, but then you put your arms in and it feels like a bed of soft... fleece. The hood is bomber and has plenty of room, not helmet worthy but nice.
It is a more stylish item than a technical peice but would keep plenty warm under a shell regardless. I think the best part is the goat. Backcountry does a great job of not plastering their name everywhere, but a simple little goat on the collar. Classy!

Backcountry knows their gear and it shows. This is my new favorite jacket, very warm, wind resistant and good cut. Its thicker than I expected and looks pretty dressy when going out on the town. MUCH better than my $200 arcteryx covert hoody. And the tag says its made in Canada! I thought clothing was only made in asia these days. The quality shows. Cuffs and a elastic drawstring bottom to keep the wind is a nice feature too. Fits pretty true to size but its a slimmer cut with longer arms. Five stars

I wore this jacket all last year and it is a great jacket. I am 5'11'' and about 180 and the medium fit snuggly. Almost too snug but this thing moves pretty well. The length is perfect for me. If you're taller, go with a large. I think it looks distinctive in that it really looks more formal then your run-of-the-mill hoody or North Face fleece. Very clean. Its warm for sure. The wool is even pretty durable although not waterproof at all. I tried to wear it to work but I noticed the lining would leave lint on a dress shirt and continued to do so even after being cleaned. It was also snug enough to wrinkle whatever I had underneath. I the end, its perfect for your general messing around outdoors and car camping. Can't wear it to work and its not technical enough to wear skiing, hiking, etc.

this jacket is so much better looking in person than it is on the site. you can wear it anywhere, and you will always look solid. the fit is athletic, so it makes you look and feel like you are in shape...whether you are or you are not. whoever thought, a wool hoody, check out the innovation. i love it.

This jacket is awesome, the only problem you might experience with it is sizing, I'm 6'1 175 and the large was just a bit too big for me, but I have a smaller upper build and like my jackets a little tighter. So if you're in this range you have to figure in how big your build is and how tight you like your jackets/if you plan on layering under the jacket or over the jacket.
The branding on it is great, a cool goat logo that's not too big or flashy is the perfect addition to this wool hooded jacket.

I wore this all winter long. I love it. It is made in Canada, and will last. The arms are a little longer than usual, which makes it perfect for long monkeys as myself. The fit is slim, keep that in mind. I usually wear a medium to large jacket. I had to get a Large. They fit much like Arc'teryx outerwear. A great wear. I got a lot of compliments with this one.

I've really got no big complaints about this one. The hood seems big enough to wear over a helmet, which is a little odd for a non-tech jacket, but that's not a big deal. I've been comfortable anywhere from 55 degrees down to just below freezing. I love the styling and the fact that the logo placement is subtle since I hate being a billboard for anyone. I'm 6'1", 175 lbs and went with the large. Fit is right on. Wish there was a version without a hood.

I love this jacket for wearing every day. It's warm, reasonably wind proof and generally fits well. My major complaint is that at 5'7" I'm normally a small but got the medium because the body fits a bit snugly. That said the arms a just a bit too long.

I am 5'9", 145 and the medium fits great. This jacket is super comfy, not itchy and warm. The collar runs high, but that is prime when you zip it up with the hood on providing great protection from the elements. The inner cuff for your wrist is nice and not too tight but keeps unwanted wind and snow out. I am very impressed by the overall quality of this item. Well worth the price!

Wish the logo wasn't under the neck flap - all you see is the back side stitching when unzipped. Other than that, it's a great jacket w/ a professional look.

I like hoodies loose. This one's got a performance cut. Size up and your all good. You guys should make a lightweight one!

I love this hoodie. You can wear it as a jacket or as just a hoodie and it doesn't get too hot. It's comfortable but the fit is for an athletic frame. I'm round in the belly and had to go up a size, but I'm happy all the same with the large size.

This is great

It's really warm and the outer face of the jacket looks/feels cool due to the wool, but the design is a little odd. The arms are pretty long (I'm 5'10'' 155 lbs and ordered the medium), and there's no collar...the hood is connected directly to the jacket like a hoody. This is fine if you want a hoody, but I was expecting a collar. Guess I should have looked at the pics a little more closely. Four stars only because it wasn't what I was expecting, but it's still a nice piece!

I love 100% items because you don't have to wash them much because they don't make you smell like traditional synthetic fleece does. How does this thing handle the smell factor?