Cloudveil Run Don't Walk Full-Zip Hooded Fleece Jacket - Men's - 2010 BCS

While this is a great hoody, I would not use it for anything technical. I've more used it for more casual bikerides, hikes, beaches, sundown fall tennis matches, etc. One of those great pieces that you just keep around with you wherever you go and throw on.

The splotch on the back right, is intentional, and a little off-putting, but I've gotten over it, as the fit and comfortability of this hood more than makes up for it. I'm 6'2", 170lbs, with a 39-40" chest and the Medium gives me an athletic fit. My roommate who is about 5'11" 190 fit pretty well into a large, although it was a tad baggy. Also, I would say the material used in this hoody is heavier than what other companies offer. Overall, purchase this on sale, throw it in your car, and use it for everything. But don't pay the full $135.

This is a really nice high performance hoodie, but don't think of it as a simple Power Stretch version of a typical cotton hoodie. Although it can serve as a lightweight outer garment, probably its best use is as a versatile mid-layer that can fit comfortably over lightweight under-layers and under various kinds of outer shells, including those with very streamlined cuts like the Stoic Welder Lo Softshell. Trade-offs involve fit and possible lack of ruggedness in outer fabric.

Fit:
Others have commented that it seems designed for an orangutan-like body-type. It does seem best suited for those with lean, athletic proportions. I am a muscular 5' 9", 155 pounds with a 39" chest and 32" waist. I normally wear a medium (or 40/41 in a suit jacket) but sized down to a small and find the fit to be fine (NOTE: guys, it's really helpful in reviews to note your chest and waist sizes in addition to height and weight, since body proportions vary so much). Fit is close to the body but because of its stretch it is not binding under the arms where I find smalls usually too confining in athletic gear. I have a relatively long torso, so length manages to be OK, but note that this is a very long cut garment meant to stay tucked in in high exertion exercise. Even sizing down, sleeves are a bit long. as the garment was designed to accommodate non-confining reaching and use of the thumb-loop for partial hand coverage and ease of pulling it through under a tight fitting outer garment. However, given the body-hugging fit I don't find them to bunch up or get in the way. You can wear with a light-weight under-layer, or possibly a medium weight if it has a very smooth exterior face, but I find it too tight to pull on over anything bulkier.

Pros:
Soft hand; stretch; high quality under-zipper wind flap; great neck coverage even without pulling up hood; terrific warmth for weight. Close fit and sleeve thumb-loops enable it to work well - even with both hoods up - under very trim cut softshells like the BC Stoic Welder Lo (or its Shift predecessor that I use) that don't usually accommodate mid-layers too well.

Cons:
Surface not particularly rugged and may be prone to pilling, but too soon for me to tell. Even sizing down as I did, length is likely to be fairly long for most body types and Cloudveil should have included a hem drawstring to enable folks to cinch it up at waist height so that it doesn't protrude below a shorter outer layer. A chest pocket like in its vest and pullover counterparts would also have been nice. Finally, the "paintball" logo splotch that appears low on one side is UGLY - c'mon Cloudveil, what were you thinking? Lose it.

Summary:
If you plan to wear it for high stretch/exertion activities and don't mind a very long garment, or if your body type accomodates sizing down, this is a very versatile, non-binding, lightweight mid-layer that works especially well with close-fitting high performance outer layers.

I love Cloudveil to start and was really excited when I ordered this. However when I got it here the splotch that is on the back side of it was a little off putting and out of character compared to the other gear I had purchased from them. As far as the look and feel of the material it is awesome probably one of the most comfortable things I own. I am about 6'2 and 190 pounds and the large seemed to be a little baggier on me than I would like especially if I was going to layer over it. Thus the negatives for me outweighed the positives and I returned it.

Quality in the new Cloudveil products is not as it once was. Fit is odd. I am 6'1" and the medium is too long for me. I suppose tall skinny guys would love it. The tight and long fit causes some annoyance as any bending or sitting causes it to bunch up uncomfortably. There are also two noticeable runs in the stitching for the zipper. And really what the heck is with the orange splotch? Am I running (not walking) from a band of errant paintballers? Material is the same as in the old ones, but i would hold off until they straighten some things out.

This is a great, good looking, and warm hoodie. . I'm 5'10" 165, athletic build and bought the large but it was too long in the waist (otherwise ok fit). I returned for a medium which fits nice and snug. I wouldn’t pay full price for this but got a deal on it with a price match at BC and bought another I/2 price from another source. Haven’t put through much of a test but am spending a lot of time wearing it around town.

As the title implies, I'm 6'2" and thin (around 175) with broad shoulders and long arms. I picked up a large off of SAC, and the arms are a little short (not by much, but enough so that using the thumb holes is uncomfortable). Otherwise, the piece seems to be of good quality construction, with a sturdy zipper and nice, thick material. If, however, you typically have problems with sleeves being too short, I'd look around for another hoody before getting this one.

As others have said, the fit is off. Actually for me the fit is great but the length is extreme. I'm 5'6" and 150 lbs and I got the small. I'm really pleased because the fit throughout the torso is a little loose and I can wear my baselayer easily underneath. Every other power stretch top I have is so tight I feel restricted. Also the way the hood joins the body makes for a very comfortable fit at the neck - protective but not too tight. The material is nice. The flat seam construction is excellent. The only strange thing apart from that weird graphic is the cut in back reaches the bottom of my butt. However, tucked in or with bibs I'm very happy to have the extra coverage back there. Worn outside my pants it gets in the way and looks funny. Bottom line: I see this as a technical mountain climber's fleece. Viewed that way it's a winner.