Cloudveil Wister Fleece Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

I spent days comparing this jacket to the TNF Denali Wind Pro and the Patagonia R4. Here's why I bought the Cloudveil Wister: 1)Wind-resistant fabric is HIGHLY wind-resistant, but still breathes, making it more practical for moderately aerobic activities in extreme cold; 2)Pit-zips--a must in a jacket this warm, especially if it's underneath a hard shell; 3)Draw-cord hem--another must-have in a heavyweight fleece; and 4)Good water-resistance and snow-shedding ability. This was the only jacket of the 3 to have all of these features. As a side note, I ended up wearing the small rather than my usual medium because it fit my form better (5'9" and 150 lbs.--the medium just felt baggy). I can still easily layer a medium weight baselayer and vest underneath. My only complaint is a minor one: the wind flap behind the zipper is pretty bulky and sometimes rolls up in the neck area, requiring some adjustment to make it lay flat.

Very warm and very light, this fleece won't replace your heaviest coats but it is effective even in sub-freezing temps. This jacket is extremely well put together. The zippers are tough, the outside durable and the inside soft. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys being active in winter.

as the other review states; this thing might be mistaken for a shell due to its water shedding ability. it is also the warmest fleece I've owned. so warm in fact that some may find it too much for highly arobic activity on anything other than subfreezing day. that said, I feel this jacket could probably suffice most to needing no more than long sleeve Cap2 underneath. Construction is phenominal, zippers work flawlessly and wind resitance is top notch. cut and fit is perfect for my 6' 235lb frame. with just enough room to add a camp sweater but not so loose as to loose its thermal qualities or look baggy. yes its pricey but your looking at a jacket that could easily last ten years. btw, color is way off from that shown on BC site.

windprood and nearly waterproof fleece? bring it on Cloudveil! yes, its a bit spendier than most other fleece jackets but as soon as you feel the fabric you can tell why. its not cheap Old Navy fleece, its the best Polartec fleece you can buy i think. water just beads up and runs right off, like on my shell jacket. but its great for running on a cold day or snowshoeing since it breathes so well. really a nice change from day to day fleece jackets.