Ibex Starr Hybrid Softshell/Merino Jacket - Women's - 2007 BCS

I was both happy and a little disappointed by this jacket. Good points: Well styled, true fit/sizing, looks nice on, good length, hand warmer pockets are cozy, fleecy colar lining is cozy, little belt looks cute. Bad points: The marino panels are only on the inner sleeve and side of body, all other panels are a very thin softshell fabric with no lining - the whole back panel is really thin and very cold if you're in the wind or really chilly conditions. Seems strange when our backs are one of the most vunerable parts in cold conditions...I ended up sewing in an extra layer of micro-fleece fabric to the inside of the back panel to give it some extra warmth and now it's wearable - so unless you are looking for a jacket with a thin back panel (maybe for cycling or walking with a pack on so you dont get a hot back??) or you are happy to do some sewing then don't bother with this one. Also - the hand cuffs are REALLY tight, I've got skinny little wrists and small hands and they leave red marks on my wrists after a while! Advice to Ibex - continue the thick marino fabric over the whole back panel and make the wrists a little wider, and then this jacket would be a real Starr!