I have used this fleece for over a year now and it has served me valiantly. Super warm, super light, and looks good. I have worn while traveling and used extensively as a base layer hiking in the White Mountains.



Size Large worked well for me, only complaint is I wish I had ordered a tall for backpacking as the normal length rides up my back while carrying a backpack.



Solid.

I use small size for my marmot gear, however this one was tight on the chest and chokes my arms if decide to do outdoor activities. The polyester makes it a pain when on top of other fabric unless you wear a sleeveless under layer. Maybe a medium could have been a better choice. Also the sleeves seems to be too long since you have to stick your thumb through the sleeves.

Nice fleece, looking forward to ski season to use it.

I am 6'0 220 with fairly wide shoulders. I wear XL in most things. An XL in this was too small. Very tight in the arms and too short. Seems like a nice product but too small.

I'm not crazy about the waffle texture fabric (even though it does add warmth). Also, there appears to be too much fabric below the zipper on the left side of the chest. That area sags and hangs badly, leaving me looking like a failed science experiment. Had to return it.

Short version: A thin yet surprisingly warm fleece that breaths well enough to prevent over- heating.



Long version: I'm actually wearing this fleece as I type this review. I liked my full zip Alpinist so much I wanted a second in another color and opted for the 1/2 zip. I very rarely get 1/4 or 1/2 zips because I overheat easily and like having the ability to really open up a full zip. But after being impressed with the breathability of the full zip Alpinist, I had no doubt I would be very happy with the 1/2 zip. I wasn't disappointed. I find it to be very warm yet breaths well when you are active or once you make it back indoors. The micro- grid fabric is also ver durable and doesn't show wear after some pretty serious use. A great layering piece as well due to its thin nature.



How I use it: pretty much the first thing I grab when I need some extra warmth, and a great piece to layer under a outer shell



What I wouldn't use it for: Not a windproof fleece if that is what you need.



Fit: I am about 6' and 185 lbs and use a medium. I find it to be a very comfortable athletic fit that never restricts or feels too tight.

I would caution those who are expecting something 'really' heavyweight. Compared to, say, a polartec power stretch - which I consider 'heavyweight' - this is no where near as thick/warm. I even asked the rep before buying and he said this shirt was almost like a light jacket. Unfortunately, not true. Seemed like a perfectly fine shirt - if that is what you were expecting - but I'm returning it because the description (both product and by the rep) led me to believe it is a LOT heavier than it actually is.

I like the material, soft yet warm! Nice fit, close but comfortable for me, I got a medium as a 5ft 9, 155 lb guy.

This is a warm comfortable fleece, that I really like. It's long enough in the back and arms. The thumb loops are a bonus, that you can use or not. The chest pocket took a little getting used to, but now I stash some cash in there. A good choice among the many base layers out there.

This is a very warm and light weight fleece. I plan on wearing this fleece on cold winter days and as a base layer under my ski jacket. I pair this fleece with my Marmot Rom jacket for a nice little combo to climb in. The thumb holes are very useful to help prevent the sleeves from riding up when climbing or skiing. I ordered the small and the sleeves are a great length but I with the waist was a tad bit longer. Over all I am very pleased with this fleece.

Kick A$$ fleece. I wear it all the time for just about everything. Excellent fit and nice wind taping on the Napoleon pocket zipper.