Marmot Whirlwind Fleece Jacket - Men's - 2006 BCS

This fleece is absolutely bomber. It got me through a Beijing winter and a windy January trip to the Great Wall. I was stupidly wearing only a t-shirt underneath but the whirlwind didn't care. It doesn't pack small, but if you need a heavy, one layer insulator then this is your fleece. Also, the arms don't seem too long.

The price on this fleece was the right price range, and combined with 300 weight wind blocking fleece was just what I was looking for. It was very high quality, and I was very impressed when I received it. This was also my first purchase from this site, and they shipped quickly and for free. I tried it the next morning after receiving it the previous night. It was about a 40 degree day with a 15 mph wind. The torso section of the jacket was heaven, kept me warm, and I did not feel the wind at all. However, I felt the wind through the sleeves. This was a weird feeling. So the sleeves do not have the same density and/or construction as the rest of the jacket. With that said, it was not that bad to return it. However I did return it because the sleeves were 4" too long. I am 6' tall and take a 34/35 dress shirt sleeve size, and they were still too long for me. If you have extra long arms, this is a good deal.

I chose this jacket based on the Marmot reputation for quality and value. I was impressed when I received it by the quality. It is well made, and the Polartec WindPro 300 fleece was lush and comfortable. However, the sleeves were much longer than any other jacket I have worn. This jacket had sleeves that were 3" longer than I suspected requiring you to have to fold them back under after putting on the jacket. The rest of the jacket was superb in fit and form. From a performance point of view, my reaction is mixed. The body of the jacket was great. I wore it on a brisk 38 degree day with a 15-20 knot wind. I was plenty warm in the torso and protected from the wind. However, I could feel wind penetration through the sleeves. If you are using this as a true mid-layer with a shell, I think you would be happy. However, if wind protection is a must alone, then I don't think this jacket is for you.

This jacket rocks; best soft, windproof jacket I've had....better than the Marmot one I lost before this one. Extremely warm, I've already used for skiing, hunting, and everyday wear; great base under a shell. Probably too warm for light use/weather. Retained the cheap perfume smell of a "friend" more than my liking....but that was my fault.