Mountain Hardwear Desna Fleece Jacket - Men's

Just received my SMALL Desna and it's a snug 2nd layer as I was after. I'm 5'10" with 36" inch chest and the dimensions in the sleeve are pretty spot on too.

The length seems a fraction though... it fits more like a pullover than a jacket and only just comes down past my hip bones (22" from shoulder to the bottom of the jacket). If I lift my arms I worry it will expose the guts a bit.

It's summer in Australia so haven't had a chance to see how well it works! I'm hoping its promise of some wind resistance holds up, as I don't want to have to take a soft shell as well as a Paclite shell when skitouring & snowcamping....

To be honest, however, it just feels like a regular fleece. It doesn't have the density of these heavy 'windfleeces' you see around and I'm not sure it would keep out more than a breeze.

But the hood does feel cozy under an outer shell...it'll save you trying to find a pocket for a beanie or a balaclava.

This layer is perfect for skiing and other cold weather activities that require face and neck protection and breathability. This is much better than a balaclava since it can be zipped down the chin when full protection is not needed. The material is typical powerstretch with an interesting blend of nylon. The fit is very slim, this is the only garment that I had to size up in. Overall I can not imagine a better midlayer than this one here.

I bought this for a lightweight instulation layer. Its weight is very similar to the Patagonia R1. The biggest difference is that this jacket is a fleece which also provides pretty good wind resistance. Unlike many fleece jackets, this would make a passable stand alone jacket during the wintertime. At 6'3", 175lbs, I often have issues with sleeve lengther. I bought this in size large and it fits my slender frame well and the sleeves are long enough for me to utilyze the thumb holes. The inside has a soft, fuzzy surface which provides a very cozy feeling. The hood is obviously unconventional, but functional. In cold windy conditions, it makes a passable baclava, but does not quite cover my nose. It makes a much better neck gaiter. I had concerns the high zipper would irritate my neck when not zipped all the way up, but I've not had any issues.

I've thought about using this for a running jacket, but likely won't. I love running in a softshell as they provide good insulation while still breathing well and keeping the wind and rain off you. A good softshell also gives your skin a little room as shells aren't intended to hug your body. But, I think this jacket is still more fleece than softshell. I think the fuzzy interior surface would feel too "huggy" and "muggy" once you got heated up and sweaty.

It really broke my heart to return this fleece, because for the most part, it it awsome. It is exactly what I was looking for, except for the hood. The hood just did not work for me. I even contemplated keeping it and cutting off the hood to use just as a zip up collar fleece! It is that cool of a fleece. The problem with the hood isn't the chin - I liked how high it zipped up to protect the face - the problem is the top, or head part. The top of the hood is so small and tight that it barely coverd my forehead. There is no way you could wear any kind of hat under this hood - not a baseball style, or even a watch cap - no way. Otherwise - awsome fit - true athletic Medium, not too tight, no too loose 5'10 muscular 160lbs 40 in. chest 33' waist- awsome material - awsome pockets, tiny hood.

This fleece blew me away. It is by no means windproof, but functions very well as a midlayer under a shell. And the range of temps at which you stay comfy is what blows me away. From cool fall weather hikes down to about 10F skiing (capilene 3 and a shell), it handles it all. The neck comes up high and the hood is thin enough to wear under a helmet. Super light, durable, wicks moisture away and the thumbholes work great keeping it in place and keeping the snow out.

love it! repels h20 on a light drizzly day. keeps me warm in low 40 to high 30degree weather. perfect liner for mt days

Love it. The high collar/hood keeps your neck/face warm. Wear it under my shell on cold days. Athletic cut, but a bit of stretch for powering thru the crud.