Outdoor Research Neoplume Jacket - Men's - 2006 BCS

warm, comfortable, versatile and stylish in everywhere.
Great for alone or midlayer

i love this jacket. very athletic fit throughout. no extra fabric, yet not restrictive. im 5'6" and 155 lbs, size medium fits perfectly. in comparison with the redpoint, the neoplume is warmer because it fits closer to the body. its not very breathable, but isnt promoted as such. if you ski/ride/climb fairly aggressively, i dont recommend any jacket like this as a midlayer, because it gets too hot. and for an outer layer, i still prefer a softshell for breathability as well as durability. better for casual use, or very light activity. i have only one minor complaint: the tabs on the cuff enclosures are too long and stick out a bit. overall though, very good quality. btw, OR makes awesome gloves and mittens too.

Coming from fleece, I was amazed that a jacket this light and packable could be so warm. With a lightweight base layer and another light shirt or midlayer, I am comfortable down to the mid to high 30 deg F. If it's really windy or wet, I just don a wind/rain shell over it. As noted, it's not that breathable, so leave it home for even mildly strenuous activities. But I love the sleek fit and look, so it's always on me when I'm out and about.

It's too bad this great jacket is let down by a terrible zipper. It's a cheap, two-way zipper that binds when buckling and unbuckling. I thought mine just had a burr in it or something, but I bought my Dad the same jacket in L (mine is M), and his has the same cheap sticky zipper. If it were not for the zipper, I would give this jacket 5 stars.

Great fit. Sleeves long enough yet body fits close enough to look good and fit under a shell. Very light. Most manufacturers stint on sleeve length - I guess they are trying to accommodate avg American fat guy - those guys don't ski or ride. They eat. O/R team must actually get out in the hills now & then.

This is a nice option to have when it is a bit brisk outside. I use it in the 35 degree temps for touring with a long underwear shirt underneath and it keeps me at a great temperature. Most synthetics are too warm for that use. Nice and light super packable, not to mention durable.

The jacket is kinda warm, kinda good looking, kinda good value, kinda old-school, kinda trendy. I wouldn't buy another one.