I own six performance jackets. This might be my favorite. I have worn it playing in the snow when it's 10 degrees out, in the rain in Arlington, and pretty much every other weather condition since I got it last November. It's warm enough to wear over a t-shirt in any temp over 35, and great with just a baselayer down to about 20 if you're working hard.

The seams aren't taped so you will get wet if you stand in the rain for long enough, but the DWR does a pretty good job of keeping you dry in all but sustained, steady rain. By design it is not windproof, just highly wind resistant, so it can get a little chilly when the wind is really rippin unless you have a few layers underneath. I just wish the main zipper was backed by some form of storm flap because I feel like it lets in more of the wind than the polartec powershield does.

Nothing will ever cheer you up more than putting on that fleece lined hood when it's frigid outside. The way it feels on your ears is just awesome. Plus it keeps snow from coming in through the collar (for those of us who do not like the feeling of snow down our backs).

I originally hesitated to spend so much when I knew I could get similar jackets for about half as much, but working at 5,000 ft in all kinds of weather I wanted the best. This is all around the best fitting, toughest jacket I have ever worn. It might not be rainproof or a wind stopper but it is darn close to both. On really cold days I wear a level 3 base layer underneath and thats it, no big, bulky, puffy parks. The hood is great, and I like how it has a little bit of a brim to keep water from dripping down onto your face. I have laid in the dust and dirt and left it in the back of a dirty pickup and clean up is just a wipe down with a wet rag.
If you play or work in an area that has frequent weather changes, and know how to layer properly in really cold weather this is the jacket for you.

In terms of warmth, this jacket is fantastic, and I could not be happier with its insulative properties. Water also beads off its surface, although I'm not sure if this is from a treatment Arc-teryx applied that wears off or if it is inherent in the fabric. My only issue is that the stiff material surrounding the zippers is too long and when I sit down, they slightly dig into my rib cage.

In case anyone is wondering, this jacket is MADE IN CHINA. Arc-teryx has an absolutely lame explanation on their website about how it doesn't matter where their stuff is made, so they make no effort to disclose it. Reading this made me feel like they think their customers are idiots who can't make informed decisions.

Incredible and the best soft shell ever. Very versitile and a great liner for my AR jacket. Very comfy and stays warm all the time. The hood ROCKS.

Surely a bit pricey, but great quality always does pay off in the long run

So, not only is this the lightest and most comfortable softshell that I have ever owned, it is unbelievably breathable and warm from mild weather to down right nasty weather! Well fitted for an athletic build and easily adjustable. Worth every penny!

unlike hercules, who was renowned for his godlike strength and not much else, this jacket is pretty comfortable in a variety of different conditions and climates, yet fails to really shine at doing one thing exceptionally. it sheds light rain, yet becomes soaked in a downpour. it will keep you warm above 40º, but needs some additional help insulating when the mercury plummets. after using this piece almost daily for over two years now, and i hate to say it, the hercules hoody is basically a glorified $350 sweatshirt.

if you plan to use it standalone, it is at its best in a misty cool climate, where the light rain will bead on its surface and the plush fleece interior will keep you pretty warm, but restrict your mobility if you are layering anything that is not smooth faced underneath. this jacket is very breathable, but at the expense of wind-proofing as anything more than a gust will cut right through this jacket.

usually arc'teryx gear is pretty well constructed and thought out. however, i've had some problems with this jacket as far as durability and design features. for one the drawcords to cinch the hood and the hem are terribly placed and a real bitch to pull and adjust. the hem drawcords are situated in the pockets, making operation with any glove heavier than a liner a real chore. likewise, the hood pulls are located inside the hood making adjusting the hood when it is up, almost impossible. did i mention the tension? i had to pull so hard one of the plastic retaining caps came off the hood drawcord.

another problem is the zipper, which lack a garage at the top, and would chafe, but this zipper fails to stay all the way zipped and is always open about a half an inch or so.

if i had to do it over again, i would have saved up for a super water resistant shell to combine with a nice insulating fleece layer, or something with more insulation like the kappa sv that can truly standalone on chillier days. my advice to potential buyers would be to consider your uses as you can get more versatility with your money elsewhere.

Awesome jacket have the black just bought the mineral been wearing it everyaday with a shell over it on cold NY days or a 100 weight fleece under it for 32 plus days it is very function and fits well..I got the xxl I'm 6'1 240lbs and it fits awesome.....................

This jacket is awesome very comfortable and a well tapered fit as well as warmth for these crazy NY winters, Works well as an outlayer with a thermal underneath, This is my second one have the black bought the mineral as a backup....

It's been two weeks and so far it's the best fleece jacket out there. It will block a bit of wind but not fully windproof. The materials are top quality and the fuzzy fleece is super warm but not overkill. I pair it with my Theta Ar Jacket for ,more warmth in colder temperatures. The fit is pretty atheltic. I am 6' and 195lbs and the medium fits perfect. The sleeves are a bit tight for me, but it's bearable.

I just got mine a few weeks ago, and it has been a great surprise. I originally ordered one in cobalt blue, but was dissapointed on the color, so I exchanged it by a black one. This jacket is warm, and I think a perfect compromise of many desirable attributes. It offers very decent wind protection, water repellency (it will keep you dry unless it is a friggin' downpour) and it breathes well. Other reviewers have done a good job at stating that it can be used with a base layer in 30ºF weather, or underneath a shell for nastier conditions. I love to pull the hood up when it gets cold. This bad boy will not pill, and the exterior will allow you to layer with comfort without binding. Even though it is fleece, the exterior reminds me of a soft shell. It is cut a bit long and will allow some room for some layering. I'm 5"10 and 170 lb and the medium fits me comfortably. It is a tiny bit loose, but still fitting in the Arcteryx style. Expensive but worth it. It has become my favorite fleece jacket.

I had to return this jacket because for some reason the small was to big. Not that I'm super small either. My friend thinks that after they started manufacturing in Canada they made the jackets slightly bigger. I thought that the slightly bigger size would compromise the warmness that the jacket had to offer. Otherwise this would have been a great jacket.

I bought this Jacket a couple of weeks ago for a great price and have not been disappointed. This jacket is sweet. Put it to the test in some wicked single digit wet/cold weather. It kept me warm and dry. I give this item a 4.5. This jacket is light, warm, and well designed. I don't give it a perfect score because it lacked a zipper storm flap. I did feel some minor wind through the zipper. Other than that, the jacket is awesome!!!

Bought this fleece about a month ago and paired it with the sidewinder jacket truly an AWwwSOME combo perfect in any conditions in my opinion the best jacket combo you can buy at the time

Warm, nice, good, BUT !!!! "Made in China"