I bought the jacket as gift for my husband. He's used it quite a bit and been quite happy with its warmth, performance in wind, and layerability.

I like this jacket because it is warmer, blocks wind better and moves better than the Delta AR. Patagonia has done a great job in refining this jacket. It is not bulky, breathes, it layers well, and does not snag on base layers like other fleeces such as the Apache AR. Patagonia has the best and the most comfortable collar in the business, nice to wear all day long. The pockets are a generous size for keeping the mitts warm and all the zips work really well. The only down side to this jacket is that it does not have a waist hem drawcord. Patagonia could do more to improve this and they could also shorten the front by an inch or so. It is the same length as my Gamma MX Hoody & Alpha Comp Hoody shells which means it can creep out and get wet. Other than these points, I would have given it a 5.

I really love this jacket for slightly cold weather. It breathes really well, it is very comfortable, and it keeps me warm in mildly cold weather. It is very soft and appealing. Many people compliment it!

This is the most expensive fleece I've ever bought, but I'll never need to buy another. It is made to Patagonia's high standards, namely, it will and has taken a beating. It's light and packs down nice and small, making it great for backpacking. It breaths like no other fleece I've worn and yet is remarkably warm. Usually there are trade-offs between features, but this jacket does a great job at covering all the bases. Pit zips would have been nice but don't hinder enough to base not buying it because of that. Really the only other thing I could nit-pick about we be to add a double waist cord/single hand closing system instead of one single cord on the side to cinch the whole bottom. But again, that's a tiny complaint. It does seem a little pricey, but it isn't any more than a The North Face Denali and when compared to a North Face Denali jacket this jacket is a Ferrari and The North Face Denali is a pinto.

I like this jacket in combination with a waterproof breathable hard shell. You can regulate temperature easily, since it is very breathable. It also packs down smaller than standard fleece, since it has higher loft. The cut is great and the pockets are accessable while wearing a backpack's hipbelt.

Had this fleece jacket for about 5 years, and it is very sturdy and warm for those chilly days. The great thing is the fit for sure. It is true to whatever size you are and articulates for all the crazy stuff outdoors.