Definitely better than an Arc'teryx Hercules. I can't see any way to improve this jacket other than removing the sleeve pocket, just because I'm not going to use it.

Perfectly compatible with same-size Norrona hard shells.

Just picked the jacket up from SAC and so far impressed. The weather has started to cool off and I can hang out on the porch when it is 20 degrees and not worry about getting cold. This jacket appears to be well constructed (haven't truly tested it yet) and is definitely very warm. The pockets are usable and the hood is not obtrusive. The hood doesn't seem big enough to house a helmet, but it is adjustable and comfortable. The velcro closures on the wrists should be enough to keep the majority of snow out. I think that my main parka is going to get lonely this winter... I am also happy that stoic put the pit zips in. The material is breathable, but sometimes those pits just need some air! The put zips are mesh lined so you won't fill your side with snow when you eat it on those warmer days. The jacket seems a little heavy but it does replace 2 layers with 1 for backcountry play so it really isn't too bad.

Bottom line: I'm impressed and I have started recommending Stoic clothing to friends. I have been looking at their other products for something that I like so much I could convince myself I need it.

I have been on a desperate search for "the perfect soft-shell" for about 3 months now. So I made a list of all the things that I wanted the jacket to have: Heavy fleece, windproof, water resistant, velcro wrists, hooded (but small hood because I don't wear a helmet for anything but motor-sports, and I hate having a useless hood, but as far as I know the hood does accommodate a helmet also), chest pocket, pit-zips, zippered pockets, full length zip, overall weight around 20 ounces, and in parenthesis was (possible snow-skirt).

I have been eying arc'teryx's Hercules for a while now because it is the only thing that came close to what I wanted, but I hated the jacket, it fit funny, and didn't have pit zips to shed some heat. So I pretty much gave up and was waiting for another jacket to come along, and then not even a week after I made the list POOF! The Stoic Welder Hi Softshell jacket shows up on SAC with every one of my requirements except a snow-skirt, which was the only optional requirement I had made.

Oh and for people looking it fits true to size, I have a Large and I am 5'10", 185lbs, 44 inch chest, 35 inch sleeve, athletic/built. And there is only enough room for a relatively slim base-layer, like a t-shirt and an ice-breaker merino wool long-sleeve and the like, but that is the whole reason I bought the jacket, living in Fairbanks, AK it is nice to be able to simply toss on the jacket over a T and head out the door when everyone else is running around looking like the Michelin Man and their down parkas.

Conclusion: Perfect for me, thanks Stoic and backcountry.com for their awesome service.

Just got this jacket off of SAC for a killer deal...definitely pumped about that! The fleece on the inside of the jacket feels like a blanket of sweet nectar soothing my frigidly wind blown skin back to life after a day of rippin' it up. Best part is, the hood is lined with the fleece and it definitely feels awesome! Run a bit slim fitting, but looks slick as hell.

Just got this jacket off of SAC for a killer deal...definitely pumped about that! The fleece on the inside of the jacket feels like a blanket of sweet nectar soothing my frigidly wind blown skin back to life after a day of rippin' it up. Best part is, the hood is lined with the fleece and it definitely feels awesome! Run a bit slim fitting, but looks slick as hell.

I got if off SAC and so far it's been great. The material is so soft inside and out. It feels like another fleece jacket yet waterproof and wind resistant. Definitely recommended.

I just got it from SAC and first impression is awesome. I was amazed at how soft it is inside and out. I've worn it around the last 2 days and gotten complements everywhere I've gone. However, I'm starting to wonder if I should have gotten the L instead of the M. I'm 5' 11" 165 lbs and it's a fine fit with just a t-shirt on under it, but you can't fit much more under it. Regardless, it's an amazing classy jacket.

Wanted to keep this jacket but there is no room for a helmet - maybe a light-weight, low profile, mountaineering helmet. The construction seems excellent and the fit is stug but comfortable allowing good mobility. I am 6 ft 185 lbs and the large seemed to be the right size. Not alot of room to layer but the high loft fleece is very warm and comfortable and probably doesn't necessitate a lot of layers. Love the jacket, wanted to keep it but the with the helmet issue got to send it back - got too many jackets anyway.

This jacket looks great on the site and it looks and feels even better in person. I just got mine and I am very pleased with the quality and feel of the material and construction. I haven't had it out in the elements yet, so I can only hope that it performs as well as it looks. Based on the other Stoic and backcountry.com stuff I have this should be another great jacket. Score another one for backcountry.com.