To call this a shirt is a disservice. It breathes like a soccer jersey, but blocks wind like a thin soft-shell (and it even has some water resistance). Although you might look like you belong on a bike or Mars, use it as a first base layer and you'll save yourself a lot of weight and bulk by eliminating many others. Combine this with a thin vest under a shell (if the weather is really nasty) or a light fleece (if it's just cold) and you're good to go.

A medium fits a wide range (fits me perfect at 5'11 and 185), but the sleeves do run long. Long collar also helps keep out wind up top. Bonus pocket on the right side makes it easy to take keys or some cash while you're out getting your workout.

I am usually a devotee to Mountain Hardwear equipment and outerwear. I own a tent and a fleece of theirs and love both. I got this jacket as a layering piece to put over my fleece when I was hiking/running/skiing. As others have mentioned, it's fine in a light drizzle and has some wind resistance, but when the rain comes, it does a poor job of beading and the thin protection soon gets 'clamy' as another reviewer mentioned and, especially if you're wearing it next to skin, rather uncomfortable.

No matter what I'm doing outside, my arms are usually the last to get cold - and the first to get all funky. I swear by vests when it comes to mid-layer protection. I usually stay away from The North Face, but I was impressed by the fit, material, and windblocking features of this vest. I got it on sale, so I'm not sure it would be worth the 100 dollars, but if you're looking for a windproof layer under a wool or simple fleece, this is a great option. The smooth surface reduces friction, the high pockets are great for backpacking, and the collar goes nice and high. Great choice.

I'm not somebody who gets cold easily, and my arms are, oddly enough, the last to get cold, so I decided to ditch the fleece and who knows how many layers and opt for this jacket with a windproof vest (The North Face Apex to be specific) underneath. When I'm hiking, I stash a light shell (Mountain Hardwear typhoon) in my bag and bust it out when it's super windy or rainy. What's great about this jacket is that it's much warmer than most fleeces, and fits much better. It's got an athletic trim and slightly stretchy fabric that hugs you in the right spots. The fleece pockets are a nice touch too, as is the little fleece protector at the top of the zipper. I was also tired of having to carry around an extra hat. The folks at the goat took care of that. With the inner cuffs that seal in the warmth in the sleeve, this is a great choice if you don't need perfect wind/water protection, but want something a little warmer than a fleece and want to avoid the alien look of the superfabrics. Only reason I didn't give it 5 is because it only has about 25% wool, which leads to a fair amount of wind leakage (hence the vest I wear anyway). So if you're looking for an all-in-oner, this isn't quite it. But if you're looking for something in between a fleece and the marshmallow insulated jackets, this is a great choice.

I have been looking for the perfect winter jacket for a long time. I've experimented with many, from MHW fleeces to some of backcountry.com's own softshell work (which is impressive, but not quite what I wanted). I needed a hood, waterproofing, wind resistance, and warmth, and I wanted to limit the bulkiness, weight, and clutter that usually comes with either layering or heavily packed down. This takes care of it all. At 5'11 and 185, the L fits great with room for some moderately heavy layers underneath if needed. The hood is even insulated, which is a big plus because you want your noggin warm when making the ascent. The pockets are nicely lined. Only downside that I can see is that there are only 4 pockets. A mesh pocket on the inside would have been great. Everything else is wonderful.

The hardest decision I had with this jacket wasn't whether or not to get it, but which color to go with (ended up with the Sangria). I had a 8 year-old MHW windstopper, which worked great until it stopped stopping the wind. I went with a material I knew I could trust (Polartec) and service I could count on from this site. I'm 5'11 and 185, and this jacket feels like a second skin - a waterproof and windproof one. I have yet to take it out into the woods, but walking in NY's chilling winds and rains all but a constant flow of heavy water will wet this jacket. Throw a good base layer underneath and you're ready for a sub-freezing expedition.

I've had this fleece for 7 years. It's seen everything from Killington ice to Ithaca sleet to high-elevation hikes in Ecuador to snow downpour in Colorado. It's sylish, it compacts well. It's essentially the perfect layering tool. Buy a breathable, waterproof, light shell for when it really rains or snows and you'll be perfect. I usually don't even put on a shell when I ski - it keeps moisture out quite well on its own. It really is wonderful and worth every dollar. When my old one dies (hopefully never) I'll buy another.

I've taken this bag on hosteling trips across Israel and E. Europe and on weekend trips in the woods. It's great. Here's the breakdown:
Pros: Lots of room for a mix of conditions; lots of hooks and latches for attaching bags and extra gear; detachable hood great for eliminating that second bag; front access lets you get at all the gear without pulling everything out; 'sleeping bag' compartment doubles as a great space for dirty clothes/shoes; very adjustable harness balance most weight at waist
Cons: fair amount of back-to-panel contact means it can get sweaty; some weight rests on shoulders; water pouch, when full, takes up a fair amount of space (just use bottles); not the lightest bag on the market

Amazing tent. It packs small, is completely wind and water proof, has great features (lots of pockets, nice vestibule), and is light. Only 'complaint' is that after a few nights in it, my gf and I couldn't have imagined how another person could have snuck in. When the rain hit we even had some foot room to stow our bags off the ground. (will get a footprint) Worth the price tag.

Instead of rattling off the many good things I could say about this bag (read the other comments for that), here are my only cons:
1) extra foot space means that unless you move around, I did find some cold spots throughout the night
2) if you roll up the pad with the bag, it takes up quite a lot of room
3) takes up a lot of room in a tent, but if you have the space, not an issue.

Felt like a bed. Almost.