Power stretch is a phenomenal fabric, useful year-round for a base, mid or top layer, aerobic activities or just sitting in a tree stand. It's durable, resists wind and breathes exceptionally well. Whether it's TNF, Marmot or Backcountry, the fabric is essentially the same, so it pretty much comes down to look and fit. Okay, loved the cut, loved the shark skin color, loved the design, loved how it looked. At 5'10" 205 lbs. the large was snug but nicely so. I actually liked the shorter length -- frequently power stretch tops are extra long for tucking and i didn't want that. The neck offers good coverage and isn't too loose. That's the good. Now the bad. The pocket is tiny though my Moto Razr will squeeze in. The sleeves are shorter than any power stretch top i've ever tried and rode up on me whenever i did anything. Also rather than being tapered at the cuff -- pretty much standard with tops like these -- they flare out, letting drafts in. It looks cooler, but defeats the very insulating purpose of the top. I also noticed numerous places where loose threads were sticking out, giving the impression that it was hastily made. Haven't even washed it yet. The MHW zip T i have is several years old, and has been used for everything and has nary a stitch loose. I like this top, but sadly feel i have to return it. If a tall size were offered it'd address most of my issues, or if it ever comes up on S&C i'd consider getting it cheaper and have the sleeves tailored and/or lengthened. I found Cloudveil's overpriced version on clearance and have been very pleased with that one, and my MHW as well. Bottom line, try it to see if it fits you. It has the potential, tho whether it won't unravel on you remains to be seen.

Power Stretch is an uberfabric and i'm a big fan. Needed a power stretch vest for a variety of uses and they're surprisingly hard to come by -- few manufacturers make them. Dunno why. Marmot's always been great quality, and this vest is no exception. But the one hangup i had with it i couldn't get over -- the length. I'm 5'10" 205lbs size 44 and went with the large. Loved the snug fit, the high collar and usable pocket. But the vest ran so far down it completely covered my backside. Can't roll it up (looks too silly), can't tuck it in (who the hell wants to tuck in a vest?), and because it's such a snug fit it looks odd hanging all the way down.

Really wanted this vest to work for me. Vests are for core warmth -- can't fathom why Marmot would make this product this way. If you're tall, it'd prolly work for you tho. Hate to return it but i have to.

Thermal Pro/Monkey Phur (MH's proprietary name) is the warmest fleece period. The only jacket i've ever put on that provided instant -- and i mean INSTANT warmth! Amazing! Have the TNF Denali Thermal and love that too, it's just as good, if not better, but sadly no longer made...so get this one. I'm 5'10", 205lbs, size 44 and bought an XL. It's roomy but not baggy, and doesn't look baggy, even though in hindsight i really should've gotten a large for a more streamlined fit. But still it fits well enough under a slim shell. And a shell you'll need because it stops NO wind, but the flip side is it's great breathability for the tremendous warmth it generates. Personally, i think it insulates better than Primaloft. I also like the length -- sits just below the waist, which is key because it doesn't have a waistcord cinch. Super lightweight too. Buy it and you won't want to take it off, like ever.

I have a TNF Denali Thermal, which i LOVE, but wanted something thinner (the Denali is thick) to layer with more things, pack smaller, etc. This seemed absolutely ideal -- all the benefits of ultrawarm thermal pro fleece, yet more packable and lightweight. It's very layerable (under things), very warm -- warmer than anything its thickness, very breathable and stylish. But, as with any thermal pro jackets, it's HIGHLY porous to the wind so definitely wear a shell in such conditions. Everything seemed perfect, except for the neck. It's waaay too big. At 5'10, 205lbs, size 44 i'm a solid large to xl. I dropped down to a medium (snug fit for sure but the jacket stretches and the sleeves are long) with the hopes of getting a decent neck to keep me warmer. No dice. The Denali 300 wt. has a nice cut that seals in the warmth, keeps out the elements. This is more like a cowl that just lets cold air in, warm out, kinda defeating the purpose of the jacket. If you can get past this, it's a great jacket. Consider MW's Monkey Man Jack for a possibly better fit. Glad i got my Denali Thermal before they went the way of the dodo.

Scored the OD Digi-Camo print version on clearance last spring, and when i tried them on, i couldn't wait for winter. Super comfy, super functional. Front pockets are perfectly-positioned like jean pockets are. Thigh vents are quite useful, cargo pockets are sized and positioned just right. Somehow, TNF got the baggy look just right, while getting them to actually fit like tailored pants should fit -- without an excessively long rise in the crotch (like lots of ski pants i've tried) or any sag in the seat. Soft liner is good down into the low '20's -- beyond that throw on some thermals and/or long socks and you're golden. At 5'10 the Large is perfect in every way except the length, which is a bit long for me. I have to roll up the back of the cuff an inch when not wearing snow boots. Still, if i could wear these to work, i would -- i practically live in these pants.

A great piece in every manner except for the hem. C'mon Mountain Hardwear, ditch the power stretch bottom and make the hem adjustable. It can only be worn under longer jackets. (I couldn't wear it under my MHW Phantom jacket -- the hem protruded at least a couple of inches from beneath the jacket.)

Since the vest is form-fitting, tucking the hem beneath the vest creates a little "inner tube" around your waist, essentially negating the nice look of the form fit. This is particularly ugly in back as the vest (and presumably the jacket as well) has a longer tail. It looks like you've got a little fanny pack on. The hem isn't all that tight either, so if you tuck it, it will invariably fall out. It's probably a great fit for people over 6 ft. tall though.

If you can live with this annoyance buy the vest or the jacket -- instant warmth, snug but stretchy fit and good looks. I opted instead for TNF Denali Thermal Jacket. Also super warm, also a great fit (buy 1 size smaller as it's roomier and you do prefer a snug fit), though pricier and no vest version as of yet.

Perfect. Simply perfect. Arguably the warmest jacket in existence. Nice short fit hangs at the waist. Snug fit yet tremendous freedom of movement. It's so light and unrestrictive you often don't notice it's on.

Higher fill (800) than Nuptse (700) yet not as poofy -- you don't look like the Michelin Man when you wear it. Far superior in construction than the TNF Nuptse. I was never warm enough in my Nuptse (always had "cold spots"), whereas the Phantom is always toasty. I looked forward to single digit days knowing I had this jacket to wear. It's even worth buying at full price. You'll never need another winter jacket again.

It was hard to justify yet another fleece to my wife until she wore it, and I now have to prohibit her from wearing it. Only fleece I've ever tried that literally provided instant warmth. It's as if it has a heating pad -- it's that warm, and luxuriously soft next to the skin.

I've never felt as warm in my regular Denali, and as such the Thermal is worth the extra money. Much lighter than the regular Denali (easier on your back stowed in a pack). Great fit too. Power stretch cuffs are a nice touch. Only negative is that it needs to be worn under a shell for maximum effectiveness (but it was designed that way) -- extra breathability lets in more wind, the nylon on the shoulders is much softer (probably wouldn't stand up under pack straps for too long) and no elbow patches.

Bottom line: if you want a fleece to beat the crap out of, buy the regular Denali. If weight, warmth, breathability and comfort are more of what you need, buy the Denali Thermal, you won't be disappointed.

Marvelously fits the greatest number of conditions you can experience. Windproof so you can wear it as an outer layer, thin and non-bulky so you can wear it underneath easily. Easily packable, lightweight, comfortable and good-looking. Smooth face helps with layering underneath or over.
Warm enough to wear alone in the mid-20's yet won't overheat you when it's windy and 55F.
If only one jacket will fit in your suitcase or pack, any season of the year, this should be the one.
Look for the vest version too.