I'm prompted to blab about this jacket because last night I proved its value during a HS football coverage when it was cold and windy and I was W-A-R-M under this incredible fleece and I was thinking about it and smiling and feeling happy, almost forgetting what I was supposed to be doing which was photographing the event (I'm a pro freelance photog). While my exposed skin, i.e., hands and face, are feeling the chill, my arms and torso are comfy. Anybody still thinking about buying this product, stop thinking and go ahead and buy it already, it will be worth what you pay for, for years and years to come. This is my fave sweater of the cold season 2009-10, and I predict it will remain so for quite a while after.

I wore mine yesterday during a deluge of slushy snow mixed with pebbly sleet and it had kept me dry. The hood covered my head well and the thoughtfully designed bill shielded my face from the elements. However, I got a glance of my hooded self in the mirror and I thought I looked silly. I understand that the hood was made to accommodate a helmeted head, but a regular non-skiing user would find the hood way too roomy even with the cinch cord built into it. It vents moisture so that I didn't feel clammy after walking several blocks as I wore an 800-fill down jacket under it. I agree with one of the reviewers that the pockets are smallish and I'm afraid my hands when gloved would not fit entirely in them. But overall I can say it's the best shell I ever bought (on eBay for $150 less than the regular price). I'm sure it will prove useful as a light jacket/raincoat during the Spring and packs small enough so one could bring it along as an emergency shell when hiking the boondocks in the Summer.