I bought the Wildcard as an "around town" jacket for the harsh winters in Iowa and have been more than pleased with it's warmth and versatility. I've logged a few 25,000 vertical feet days in it as well and it has held up great. Plenty of pockets, a helmet compatible hood and other than the lack of pit zips, this jacket is as good and as warm as anything on the market. If you are looking for a functional, warm and great looking jacket, the Wildcard Softshell is it. It's tough to really categorize this as a softshell due to it's weight and warmth. It is as much coat as I ever need. The colors are a little generic and it runs roomy as I am 6' 252 lbs and an XL fits perfect with just enough room for a midlayer. Bottom line, for the $$ you wont find a better softshell.

Great midlayer fleece 1/4 zip shirt. Warm, very comfortable and not too "athletic" of a fit. At 6' 230, I was concerned that the XXL would still be a little snug, but it fits perfect. My only gripe is the fact that the chest pocket will only accomodate a slim cell phone and a container of chapstick, but what more do you need? I bought two of these shirts on SAC and at $35, there isnt a better fleece shirt on the market (even at $70 its a good buy). I have previously worn the Marmot Power Stretch Half zip and this shirt is a very close match to that shirt. This one has a much better collar, the Marmot has a larger chest pocket. The Marmot's drawback is that it is very fitted. I like the cut of this shirt a lot better. I highly recommend it, in fact I'm wearing one as I type this review.

I actually replaced my Marmot Superhero with this jacket. It is windproof as is the Superhero, but this jacket has more pockets than a pool table (okay, only four), plus pit zips which the Superhero has none. I highly recommend this fleece. I have worn it in 10 degree weather and in weather as warm as 50* F. The only thing the Superhero had over the Heat Shield was it's zip-off hood. You cant go wrong with either, but for utility/versatility I would opt for the Heat Shield, you wont be disappointed. One note, it has an athletic fit, so expect a little less room than Marmot's shells.

After receiving the pants I discovered that they are actually 3 layer Gore Tex Performance Shell, not Gore Tex Pro as advertised by the North Face themselves (a lengthy chat with The North Face actually made them aware of the inaccuracy in their description). They are just that, a 3 layer SHELL, so a good, breathable base layer is a must. Regardless, these are incredible pants. Absolutely bulletproof and very high quality. Fit is pretty accurate, fairly loose around the lower leg. I would recommend them.

After ordering a pair of the FREE THINKER pant, I discovered that The North Face has been marketing these pants incorrectly/falsely. They are advertised as being 3 layer Gore Tex Pro, when in reality, they are 3 layer Gore Tex Performance Shell. Not a huge difference, but for $400, I would expect "top of the line". Considering the fact that there are several alternatives for less than $400 and are made with Gore Tex Pro, I was a little disappointed. Other than that, I would actually rate the pant as a 5 star pant. They are well built, have everything you would ever need. Sizing is pretty true to size, but the lower leg is huge. Great suspenders. You wont be disappointed in the pant, unless (like I was) you are expecting a Gore Tex 3 layer Pro material.

After one use, the collar was pilling terribly. Great cut and warmth, but will last for about a month with regular use. For $70 I would expect more. UA just hasnt learned quality vs. quanty. Unfortunate because I like the look and fit, but it looks like I have had it for a year after one use and wash.

This is a great jacket. Form, function, fit, it has it all. You will be pleased with this purchase.