Mountain Hardwear WindStopper Tech Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

I love this jacket. Windproof, water resistant and warm without being bulky. The pockets are high, but I don't mind too much. You get used to it and when wearing waders it's a plus because they're easy to get to. Pit Zips are a major plus. I wear it hiking, skiing, fishing and drinking!

So you read the reviews, right? You may just think that every single one of the people who have decided to review are hardcore gear heads with too much time on their hands... maybe they are, at least I thought that. I mean, I read the reviews for this jacket, and needless to say, I still felt the jacket and/or it's raters were an anomaly at the very least, I would not have ever expected such a product to exist that was as great as people say it is. Well it is great, and it does exist. MHW takes this jacket to a level not yet reached by other outdoor companies, but this is my opinion so interpret it how you wish. Never would I have foreseen my writing this review, strictly because of the time it would consume, but I must bow down to the superiority of this jacket and indulge you with a brief and colorful synopsis of why I've found it to be such a marvelous piece of equipment. I work outside in Louisville, KY and the weather here is pretty fair year round. Winter avg. temp. is 25-30 F with gusts of 10-15 mph winds due to our location on the Ohio River Valley, like I said...fair. I do not get cold very easily when active outside, albeit, who usually does? With this jacket on, due to it's incredible windstopping, all I need is a long sleeve t-shirt underneath and I am Golden. Never has wind been blocked with such tenacity, and to further test this jacket, I rode with all my windows down in my Subaru when it was 20 F outside for a good 30 miles without once feeling any unusual cold holes in this jacket. MHW has amazed me, there is no other word that can describe any more eloquently a jacket such as this. This has been my two-cents, so it is with my continued slack jawed amazement I shall adorn my back once more with this jacket to go and confidently brave the breezy ville.

I haven't worn my Denali since I got this jacket. Not as thick and heavy as the Denali, and it's actually windproof. Superb design! Material on shoulders are durable and can withstand abrasion from backpack straps. Side pockets are placed higher so that they can accessed over backpack's hip belt. I normally wear XL, but opted for XXL, fit's a little loose, but great for layering. Even loose, the cut and design is very flattering. Don't let the weight and lack of thickness full you, this is will keep you warm over the thick Denali.

I've had my windstopper tech for 3 years now and everytime I put it on, I fall in love all over again. This jacket has a great cut that fits in all the right places (I'm 5'9", 145). After watching all the trendy folks walk by in their TNF Denalis in the cold Wisconsin winter, I breeze by them on my bike without so much as a hint of the biting wind.
There are some complaints about the pockets, but they're great to have when you're in the harness. They can even handle a nalgene, even though it's awkward. I highly recommend this jacket to all of my friends who are thinking about a fleece. Yes, it's a bit more pricey than the denali, but isn't the better quality, greater warmth, and not looking like a tool worth it?

I've had this jacket for nearly 7 years and it is still in great shape. And I wear it more than anyother jacket combined. light and thin yet somehow adapts to all sorts of temps. I wear it on cool nights while camping during the summer and it is also warm enough to walk to the bar in upstate NY when it is 15 degrees and the wind is blowing off the hudson. I have a crew of friends and we argue over gear constantly but everyone seems to agree this is an amazing jacket on its own or for layering while skiing. We look like a walking MH add when 6 of us go to the bar and we all have the same jacket.

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 beleive this is the greatest fleece jacket i've ever sported. the hype is real. i just got it from BC after returning a TNF Denali. This jacket is so sick. MH Windstopper is as close to a universal year round jacket as possible. First i wore it over a long sleeve t-shirt and was skiing in 30 deg weather, i was NEVER cold, actually had to unzip the pits. When it was lower than 25 deg, i had to put on a rain/snow shell (after all, i am a FL boy). Then i wore it on a flats boat, fishing in the low 60's (going 50mph, windstopper is REAL), in board shorts & flippyfloppies, NEVER cold. Then yesterday i wore it over a tee shirt all day tailgaiting & boozing it up at the miami dolphins game in the high 50's . Oh yea, i never want to take it off inside either! Some how its still comfortable indoors in the 70's!!! What i'm getting at is how freakin versitile this animal is, from FL to ME to CA & back. Also, it is so thin & light, if you do have to take it off, it packs almost like a long sleeve tee.
It also seems to be of top quality construction, so it will last.
And lastly, i've read the comments about the pockets...they ARE in a higher position than other jackets, however i have only found them to be even MORE convenient with everything from fishing w/ a pack on to getting out your stash w/o taking off your seat belt!!!

WINDSTOPPER. Best jacket i have ever owned, far superior to North Face Denali. I can wear this jacket on cold 20 degree mornings with a long sleave underneath. Whenever your inside and your feelin a bit hot, no need to take off the jacket, just use the pit-zips. Very tough jacket, i take it bouldering with me and it hasn't showed a sign of it wearing out. When im flyin down the hill on my longboard i cant feel a bit of wind. Great jacket overall.

I have had this jacket for almost 3 years now. It lives up to its expectations. I got a M and it fits perfectly. (5'8" 150 lbs) I live in Minnesota so thats mainly where I have been using it. It stops the wind like it says which is pretty useful when it reaches -20 to -40 below with the wind chill. I just wore a Hoodie underneath for insulation. It's a perfect jacket for fall and spring weather, very comfortable. This is my jacket of choice!

Got mine as a birthday present a few weeks back and love it. I was at first skeptical when I pulled it out of the package at how thin it was but this baby really lives up to the windstopper title. 20 degree 4 wheeler ride? Nice and toasty. Can't say enough nice things about it. Looks good too. Fit is true to size, leaves just enough room for a lightweight quarter zip fleece.

Not that this jacket needs one more glowing endorsement but here it is! I ordered this in black which admittedly makes it hard to see in the photos but it looks HOT! This is the gift that will make me Christmas king!

I was looking for a jacket that was warm enough for winter hiking and had good weather resistance and breathability. I bought the WindStopper Tech because of the great reviews. The jacket is very warm and well-constructed. Unfortunately, I found the cut of the jacket to be too loose (men's size small). A men's small in the North Face, Arc'teryx, Marmot and other Mountain Hardwear products fits perfectly, but the WindStopper Tech seems about 2" too long in the front and has way too much room around the waist. Not sure how this translates to the other sizes. I tried a Mountain Hardwear Link jacket which fit much better.

First of all, I am always right inbetween a small and medium when it comes to any jacket I went with a medium and as soon as I put it on I was ready to ship it back for a small. But, after adjusting the side cords it fit nice and snug I especially like the high armpits that make it easy to layer over without bulking. The vents work perfect for cardio on a cold morning and when I zip everything up the heat stays in and the wind stays out. It looks stylish enough to wear to class, and it is rugged enough to take up a mountain (the exact description of any piece of cloth worth buying in my opinion.)

Any MHW jacket with windstopper, you can count on. I personally prefer the Windstopper technology to the Windwall by TNF, but that is the key to warmth. Very superior to any fleece without wind protection. This jacket can be used as a insulator or outerwear.

My girlfriend’s brother is a real gear head. Spends hour after hour of researching online and word of mouth before any purchase. Saw him with this coat he anxiously showed it to me me. I laughed. Very light weight. Didn't think it would be the best coat I have ever owned. I was wrong. Wear it on weeklong snow-shoeing treks with a tech wick under it. PERFECT. Wear it around town. Never been cold. Wear it in the spring as a windbreaker. Pit zips if you get hot. Nice high neck, Perfect fit for layering over or under. If you going to buy one essential piece this is it.

I own 3 of them now, different colours. This is the best jacket I own. The cut fleese is great, fits loose enough around the shoulders, vip pit vents are great when you start to over heat. When it gets really chilly, I put a hoody on under and with the wind kept out, am warm as toast. Has lots of pockets for your "stuff". My oldest jacket has been worn for over two years now and still isn't showing any wear. Can't say enough positives about this jacket. When the weather doesn't call for the jacket, it is always curled up in my pack in case the weather takes a turn.

I've had this jacket for over a year now and I'll have to say that it's by far my favorite jacket. It's light weight and yet warmer than any fleece jacket I've ever owned. I take it on all of my hiking and camping trips and it's been through it all. I've snagged it on trees and rocks when climbing or breaking brush and it has yet to tear or rip unlike my past cheap fleeces...not that it can't happen..we shall see! Although like all other fleeces it's definitely not fire proof! I've got several spots where the campfire popped and threw sparks on my fleece burning little indentions into the fleece. Interesting enough though, this fleece has yet to get a hole burned all the way through....maybe I've been lucky. Mountain Hardwear is true to its name by far!! Great Product! Plus with everyone from their mama and daddy wearing North Face it's nice to have something different. It separates the men from the boys!!

The reviews for this coat are on target:

Pros -
-Excellent wind-stopping ability
-Good, athletic fit
-Soft material

Cons -
-Pockets are high cut, a little uncomfortable
-Obnoxious chest logo
-External chest pocket is awkward. I wish the Napoleon pocket was on the outside.
-Not nearly as warm as some reviewers suggest. Keeps out the wind, but isn't super-insulative.
-Neck could be a litle tighter. I have a big neck relative to the rest of my body. Even so, when fully zipped up, the collar still isn't snug against my skin.

Overall, a recommended jacket, with a few acceptable drawbacks.

If you want "soft and comfy" or heavy fleece - don't get this jacket.
If you want a useful 'tech' wind-stopper shell, this is your best bet.

Yes, I did find the sizing a little strange, as some people mentioned.
I had to trade for a size up-- M was too tight. L was fine, but slightly awkward fitting.

I bought this for my husband and he doesnt want to take it off. We live in the UK and it is cold and windy, and the jacket looks smart and does the job extremely perfect. Excellent jacket

this jacket is an absolute classic! With good reason. It is nice to see a company recognize when a product is working, and then LEAVE IT ALONE!
My favorite feature of the jacket is the huge chest pocket. It is the perfect size for a folded up map.

this is a great jacket. anyone who lives in the rockies should own one of these. stops the wind and will be warm enough on most days, if not just throw another jacket on top of this and your golden.

I had a north face denali I wore for a long time, but replaced it with this one. I have to say this is a much better jacket; better construction, fit, comfort and it has some rain resistance. The windstopper material also does a good job of blocking breezes which are normally a problem with fleece layers. I am glad someone finally put a membrane in a fleece; making it the best one on the market in my opinion.

Not only do use I mine for skiing, and general outside activity, but it is also my daily jacket since it looks good and works good too.

I got this jacket for Christmas to go along with a mountain hardwear shell. I have to say it is much warmer than I even expected. Usually fleeces are useless on their own, but with the windstopper, this one is good down to the mid 20's with just a t-shirt underneath. When it gets colder I'll put the waterproof shell on over this and its good into negative temperatures. I wore this under my Beryllium skiing in single digits with pretty high wind with just a t-shirt underneath and I was never cold. Easily the best fleece I've ever owned and it even replaced my TNF apex bionic, which I gave to my brother. It looks great too, a nice change from the Denali's that everyone wears.

I got this jacket for Christmas. I wanted a new midlayer that was less bulky than the Mountain Hardware Monkey Man fleece. This fit my requirements perfectly. I can wear this as an outer layer on cool days, or a mid-layer when it is colder. I have found that if it is 27 degrees or warmer i wear this for a mid-layer and any colder i wear the Monkey Man fleece. The other benefit to this jacket is it looks good! I have worn it to work many times when it isn't too cold out. It is a really versatile jacket.

I had this jacket about 4 years ago, until someone hijacked it from me. This was, and still is, one of the best all-around pieces I've ever owned. Efficient at cutting the wind, durable, and (for me) very warm. This is one of MH's first pieces and looks as though it has stayed relatively unchanged. Where else on backcountry.com have you seen something that has 130 reviews and still has 5 stars??? It's for a reason. When I have some extra cash I'll get one again.

This is one of the best technical fleece's available. It blocks the wind and breathes well. If you do get too warm it has pit-zips to cool you off. Hem has cinch for a custom fit. Material is soft and it is a sharp looking jacket. Repels light rain but it is not waterporoof.

The only thing I do not like about the jacket is that it picks up pet hair like velcro. This is one of the few items of gear that live up to the hype.

Listen, this jacket has magic woven in. There's no rational explanation for how a sleek lightweight garment like this can slide on over a tee-shirt and totally banish any notion of cold or chill. But that's just what this black beauty does for me in the dead of winter. To enhance this atmosphere of unreality, I'll toy with pulling the underarm zips while others are huffing in their puffers, then I'll drop my arm on a tabletop to brandish the superior tech bona-fides scribed across the right wrist--Windstopper.

I just wore this for the first time this morning walking through midtown Manhattan: 20 degrees + 27 winds = 6 with the wind chill and I didn't feel the slightest hint of a breeze through this. I'm 5-9, 175 athletic build and the large fits great. It's incredibly light but clearly does the job. For the functionality, looks, and awesome price (currently $130 on BC) it's a no-brainer.

I just bought this MH Windstopper. I also have a TNF Pamir Windstopper jacket.

After wearing both of them, I'd like to offer some of my comparison:

Material: MH uses much better materials than TNF. The materials are tighter, lighter, less bulky.
Style: MH looks better but TNF is great as well.
Construction: TNF has better proportion than MH. TNF's zipper seems smoother as well. MH's sleeve is about 1.5 inches too long and jacket is 1 inch too short. Plus the size around chest is a little too tight. All this is compared for the same size. Mine is "L".
Warmth: A mystery on all the reader comments. My experiences are that all Windstopper jacket is great for sport, for people on the move and for temperature above 40F. But if you want a jacket to keep you warm while you are not moving around, like studing, watching TV, or reading, then you really should buy a heavy jacket like TNF Denali. I bought one for my brother and tried it for a half day. It is really warm. Or one can wear an outer jacket over the Windstopper. I use my TNF Gore-Tex jacket to keep cold air out.
Windstopper: Both are good. None will stand freezing wind (You will still feel the cold but less wind). Saying one can use Windstopper Jacket in freezing weather is an absolutely false statement. You really need an outer jacket.

As I am writing this, I wear MH indoor. I love the jacket. But fair comparison is a fair comparison. I hope this writing help future buyers.

The sizing is really strange. I tried to make this work, I'm 6'0"/165 lbs, and I fit well into a Medium with Patagonia, TNF, and Marmot. With this, I tried a Medium and it was too tight in the chest, shoulders and sleeves; I tried a Large, and it was great in the shoulders and sleeves, but cut for a gigantic belly. Too much room for layering, I just looked ridiculous.

Jacket is definitely windproof but not very insulating. I'm 6ft 215 lbs. and a Large fits me good (not too big; just enough room for a mid-layer underneath). Jacket appears to be very durable. So far, the best fleece I own.

I bought this jacket for cold Michigan weather and I haven't needed anything else so far. The Gore Windstopper works great and the high collar is awesome for those extra cold days. It fits a little short which works well for aerobic activities like nordic skiing or hiking.

Couple of friends ask me why I wear such a thin light weight jacket on a cold windy day. Yep, that all I need.

This one does great with low bulk and just getting the job done. I fit a med. I am 5"9 and usually wear a medium. Mountain hardwear also did something way smart with not putting those dumb velcro straps or tight spandex around the wrists, just a nice soft fleece to get in and out of easy.

Everything everyone said it was, it is. Great fit.

It's hard to explain my love for this jacket without coming across as a nut job. I can only say that I've had my Tech Jacket for going on 6 years now. While it's finally starting to fray, over the years it has been a constant companion for fall hikes, skiing trips, summit attempts, and day to day to use.

It is indispensable and frankly, one of the best purchases, of any kind, that I have ever made.

Heavier than say a Marmot DriClime, but if it's cold enough to warrant it, you'll appreciate the comfort and coziness that the weight provides.

It's simply amazing.

... it means windstopper. I landed in a small Cessna 206 just in from remote Alaska smack in the middle of a windstorm: 30MPH sustained winds, with up to 40MPH gusts. I yanked the drawcord tight at the hem, zipped up the collar and waited for the wind to punch through the jacket. Never happened. All of that wind, and none of it penetrated. Stayed warm, albeit it beat up, in the wind. Lots of products don't live up to the hype... this isn't one of them.

I got this jacket for the upcoming winter in Chicago, yet when the mercury dropped recently I gave it a try. With Temps in the 40's and wind gusts of 30-40 this jacket did the trick. Light weight, yet super-warm, comfortable and great arm articulation. It keeps the core warm and with the pit vents you can cool off when needed. I highly recommend this jacket!

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All around great fleece. While its not the most trendy fleece jacket for city use, it is a great jacket for outdoor pursuits. Its warm, breaks wind pretty well, and will zip into North Face zip-in compatible jackets (great with Mountain Light for being able to open pit zips in the shell and fleece for heat venting.

just got mine and gotta say i love it.at 1st i had ordered a xl kinda big so got a large.great jacket blocks wind n light rain,looks great and the chicks dig it.

If you could only have one fleece jacket, then this would be the one. It's wind proof and water resistant (nearly waterproof), it preforms well as a stand-alone or great for layering. Great breathablity too.

I can't say anything bad about it, it works great as a light or mid-weight jacket for almost any purpose (or any purpose if you wear it under a rain shell). It looks great and is very comfortable. Higher pockets for use with a waist belt and underarm zips to cool off without taking it or your other gear off. I have hiked, canoed, been rock climbing, and skied in this great jacket. Highly recommended!

After hearing so many great reviews, this only nets 4 stars in my book. Yes, it is warm. Yes, it is good for layering. But the selling point of this jacket is as a stand-alone system - why else would it have the windstopper layer?

I bike frequently (read: everywhere) and this layered with a t-shirt and undershirt is only good to about upper 30s, lower 40s for me. Below that, I either put on TNF Vortex shell, an Arc'teryx Fission AR insulated jacket, or put a stronger Sugino Merino Wool baselayer (great combo for cycling).

In the end, I'd buy this again, but only if I could get it shipped for under $140. About me: I'm 5'9 and ~140lbs. depending on how much pizza I eat.

This jacket has a lot going for it. It looks great. It is well constructed. It is truly water resistant and sheds ice fog, snow, spills, light drizzle. The fabric works brilliantly in blocking the wind and is better than my Arcteryx Gamma as a wind block and slightly warmer, breaths as well and has core venting with pit zips. The pockets are about perfect in location and usable with a pack or as a hand warmer. 1/2 star zing for cuffs which are a little wide and have no tightening mechanism. WIth a tighter cuff or velcro cuff closure, this would be one of the absolute best hoodless jackets available in a soft shell at any price. Even with the cuffs being slightly loose, it still is a phenomenal jacket and comfortable in a temp range from 30's with mild exertion all the way up to indoor temperatures (70's). Really, really neat jacket and worth the price. Great as a stand alone, an outer layer or an inner layer.

I was pretty excited when i ordered this fleece, i had heard great things about mountain hardware gear. when i got it however, it was far from what i was expecting. the worst part was the fit, Im 6' 165 lbs, and a medium was recommended to me, it was rather baggy all around, and the cinch cords on the bottom seem really flimsy and didnt seem to keep it tight around the waist. Also it seemed that the material was really thin, it stopped wind great, but it wasnt very warm at all.

overall it has good quality, but it just wasnt the fleece for me.

I live in Georgia and this jacket is perfect. I wear a sweater or long sleeve shirt underneath it and I have not been cold at all the whole winter. Best investment I have ever made. It looks great, its tough, and blocks the wind like a brick wall. Dries quickly too after a light rain or snow.

This jacket is amazing. We own several North Face Denali jackets in the family, but this jacket is warmer and more wind-resistant by far, and less bulky. Size is pretty true but it does have a trimmer fit than Denali. Washes great, no pilling so far, dries fast. Well worth the price.

After reading the reviews I decided to purchase this jacket. I must say that everything noted by other reviews is true: warm, wind stopping, great pocket design, light weigth, great fit, great look.
Plus you don't look like everyone else wearing a north face product. I've worn it in various conditions and it has preformed beyond my expectations each time.
If you don't own one you proably should.

I've had the jacket long enough to try it in temperatures ranging from the high teens to the mid-30s and on both calm and breezy days. I'm happy with it, but disagree with those who maintain that it is remarkably warm. I've seen nothing remarkable about it and have thought it only modestly warmer than my Denali that it replaces. It does block the wind fairly well, but my sense is that for temps below freezing I'll stick with my Ibex loden or TNF down.

I bought my first black WS in 1999 for a hike in San Fran because it was fair, but wet and slightly chilly. Last year I bought a two toned in blue, it seemed hotter for whatever reason, so I assumed the product had changed. For Christmas I ordered a WS as a gift and when it arrived I thought, hey this jacket is just like my first one, so I bought myself another in black. I'm computing in it now. And the 1999 coat, well worn, is now retired but it still looked good except I'd worn the logo stitching a bit. This is the best year round jacket ever, and I'm a soccer mom - who doesn't care much for the women's style MHW monkey fleece. Men's jacket just fits better - and it's just fine for me. MHW should consider a women's equivalent in funkier colors, teenagers would figure it out pretty fast as the best thing going...

Highly recommend, it's worth every penny.

Does everything I wanted an everyday jacket to do - warm, comfy, dependable. Keeps the wind out, and is light enough to never be a second thought. Love it.

I read the reviews and wondered how a light jacket can stop the wind and keep you warm. I've worn this jacket in 20 degree weather and it kept me warm. I haven't been out in the cold for a prolonged amount of time, but it's all about layers anyway. A good wool sweater and this jacket will keep you warm in most cases. I purchased a black one in large. I usually go with x-large (6' and 200 lbs), but the large fits good. Wish it was a tad longer, but it's still OK. I've been wearing this jacket around town and for cold weather activities. This has become my go to jacket, hopefully for a long time.

I bought this for my boyfriend for Christmas and he's been wearing it ever since! He loves it so of course I am very pleased. The color is really hot (red/black), and the windproof quality is awesome.

5'7, 180lbs, size large fits with enough room to wear a hoodie underneath. Just what I was looking for.

Not that this jacket needs one more glowing endorsement but here it is! I ordered this in black which admittedly makes it hard to see in the photos but it looks HOT! This is the gift that will make me Christmas king!

Great jacket. Comfortable. Looks great. I am a biger guy. 6 ft 250lbs and the xl fits great.

I have been wanting a Mountain Hardwear fleece for a number of years now and I just got it! It was certainly not a disapointment. This is the best fleece I have ever owned! I thought that it might be to thin to keep me warm, but this fleece proved me wrong. I put it on today and it was about 25 degrees outside with blowing snow. It kept me warm by itself and is completly windproof! I am 6'-0" tall and the medium fits perfectly. I would highly recomend this fleece!

AMAZING JACKET!

This jacket works fabulously for both casual wear and active wear, although I wouldn't suggest it in temperatures below freezing - unless as an under layer. The Windstopper fabric lives up to its name, and I even noticed much more water resistance than I had anticipated. Well worth every penny!

Another fantastic product from Mountain Hardwear....impeccable quality and extremely functional. For times when Moutain Hardware's Windstopper vest is just not enough. For being rather short, stocky and athletic build (5'-8"...190 w/ broad shoulders), the large fit me perfectly in width and length (including sleeves which is rare). I'm a recent Moutain Hardwear convert and I have to say their reputation for quality is well desired. In my humble opinion I believe their products surpass any other performance based outdoor apparel on the market.

you know what it does really well? block wind. i love the jacket, looks cool and it's comfortable. this microfleece material seems to attract hair and fuzz more than other fleece products i own, so if you have a shedding dog you may want to pick your jacket color according to what will blend well with your dogs hair color. i have the black jacket and a yellow lab, not a good mix. definitely invested in a lint roller.
i'm 5'11 about 160lbs. and the medium fits me well. could be a little tighter but i'm pretty slender, so... conclusively, this jacket does exactly what it's supposed to do, and i love it.

I bought this jacket 7 years ago and it has been the best jacket I have ever owned. It is very warm for such a thin fleece and is totally windproof. I wear it on its own most of the time and wear it as a mid layer only in the coldest winter mountain weather we get here in California. It has gone with me everywhere. It goes with me on every trip I've taken since buying this jacket.

After 7 years of hard use, it has shown no signs of wear which in itself is unbelievable. The only tell tale sign of its age is that the black material along the shoulders now has a tinge of red in it which I think comes from UV degradation. There is no pilling or signs of thinning anywhere on this jacket and it is still as windproof as the day i bought it.

Unfortunately I lost this jacket several weeks ago and now have to buy another one. It is not cheap but it is the best outdoor garment i've owned.

Obviously very popular with all the reviews. Got mine cheap from a garage sale because it had a singe on the back. It's my primary jacket when I'm not worried about dampness. I've had it in winds up to 75mph and never had a complaint. The pit zips make it extremely versatile. The movement is fantastic in the arms.My only complaint is on my 6'2" 145lb frame my medium a tish short in the torso. I've had my belly exposed a few times when having to reach for a hold.

I've had the first one for years and used it for everything from skiiing to mountaineering to ocean kayak fishing (lots of salt water exposure). It still looks and functions as good as new. Great fit, great look, great function.
The problem is that my high school daughter appropriated the jacket. She now uses it for snowboarding, keeping warm on the sideline during fall soccer and even just wearing to school.
I just went out and bought my own since she's taken ownership of the original. Hope my wife doesn't latch on to this one or I'll be on my third.

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 picked up my MHW Windstopper at the end of summer last year for a song off of SAC. I wore it all winter long in Utah and never felt like I had to reach for something heavier. This jacket is remarkably adaptable to all sorts of conditions. And yes, it really does keep out the wind. That is something much appreciated when I am on the sidelines at my kids' football games. I always reach for this jacket when I head out the door and hope to don it for many years to come. You can't go wrong with this fleece.

I've had this coat for about 5 years now and its still looks good. The coat it self is awesome its just a little bit short on me. I'm about 6 feet tall and have the large and some of my shirts hang bellow it. The coat itself is sound though. ive been in winds over 50 miles per hour and it didnt go through the coat.

and it still looks and feels like new. As my spring ski soft wind shell I've never had anything that came close, even my all-time fav Obermeyer. The ruggedness is top-shelf, and plenty of pockets. I'll wear a membrane shell over it for the wet stuff, but as you can see in the pic, it shreds in red!!!
The cut in XL fits my 6'2", 200 lb. frame well, good length, also serves as an insulator in January zero conditions under my heavy parka. Love the fleece neck when it is zipped up.
I'll prolly let them bury me in it.

I've used this jacket climbing, backpacking / winter camping, and skiing, and it really is excellent for all purposes. Amazingly warm for it's weight, it excels as an outer layer while moving or resting, and works equally well under a shell for nasty weather or skiing. It blocks wind very well, and is easy to vent out (thanks to the pit zips) when working hard. Plus, it packs up nice and small (for a fleece). I'd say the only downside is that it picks up cat hair pretty quick, but I guess it adds to the warmth...

Everyone knows and loves The North Face Denali Fleece but this is just a step above. Takes everything great about that classic but improves it by using lighter weight fleece, wind stopping membrane between them, and making it into a nice light technical package that is so comfortable you wear it everywhere. This is my goto hiking/backpacking jacket, and I even wear it to work most days. If it's between 30 and 60 degrees this is the jacket I grab.

I am on a Hotshot crew and this nice lite jacket is sick it's all I need good in light rain and stops WIND!
Geo.

Have had it for about 2 months now, used it from everyday around town, weekend ski trips, and spent a week out at Vail, CO. Most of the time it's as a mid-layer with gore-tex EMS outer shell and Underarmour cold gear base layer. It works *very* well in that role. Mildly water resistant and completely wind proof!

The only negative I've noticed is that this fleece is only warm if you're moving around. It did not keep me as warm as my old EMS fleece when waiting at the bus stop in 30-40 degree weather in the morning.

I used this jacket the other night on top of Mt. Spokane in Washington State. Underneath a MH outer shell it was perfect not too hot, not too cool . I love this gear its put together with action in mind does not bind up on you when skiing.

tj