I live in New York and sometimes in Chicago--both must have the coldest winters in the US. Last year, I used a leather jacket, a fleece layer, and a windproof parka of a reputable brand to endure the tremendous cold and wind of a Manhattan winter. I still felt chilly. I got the McMurdo for this winter, and now it's 40F in New York, and I just wear a T-shirt underneath the McMurdo while strolling down 5th Ave. It's more like being in Miami! It's awesome! It's waterproof and breathable. I have dipped my McMurdo into water, and there was no leakage. Thank God.