Very warm and easy to layer. As others have mentioned, you feel the heat retention almost instantly after layering this piece. Just took this on a 4-day backpacking trip of Lost Coast in Jan/Feb and wore the fleece everyday and couldn't be happier. It dries quickly if you get caught in the rain. The powerstretch panels take a bit longer to dry than the hi-loft areas.

The description mentions windpro material, however, there is nothing windproof or wind-resistant about this fleece. The wind cuts through at any angle, especially if your arms are not by their sides. I happen to like this as I found the piece quite breathable, but layering a shell for wind/rain is expected.

Haven't tried the bag yet, just wanted to point out that the bag is made from European Duck down instead of Goose. Not sure why "Goose" was the only word omitted from the Backcountry description but not other sites.

It begs the question, is there something wrong with duck, Backcountry?

Ordered on SAC and didn't like it enough to keep (<$50 plus return shipping). The fit is strange and baggy. I can't put my finger on it, but it just doesn't look nearly as cool in person than on the website. Warmth seems to be on par with a 200 weight fleece. I do like the hood though, good fit. The material is ok, but not great. I'm shocked anyone would pay retail for this jacket, very disappointed. 5'9" 155 and medium was a little big.

This is everything I could want in a fleece jacket. It is very warm, no comparison to my old TNF equivalent weight or heavier. I get cold easily in the mountains since the temp here is about 70F year round, but not anymore. As others have mentioned, they run smaller than most brands, euro fit. I'm 5'9" 160 and the medium is a perfect fit, very formfitting which I wanted, with one baselayer under. It is a little short too, but the ergo arms keep it from riding up. If you try to do anything mildly active when the temperature is above 50 or so, you will likely overheat. It is perhaps a little less breathable than expected, but a fair trade-off for wind resistance. It keeps the wind out when I am riding up to about 25mph. Every detail of this jacket is well thought out and high quality. Luckily I have not had the same problem with the collar, which is extra thick but easily foldable in my experience. This is my go to jacket for leaving the house in the mountains around freezing. Also fairly water resistant considering, would probably take a while to wet out. The pockets are a little small. Also a very good looking casual piece, lots of compliments. Nice to wear something that you don't see everyday around town.

Went from carrying a blue foamie and a therma ridge-rest to this pad. I'm a back and side sleeper and would wake up with bruises, not anymore, I can sleep however I want for as long as I need. I went back and forth between this and the new Neo Air, but this one is warmer, tougher, quieter, and happens to be substantially cheaper.

It does weigh a few ounces more, but the benefits outweigh the weight...bad pun. Also, I don't want to think about bringing a closed cell pad until it's in the low teens. The pad is also surprisingly durable and while I wouldn't abuse it, I've heard of people using it directly on the snow and as a raft.

The pad is excellent for couples too. My girlfriend bought one as well and got couplers, which is why we went with regulars instead of the mummy. Also, I don't have strong lungs, and both of us can blow up our pads in 45 seconds-2 minutes at a steady pace, even at 12,000ft. at the base of Whitney last week.

Bottom line:

These pads, plus a 2-pound JRB quilt + silk liner + Go-Lite Shangri 2=very very comfortable, warm 4-season system that works just as well in the summer at 60+ F as it does at 20 F...haven't tested lower or added clothing, all for a little over 4 pounds a person, can't be beat. Get one!

I'm 5' 9", 155lbs and ordered a medium, which I wear in almost all other brands. Unfortunately, it was too tight in the shoulders to move comfortably. Returned it and ordered the large. It fits better in the shoulders, however, is really bulgy in the midsection even with layers and probably makes it harder to stay warm. I took it up Mt. Whitney last weekend and it kept me very warm when needed, but doesn't overheat too quickly.

Unfortunately, after wearing it twice, the stitching is coming apart and down is leaking from at least 5 different places. Bummer.