I bought this jacket for cold weather hiking. I knew I would wear a few layers underneath, but was not sure how well it would actually 'stop' the wind. It exceeded my expectations! I felt the wind on my face, but not on anything that the jacket covered. It is attractive and launders beautifully! Loved it so much, that I convinced my husband to buy one for himself. He agrees--terrific quality!
I purchased this jacket 2 or 3 years ago in a bright red. Can't praise the warmth and comfort of this wind blocked fleece enough! At 20 degrees F this is still warm even with the wind blowing. The zippered pockets are a great place to stow the car keys. Even with the hood folded down it covers enough of my neck to keep it toasty warm. Sleeves are long enough (I'm 5'2") to be able to scooch my hands up into them when I don't want to bother with mittens. Launders like a dream and is just as bright and beautiful as when I first bought it. This is a must have for women who don't like heavy garments but like to be comfortable and also warm is cold weather. Great for warmer weather too. Moisture beads up and shakes right off. You'll love it!
I bought the vest in this same line and really like it. I decided to get the full jacket, and there was one on sale ($30 difference). The sale item came in only one color, and the photo on the website looked like a dusty purple -- sort of heather colored. It arrived today and it was a bright, vivid purple -- like a dinosaur. I wasn't happy with the color and considered sending it back, but I don't want to pay $30 for a different color. Then I read some of the reviews, and saw that it ran small, so I tried it on. It is tight across the back (something that wasn't a problem with the sleeveless vest). This would make it uncomfortable for driving. The hood is tight around the face, which isn't flattering, but it's a good design feature on a windy day; it will keep the wind out. I wish they had more colors available in this jacket.
I ordered a size small with the hood and returned it as the hood fits very tight around the head and face. It's goofy looking for one thing. The other is it won't fit over my long hair as I usually have it pulled back, in braids, or on top of my head when I'm hiking or going for a walk. I need a hood that is roomy enough to go over my hair and also over a beanie if the wind picks up and I need a little extra protection. I have the same jacket without the hood in XS and it does fit closely so thought I'd try this in a small. I returned it. Wish I'd ordered the Mountain Laurel 3:1 but it's sold out. Will wait till next year and see how these jackets are styled before trying again.
