I bought this jacket for a trip to Hawaii [surprise!] because the temperature at sunrise on a 10,000 ft dormant volcano was close to freezing with wind gusts up to 35 mph! However, I found this jacket just as valuable when I got back home to central Florida in December because when it gets cold here in the winter [20-30's], it is always windy and those lovely warm fleece things are useless unless they have a wind barrier built in, like this jacket does. Now when I run around at dusk covering plants to spare them from the frost, I am not in danger of hypothermia! This jacket is very lightweight, not bulky at all, and has some very nice features -- a special covered zipper that doesn't cut into your neck when zipped up into the t-neck nor does it get caught in the lining when you zip; a hood that is slightly cupped so it stays on your head, even in high winds; elastic at the wrists that keeps out the wind but isn't cutting off circulation; and zippered pockets so things don't fall out when you are active. It does fit fairly close to the body -- which you want if you don't want the breeze to blow up your back -- but I have worn it over an undershirt/shirt/light sweater combo. And I loved the spring green color -- so tired of always wearing black in winter!
This is a really great jacket. It does block the wind. I got a size large so I can wear a heavy sweater or fleece under it. I walk my dog about seven in the morning when it is cold and windy. The jacket keeps me warm and yet is very lightweight.
The material is thin, light weight, and breathable, yet the jacket is much warmer than you would think to look at it. This is my favorite jacket for much of the spring and fall seasons, and for the occasionally cool or windy evening in the summer. The cut is flattering, and the hood is functional.The best feature is the breathability of the fabric. The sizes are generous. I sometimes wear an XL but the L fits me just fine.
The wind challenger fleece, hooded jacket is very comfortable and is machine washable. I have been wearing this the last month and I love it. The jacket zips right up to the neck to keep the wind out.
