Originally Posted by
landdnl
The hood doesn't seem to be removable which may reduce its versatility (might want to remove the hood after an intense effort or you might prefer a better hood). I would have gone with a separate hood for these reasons. I guess it might work for very cold weather.
Originally Posted by
PaulRivers
The problem is that it just doesn't really make any sense to put a windproof layer as the inner layer. The wind cuts through the outer layers and removes heat, the windproof membranes are far less breathable than less windproof stuff so you're still stuck with possible moisture buildup under the layer. It seems like it's the worst of both worlds - especially if you're doing high output stuff like intervals.
I own windproof "breathable" layers that I use in the winter (Minnesota), but I don't own any windproof base layers - but that's my opinion. A windproof membrane outer layer (like goretex active, event, etc) can still get a little clammy in not being quite breathable enough, but it is fantastic for keeping the wind out. Using one as anything other than the outer layer makes no sense to me. Either go with a windproof outer layer, or a more breathable but less windproof setup for all layers.
That's what i do when i want to remove excess heat quickly while still keeping some wind protection. I use 2 slightly insulated windresistant midlayers and remove the outer one until i cool off. I will tend to use this system for colder temperature well below freezing as any cold wind that reach the skin when it is very cold creates discomfort. With a windproof outer layer based system when you remove the windproof layer you get cold wind though you can remove the insulated midlayer instead but it is slightly more work than just removing an outer layer.