Stoic Men's

I was looking for a light mid-layer and was considering a Patagonia micro-puff and the Patagonia nano. I also wanted the full zip vs the nano and the micro-puff fit a bit more "bulky" than the athletic cut I wanted from a mid layer. I decided to give the Stoic a go and very happy. I've been a fan of the Goat gear and know the folks there put a lot of thought into their designs.Net-net: Love it, rec it. Will be back for more Stoic.I'm 5'10", 160 l-b's, the medium fits perfect, snug at the waist, sung collar, but not too tight, and easy to move the arms without the jacket crawling all up on me. Pros: -The jacket is even lighter than I expected and I knew the weight from the tech specs. It's like wearing a feather, looks dope. -Love the stitching on the coat, keeps the insulation organized after I ball it up in my pack and also looks cool. -The waist is snug and has a micro pull in the pockets that actually works and works well (I've got several other jackets that it feels like I'm just going to break the pull). -Doesn't look like a garbage bag (though I'd love to see a color other than black) -Seems very durable but haven't really worn it enough yet. Will update here as the season progresses. -Have only had it in the rain when outside walking the dogs. Dried out very quickly when I got it back home adn didn't lose heat when mildly wet. Tweaks (wouldn't call em cons, all minor): -I like the inner cuffs when I'm wearing it as an outer layer over a thin glove. However, when I put a shell on, the longer sleeves bulk up under my shell at my wrists and make a glove with a gusset a little harder. I'd probably prefer just the snug wrist cuff, but that's me. -The outer pocket zips are a little small. Would like to see a bulkier zipper there. When I have a big glove on, a little tuff to grab and feel a little flimsy. -Would love to see an extra layer of material stiched onto the topside of the zipper wind flap (patagonia always does this on their thin walled shells). Keeps the zipper from grabbing on the fabric with a one handed zip and also keeps the flap from wearing over time. -The pictures above show a red/orange liner. The jacket is all black in and out with red zips (probably just a design vs production adjustment). Functionally, all the same, just a cosmetic difference. -Rather than a thread through earphone cord router, would like to see the Velcro fold over (Narona sheels have these). Makes in and out a lot easier...no thread the needle.

I was on the fence between a Mtn Hardware compressor PL + the new Stoic Luft, so I checked them both out. They are both about the same light weight, similar synthetic insulation materials, low-loft, highly compressible, highly wind resistant, exterior water-repelling finish, packable into own pocket (Mtn Hardware zips closed, however, but packs slightly larger) + athletic fit. I found the Compressor "shell" to be about as durable feeling as tissue paper + in the "Grill" color is as shiny as a black Hefty trash bag (seriously). The Compressor does have velcro cuffs + a collar that can be tightened, but those are about the only advantages (possibly slightly warmer). The Luft sweater exterior DWR finish is much more of a matte, with no more sheen than can be expected from a Nylon product. It also seems more durable - not thornproof, but reasonably durable. The zippers seem a bit filmsy, but get the job done. The interesting stitching serves the jacket well by keeping its "guts" from moving about + the shell from billowing out. One huge advantage is the Luft has internal elastic cuffs - basically powder skirts for your wrists that stay hidden making a jacket-glove- jacket scenario when suited out. I am a 5'11" 165 athletic guy + the medium fits great and compacts to the size of a liter nalgene bottle... with no internal zipper to zip it closed. Bottom line, the Luft is a warm, lightweight, athletic fitting powerhouse that keeps pace with the Mtn Hardware Compressor PL, if not surpasses it.