I live in northern Minnesota and have had this jacket for a week. I did not buy it for a winter coat, but for layering. I have been really happy with it. The size was perfect. Love the cuffs in the sleeve that keeps out drafts and the high, warm neck. I have found that it easily goes over a wool sweater or vest and that the side panels (which do not have insulation) stretch to accommodate that wonderfully. So even wearing it while driving, it doesn't bunch up. The slick surface also makes it easy to wear any jacket or wind breaker over it. I have just been pleasantly surprised at how versatile this jacket is. It won't keep you warm on it's own in a cold climate, but that really isn't it's design. I have been plenty warm on walks of 18 and 20 degrees so far with a vest underneath and windbreaker over. As always, I am a fan of two-way zippers (which this doesn't have), but again, the side panels seem to be forgiving in all ways with bulky clothes or sitting positions where lots of jackets bunch up. The lack of two way zipper is the only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5. I can't wait to use it cross-country skiing! So glad I got it.