ExOfficio Wind Logic Jacket : Perfect for Blustery Days

I'm psyched to be wearing ExOfficio's Wind Logic jacket now that autumn is in full force here in the Colorado high country. This breathable fleece top does a great job of blocking wind.

Here in Estes Park, where the winds aren't going to let up until next May, this cozy jacket, made out of Polartec Wind Pro material, is an obvious - or should I say "logical" - choice.

The Wind Logic has become my go-to top during the last few weeks for doing just about everything. It's warm and comfy, and effective at dealing with the weather. Today was a typical fall day of product testing: I did some housework outside (in the wind), went on a short hike (in the wind), ran some errands in town (in the wind) and then hung out with friends at a BBQ (yes, in the wind). ExOfficio's Wind Logic fit the bill perfectly.

Polartec Wind Pro fleece supposedly blocks four times more wind than typical fleece, and I believe it I love fleece tops for their softness, but many just can't fight the weather when it turns bad. Soft shell jackets can deal with all sorts of yuckiness, but they aren't as casual for every day use. ExOfficio's Wind Logic strikes a nice middle ground with its Wind Pro material: it retains all the wonders of fleece and adds in an extra barrier against big gusts.

The Wind Logic offers a relaxed fit, which is nice. Since the jacket offers a good amount of wind blocking protection, it can be worn alone as an outer layer, and since it's so wind resistant it's a nice substitute for a soft shell jacket. That's where its generous cut comes in handy: when it's a little colder, I have space underneath to add a layer. Then I feel like I'm wrapped in an impenetrable layer of warmth.

The fit and finish of the jacket is great, and ExOfficio's attention to detail is much appreciated. I love the design of the headphone port. I've tested lots of jackets that have an internal iPod pocket and an internal MP3 port - which means to change songs, I have to unzip my jacket, pull out the player, and push a button. The Wind Logic jacket has an external iPod chest pocket with a link to an internal MP3 headphone port. Smart! Now I don't have to take my clothes off every time Lady Gaga comes on over Pandora Radio. I can hit the "next" button so much easier and go on my merry way.

I like the drawstring at the waist, which further bolster the top's wind resistance,. I also like the fuzzy fleece that covers the inner zipper, so I don't get a big fat rash on my chin. It's nice to have an internal mesh pocket for maps, passports and airplane tickets, and I'm digging the uber cool welded external pocket reinforcements. They look rad, and they're going to keep my zippers from busting apart in the long run. I know this sounds goofy, but I'm really happy that the Wind Logic has a loop in the inner collar so I can easily hang it on a coat rack. You wouldn't believe how many jackets I test that don't have one!

ExOfficio's Wind Logic jacket is available in both men's (black, sage, orange, blue) and women's (black, green, blue, burgundy) models, and it's also available as a vest. Men's sizes: S-XXL, women's sizes: S-XL.

Bottom Line: Extremely warm wind-blocking top best suited for gusty fall and winter weather --N.W. (Sep '10)

BUY ONLINE: $139 ($95 for vest), on sale for less at Amazon.

Manufacturer's Site: www.exofficio.com

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