Description of The North Face Windwall 1 Fleece Vest - Women's:
The North Face Women's WindWall 1 Vest provides core protection during anything from a spring hike to an early-morning work-out on the skate track. The North Face made this vest with wind-blocking WindWall fleece, which blocks over 90% of the wind, meaning you stay 90% warmer when the gusts pick up. The extra 10% goes toward breathability, so you won't overheat or get all clammy if you're working up a sweat. Wear the WindWall 1 Vest while skiing or riding, hiking or climbing. As a layer, or as an outer shell when it's warmer, this vest performs.
Let's just say straight away that I have never purchased any item from North Face. I don't like the giant logos they put on the front and back at all and I don't buy into trendy logos. I wasn't happy about the price point of this vest either, but decided to invest in it because I wanted a well made warm vest for layering while running that would hopefully last me a lifetime. Well, I have now worn this vest many times this fall running outside and it keeps me incredibly toasty warm! It really does a fantastic job blocking out the wind too. In fact, I like it so much I have worn it around the house to help combat the indoor cold while I crank down the heat to save some money here in Chicago. Bottom line - I'm wearing it like crazy!. The fit was perfect (thanks to a good sizing chart), it's sooo comfortable and it's toasty warm. I'm in love!
The vest was extremely sturdy and thick, just what I wanted, but the torso was EXTREMELY short! I already have a short torso, as evidenced by most of my clothes falling much lower than I'd like. But this vest was too short, even for me. What good is a windwall when the wind can just come up from the bottom?
I have had this vest since 12/07. I live in Colroado and have worn it many times as as a layer (downhill skiing) as well as this spring as a stand-alone vest over my clothes (hiking, biking, around town). It is amazing at blocking the wind and is breathable; I've only ever been too warm with it indoors and once when it was warm out anyways in bright sun with no wind. It is a bit short (I'm 5'7 and purchased a L), but it is cut with a woman's upper body figure in mind and is very comfortable and roomy otherwise. I would definitely buy again! The only thing I don't like about this vest is that it is a dirt magnet (white color fleece) and I have to wash it quite often, although it does seem to be holding up well to the washings.
