Merrell Crestbound Stealth Jacket - Waterproof, Insulated (For Men)

Have been wearing this coat for a few weeks. Overall it does what it said it would. Keeps you warm and dry. However, I'm not impressed with the way the material is wearing already. The pocket snaps show through the material and the edges are showing wear. It also seens to easily pick up salt stains that can be difficult to remove. If it continues to keep the weather off me, I guess that's what I bought it for.

This is a GREAT light thin jacket I was planning to replace my 3 in 1 Oakley.

PROS:
GREAT Thinsulate Platinum - 100g insulation without being bulky through out the jacket.
Fabric looks sturdy, good wind and water resistance.
Zippers are WELL made, looks water tight.
Great FIT, arm length is slightly long, when zippered all the way up it will give you nice protection of your chin against COLD WIND!!! I HATE to walk around with my chin down trying to block nasty wind...

CONS:
Fabric is NOISY when they are rubbing against each other!!!
Top outer pockets are hard to reach.
Pit zip is GREAT but it looks like mesh-lining are too tight and might get stuck between the zippers.

I'm 6' 195 lbs and XL was good size and it looks great.
Overall I would've kept this jacket if it was NOT for the noise :-(

When this coat came I was a little concerned about it keeping me warm as the winter here in Boston has been pretty brutal. It certainly cuts a nice figure relative to an EB down coat it was replacing that was just falling apart. This coat is really light, and definitely much less bulky, and I thought "no way this will keep me warm enough". But it actually has done a great job, as long as I'm moving a bit. It cuts the wind really well, and without all the down bulk is a lit freer with motion (shoveling, carrying a backpack, etc). I've been out in 0F weather with some nasty wind, and sure my hands were cold, but the coat did a great job. I had to come in due to being cold elsewhere, not in my core or arms.

I have a size large, and it is ok for me with maybe a chamois shirt underneath. A heavier fleece might start to be a little constricted, given the somewhat sleeker fit (contrary to some other comments I've seen, I find it a tighter fit rather than looser, relative to other brands). Overall, I've been very happy so far (about two weeks into use, including several snows and days with below 0 windchill.

Small issues: the zipper seems less sturdy than I expected for a coat with an MSRP well above $200. But it hasn't caused any problems yet. Fabric is a little stiffer than I expected, but getting used to that. Overall, especially with the STP discounts, this has far exceeded my expectations.

Pockets were designed pre-smart phones...too small.
Otherwise another nicely designed Merrell

Just over 6' tall, 162lbs 40-41 chest 29 waist. I bought the medium and it fits with enough room for an additional layer for the coldest days.

I have in reserve more technical jackets that breathe better for more serious (Rocky Mtn. West, Pacific NW) mountaineering pursuits that are lighter, and rated higher in terms of breathability and water proof-ness(and consequently more expensive). When I think of Merrell, I think of cheaper, lightweight hiking boots and shoes sold at the local sporting goods stores, so I am surprised how much I like and wear this jacket for the bulk of my other outdoor activities from going to the office, short hikes with the kids or sledding with them in god-forsaken Indiana.

The Crestbound Stealth jacket appears to be well made. It's sturdy, warm, shields wind, and has handled precipitation (snow, ice mostly). With all of my clothing tops, I could use slightly more room under the arms, but moving up a size usually gives me too much material in the waist area. This Merrell fits me better than most that way.

A great value at STP prices for most outdoor activities.