Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Sweater

Near perfect for me.

I used this sweater during my son's scouting weekend and it met all my expectations. 

Fit. I am average height and build and the sweater fit very well and was not restrictive at all through a range of motions. The elastic cuff was tight enough to keep the sleeve in place but not so restrictive that it became uncomfortable. 

Comfort. I was wearing a base layer and lightweight polar fleece pullover and the sweater kept me warm well into the lower 20's. In windy conditions I wore a shell over it and I remained warm in 28 degree weather and 20 MPH winds. The sweater remained comfortable alone in 15 MPH winds with temps in mid 30's.

This is a great jacket! If you are looking for an insulating layer then look no further but there are a few things that could be improved upon, which is why I give it a 4/5.

1) The pockets seem to have been an afterthought for OR. They only have fleece lining on one side and it is on the side against down which leaves your hands to catch a draft from the unprotected side of the pocket. Hopefully that makes sense.

2)  The only down products that I have experience with are sleeping bags and this jacket leaks enough down to leave a feather on me just about every time I mention it. It isn't enough to hurt anything but it is annoying and it makes me wonder how long I have before a lot of down is gone and the insulation is affected.