Polartec Official US Military Classic 100 USMC Half-Zip Pullover Fleece Jacket

I ordered this half-zip pullover after hearing and reading about how much Marines that were issued it loved it. I've long been looking for a lightweight but warm jacket to use when backpacking and camping. This fits the bill perfectly. Unlike many other military clothing items, the sizes seem to be dead-on; a large fits like a large and the small that my brother wears is the same size as a civilian small.This pullover is extremely warm, and dries quickly when wet. I will note that it does have it's obvious limitations; since its a soft-shell item, an outer layer is needed to stay dry. The advantage of this item is that the outer layer can be very thin and uninsulated, since this provides plenty of warmth even in the wintertime. A waterproof windbreaker would be an excellent acompanyment.I will also say that the construction is not 'rugged' enough to last as an outer layer if one is involved in activities such as rock-climbing and the like. The stitching is fine, no complaints, just understand that this is designed to be an inner layer.

To the reviewer who reported this isn't a Marine Corp issue fleece - yes it is, or it was at one time. It comes sealed in a U.S. Dept of Navy - Marine Corps bag with a cage number and NSN contract number. It's new in the bag and doesn't have any funky smell like some military stuff. The size fits as expected. I'm 6 ft. 200 lbs., 43. in chest, 34 in. waist and the Large is a good fit for me. This jacket is very, very light, but warm. It's comfortable and great to sleep in; or layer it under a Gortex and you're good to go. This is an essential piece of winter gear. One is none, two is one - buy 2 before they're gone.

I bought this fleece for lightweight backpacking, but now i find myself wearing it whenever I have an excuse. You can wear it as an outer layer in cool temps and as an insulator in cold temps. For it's weight, it is one of the warmer insulators you can get, and it is superior to down in damp conditions. The only thing I wish it had was a drawstring cord on the bottom hem, but other than that it deserves all the 5 star ratings.

FYI, this is not a cold-weather fleece jacket as I thought it was. I am used to being cold all winter - I "trunk" it all year 'round when I paddle on one of my bigger-wave boards during my mile-long course workouts. With that said, this is great for layering with a light, long-sleeve shirt and fleece vest for outdoor activities with bow/arrows, rifle, etc., so long as I keep on the move. Easy to care for, priced right.

This is a really nice pullover jacket. It's light, so I take it backpacking, and it squishes down into my dry sack really well. It's warm, breaks the wind, and the kangaroo pouch in front saves me from putting on and off gloves when I'm doing stuff.

This fleece is just as described. Perfect fit and perfect match. I bought this cause the one I was issued is missing in action and I needed to return It. I was able to return this one to the Marine Corps and avoid getting paper work for loosing a fleece and paying probably a huge amount of money for it.

This is an outstanding piece of gear, Just the right thickness in my opinion. Not too thick as to restrict movement. I wear mine every day in Afghanistan during December and January in RC South. This is the same fleece issued to our Nations Finest, United States Marines. I should know. I am and forever will be a U.S. Marine. Semper FI

I don't know if it's "military" or not; I bought it for a layering piece, and that's exactly what it does. I wear it under my North Face jacket, I bought the large, and it's a little big but I put it over a t-shirt. I love Polartec. I buy men's or women's, whatever's available.