This is the best running top I have ever had the opporunity to wear. Hear in Maryland, where the winter weather ranges from 15 to 45 degrees, with strong winds to no winds, rain and or snow, you name we get it. And this Anorack delivers!!! Breathes like no one's business, repels rain/snow, and is very functional(pit-zips, front zipper which runs from your neck to your belly button and has snaps, which allow the front to vent as well. In my opion, one should jump on an activent jacket. They are almost gone, none of the companies make them anymore. Hurry and buy one!!!!!

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Tried nylon and polyester tops, keep the rain out but produced more moister inside!!! Gortex is great, but too heavy for running, biking, etc.

Similar Products Used:

1) Pacific Trail Storm Guide: Great jacket, relegated more for hikes(slower aroebic pace). Breathes well, but not as well as activent. More waterproof, but who care when you moving at a fast pace!

2) Nylon Running Top from my coaching days: Moister collected inside and out. Not too good, better for warm-ups.

I used to own a North Face jacket, and recently decided to get a better one. Why did I not like my TNF? It was too heavy, too warm, and had so much velcro and pull tabs that it was a pain in the neck to do anything. After much searching, I settled on a very light weight shell- the Moonstone Activent Anorak. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros
1)Lightweight - takes up minimal pack space, vewry stuffable
2)Roomy - easy to layer underneath this shell
3)Weather resistance - is NOT waterproof, but I have used this in varied conditions; from jogging on the beach in the fall to hiking the AT in the winter/spring to skiing in WVa, Utah and Colorado. This jacket really performs well in windy conditions, dry snow, wet snow, fog, and light rain.
4)Ventilation - superb. I ws hesitant to get an anorak, but the front zipper nearly hits my belly button and the pit zips go from the inner arm to the waist. I have used it on long morning runs on the beach - cold at first, with wind off the water, then rising to 70-80 degrees as the sun comes up - never had a problem overheating.
Cons
1)Lightweight construction - I am not a climber/mountainer, but I do not think this anorak would stand up to heavy duty backcountry use - impacts with rocks/trees might tear the fabric - you should look at it before you buy.
2)extremely cold/wet condtions - While I usually do not need a heavier jacket, I do find it does not keep me extremely warm. I get cold easily, and when I was hiking/snowshoeing in WVa, the temperature was around 10 degrees, very windy, and snowing. I had to get my TNF jacket out of my pack to stay warm; it just felt like the wind ws cutting right through the jacket. However, I later tried it with bibs, and was much, much more comfortable.
3)Adjustments - I wrote a previous review questioning how good the pull-cords were; now they have become a annoying. It is rather difficult to adjust the hood; so many zippers come together in one area that it is hard enough to adjust them with mitts on; it is near impossible since they are easily confused/difficult to operate. Climbers/helmet wearers will find it frustrating.
SUMMARY: Excellent lightweight, 4 season shell for light recreational pursuits (day hikes, running, in bounds/out of bounds day skiing, flat water kayaking) in fair conditions.
BONUS: is being discontinued; can be found at GREAT discount (list $180, sells at $80-$40)