I live in Florida and wanted a base layer to wear under my parka on a Christmas trip to Germany and Austria. Rather than going for a high priced "name brand" option, I selected this one and I am very pleased that I did. While the price point was modest, the performance was outstanding. It isn't too bulky and can easily be worn as a warm insulating layer under a heavier jacket, which you can keep on at your destination. Many places in Europe require you to check your coat, like museums and restaurants, but are still cold and drafty inside, so this vest solved that problem because they don't mind you wearing vests indoors at all. This vest provided cozy warmth like a sweater when I was in old, drafty and cold European museum buildings. One other great advantage is the nice, high collar! When zipped up all the way the collar completely protects your neck and you don't need to carry or wear a scarf, then when you go indoors you can just zip it down a bit - overall really an excellent piece of gear for urban wandering around in cold weather/