The back can get pretty warm, fast. If you are using it to hike with a backpack it WILL get you sweaty faster on your back than if you just had a shirt or windbreaker. However, if you are in chilly or foggy cold weather, or near a beach or bay while the cold wind blows, it is pretty great. The existing pockets get the job done, but you will still crave some inside pockets or more pockets on the outside.