To me Carhartt is a brand that means "made tough to work hard" (usually), and this jacket is no exception.

Yes, it's a little stiff when you get it (the hood will not "relax" as other reviewers have aptly noted), but I found a good way around that issue was to simply fold it inside out while working without the hood. I also used the "wash with vinegar" trick another reviewer mentioned just to get a head start on break-in, and it seemed to get me off to a good start-- I do NOT feel like the marshmallow man while wearing it.

It's VERY warm, but still comfy up to about 50 F (when unzipping it usually provides the necessary ventilation)-- however, if the sun comes out, the black color soaks it up and it becomes too hot. OK, so you can't have ONE jacket for both super cold and warmish days. I didn't buy this for warmish days, and for cold, it does the trick.

The zipper WAS a little tight at first, but I used an old school trick and rubbed graphite (read: pencil tip) up and down the zipper surfaces a few times, then "broke in" the zipper. Don't notice that issue now.

As far as wind: What wind?

As far as rain: This jacket sheds water quite well. Can't say I'd choose it for a downpour kind of day, but in light to medium rain I made it inside with a slightly wet jacket exterior (most of the water just beaded up on it) but as for me.... still quite dry and warm underneath the built in layers.

Just what I wanted. Unfortunately, it's also just what my wife wanted.... so I may have to get her one too.