This was probably not what it was designed for; but the breathable back and windproof front, amazing huge adjustable windproof hood, long sleeves, 2-way side zip vents and 2-way front zip ventilation options, and big chest pockets all add up to a fine winter bicycle commuters jacket. Get it a size larger than usual so you will have room to layer under it, it runs small. Not waterproof but will stop wet snow and light showers, and unless your commute is very long or you are riding in a deluge you will be OK for most commuting. I love it for this purpose and use it all the time. I can't comment on other uses, but the lack of windproof-ness in back would make me hesitant to use it in the backcountry unless I had something else to wear over it. And it is pretty heavy and heavy duty, I would not want to carry it in my backpack very often but the durability is a plus for urban use. I have not found anything I like better as my outer shell for cold winter bicycle commuting.