I have a scrounged ex-RAF cold weather jacket and wouldn't change it for anything other than another one. Its warm, windproof and not at all bulky.
One or two minor changes though. The strap up the inside holding up the flap can sometimes sit funny and can be uncomfortable. The fold out hood can also be uncomfortable if not packed away flat. Don't change the collar though its great when doing a walk around on a windy day.
Would like one in black so I don't look like a student walking around in army surplus clothes.
The big pockets are great. I can get a 0.7 litre camelback in my left pocket and with 6 inches of tube sticking out the top can have a drink in flight. Great on cross countries in summer.
Fleece collar? No thanks. I think it would be too irritating and most are polyester. Did you ever read about that glider that got struck by lightning? It hit one wingtip and went out of the other. Turned the collar of the pilots fleece jacket to solid plastic on thw ay through the cockpit!!
FB