Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

This light and fine softshell jacket is now standard equipment on my alpine climbing and rando skiing excursions in the long Western high mtn. Spring season. Made of a stretch woven polyester, it is hard wearing for it's weight ( a 3.5 oz. fabric is used with reinforcements in high wear areas), has top notch DWR treatment and even when sections eventually wet-out, dries rapidly by body heat. Stitchless welded seams additionally help to keep moisture out. Contrary to conjecture, the Ready Mix is not made of Epic. The fabric does allow a high level of moisture transfer away from the body and is quite breathable although not to the point where it loses all resistance to wind. Cut is slim but allows layering of medium weight baselayers. Excellent mobility and protection due to cut and fabric and a functional drop tail. The water resistant (but not proof) zipper is smooth in operation. Hood is helmet compatible but cinches down to accomadate helmetless use and provides good visibility. It's stiffened brim offers good protection. The Softshell is simply but qualitatively and functionally well detailed with 2 mesh backed chest level pockets (for additional core ventilation) and 1 Napolean slash pocket for sunglasses, gps, sunscreen etc.

This is a lighter species of Softshell but comfortable and adaptable over a wide range of conditions involving aerobic activities. Not my primary depth of Winter softshell, but in temps in the low 20's and up (with appropriate baselayers) while active, it works very well.

My men's large weighs in at 14.3 oz.

4.5 pointeroos out of 5 ---improve those colors, Patagonia----Mango indeed.

Edited by kdesign on 06/16/2007 17:51:30 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

I bought this on a whim just over a year ago after reading some reviews on it. This has turned out to be my go-to jacket for all my winter activities. From snowboarding to snowshoeing, there is no reason to leave this behind.
First time I wore it, I couldn’t believe how well it breathed. I would stop hiking and could literally feel the heat being pumped out. I haven’t had it in a downpour, but it protects enough against sleet/wet snow to not worry about your layers underneath.
My activities don’t require a helmet, but the hood fits very well on my head using the halo style cinch cord and it pulls the sides out of the way to allow better peripheral vision. Big side pockets store a nalgene bottle and the high zips let me access them with a hip belt or harness on. Napolean pocket on left side for routine access.
At 6’2.5” and about 180 lbs, I take a size large (14.1 oz.) and the fit is great. Length is spot on for both torso and sleeves. I feel the fit in the torso is more generous then the arms. I have no problem fitting base and mid layers underneath, but occasionally, when using an expedition midlayer, the forearms/cuffs can be a little snug – but not enough to stop me from using it. Mine is orange, which matches my snowshoes…key to looking good in the backcountry ;)

Rating: 5 / 5

I bought this jacket when it first came out, the welded seams were awesome. And so they remain.

The hood on this jacket is the best I've even seen. Works with no hat on my head, works just as well with a balaclava and a helmet. Amazing!

It is THE shell for any activity below freezing. Just the right amount of protection and breathability. The fit is good, too. 5'11", 150 lbs fighting weight, I can wear it with a simple capilene shirt, or with a fat R3 bodyrug pullover. Climbing, skiing, winter hiking and camping, this is it.

It also does very well in drizzle, mist, and other borderline conditions. It's too thick to usually wear running or cycling hard in such conditions, but is great for hiking or any other less strenuous activity. It is also the champion at bike commuting in anything short of a full on downpour.

The pockets are great. There when you need 'em, invisible when you do not.

Durability is fantastic. Mine's almost four years old now, and going strong.

As for color, how can you argue with black?