The Patagonia rain shell is one of the lightest and most packable on the market (it can be folded into the side pocket). It’s a nice soft fabric that is among the quieter tested (although it has nothing on the Craghoppers jacket). It also fits very well – it’s more voluminous than others reviewed here (a medium was the same as some larges). The arms lifted well without much hem lift. It is constructed using Patagonia’s own H2No nylon ripstop shell that is lightweight and works very well. It is reinforced on the shoulders.
There are two side pockets that are covered by a hip belt, and there’s no chest pocket, meaning access when backpacking is difficult – an oversight in my opinion. I’d have preferred high pockets, or a chest pocket as well. There’s one interior mesh pocket. The main zip is watertight with a single baffle underneath.
The hood is good, although I’d have liked a little more volume. The cinches around the face are easy to use with one hand, as is the rear volume adjuster. The peak is well stiffened.
Despite a couple of design flaws, the fit and lightness of this jacket make it well worth considering for a jacket to throw on for short journeys.
