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Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket

Men's Clothing > Jackets & VestsRated: ***** by 51 reviews. Also available for: Women, Men & Women

Paragon Sports

The extremely breathable and lightweight water-resistant soft-shell jacket has a fast dry time with minimalist features for alpine climbing. Our most technical soft shell for full-on mountain pursuits strikes the alpinist's balance between protection and minimalism. The dense 100% polyester (45% recycled) stretch double-weave, with stitchless seams and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish, has exceptional water- and wind-resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability. Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a 3-way-adjustable, helmet-compatible hood; a reverse-coil center-front zipper with a DWR finish; brushed chamois at the chin and neck; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that hold skins and are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple self-fabric cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR-coated center-front zipper
  • Dense polyester stretch-doubleweave is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • External pockets: two handwarmer with DWR-coated zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security; articulated arms; cuffs secure with supple, die-cut tabs and elastic; drawcord hemU.3-oz polyester (45% recycled) 2-way-stretch doubleweave with a Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • Made in China
  • Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling ProgramU44 g (19.2 oz)
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

Patagonia

Our most technical soft shell for full-on mountain pursuits strikes the alpinist's balance between protection and minimalism. The dense 100% polyester (45% recycled) stretch double-weave, with stitchless seams and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish, has exceptional water- and wind-resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability. Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a 3-way-adjustable, helmet-compatible hood; a reverse-coil center-front zipper with a DWR finish; brushed chamois at the chin and neck; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that hold skins and are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple self-fabric cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR (durable water repellent) finish center-front zipper
  • Dense polyester stretch-double weave is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • External pockets: two handwarmers fit skins and have DWR-finished zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security; articulated arms; low-profile, laminated, self-fabric cuff tabs; drawcord hemU.3-oz 100% polyester (45% recycled) double weave with 2-way stretch and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling ProgramU16 g (18.2 oz)
  • Made in China.
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

ProLite Gear

Patagonia's most technical soft shell for full-on mountain pursuits strikes the alpinist's balance between protection and minimalism. The dense 100% polyester (45% recycled) stretch double-weave, with stitchless seams and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish, has exceptional water- and wind-resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability. Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a 3-way-adjustable, helmet-compatible hood; a reverse-coil center-front zipper with a DWR finish; brushed chamois at the chin and neck; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that hold skins and are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple self-fabric cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Specifications
  • 5.3-oz 100% polyester (45% recycled) double weave with 2-way stretch and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
  • 516 g (18.2 oz)

Features:

  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR (durable water repellent) finish center-front zipper
  • Dense polyester stretch-double weave is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • External pockets: two handwarmers fit skins and have DWR-finished zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security; articulated arms; low-profile, laminated, self-fabric cuff tabs; drawcord hem
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

Rocky Mountain Trail

Our most technical water-resistant soft shell the Men's Ascensionist Jacket has a fast dry time and extreme breathability for full-on alpine climbing and skiing performance. The Patagonia Men's Ascensionist Jacket is Patagonia's most technical soft shell for full-on mountain pursuits that strikes the alpinist's balance between protection and minimalism. The dense double-weave stretch polyester, with stitchless seams, has exceptional water and wind resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability. Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a helmet-compatible, 3-way-adjustable hood; reverse coil center-front zipper with DWR finish; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple die-cut cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR-coated center-front zipper
  • Dense double-weave stretch polyester is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • External pockets: two handwarmers with DWR-coated zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security; articulated arms; cuffs secure with supple, die-cut tabs and elastic; drawcord hem
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

Rock/Creek Outfitters

The Men's Ascensionist Jacket from Patagonia is Patagonia's most technical water-resistant soft shell that has a fast dry time and extreme breathability for full-on alpine climbing and skiing performance. Patagonia's most technical soft shell for full-on mountain pursuits strikes the alpinist's balance between protection and minimalism. The dense polyester stretch-doubleweave, with stitchless seams, has exceptional water and wind resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability.
Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a helmet-compatible, 3-way-adjustable hood; reverse coil center-front zipper with DWR finish; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple die-cut cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR-coated center-front zipper
  • Dense double-weave stretch polyester is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • External pockets: two handwarmers with DWR-coated zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security; articulated arms; cuffs secure with supple, die-cut tabs and elastic; drawcord hem
  • Made in China.
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

Mountain Gear

When you want to shed weight for your backcountry day trip, Patagonia's super fast-drying Ascensionist Jacket is a lightweight softshell that's more shell and less soft. Stay warm while you move without restriction in dense polyester stretch doubleweave that blocks wind with its dense weave and sheds water with a DWR finish and glued seams.

Features:

  • If the skies open up, pull up the helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Keep powder and wind gusts out with a drawcord hem and secure your cuffs with die-cut tabs and elastic
  • Prevent chafing and discomfort at points of contact with brushed chamois patches at the chin and neck
  • Resist blowing winds with a dense polyester stretch doubleweave that provides enhanced breathability and a super-fast dry time
  • Shed precip with stitch-free, lap-glued seams that increase drying time and decrease bulk while a DWR finish sheds moisture from the shell before it can seep through
  • Stow your backcountry snacks in the 2 external handwarmer pockets or the 1 internal security pocket
  • Water won't leak through the DWR-coated center front zip and DWR-coated pocket zips with zipper garages
  • Your arms retain a wide range of motion with the articulated sleeve construction

Altrec

Patagonia's most technical water-resistant soft shell has a fast dry time and extreme breathability for full-on alpine climbing and skiing performance, the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket for Men is built from a dense polyester-stretch doubleweave. With stitchless seams, the Ascensionist has exceptional water- and wind-resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability. Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a helmet-compatible, 3-way-adjustable hood; water-resistant zippers; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple die-cut cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem.

Features:

  • 5.3-oz polyester (45% recycled) 2-way-stretch doubleweave with a Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR-coated center-front zipper
  • Dense polyester stretch-doubleweave is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • External pockets: two handwarmer with DWR-coated zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security; articulated arms; cuffs secure with supple, die-cut tabs and elastic; drawcord hem
  • Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling ProgramQ9.2oz/ 544g
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

ProLite Gear (2009)

Patagonia's most technical soft shell for full-on mountain pursuits strikes the alpinist’s balance between protection and minimalism. The dense polyester-stretch doubleweave, with stitchless seams, has exceptional water- and wind-resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability. Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a helmet-compatible, 3-way-adjustable hood; water-resistant zippers; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple die-cut cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Specifications
  • 5.3-oz polyester (45% recycled) 2-way-stretch doubleweave with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
  • 544 g (19.2 oz)

Features:

  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR-coated center-front zipper
  • Dense polyester stretch-doubleweave is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • External pockets: two handwarmer with DWR-coated zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security; articulated arms; cuffs secure with supple, die-cut tabs and elastic; drawcord hem
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

Oregon Mountain Community

The Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket is constructed with protection and minimalism in mind. A technical softshell jacket, has exceptional water-resistance and wind-resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability. Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more: a 3-way-adjustable, helmet-compatible hood; a reverse-coil center-front zipper with a DWR finish; brushed chamois at the chin and neck; large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) that hold skins and are placed above the harness-line; an internal security pocket; articulated arms; supple self-fabric cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists; a drawcord hem. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Articulated arms
  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR (durable water repellent) finish center-front zipper
  • Dense polyester stretch-double weave is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • Drawcord hem
  • External pockets: two handwarmers fit skins and have DWR-finished zippers and zipper garages
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Internal pocket: one security
  • Low-profile, laminated, self-fabric cuff tabs
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

Zappos.com

Patagonia's most technical soft shell for full-on mountain pursuits strikes the alpinist's balance between protection and minimalism.
Dense polyester stretch-doubleweave is exceptionally water and wind resistant, and it is spandex-free for fast dry times.
Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance, and decrease bulk.
Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood.
Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort.
DWR-coated center-front zipper.
Two external handwarmer pockets with DWR-coated zippers and zipper garages.
Internal security pocket.
Articulated arms.
Cuffs are secure with supple, die-cut tabs and elastic.
Drawcord hem.
U.3 oz. polyester (45% recycled) 2-way-stretch doubleweave with a Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
Recyclable through Patagonia's Common Threads Recycling Program.
Weight: 544 g (19.2 oz).
Care instructions: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low.
Product measurements were taken using size MD. Please note that measurements may vary by size.


O2GearShop.com (Fall 2008)

Our extremely breathable and lightweight water-resistant soft-shell jacket has a fast dry time with minimalist features for alpine climbing.

Features:

  • Brushed chamois patches for chin and neck comfort
  • DWR (durable water repellent) finish center-front zipperU.3-oz 100% polyester (45% recycled) double weave with 2-way stretch and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling ProgramU16 g (18.2 oz)
  • Dense polyester stretch-double weave is exceptionally water- and wind-resistant and is spandex-free for fast dry times
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood
  • Made in China.
  • Stitch-free, lap-glued seams speed dry time, improve water resistance and decrease bulk

REI

The Ascensionist jacket is the most technical water-resistant soft shell offered by Patagonia—it boasts a fast dry time and extreme breathability for full-on alpine climbing and skiing pursuits.

  • Dense polyester-stretch double weave, with stitchless seams, has exceptional water and wind resistance, a rapid dry time and superb breathability
  • Pared-down detailing provides everything you need and nothing more
  • Helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood offers a totally dialed fit
  • Features drawcord hem and supple die-cut cuff tabs and elastic at the wrists
  • Articulated arms
  • Large external handwarmer pockets (with zipper garages) are placed above the harness line for easy access; 1 internal security pocket

Average weight:19 ounces
Avg. Weight:544 g (19.2 oz)
Back length:29 inches
External pockets:two handwarmers fit skins and have DWR-finished zippers and zipper garages
Fabric:5.3-oz polyester (
Fabric Description:5.3-oz polyester (45% recycled) double weave with 2-way-stretch and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
Fit:Slim fit.
Gender:Men's
Ideal uses:Alpine Climbing, Ice climbing, Backcountry Skiing, Mountaineering
Internal pocket:one security; articulated arms; low-profile, laminated, self-fabric cuff tabs; drawcord hem
Patagonia Product Number:83130
Size:S, M, L, XL
Slim Fit:Technology
Warranty:Lifetime
Waterproof:No
Weight:544 g (19.2 oz)

View other products from Patagonia classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

View all products from Patagonia.
View other products classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Patagonia Ascensionist Softshell JacketPatagonia Ascensionist Softshell Jacket$162.50 - $250.00

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

Patagonia Ascensionist JacketPatagonia Ascensionist Jacket - Women's$125.00 - $250.00
Patagonia Ascensionist JacketPatagonia Ascensionist Jacket - Men's & Women's$250.00
Patagonia Ascensionist Softshell JacketPatagonia Ascensionist Softshell Jacket - Women's$112.50 - $200.00

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
SmallMediumLargeExtra Large
Bonfire Orange
Bonfire Orange
125.00200.98125.00125.00158.95125.00200.98
Pirate Blue
Pirate Blue
125.00158.952 More...125.00200.98125.00158.952 More...125.00189.98
Continental Blu
Continental Blu
249.00249.00249.00249.00
Continental Blue
Continental Blue
249.90250.00250.00249.00249.903 More...249.00249.903 More...249.00250.002 More...
Black
Black
209.95249.005 More...200.98209.956 More...200.98209.956 More...200.98209.956 More...
Feather Gray
Feather Gray
  249.00249.00
Feather Grey
Feather Grey
249.00250.00250.00249.00249.902 More...249.00250.00250.00249.00249.902 More...
Bonfire Orange / Desert Clay   250.00
Fire
Fire
249.90250.00249.90250.00249.90250.00249.00250.002 More...
Fire Red 249.95249.95 

Legend

  •     - REI
  •     - Patagonia
  •     - Paragon Sports
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Altrec
  •     - O2GearShop.com (Fall 2008)
  •     - Rocky Mountain Trail
  •     - Rock/Creek Outfitters
  •     - Zappos.com
  •     - ProLite Gear
  •     - ProLite Gear (2009)
  •     - Oregon Mountain Community

Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****37
****8
***2
**3
*1
To see how this product compares to others view Men's Jacket Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

Perfect Soft Shell

Rating:*****
This jacket completely bowled me over! Wish I had discovered it earlier. Perfect all around shell for me. Fit is contoured but not tight; easy movement, feels like it was tailored for me. And it feels light. I forget I have a shell on. With Cap 3 unders and an R2 jacket underneath, I feel like I could go all day. I have the added warmth and wind protection, but no sweat! Really! I stay dry-dry in this combo on snowshoes and winter hikes. Super breathable. Something I was missing in my Shelter Stone jacket (heh-hem!). Have not tried it in rain, but it is excellent in light-moderate snow. Snow just falls off or collects without penetrating. Patagonia has a winner here in styling, materials, and of course quality. I had the Guide Jacket before this piece and now I have to think of reasons to wear it. This jacket replaces so many things in my gear closet. My highest recommendation for this jacket! You too will wish you had found it a long time ago. One item of note: I sized up from a small to a medium on this jacket, and the medium fits just right. The jacket runs small.
Chazzz at Patagonia on 02/18/2009

Soft Shell Nailed!

Rating:*****
I have climbed ice with this jacket all winter and love it! I basically forget that I am wearing it which I really like. My past soft jackets include 2 gen's of dimensions, Cloudveil, and tried the ready mix, all w/ hoods. This is by far the best I have used yet. Fit is perfect for me while climbing ice and the material could not be better. It is kind of thin but after the jackets owned above it's basically in between. Stretch, welding, pack size, and hood/face cover is great. I am tough to please so here are the Negatives: POCKETS and all of them. Lower hands are too low and very bad access w/ harness on. They lost the external chest pocket which I liked. The internal is small and I have lost items from it when opened. Also, my new R1 pocket is on the same side and creates too much bulk there if both filled. The inside material does bind a little w/ layers. Great design though and worth the modest price.
Jake125 at Patagonia on 03/09/2009

So Far, So Good

Rating:****
I received this jacket as a gift and then took it into the northern Wind River Range of Wyoming for ten days of alpine snow, rock, and ice climbing. Since it was late August in the Winds we did not receive a oppressive amount of precip, however we did receive several days worth. This jacket kept me dry in sideways blowing snow, rain and hail. It was a slim design that allowed for good movement when climbing. After ten days I did not notice any unreasonable wear on the jacket. It packed fine and wasn't unreasonably bulky. My reservations include durability (will it withstand several seasons of continued hard use (I work in the mountains for 25 weeks out of the year)) as there was some wear on the cuffs. There was also not a two way zipper on the front which I found a bit inconvenient when layering it OVER my harness. All in all, my first softshell experience and the Ascencionist were positive.
JustAnotherClimber at Patagonia on 10/04/2009

Spot on! May favorite all around jacket

Rating:*****
I bought this after hearing all the rave reviews and seeing the Steve House endorsement. The jacket is incredibly light. I was really looking for an "all the time" jacket with a helmet compatible hood and this has been great so far. I've been skiing / snowboarding in it for several days and it's kept me nice and dry. It only started seeping after standing in the rain / wettest snow ever for several hours. When my friends' softshells were soaked through, the ascentionist powered through for hours longer. I've used it as my outer layer from -5F to 45F and been very happy with it. The sleeves are a bit loose and I like that for climbing. The pockets are placed well and the jacket rides just right. So overall Pros: Light, strong, breathable, water repellent, helmet compatible hood, excellent sleeve and wrist adjustment, glove drying pockets. Cons: I would like a glove pull on the main zipper, but it can be added
NeeDlzdos at Patagonia on 03/13/2009

Fantastic minimalist shell

Rating:*****
Fantastic minimalist shell. DESIGN: 4.5 stars - pockets just where I'd look for them, good length on sleeves and body, good reinforcement for high wear areas, packs down to nothing, only downside is the hood securing - I might cut off the loop that holds the hood down rather than have it keep poking out of the collarMATERIALS: 5 stars - breathes great biking/hiking/skiing, blocks wind, repels moisture (haven't had it in a downpour yet), very light weight / packable, I've scraped up against a few rough surfaces and the fabric is no worse for wear.CONSTRUCTION: 5 stars - seams on my jacket are perfect FIT: 5 stars - athletic 6'4" w/ 37" shirt sleeves - XL fits like it was custom made.COLOR: 5 stars - the red is beautiful, NOT one of the Patagonia color schemes that has you looking like you lost your color vision in an extreme mountaineering accidentPURCHASING EXPERIENCE: 5 stars[...]great price from Rock/Creek!
Ben at Rock/Creek Outfitters on 02/04/2009

Sensational Soft Shell

Rating:*****
I may never forgive Patagonia for discontinuing the Storm Anorak and the Stretch Triolet Jacket but the new Ascensionist Jacket has reassured me that the company is still making the best wearing and most functional products out there. I've used this jacket in near freezing rain and snow and found it to hold out pretty well against all but sustained steady rain. The cut works well under harness, accommodates a helmet, and sports large exterior pockets that double as ventilation. As temps drop, the jacket shines with fantastic vapor transfer and surprising warmth to weight properties. I'll swap it out for a light wind shirt this summer but will be back in it by September for alpine travel and climbing and will probably tour and shred in it all winter long. No extra bells and whistles, no extra weight. Thanks, Patagonia, for believing that a simple, well planned and well built garment is enough.
Pushroot at Patagonia on 07/13/2009

Good multi-purpose jacket

Rating:****
I have used the jacket twice now. Once skiing at the area in snowy, windy conditions in 20" of fresh pow. Stayed dry and the jacket seemed to shed the wind pretty well. The jacket is great for the backcountry as it is lightweight, thin and extremely breathable. I haven't had it out in heavier, wetter snow yet to test how water resistant it is. Only recommendation I have is to shorten the sleeve length. I am 6' tall with normal/average arm length, and the sleeves are a bit too long as they are with other Patagonia jackets that I own. This causes them to bunch up at the wrists and collect snow/rain, especially when wearing ski gloves. I have heard this complaint from other people as well. Overall, great, no frills, affordable jacket.
Ryno at Patagonia on 12/30/2008

Best Jacket on the planet

Rating:*****
All this jacket needs is another 5 star review. This jacket is amazing. Fits perfect, looks great, and superior technical ability. Super durable. Light weight. Cuts wind and chill just as well as any GTX lined jacket. Very water resistant. I did manage to get damp after about 90 minutes of coastal Alaskan slush fall, but was completely dry, merino underlayers and all, in 30 minutes when the precip stopped. Try that in a waterproof breathable shell. Hood is highly adjustable and works super well with a helmet. No more snow down the back from tele front rolls. This jacket blows me away every time I put it on. In bounds, BC, you name it, you need this coat.
sfreezy at Patagonia on 06/23/2009

Awesome!!!

Rating:*****
I wear this jacket for the following, Backcountry Skiing, Ice Climbing, Mountain Climbing, works great, I wanted a lightweight non-insulated softshell, I mix this jacket with the following base and mid layers, depending on weather conditions. Typically with I have an R1 Full Zip for mid layer, with either or combination Cap 2, 3, or 4 (and various mixes of the uppers and lowers) with Patagonia Boxer Briefs. This said slim fit, yet it has lots of room for layering, at least for me who is a climber and in somewhat decent shape. What I don't use it for: Fashion Apparel, as Patagonia is excellent technical gear and not urban pretty wear.
AlaskaMtnClimber at Patagonia on 11/06/2009

Sweet Jacket

Rating:*****
I bought this jacket at the end of ski season. Only skied in it a couple days, but seeing the construction up close after ordering online made me real confident. Its some kind of nice lightweight material, sure its bomber if by patagonia, but the thing that made me stoked was what seems like 'welded' seems, taped zippers, great cut, and super thin minimal shell. The soft shells I've seen were thicker, more fleecy, but this is more of a shell. I'll be doing lots of ski touring with this thing, and also doing some travelling in c. american and its great for that as well.
Samuelito at Patagonia on 04/24/2009

Negative Reviews:

Sweet...but poor cut

Rating:**
Awesome jacket, materials, design....I can't add to anything already said. Perfect. PROBLEM: the fit/cut of the jacket. Patagonia has gone to this "thin" cut/fit that limits the fit for anyone with lats or broad shoulders. The jacket fits perfect in arms, and torso, BUT it squeezes & cuts into your armpits like a little kid in a jacket too small. This problem has been encountered by me and other climbing partners, and we are in no way "buff", just people that like to climb and have lats.
jk07 at Patagonia on 03/18/2009

very thin shell

Rating:**
This is much thinner than I expected. It was a purchase for my boyfriend. He said the shell was too thin and provided very little barrier to the elements. He was most unhappy where it zips at the neck, he wanted more lining or soft fabric there. He first wore it at Big Sky where it was 4 degrees with a flash zip and R3 fleece under it. Basically this coat doesn't cut it for lift access skiing.
Idahoian at Patagonia on 02/20/2009

good construction, poor fit

Rating:**
The other reviews that said this was tight across the chest were right. Long in the sleeves with a super tight chest, and if you are not wearing a helmet with the hood, it drops down across your eyes. My hubby is 6ft, medium build, and a medium in Pat usually fits well. This had to go back which is a shame bc its nicely constructed. Very disappointed.
proudmama at Patagonia on 09/12/2009

Ascensionist Jacket

Rating:*
The slim fit is to slim in the chest and restricts movement and comfort. I will be returning this item.
Tripp at Patagonia on 03/13/2009

Neutral Reviews:

good movement- buy on sale

Rating:***
I wore this on a four day ice climbing trip in Michigan's UP. It was unseasonably warm (20s and 30s) so the climbs were wet. The coat moved very well and kept me dry. Pros: Close fit through body with just enough room for layering. Moves well when you move. Hood fits well over helmet. Nearly waterproof. Lightweight. Pretty durable. Good construction. Looks cool. Cons: The pockets are not really above the harness, you can make them work, but its awkward. The collar is about an inch to high around the chin and not enough fleece, so it rubs uncomfortably on the skin. The hood adjustments around the face require you to unzip the coat to adjust. No pit zips - I realize this ads weight, but it would be nice on hot wet climbs. The brushed interior does not glide well over layers. Zipper pulls are hard to work with gloves on.
overpacker at Patagonia on 03/13/2009

Sizing is a little off for me

Rating:***
I've always fit perfectly into Patagonia clothing and jackets (size SM). Unfortunately, the sizing of this jacket is off for me. Arms are too long and the fit is too snug. And I'm not any bigger than I ever was. Seems like the fit would be better for a taller person with a slimmer frame than mine.
NorCalPeter at Patagonia on 10/24/2009