****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I've worn a Patagonia down sweater for the last 10 years or so and really liked it. Light weight, warm, versatile. But it had no hood and the fit is boxy.I decided over a year ago I wanted an upgrade and have been watching this stretch down waiting for the right price. I finally pulled the trigger and am really glad I did.This fits much better than my Patagonia. It's not boxy and I can wear it on my adventures as well as around town and it fits in great no matter where. The material and stretch fit are also great. It hardly feels like I'm wearing a jacket and just moves with me so well. I haven't done any climbing yet but took it with me on a 3-day backpacking trip and kind of fell in love with it.I received what I think is the newest version which addresses a lot of the shortcomings from previous versions. All the benefits are the same, great material, great fit, great warmth etc. But now there is a two-way zipper so you can unzip from the bottom and vent the heat which adds some versatility. It also has drawstrings in the hood which was missing and a common complaint with earlier versions. I was able to adjust the hood to seal in the warmth on a few chilly nights recently and was grateful for this addition.It weighs a bit more than my Patagonia. My Patagonia did not have a hood though so that accounts for some difference. But this is not an ultralight jacket. It's a good balance of lightweight, amazing comfort and fit, and solid performance. If you're looking for ultralight, you'll want a different jacket, but you'll also miss out on many of the things that make this one so great. I've been backpacking for about 15 years now and I'm no longer as concerned with ultra lightweight. Versatility and comfort have their place and this is certainly light enough. I don't think twice before throwing it in my pack and taking it with me on adventures.I am just under 6 ft and about 185 lb. The large fits me well with room to layer underneath. I could have sized down to a medium but don't feel the need.Other things to note:- Has a zippered chest pocket. Older models had a cable port for headphones but I can't find one on this newer model. Most people probably use Bluetooth/wireless now anyway- two zippered hand warmer pockets that are well placed for access even while wearing a backpack.- The pockets also have a drawstring inside to sinch the bottom hem tight. There is a small key clip on the end of the drawstring in the right pocket. Nice touch.- good sized internal pocket on the right side.Only complaint - I wish they had used 800+ down to keep the warmth but improve weight and compressibility.I don’t really buy a lot of coats. I’m still wearing a couple coats I bought almost 20 years ago. I was encouraged to buy an additional new coat. I was hesitant. I waited for almost a year before I finally decided to go for this one.I’m glad I didn’t see it in a store. I never would have believed that a coat this light could keep you this warm. It’s incredible. I haven’t stopped wearing it since I got it a couple weeks ago.It’s pretty. It’s warm. It’s comfy.I give this jacket five stars, because it is a high-quality product. I am 5’10”, 185 pounds, and it fits very nice and slim. I bought this for hunting as a mid layer or a top layer. When rifle hunting I don’t need camouflage so the black works just fine. My only complaint is that I want way more fill, I need way more warmth. This is not the jacket for riding around in a side-by-side for hours at 25°. It is however, the jacket for a mid layer cold weather mild activity.This is a great jacket for Minnesota winters. It’s very warm without being too bulky. Good price point for the type of jacket I was looking for.Bought for my brother in law for Christmas. The fit and color were perfect!! He couldn't be happier with it!!!Warm, cozy jacket. Perfect fit for the slim 5'8" tall person. Great fit with the hoodie also.Before i bought the jacket i was able to try in store the products without the hood so i knew what i was buying. Price was so high at the store. Only complain is that it should have ajustable wrists. Very warm. Nice brand nice cut nice everything.I got a different jacket! No chest pocket! The style on the bottom of the jacket is very different!!!!!!I just received my package today - took it out of the plastic and the hood area and back of the jacket is covered in dirt! Not impressed.
