Description of Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket - Men's:
With waterproof seams and Underarm zips, the Patagonia Men's Rain Shadow Jacket is ready for springtime alpine climbing or ski touring. Wear this waterproof breathable jacket over warm layers and pull the roll-down hood up over your helmet in cold, wet weather. Hook-and-loop wrist closures and a drawcord hem help seal out precipitation and wind. Zippered pockets keep your energy bar from getting soggy and let you keep sunglasses or other small items close at hand. Patagonia designed the Rain Shadow to be compressible and lightweight, so you'll barely notice it in your pack.
Bottom Line: Bring Patagonia's Rain Shadow Jacket when you climb the Cascade mountain range's highest peaks.
I have used the Rainshadow jacket in the rain several times this summer, including a Canadian fishing trip where it rained off and on for two days. This trip included rain blowing in at forty five degree angles and a fifteen minute deluge where it rained so hard that the visibility wasn't more than a few feet. The jacket kept me dry.
I like the design of the hood and the pit zips provide good ventilation. The zipper is kind of hard to use but it does keep the rain out.
I am surprised by the positive reviews thus far. This jacket will not keep you dry for more than an hour in a rain storm. It does not breathe well (very hot) and fits poorly. Any cheaper brand, (ems ect.) will perform the same for half the price.
The only positive is its compressibility and quick drying. However I would never rely on this jacket on a backpacking trip or for anything more than an hour or two in moderate rain. I spent a few bucks more and got an OR jacket with Gore-Tex. Huge difference.
the Patagonia rain shadow jacket is incredible. it is lightweight, very breathable and completely waterproof. it packs down to the size of a nalgene bottle which has been very beneficial while backcountry skiing. the longer cut in the back makes it work while biking. the hood is well constructed. it is very easy to adjust even with gloves on and fits well over a helmet. this is the go-to jacket for all conditions except severe winter storms. i highly recommend this jacket.
