Description of Patagonia Winter Sun Jacket - Men's:
Pull on the Patagonia Men’s Winter Sun Jacket for a day of ski-touring or mountaineering. This jacket uses a two-way-stretch polyester shell, a stretch panel across the upper back, and light insulation to make sure you’re warm and comfortable while you move. Climasheild Green insulation lines the body and 100g Thermogreen insulation covers your arms while reducing bulk. This Patagonia jacket might be called the Winter Sun, but the shell fabric is both wind- and water-resistant. Stitch-free, lap-glued seams improve water resistance, and four front pockets plus an arm pocket provide storage for snacks.
This little jacket is amazing. It's kept me warm and dry while snowing, raining and heavy winds. With a few layers (shirt & t-shirt)I have been fine in 10 degree weather with a 20 mph wind. Its very easy to move around in this shell and with 5 outside pockets can even hold a lot of stuff! Highly recommended.
I bought this jacket based on the listed features: breathable softshell with light insulation. I couldn't find a single review of the piece anywhere on the web so I bought from Backcountry for the great return policy.
The jacket is surprisingly lightweight. At first, I thought the outer material was too thin and wouldn't be weather resistant, but I was completely wrong. I have worn this in 40mph wind, rain, snow, freezing rain, etc. and haven't felt anything get through. The jacket never even looks or feels wet--it is basically impervious to the elements.
Over a light baselayer, I would say this is warm enough down to about 25-30 degrees. In colder temperatures I wear this over a lightweight fleece or heavy sweater and it keeps me toasty.
Compared to the Cloudveil Zero-G that this replaced: The outer shell of the Zero-G felt more durable and the jacket felt heavier. The Patagonia Winter Sun has a better fit, feels lighter, and appears to be an upgrade.
Suggestions for improvement: It could be a little bit longer to keep out wind gusts (but the cinch cords on the bottom keep things tight). I would have also appreciated a hood (I think the women's version of the jacket has one).
Overall, great jacket, great price. I'm happy.
This is an amazingly light and comfortable jacket that is surprisingly warm. I think another reviewer mentioned that pit vents would be nice, because the jacket is that warm. It is called a softshell, but it isn't made from the same stretchy material that the Guide jacket has. It does a great job of shedding water and blocking out the wind.
