Description of Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket - Men's:
When you’re out on the mountain and get stuck in unexpected, wet weather, pull on the Patagonia Men’s Rain Shadow Jacket. Patagonia gave this nylon jacket an H2No barrier and coated it with a Deluge DWR finish and sealed every seam to ensure not a drop of water makes its way to your underlayers. The interior surface texture channels moisture away from your skin when you sweat, and it protects the waterproof barrier from abrasion when you’re on the move. Open the underarm zips to dump excess heat and pull up the helmet compatible storm hood when it really starts to come down. Zippered pockets prevent your essentials from getting soaked, and the compressible and lightweight design allows you to stow this jacket in your pack with ease.
Bottom Line: You don’t have to stay inside to stay dry.
As far as I am concerned, a good rain jacket is an essential piece of backpacking gear and this one fits the bill. I use it for rain and also for warmth at night. This one works great for both.
This jacket is probably good for walking around town in. But backpacking for extended periods of time in heavy rain is not its forte. Not only does it not breathe well, but the inside of the jacket got wet just hanging around camp in the rain. On one particular day while we were moving alot (9 hours) in continous rain, the thing was completely saturated. The pockets are also positioned in a way that makes this jacket uncomfortable to wear when you have a heavy pack on (they dig into your hips). I'd look elsewhere if you plan on being exposed to some serious precipitation for long periods of time. It was a running joke around camp that the jacket got its name because it would only work in a rain shadow.
There isn't a thing about this jacket that I don't like. Awesome waterproof and breathability, lightweight and compressible for packing when not in use, and a great fit. The fit offers good coverage, and works well for any activity. I've worn this backpacking, ski touring, traveling in Central America, and as an every day rain piece. It has been very durable over the years and has never let me down.
