Patagonia's products always show an amazing attention to design, craftsmanship and detail, the Rain Shadow is no exception. However, the designer for this jacket should be flogged. This jacket does not breathe, at all. It is lightweight and it is waterproof but if you are engaging on any aerobic activity beyond standing still, you will be a wet clammy mess within the jacket in no time. The zipper interior storm flap is on the left side of the zipper which means the zipper gets caught every time you use it. Or, you fold the storm flap back with one hand and then you fold it back when you're done zipping up. I have a $50 rain jacket from Dick's sporting goods that works better than this coat.

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.

This is one of two "lightweight" rain shells I have and this one seems to weigh much less than the other one. Although the weight is actually about the same, the Rain Shadow's fabric seems less "stiff" making it more comfortable and pack down tighter. However, I was lucky enough to get this jacket free from work. In the world of high tech softshells, I never carry this unless I'm planning on running into some torrential rains.

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.

Bought this jacket 3 weeks ago to have as a light secondary ski jacket, to replace a Gore-Tex shell that's falling apart. What i ended up with is an ultralight, remarkably wind resistant and very waterproof wonder. Thus far it's been worn thru 2 snow storm's and pouring down rain. Highly recommend it to anyone who's into the outdoors.

it's very light and perfect fit. nice fabric too. the quality shows.

The Patagonia Rain Jacket was impressive. I tried it on in the shower for 10 minutes and it didn't get wet. I ended up keeping the North Face Venture because it was a better fit.

I have Patagonia dragonfly that I use when I hike. However during hail storm in the Sierra last year, condensation left me wet. So I was looking for something 'to fix' the condensation problem - I am still not sure if I am going to use this for the hike since the dragonfly is only 2 ounce. However, I use this jacket during rainy days and it works well to shelter me from the elements.

I have had Patagonia dragonfly for 4 years now. During my trip to the Sierra last year, in the hail storm, I realized that I need a better rain jacket - although still light. I ordered the medium size in the beginning but then exchange for small - having lost 10 lbs in 1 year. This jacket will be used for all activities - a great buy!

I haven't tested the jacket in a squall yet (probably as a shell). So far, it's been great as a light jacket against unpredictable weather, as you can carry it almost anywhere (stuffed into the extra space in a book bag for example that's already full of books).

Good emergency jacket.

This is a great rain (and all around) jacket. I've worn it hiking and biking and it breathes well and keeps you super dry. It's also light (thanks to waterproof zippers) and room to layer under. This will be my only jacket for spring/summer/fall.

Serious piece of gear. Vents work great during hot, sticky, heavy thunderstorms in the city. Definite possibilities for skiing. I've given away two already, mother's and father's day.

I hiked with this jacket for the 1st time. It packed really small and was so lightweight I didn't notice it in my day pack. But when the sun went down and the wind picked up on the ridge I was sitting on, it was nice to have. It stopped the wind and I was actually warm with just fleece and a cotton tee layering. My only complaint is that the sleeves are too long, otherwise it’s a great jacket. Consider one size smaller than you normally wear.

Not overly impressed with the Rain Shadow. Used the jacket in Rocky Mountain NP during a big rainstorm. Cuffs were soaked through as were the shoulder areas. What happened with the so called "waterproofness" of this jacket?

Excellent lightweight, waterproof shell. Only complaint is the hood storage is not well-designed or efficient.

Excellent rain jacket, keeps out the drizzles and the deluges despite the light weight. Not the warmest jacket out there, decent windbreaking capability, but an all-around good buy I expect to last a good while.

This is a great jacket. Performs as noted. Thank you.

I am 6'3" and ordered an XL. I'm pretty fit and the coat was cut for someone much larger. The sleeves were way too long as well. Luckily my dad is 6'6" and I can give it to him for Christmas. The XL will fit him perfectly. The coat itself seems to work great, very light and great for wind and rain. Wear a softshell under it when its cold and you have a winning combo.

I took this shell to the Rothbury Music festival last summer. During the last days of the fest, it rained unholy amounts of rain. This was the type of precipitation that truly tests the quality of your gear. Honestly, in this industry you usually get what you pay for. Anyway, most of our group had soaked through tents and jackets. My tent was soaked through as hell, but I was bone dry, outside in my Rain shadow. Lightweight shell, packs into nothing, and stops rain as good as goretex (up to 47psi apparently).

I used it a couple of weekends ago in the rain for two straight days. The coat is consistent with the design and quality of the Patagonia brand. It's very lightweight, packs into nothing at all, sheds water very well. The pockets are well positioned and very functional. The pit zips work great. I was hoping the fabric would be a little more breathable that's my only criticism. Overall it's a good coat at a good value. I'm sure its going to get years of service.

The Rain Shadow fits true to size but it is cut with a stylish, relaxed fit that is ideal for layering and minimizing condensation. The fabric is relatively quiet and does not hinder movement. The high quality tailoring has a low drop hem for shedding water and puts zips and cinch cords in all the right places. Patagonia has not cut any corners with this product.

Having used a number of light weight rainshells and after looking at frequent claims of water penetration in nearly all models, it appears that many of us have forgotten the intended purpose of this product. It is not to protect us from a North Sea squall but it is designed to provide us with moderately breathable, waterproof protection from intermittant storms while in the backcountry. All of the plastic membrane fabrics when used with taped seams and waterproof zippers will do this. It is only when the DWR finish is compromised and breathability becomes limited, that the jacket interior can become wet due to excessive condensation.

So don't be put off by misleading claims for any model. If it fits you and your needs, go for it!

Awesome windshell. I used this on a hike on Mt. Timpanogos recently. The day was beautiful in the 70's at the bottom but when you crest the top of the ridge near the summit the wind was severe and temp was way way colder. It was a dry day but this shell worked awesomely to keep me warm against the frigid wind.. with a fleece under it of course, the shell itself would be cold against your skin. But with a thermal layer this is a super performing simple shell. I was able to cinch the hood down all tight-like to really keep as much skin covered as possible too.

Alright, here's the deal on this jacket. I live and ski in Colorado (mostly). If you ski here, and more so if you Telemark like I do, layering is paramount. I was looking for a final layer shellthat is not too hot and heavy that I can wear over my micro puff. This is PERFECT. If its really warm, you can go with this jacket over a Cap 3 or a regulator mid layer. If its cold, you can throw this over the base layers + a micro puff or fleece and it will keep you dry. This baby feels/is elements tested. Furthermore, this will keep your micro puff from tearing on a tree or your pole if you tumble. Plus, there a nice inside pocket for the iPod and its thin enough to turn on and off with glove through the jacket. PRIME TIME, in my opinion. This jacket completes me!

This jacket appears promising at first, but lets you down in the end. Performs well in a light shower or sudden storm, but ultimately gets wet quickly. As stated, shoulders and cuffs soak through in no-time, though moisture tends to not penetrate for a little while. Pack it for an around-the-town emergency jacket but stick to your 3-layer Gore-Gex for any serious endeavors.