This is a great all weather jacket. The tough shell keeps you bone dry in any conditions and keeps you warm in the windiest, coldest conditions...but at the same time works great for spring/fall conditions to wear with just a t-shirt underneath. The material is great too, holds up to snags on trees, etc. when skiing/riding. Used mine for 3 seasons and still looks brand new. The helmet compatable hood is also great and the small slit in the chest pocket for headphones works out perfectly, you can keep your ipod safe and dry in the chest pocket with easy access and run the wires inside the jacket. Mine is in a light green color which in my opinion looks alot cooler than the smoke or red jacket so might be worth shopping around for a different color. Also makes for a cool looking jacket just to wear around when it's a little rainy or cold. If you're on the fence, get it, you won't regret it.

If you are looking for monster shell and are eager to see ridiculous amounts of rain and snow in some very ugly and inhospitable conditions; look no further for you have found a piece of equipment that is as exited to go there as you are. There is no question that this shell is a technological marvel and it works in cold, wind, rain and snow. But for the price, the competition is stiff; and there are NO side vents. 4.5 out of 5.

OK, I love Patagonia stuff so I couldn't resist picking up this jacket for the new season. Finally a waterproof Patagonia jacket that I can use to ski which also doubles a nice all around mountain and travel jacket (more rainproof that softshells etc). The build quality appears to be very good, but perhaps still a notch below Arc'teryx to be honest, but on the other hand you get a powder skirt, more pockets, a bit roomier fit (which is good for skiing).

Nit picking: I'd love to see a zip off hood and somewhat longer cut in the back.

I give it 4 1/2 stars, but since that wasn't an option it has to be 5 stars/I love it! :-)

This one really impressed me. Patagonia makes great stuff (95% of Arc'teryx quality at 60% of the price) but their sizing and fit are really inconsistent (for me often too tight across the chest and shoulders) and they make a weird neck closure (all the hood loops and rubber clips end up in my mouth when I zip up all the way). This one really works however - it fits great, looks great and feels tough as nails. No pit zips though. Get a Patriot SV for cold days and this one for warmer.