Patagonia Core Skin Jacket - Men's - 2006 BCS

I picked up the Core Skin two years ago and couldn't be happier with it. It is my go to jacket for temps between 20 and 50 F. I wouldn't recommend wearing it in temps much higher than this or you may overheat. It is made of a heavier material and has a lining of Polartec fleece so unlike a lot of the lighter softshells out there, I don't have to layer nearly as much underneath. I often get by with a single 200 weight long sleeved base layer underneath occasionally adding a 260 weight if it's especially chilly out. I love the fit and rarely get clammy underneath when snowshoeing or cross country skiing. I've worn the jacket in both light rain and heavy snow and remained bone dry thanks to the DWR finish and water-repellent zippers. The pockets have an interior made of mesh and I often leave them unzipped for additional ventilation. The jacket is a great piece and I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a cool weather softshell.

I am finally satisfied with the Core Skin after owning a few other softshells. The great thing about this jacket is that it can be worn over regular clothing in 90% of the weather between November and March. Many other softshells (Gammas, Apex's, and Marmot 1-3 Series) perform great against wind and rain but still leave you cold if aren't layered well. To my knowledge there are only a few other softshells with a nice high loft inside (like the Arcteryx Easyrider and L.L. Bean's Mountain Peak) and the Core skin uses better fleece (R2 Polartec Powerdry) and fits much better for an athletic build. This jacket has core venting pockets; wrist, neck, and waist closures for maximum windproofing; and the industry's best DWR Deluge water resistance. The idea is simple: weatherproofing combined with thermal protection in one jacket. It outperforms others technically and looks great around town!

With its slender fit and longer cut, the Patagonia Core skin lends itself as one of the best shaped jackets on the market. Technically, the jacket does as good as any other softshell in heavier rains, but is more superior than most in regards to the cold, thanks to the R2 liner. On the flip side, the jacket is often to warm, and with only one chest vent, it seems Patagonia sacrificed the function of well vented jacket for aesthetics. The reinforced shoulders and arms are great as well as the drawstring around the neck. On the contrary, I've experienced multiple points of stitch failure, notably around the pockets and the hook and loop closure around the wrist. Overall, I am pleased with the jacket primarily because of its technical attributes and fine fit, but I know that eventually I'll be sending it back for its poor stitching.

It has just enough wind resistance to work as an outer layer while skinning uphill, and it's warm enough to work as a mid layer for the downhill. It has Velcro cuffs so you can put your fleece gloves on easily, and an awesomely fuzzy neck that closes tight. It has a wind flap behind the front zipper, a longer cut with a draw cord hem, and well designed sleeves that eliminate lift-up. It's made by a fantastic American company, at a price that's hard to beat. It's damn near perfect... perhaps the only drawbacks are that the stitching is overly complicated, the wrist closers are bulky, and it would be nice if the pocket zips were 3in longer to double as core vents.

I'm going to send Patagonia an email about the core skin; it's really hard to find, and they had better make it again next year.

I've had a Core Skin jacket for about 4 years now (1st or second generation) and its held up wonderfully for skiing, climbing (ice, rock and aid) and winter cycling. The PowerShield material is great - I'd highly recommend any jacket made of the stuff. I got the jacket because it uses the PowerShield high loft so the jacket is warmer than most soft shells and makes layering a little simpler.

Soft shell that set the benchmark a few years back is still on top. Ideal for back country skiing and alpine climbing. Trim athletic fit makes it easy to layer under even a slim hardshell (eg, Jetstream) or a belay parka. Yet has enough room underneath for both a Capilene base layer and R1 pullover for cold days. It's excellent stretchability and articulated elbows allow gymnastic moves despite the trim fit.
Phenomenal breathability. No overheating on back country yo-yos. Rain/snow haven't soaked thru yet, after more than a year.
I disagree with other posts I've seen favoring Arc'Teryx Gamma SV or MX. Core Skin is a better jacket and overall value than those jackets. Core skin combines the best of Gamma SV and Gamma MX while exceeding both. My 2006 version shares with the SV the superior performance and durability of the heavier weave Polartec Powershield (the MX is the "lightweight" version). Unlike either Gamma version, Core Skin is lined with lightweight single-sided high loft R2 fleece (Polartec power-dry). Just enuf to keep the chill out, but not enuf to overheat except on unusually warm spring or fall days in the Rockies. And not enuf to add too much weight. Mine weighs 4+ oz less the SV and less than 1 oz more than the MX.
Despite this comparatively low weight, Core Skin has several features the Gammas do not: adjustable cuffs, draw-cord collar closure, longer length with drop-back hem for more coverage, light moisture-wicking fleece lining for warmth, an external chest pocket which the SV lacks, a big inside pocket for climbing skins, and extra-long torso zips for venting which the MX lacks.
All this with Patagonia's proven best-in-the-industry DWR finish, ironclad warranty, and customer service, as well as its typically lower price than Arc'teryx (not to mention its industry leading "put your money where your mouth is" enviro policies), makes it a "no brainer" in favor of Core Skin.

I had bought the coat here about a month ago, and I have been in Europe ever since. I took a trip to Russia when there was already snow and with a nice fleece under the coat, it is warm and toasty. The one thing that is a downer about the coat is that two weeks after getting the coat, the seems around the pockets are falling apart. I spent a lot on this coat and for it to defect like that was a little frustrating, but the coat has a lifetime warranty and it will get fixed. It you want to stay dry and need windproof with lightweight, this coat is the answer, but I don't think you can carry too much weight in the pockets or they will rip.

The Core Skin jacket excels at offering more protection against cold weather than most softshells do while maintaining a contoured, yet stretchable, fit. The drop hem in the back gives you more coverage than similar products, and the adjustable collar cinches down over under layers.

Regarding layering: The Core Skin now has R2 (not R1) as lining material and slides and stretches easily over layers, such as an R4 jacket or even a (squished) high loft piece. This is aided by gusseted sleeves that you then cinch down.

Patagonia also added thicker reinforcement material over the shoulders and sleeves to protect against abrasion.

Summary: While the Arc'teryx Sigma AR (see my review) is usable in cooler climates and also offers great protection in the cold, the Core Skin has the edge for greater coverage in back, heavier lining material, and easier layering—especially in the sleeves.