Patagonia Guide Softshell Jacket - Women's - 2009 BCS

I love this jacket. I am 5'10", medium build and it fits well. The sleeves are nice and long, which is usually something I have trouble with. The body is also super long -- hits below my hip. The length of this jackets is perfect for me, but might be too long on someone shorter. It is not particularly warm, but perfect for mid-30s to mid-50s weather. I can easily layer a sweater under it. Beautiful, vibrant color -- the photo doesn't do it justice.

I'm from Colorado and grew up skiing and hiking the Rockies. Just moved to California and I bought this for the wetter, warmer temperatures in the Sierras. I adore it. It's bomb proof in torrential rain. Others reviewed the stiff neck as being too stiff -- I don't find that...It hits below my chin and is wide enough that I can tuck my chin down into it if I want. However, I am 5'4" and 130, a generally solid size small, even according to the Patagonia sizing chart....but the size small I got is still a bit big on me...I'd recommend ordering a size down. There's a great pocket on the left forearm for a credit card, ski pass, house key, etc if you are running out the door or headed on a hike where you don't want much of anything with you. Super convenient and SUPER warm.

The style of this jacket is attractive, the sleeves are nice and long and the zipper pockets are in just the right place. However, the neck is VERY stiff and constantly poked my in the chin, and it was too stiff to fold over like a collar without looking like Elvis (it stuck straight out). Also, due to the waterproof material, it was noisy when I moved (like a vinyl windbreaker). Too bad - because it is super WARM. I returned mine.