Patagonia Slingshot Down Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

PROS:

(1) Inexpensive.
(2) Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee of quality and satisfaction.
(3) Retro, minimalist styling. Including handsome matte fabric finish and rib-knit cuffs.
(4) Warm. (Wearing only a long sleeve t-shirt, I estimate the Slingshot will keep you warm down to about 30F. Using more layers, 5F.)
(5) Trim, non-puffy fit.

CONS:

(1) Small pockets. (One front patch pocket, for example, might be able to accommodate a single pair of highly-compressible fleece gloves, and the other pocket a fleece hat. But there would be no pocket space left over anywhere on the jacket to stash a neck gaiter.)
(2) Absence of a drawstring waist permits drafts.
(3) Within first three hours of use, contrasting gray fabric that lines the body and neck of my black Slingshot already began to absorb oil from my skin, thereby giving it a "dirty" look. (Most people do not notice, though, as dark "smudges" are interpreted as shadows.) Just to be clear, though, I do not have particularly oily skin and, in those first three hours, I only used the jacket for kicking around town and driving my car. I did not sweat in it or subject it to any kind of abuse.

CONCLUSION:

I love this coat for its style and quality (notwithstanding the fabric discoloration). It keeps me warm in mild winter conditions. I do not recommend the Slingshot for deep winter. It is neither warm enough on its own to combat freezing temperatures, nor designed to accommodate the gloves, hats and scarves that most people use in freezing temperatures.

not like i'm giving anybody news here, but this thing stuffs down to the size of a 32oz nalgene bottle. i'm 5'8" 155lbs and the small fits me well. it's got a nice contoured fit and is not a bulky down jacket. i use this from everywhere to hiking to going to the local coffee shop.

PROS - warm obviously, compressible, good colors, good alternative to the more pricey down jacket by Patagonia, and since it's Patagonia it's bombproof quality

CONS - no drawstring at the waist, only one zipper pocket (inside)