Patagonia Stretch Element Jacket - Men's - 2008 BCS

Got this jacket this summer and brought it to Denmark with me while i study abroad. It was quite possibly the best decision i have ever made because it rains here more or less every 3 days or so.

This jacket sheds water like none other and i feel like i could stand under a waterfall with this thing on and not feel a drop. The jacket is also super breathable and at times i feel more like i'm wearing a soft shell then a hardshell. When it gets hot and toasty inside the jacket it is easy to dump heat do to the large pit zips.

Three zippered pockets, and 2 internal pockets (that just happen to be the perfect size to slip a 40 oz. into) can hold your necessities without going pocket overboard. The hood is super adjustable and works great. I am 5 foot 8, 145 pounds and the medium fits me perfectly. I am super excited to take this out on the hill this winter and pair it up with my Montbell thermawrap parka.

All in all a kick ass jacket and i could not be more stoked. Also i got it in the green color and it is super steezy. The pictures on the website do not do it justice.

Just got back from Denali climb and have a few comments on the stretch element. The jacket would benefit from having double front zips that could open from the bottom up so you could access/observe your harness set-up. I had to run my harness and backpack hipbelt on the outside of the jacket which cut-off access to the side pockets. This also prevented me from venting as well as I needed to because I could only zip my jacket down in front so far, in addition to the side zips. Guess I got spoiled from the OR products which have double separating front zippers and "torso-flo" zippers on the side which open from hem to armpit. I wore a Foray on a Rainier climb and found it to be perfect and would have been fine for Denali. Oh, and the shell was lighter. Other than the venting and harness compatibility, thought it was a well-constructed jacket that I had no fear would keep the elements out.

...if i didn't already have one. i'm 6'3", 185 with long arms and torso and the large is a perfect athletic fit. i bought it before heading to england and wore it everyday in the rainy summer with the vents open. in chicago, i wear a sweater, r1, or down vest and am protected and warm. i finally adjusted the hood and use it more than my stocking cap. this jacket is everything proof!

It is pricey. However, I've had this jacket for a few seasons now and love it. It is as good, if not better, IMO, than the GoreTex Pro Shells (I've got one of those, too).
This jacket stretches (as the name implies). It is abrasion resistant, but the fabric is not as burly as many others out there. It feels light, yet it has held up to back-country pursuits (skiing, climbing, etc.). The details are well thought out, too; e.g., I love the interior goggle pocket. Add to that, the jacket is welded (at least, mine from a few seasons ago is). Keeps everything light and adds to the waterproof design.

It does not have a powder skirt - which would be a nice addition, but would add weight and isn't always necessary.
Pit zips work beautifully.
Water-proof zips throughout.
Very adjustable hood. Will fit over a helmet.Tough abrasion zones.
And the Patagonia "Ironclad" guarantee.

Patagonia hit a homerun with this jacket. The fit is very slim/athletic so be aware of this when purchasing. I am 5'8 155 and the medium is custom tailored for me, and it is not loose or blousey anywhere, great overall fit. It is absolutely waterproof, and vents well if you overheat in summer storms or in a tropical storm piling sandbags (personal experience). The internal pockets are mesh so keys and other unshapely items may get caught, but that is a minor irritation. The sleeves are a good length with adjustable cuffs that are ideal for gloves or sealing off your arm from the elements. The hood adjusts easily allowing you to customize the fit for hat/helmet or head size. The zippers are great, no weakness in waterproof materials here, they will keep the water out 100% as long as you remember to zip them! The underarm vents are a great addition and very necessary for hot humid rainy conditions. It can get extremely hot sauna style in this jacket if you do not vent. This however is great if the ambient temperature is chilly. One last note, it packs up great and is exceedingly light, so you can stuff it anywhere and have confidence in complete weather protection if weather takes a turn for the worse. Overall a great shell, superior design, and top-notch materials, I highly recommend.

I wanted a four-season shell that I could use for ski touring, mountaineering, and backpacking and I'm pretty sure I've found it. Been skiing a bunch of days in it already and looking forward to using it in the mountains this summer. Fabric is burly but the jacket is super lightweight. No unnecessary frills, just light, bomber protection.
Yea, it's spendy, but like any other piece of gear, you get what you pay for.