Patagonia Stretch Latitude Jacket - Men's - 2007 BCS

Potentially a fine shell, with quiet materials that are reasonably flexible when cold. This jacket has several limitations that should be considered before ordering, though. I'm 5' 9" and a fit 150 lbs, and fall uncomfortably between the S and M sizes. Here's why: the arms and armpits are sized tight, but the body is sized 'regular fit', which means it is quite broad and lets in lots of drafts. Even when I size up to a M, the over-tight arms prevent layering this jacket over anything but a close-fitting garment such as an Arc'teryx Covert sweater (which still doesn't fit under the S size, even though the S arm and body length is perfect for me. So, unless you are a rotund man with very skinny arms, this parka won't fit comfortably. Furthermore, the two main pockets are wedged under the waistbelt when wearing a pack, leaving no hope for handwarming in the backcountry. The shell is meant to be just an overlayer; it is not intended to keep you warm, but to protect you from wind and rain. If you are constantly active in the outdoors and wear thin, form-fitting underlayers, you will like this jacket. If you plan to stay out in a snowbank, think about another company that allows room in the arms for layering. What was Outside Magazine thinking in rating this the Best of 2007?

This is a great jacket. Patagonia's sewing and attention to detail shows all over this jacket. The seams are perfect, the seam sealing is perfect, everything is done exactly and precisely. The fabric feels exceptionally durable without being too heavy, stiff or rough to the touch. The hood is enormous, easily swallowing your noggin encased in a ski/snowboard/climbing helmet, but you can adjust it down to a more normal size for when you just want rain protection.

My only nit to pick is the hood drawstring system takes some getting used to. It's great that the cords are all hidden but it takes a little more effort than usual to adjust them.

Another great feature is that this jacket doesn't look like a mountaineering shell. You can wear it just about anywhere and it looks nice. No black swatches on the shoulders and elbows, no glaringly huge logos on the sleeves, and nothing else you don't need in a good shell that you can wear in town, skiing or hiking.

Overall, Patagonia got this one right.

Bought this jacket for my boyfriend for christmas after EXTENSIVE research on waterproof jackets with hoods big enough for helmets. jacket was great material, adjustable hood, great slim fit...it was just too short for my boyfriend. i got a small because he is thin and about 5'8"..should have gotten a medium because it barely covered his stomach.

All the other reviews of this jacket gave me confidence. My wife bought one a while back and has loved it. I was looking for something like hers...a solidly constructed hard shell with excellent water repellency and a good fit. This is a go anywhere jacket that might be too stiff for some occasions but will protect you in the wettest backcountry snow. I haven't tried it in the rain yet, but I got stuck in a downpour with my wife's small jacket to hold over me and that alone did the trick...imagine if it fit me! It has adequate pockets...I won't ever have a jacket without the Napoleon pocket. It's the best. The waterproof zippers are great and while I don't know if they're available anymore, who doesn't love a yellow jacket?! On top of it you get Patagonia's excellent customer service and conservationist ethic...bonus!

I have worn lots of Patagonia shells, loved them all. Was excited for this one. Layered it with the R4 fleece. Still didn't keep out the cold as well as other shells that I already own. Very disappointed.