Patagonia Super Guide Jacket - Men's - 2006 BCS

I have this jacket and the Winter Guide, also from Patagonia. I love my Winter Guide (it's fleece lined, so a bit warmer, and a HOOD!), but this one is a good addition to my closet as well. I like the tight-fitting sleeves, so no air gets in. I am 6'0"/165 lbs, and I fit into a Medium in everything I have bought from Patagonia, and this is no different. It is very windproof, will stop anything but a downpour (I tested in the shower for 10 mins, dry as a bone underneath) and can be layered over or under other jackets as weather requires. Also breathes very well, and I like the higher pockets, which double as vents (it has no pit zips, be warned). All in all, highly recommended!!

I've found this to be a pretty great workhorse softshell.

The jacket pattern is designed exceptionally well - it's quite stretchy, the pockets are in the right spots for a harness or pack, the waist comes down long enough for wearing tucked under a harness, the underarms are gusseted, the cuffs are clean (no Velcro) and mate well with gloves, and the neck is cinch-down-able.

Simple, basic, no frills design.

The weatherproofness and durability is also exceptional. The DWR lasted about 20 field days, where water just beaded up and ran off. Now, it's still fairly water-resistant, but not waterproof in heavy grinding rain.

On the downside, it's heavy. Most modern softshells clock in under a pound. This is closer to a pound and a half.

But it has proven itself as a workhorse shell, and I expect mine to last through harder use than most of my shells get, and for a longer time.

I love this jacket's fit, especially the tight sleeve ends. I am able to fit my sweater/fleece and not feel any wind come thru. My gloves fit tightly against it when skiing. Very windproof.

I bought both the Patagonia Super Guide Jacket and the Backcountry Shift Jacket via mail order for a side by side compro. Both were excellent jackets. The Patagonia looks like it might be better a venting heat, but the Backcountry fit me - athletic build, no belly - the best. Went with the Backcountry based on fit. Will report on it after some field use. Patagonia makes great stuff, and is always worth a look.

The “Super Guide” Jacket was just released this summer 2006. I bought it directly from Patagonia because it wasn’t in my size at sporting store in my area. It’s definitely a lot cheaper on your website.

The water proofing materials in this jacket are amazing, the water just beads up instantly on the surface of it. Water seems to dry off quickly inside or just beads off the jacket. It does come with a draw string around the waist and you can adjust it on both sides and pull it in tighter to snug your body. The pockets are set up high for climbing and keeps items inside safe, dry, and prevents them from falling out.

Looks great, you can wear it casually and unzip it as a light jacket, but what’s great about this jacket is how well it protects you from wind and rain. I got caught in a heavy down pour today, and just zipped up the jacket tight and it kept me dry and everybody else coming into the store soaking wet! It is pricey, but a nice addition to your closet if you have the extra cash. I gave it a 4 because of the high price Patagonia is charging for it.

very utilitarian jacket courtesy of Patagonia. Nice fit,solid workmanship. a little pricey,but isn't all of their stuff?