The Patagonian Volvo

By alpinejames Ranked #3706 - Men's Softshell Jackets July 11, 2007

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.

View Details: Patagonia Super Guide Jacket - Men's

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