Needs a fit readjustment

By Rumdoodle Ranked #2504 - Men's Technical Shells December 13, 2007

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?

View Details: Patagonia Stretch Latitude Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes