Patagonia Super Alpine Jacket

The Super Alpine jacket is the nicest piece of outdoor clothing I've ever owned. I am a Gore Mountaintech, and recently got this jacket for skiing, hiking, and everyday rainy Oregon living. The jacket s construction is technical, classy, and flawless. No unnecessary stuff dangling around, ready to get caught on your climbing skin loops, ropes, etc. The alpine fit means less bulky material around your arms and torso, but enough room to stow things in the pleated pockets, a hood that can go over any helmet, and a length that keeps you covered in a ski yard sale. As a kayaker, I also love the gasket cuffs, and wish every one of my jackets especially for wet weather cycling and field work had them. So far, I ve used this jacket for wet ski days, rainy hikes, and all over town. I m a huge fan of Pro Shell, and paired with Patagonia s bomber exterior fabric and DWR finish, the water beads up and stays outside no matter how wet and warm the conditions, or my level of activity. I ve only used the pit zips for one especially aerobic climb, and was impressed with their easy operation and ability to give you some serious venting. Other details: I m between an XS and S in Patagonia, and often have to size up because of shoulder width. The XS has wide enough shoulders (yay!!) and was less bulky for me. I can fit my nano puff jacket, a thick cap layer, and a vest under the shell, and can even get my down jacket in there in a pinch. The arms are definitely the most limiting factor for stowing extra layers under this shell, as they are quite slim. Overall, this jacket is a keeper!