Patagonia Men's Jackets

Choosing a Patagonia men's jacket

The range divides three ways, and the choice is usually obvious once you name the problem. Waterproof shells keep rain out and do nothing else: the Torrentshell 3L is the everyday one, the Granite Crest steps up the weather protection, and the Triolet is the mountain shell. Insulation keeps warmth in — Nano Puff uses synthetic fill that still works when damp, which suits British weather, while the Down Sweater and Fitz Roy Down Hoody are warmer for their weight but want to stay dry. Windshells sit between the two: the Houdini and the Windshadow stop wind and pack down to nothing, but will wet through in sustained rain. For cold and wet at once, wear a shell over insulation rather than looking for one jacket that does both.

How Patagonia men's jackets fit

Patagonia men's jackets run true to size across the range, from XS to XXL. Regular-fit models leave room for a base layer and a midlayer without feeling baggy, so if you plan to wear a fleece or a Nano Puff under a shell, stick with your normal size — the layering room is built into the cut. Trimmer-fit jackets sit closer to the body and work best on their own or over a thin base layer. Four things to check against the size chart: the chest at its fullest point with arms relaxed; shoulder seams sitting at the edge of the bone rather than down the arm; cuffs reaching the base of your thumb; and the hem still covering your belt line when you raise your arms. If you fall between sizes and intend to layer, go up.

Layering for UK conditions

Three seasons: a Capilene base, an R1 or Better Sweater fleece, and a Torrentshell 3L over the top covers spring through autumn, swapping the fleece for a Nano Puff when it turns. Winter: a Capilene thermal, a Nano Puff or Down Sweater midlayer, and a waterproof shell on top — Down Sweater for dry cold, Nano Puff when rain is likely. Light and fast: a Houdini over a t-shirt for summer walking or cycling, packed into its own pocket when the sun comes out. Test the combination before committing; a regular-fit shell over a Nano Puff should feel snug through the torso without pulling across the chest when you reach forward.