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2009 Patagonia Ascensionist | Reviewed On: December 12, 2009
Gear Reviews>>Jackets>>Light Weight>>Patagonia AscensionistPRODUCT SUMMARY
By Swiss Miss
THE GOOD
The Ascensionist Jacket is hands down the best softshell for climbing and skiing that I have ever worn. Here's why:
Hood: Helmet compatible, 3-way adjustable. Perfect for keeping out spindrift in couloirs on windy days. I hardly noticed it was pulled up over my helmet while climbing.
Weatherproof: Welded seams and DWR coating make this one of the most weather resistant softshells on the market. Standing out in the rain for ten minutes got the jacket slightly damp but the inside remained mostly dry and the outside dried very quickly. Fine for everything but the heaviest downpour, great for snowsports.
Fabric: Stretchy, easy to move in, DWR coated. Not too heavy, not too light, just right! Nice soft brushed chin patch over the zipper and awesome colors! No one will lose me in my bright red jacket.
Fit: A longer than average cut makes this jacket perfect for wearing under a pack or a climbing harness and it doesn't ride up at all when I raise my arms. The sleeves are plenty roomy for a few layers. Nice, flattering cut for women.
THE BAD
Order a size down, these jackets run very big (this isn't necessarily "bad")! I normally wear a small in just about everything, and the XS in this jacket fits me perfectly even with thick layers underneath; definitely not too small.
The pockets fit skins nicely and are positioned higher than on most jackets. They are above my pack hipbelt, but I would like them slightly higher when I'm wearing a harness. It also lacks pit-zips, a no-frills feature (or lack thereof) that I like, but some of you sweatier people may not.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Ladies: you need a new softshell: Must be breathable, weather resistant, have a good hood, pockets that fit skins, and not much more. Look no further than the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket... plus, it'll look good on you.
By Swiss Miss
THE GOOD
The Ascensionist Jacket is hands down the best softshell for climbing and skiing that I have ever worn. Here's why:
Hood: Helmet compatible, 3-way adjustable. Perfect for keeping out spindrift in couloirs on windy days. I hardly noticed it was pulled up over my helmet while climbing.
Weatherproof: Welded seams and DWR coating make this one of the most weather resistant softshells on the market. Standing out in the rain for ten minutes got the jacket slightly damp but the inside remained mostly dry and the outside dried very quickly. Fine for everything but the heaviest downpour, great for snowsports.
Fabric: Stretchy, easy to move in, DWR coated. Not too heavy, not too light, just right! Nice soft brushed chin patch over the zipper and awesome colors! No one will lose me in my bright red jacket.
Fit: A longer than average cut makes this jacket perfect for wearing under a pack or a climbing harness and it doesn't ride up at all when I raise my arms. The sleeves are plenty roomy for a few layers. Nice, flattering cut for women.
THE BAD
Order a size down, these jackets run very big (this isn't necessarily "bad")! I normally wear a small in just about everything, and the XS in this jacket fits me perfectly even with thick layers underneath; definitely not too small.
The pockets fit skins nicely and are positioned higher than on most jackets. They are above my pack hipbelt, but I would like them slightly higher when I'm wearing a harness. It also lacks pit-zips, a no-frills feature (or lack thereof) that I like, but some of you sweatier people may not.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Ladies: you need a new softshell: Must be breathable, weather resistant, have a good hood, pockets that fit skins, and not much more. Look no further than the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket... plus, it'll look good on you.
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Best in Test
AVG USER ADVICE
n/a
| VALUE | 4/5, $250 is a competitive price for such a technical jacket |
|---|---|
| COMFORT | 5/5, I never noticed it under my harness or a pack |
| WATERPROOF | 4/5, Excellent for a softshell |
| DURABILITY | 5/5, Smooth fabric holds up against all types of abrasion |
| VERSATILITY | 5/5, This jacket does it all. Climbing, skiing, brewpub, etc. |
| TESTING LOCATION | Wyoming and Colorado |
Gear Reviews>>Jackets>>Light Weight>>Patagonia Ascensionist
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $250.00 |
|---|---|
| MATERIALS | Polyester (45% recycled) |
| WEIGHT | 524g (18.5 oz) |
| WATERPROOFING | DWR coated |
| SEAMS | stitch-free |
| PIT ZIPS | No |
| POWDER SKIRT | no |
| HOOD | Helmet compatible |
| POCKETS | 3 (2 large outside, 1 mesh inside) |
| RECYCLABLE | yes |
| RECOMMENDED USE | Skiing, alpine climbing |
| WARRANTY | Lifetime |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
 |
TRUST SPRING 08 | Best in Test | $149.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
TEMPO | Best in Test | $90.00 |
 |
DOWN SWEAT ER JACKET | Best in Test | $200.00 |
 |
SHROUD OF PURRIN HOODY | Solid | $290.00 |
 |
SHELT ER | Solid | $325.00 |
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Swiss Miss wrote on 12/13/09 at 9:19:43 pm pst:
I wrote this review this past spring, I think in late may or june. I have since been able to put it to the test in the mountains after that busted foot healed and I'm even more impressed now than ever. It held up in offwidths in the Needles, the endless chimneys of Epinepherine in Red Rock, and strong winds on the Exum Ridge. Now it's ski season, and it continues to impress me on ski tours and at the resort. It shows the marks of a true climbers jacket with stains of coffee, ropegrime, and beer, but after a quick wash I'm sure it'll be good enough to be presentable at the local brewpub again.
Their Advice
