The search for the perfect backcountry ski shell that breathes on the up but protects from the elements on the down can be a frustrating one. It’s a difficult task to find the balance between breathability and water resistance, so when a soft shell like the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket comes along that does both and does it well, then it’s like discovering a $20 bill stuck in the sofa cushions. Score!
The Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket is a minimalist soft shell meant for any sort of high-activity winter recreation. Unfortunately, I received the jacket in August, so the thought of having to wait months before trying it out killed me. To compensate for that, I took it mountain biking. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried because one day riding the Wasatch Crest Trail, temperatures plunged to near freezing. High winds, fog and a light rain/snow mix pummeled us as we descended alpine ridges, and the Ascensionist Jacket kept me dry and blocked the wind. But more importantly, while pedaling hard on the uphills, the jacket breathed.
After winter finally came, the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket became a workhorse shell. Whether in or out-of-bounds, the stretchy, soft shell material kept my body movement free and expelled the moisture out. Paired with the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover, temperature regulation went on auto-pilot.
But using the jacket for the purpose it was built for in the backcountry, I found the Ascensionist to continue to be a breathing machine. With only a light capeline shirt underneath, the jacket took care of the rest as I skinned up peaks in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The only place on my body that got sweaty was the area beneath my backpack. Otherwise, the jacket wicked moisture away, keeping me cool until it was time to descend.
For a soft shell, the Patagonia Ascensionist was also very water resistant. Twice I wore it briefly in an autumn rainstorm, and I could actually watch the water bead up and fall away from the surface of the shell. Another day, I was stuck outside for hours shooting video during a wet snowfall, and I stayed totally dry.
After first putting it on, the only bothersome aspect of the Ascensionist was the size of the collar. During warmer months with no weather, the huge collar is annoying and gets in the way. But after zipping it all the way up in the middle of a blowing snow storm, the over-sized collar with a brushed chamois chin was a damn luxury. The giant, helmet-compatible hood can also get in the way and fall over the eyes, but a simple tug of the 3-way drawcords somewhat stow the hood until you need it.
The Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket is made from 100% polyester stretch double-weave featuring stitchless seams, and is treated with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent). The jacket also has large handwarmer pockets that are big enough to hold skins or water bottles and are placed above the harness line. An internal security pocket is good for a cell phone or iPod, and elastic wrists and drawcord hem keep out drafts.
From rock or ice climbing, resort or backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and even mountain biking, the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket is a quality, lightweight choice for staying dry, cool, and comfortable.
For more information or to purchase the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket, visit Patagonia.com
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