Men's Super Free Alpine Jacket

Worn twice now…yesterday at a typical Targhee day…4” snow fell and windy all day…kept dry and warm. Helmet compatible hood works well and stays secure; zip up to your nose helps protect when the snow is pelting on you. Like the large inside pockets to carry an extra goggle lens or other gear. About the only adjustment would be to add an RFID sleeve zipper for pass. 6’2, 200lbs…did a L; good fit over a capiline base and down shirt mid layer.

This is the 3rd Patagonia gortex alpine shell I've purchased for surviving the winter months on my daily bicycle commute in Western Oregon. The first one I got about 10 years ago, and it's still going after having the main zipper replaced (for free) by Patagonia a couple years ago, but it's not as water proof as it used to be. Still, love that jacket and will continue to use it when the conditions are right. The second one is about 6 years old, heavier offers incredible protection, but alas, the main zipper is now beginning to fail and so I'll be working again with Patagonia to get it replaced. Note that I also use these jackets for any and all foul weather needs, from skiing, snowboarding, hiking, etc... those zippers have seen a lot of cycles and I'm sure the user isn't alway being as careful as he could be on occasion. I've only used this new hard shell a few times now, but the fit is perfect, I love cut and the color. And I'm confident that it will serve me well for years to come.

All the little details on this jacket made this one of the best most versatile jackets. The hood is great and the little added insulation helped a lot in giving my head warm. I bought this and immediately took it with me on my Iceland trip and it help up really well. The fit is good for my body, way better fit than the Triolet. The Triolet is too tight and long. This one is a bit looser fit and long as long. Large hand pockets and inside pockets for gloves and goggles are super handy. Great for hiking and skiing (wish it were thicker so I would feel more confident skiing in trees with it). Lovely design. The other Patagonia jackets should learn from this piece.

A different perspective on Super Free. 5'11 167lbs. I previously bought a size M Powslayer but it did not fit comfortably over my ski helmet. The hood goes up and over the helmet but your head is restricted when I moved my head side to side. It was uncomfortable to ski with. I tried on a size L Powslayer and the hood fit a little bit better but it still had the same restrictions when I'm fully layered. I tried on both Super Free and Dual Aspect jackets and they both fit a lot better over my ski helmet. Much less restriction and I can ski with it comfortably over my helmet. My head can move freely side to side and I can comfortably pull up collar to cover my face when desired. I ended up choosing Super Free since it is Gore Tex, slightly thicker fabric and two interior drop pockets. The L in the Super Free is slightly big on me, but for the most part looks fine with a helmet, layers and gloves on. If I was just using it for ubran use, hiking or climbing I would have gone with a M. Again, the better fitting hood over my ski helmet is most important to me since it can take a alleviate the discomfort from those windy days on the hill. Yes, it is a climbing jacket but I think it works great for the ski hill. It has two drop pockets on the inside. Two large pockets on the front. The only thing missing is powder skirt (which I never use since the jacket can be cinched tight on storm days) and a pass holder on the arm (I put the pass in my pant pocket and slightly lift my leg up at the RFID gate). I have two younger kids on the hill with me at times so the two drop pockets inside are great. I can put a pair of their sneakers, googles, gloves, snacks, etc. The pockets on the outside are very big and can also hold a lot. Between this jacket and ski pants I have plenty of pockets for everything. The gasket on the hood is nice for sealing out the wind and the gaskets at the end of the arm give the jacket a nice feel to it. Not a game changer but nice added touches when you're spending this much on a jacket. Spots on the jacket have wetted out at times but I have never been wet on the interior. Breathability is good. I bought Belay Blue. Color is nice. I like being visible on the hill, but if it was for urban use I would get the nouveau green.