Take the versatile Patagonia Guide Jacket, then simplify it just a tad and you’ve got the all-new Patagonia Simple Guide Jacket. Simple doesn’t necessarily mean bare-bones, but it does have fewer features to hit a lower price point. Simpler is not always a good thing, but the Simple Guide Jacket can still hold its own against its more complex brethren.
Simple Guide Jacket Features:
- Highly breathable and wind-resistant stretch-woven soft-shell fabric with Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Microfleece-lined neck and wind flap for next-to-skin comfort
- Zippered exterior left-chest pocket
- Zippered handwarmer pockets
- Elasticized cuffs
- Drawcord hem
- 6.2-oz 91% all-recycled polyester/9% spandex double weave with Deluge DWR finish. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
- 377 g (13.3 oz)
- Colors: Gecko Green (tested), Continental Blue, Black
- MSRP: $119
Patagonia Simple Guide Jacket Review
Don’t let the simplicity of this jacket fool you… it is a great all-around jacket for aerobic activity. I’ve now used this jacket in 25 to 45-degree temps while trail running, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Under all conditions, I’ve consistently been impressed with the function of this jacket. It breathes extremely-well and readily blocks wind, snow and rain to boot.
Overall, this jacket is comfortable to wear in the backcountry or around town. Granted, you’ll want to opt for a more subdued color if you’re going to sport this around town, but the styling and function is simple and straightforward. With the Simple Guide, you lose a few features that add weight and price. Some things are missed (like Velcro cuffs), but overall, this is a great jacket for the price.
The fit is right-on as with other Patagonia jackets. I’m a solid medium and this one fits perfectly.
I really like the fabric for its softness and quiet texture. While touring or running, the jacket provides uninhibited comfort in ninja-like fashion — quiet and comfortable. The collar is lined with a soft suede-like material for next-to-skin softness and the outer is treated with a DWR treatment, which can shed a fair amount of moisture, but is not going to hold up against your finest hardshell.
My biggest gripe with the jacket is in the collar diameter and height. It’s not wide enough to tuck your chin underneath and it’s too tall for comfort while fully-zipped (Note: some people may have a giraffe neck and not experience this). Either drop the height by 1/2 inch or increase the diameter so the chin-tuck can happen.
Good Simple Guide
- Soft-faced woven interior provides next-to-skin comfort
- Excellent pricepoint
- Stretchy fabric offers uninhibited movement in all activities
- Usable, soft-lined pockets
- Brushed collar lining is soft
- Very breathable
Bad Simple Guide
- Suffers from static-cling on occasion
- Zipper doesn’t go all the way down (stops 1/4″ from hem), so it’s sometimes hard to start
- Collar height is too tall for narrow diameter design (should be about 1/2″ shorter or increase collar diameter)
- Would like to see flatlock seams for improved comfort
Bottom Line: Patagonia Simple Guide Jacket
Not the “perfect” jacket, but for $119, you get a very versatile jacket in the Simple Guide. With superb breathability and a simple design, this jacket can be used equally-well for aerobic mountain activity or hanging out with your crew.
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