Patagonia Adze Polartec Waterproof Softshell Jacket
Patagonia Adze Polartec Jacket $95
The Good: Softshell comfort with waterproof performance.
The Bad: No pit ventilation to account for strenuous activity meant I had to regulate excess heat with the front zipper.
The Awesome: The slim fit cut of this jacket makes my inner minimalist happy.
The Adze is a quality jacket that will stand up to biting wind, spring rains, and frosty fall mornings. This versatile softshell easily sheds water thanks to the soft Polartech™ stretch fabric, the tight weave is quiet and stands strong during gusty winds. Inside is a soft microweave lining that wicks away moisture with a surprisingly soft cloth to skin feel. This breathability is nice when layering under the jacket, I never felt like I was zipped up in a clammy sauna. It’s the little details that differentiate quality design, and the Adze shows that quality in the soft microfleece lining around the neck and the windflap to soften the contact points. The drawstring waist allows the jacket to be cinched against wind to trap in all that precious body heat when you want it.
I took this jacket out for plenty of light adventures as a primary shell during some crisp Northern California mornings, layered over a wool sweater during moderate rains, and on a few light hikes into higher elevations during overcast foggy weather. My overall impression of this jacket was excellent comfort and durability, definitely a jacket for most of my everyday adventures during fall and spring where I may find myself jogging back to the casa in the rain.
Overall, I would likely opt for something beefier (and bulkier) venturing into anticipated heavy storms, but for your everyday go-to jacket, the Patagonia Adze is a very worthy option.
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Tags: jacket, patagonia, softshell, water proof, waterproof, waterproof jacket
Author: David Skinner
