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Patagonia Women’s Storm Shift Jacket: first impressions
If you’ve dipped your toes into many different winter sports, then you’ll know that, while it’s a nice idea to have a jacket that covers all activities, trying to find one that can be used across different disciplines is tricky. The Patagonia Women’s Storm Shift Jacket is a breathable hard shell with a fleece lining, aimed at adventurous folk who aren’t afraid to venture out in less than perfect snowy conditions – which could be ice climbers, ski tourers, mountaineers and walkers.
• List price: $499 / £450
• Weight: 723g / 25.5oz
• Color: Nouveau green/ Obsidian plum / Belay blue / Cosmic gold
• Compatibility: Skiing, snowboarding, winter walking, climbing
I tested the Shift while ski-touring in varying temperatures that ranged from a nippy -12°C / 10.4°F to a mild 7°C / 44.6°F, and experienced a wild mix of winter conditions. Ultimately, the main reason you’d look at the Storm Shift is if you’re keen on winter sports and looking for a tough Gore-Tex jacket with an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio that helps wick moisture and dries quickly.
Patagonia Women’s Storm Shift Jacket: in the field
Patagonia’s waterproof garments have always impressed me thanks to their quality construction and fit. The Storm Shift is robust and comfortable to wear as an all-day layer, made with a two-layer 100% recycled polyester Gore-Tex fabric. Using recycled polyester throughout the jacket is a big deal, while a waterproof jacket made without perfluorochemicals in the fabrics – as well as providing a durable water repellent (DWR) finish – proves that technical jackets needn’t be made at the expense of the environment. It also shows that ski jackets can be made to withstand a level of weather and water resistance whilst also being comfortable to wear for long periods of time. A unique liner (in a fuzzy zig-zag pattern) may look not much to begin with, yet I found it was surprisingly warm and able to wick moisture to provide lasting storm protection.
The Storm Shift Jacket was tested for around a month, and I found that it was resistant to scuffs and usage, although the color meant mud was easily visible. I liked the webbing toggles, and these felt like they were going to last rather than rip off as on cheaper jackets I’ve tested.
The Patagonia Women’s Storm Shift Jacket has some slightly more technical features that protect against the elements. For conditions such as skinning uphill or hiking that require dumping of heat, the pit zips have watertight, coated zippers and keep you from overheating.
For when the weather starts to hit, the Storm Shift has easily adjustable low-profile cuffs that can be secured over or under gloves to stop snow and moisture from getting in. A helmet-compatible hood is roomy enough to accommodate a bulky ski helmet, and has a laminated visor to help keep the weather out. I found the tall collar needed a bit more room to help zip up to the top of the neck and over the face, though, as this felt like it was too narrow to do right to the top.
When descending in deep snow or slushy conditions, the Storm Shift has some protection to guard against moisture getting in. Inside the jacket, a powder gasket can be cinched in or laid flat when not in use, and a webbing loop means it is compatible with any Patagonia snow pants to stop snow sneaking its way down the back. This only really applies when you’re skiing in deep powder snow, though. A nifty little drawcord hem is easily adjusted in the inside pocket, which helps cinch the wider jacket for narrower frames. Two poppers (located in the front and the back) also protect against snow coming in.
A RECCO reflector located in the jacket gives an extra layer of security making it easier for avalanche transceivers to pick up.
A nod to a jacket with multiple pockets! Multi-use pockets are located throughout the Storm Shift – two zippered handwarmer pockets, a zippered chest pocket, zippered forearm pocket, interior zippered pocket and an interior drop-in pocket provide ample room for snacks, phone, map and tissues. The only thing I’d like to have seen improved would have been a slightly deeper chest pocket to accommodate a bigger phone and/or additional items, as this is usually my go-to spot for accessing technology or useful items.
It’s worth noting the Patagonia Storm Shift is slightly wider than a ‘typical’ jacket I’ve owned, with a wider cut at the hip, and enough material around the shoulders to move my arms. Designed to complement a rider’s natural movement, the Storm Shift is meant to be big enough to move around without the jacket riding up. I tested and wore a size medium jacket, which I think is true to size, as I wanted to have a jacket I could wear layers underneath.
As a Patagonia jacket, it should come as no surprise that the Storm Shift has glowing eco credentials, made in a factory that supports workers’ rights and ensures a fair trade has taken place. Both the shell and the lining have been made with recycled polyester, while the outer shell fabric is bluesign approved and made without harmful perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS.) It’s a great step forwards to see Patagonia embrace recycled materials throughout its whole range and a delight to see garments withstanding the same levels of testing without causing damage to the environment through the manufacturing process.
