Patagonia Cloud Ridge Jacket Review

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Whether you’re looking to protect yourself from a torrential downpour or a light sprinkle, the Patagonia Cloud Ridge Jacket 3-layer waterproof shell is designed to keep you dry from all forms of falling moisture.  The Cloud Ridge is more than a basic rain jacket due to the use of 3-layer construction. This design combines the outer shell, the inner H2No Patagonia waterproof membrane and a backing that is soft, not clammy when next to skin.

When you’re active, the last thing you want is a rain jacket that is going to cling to your skin the second you start to heat up.  The inner layer, which makes your standard rain jacket a 3-layer jacket is everything that you can ask for in a rain jacket.  These layers not only are comfortable when next to skin, but they also give your jacket a little extra life.  After time, the inner membrane of your standard 2-layer rain jacket will start to wear down from use and contact with your skin.  By adding a layer on top of the waterproof membrane, the jacket will hold up a little longer, allowing you to get more use out of the jacket.

Cloud Ridge Jacket Details

The Patagonia Cloud Ridge Jacket uses a thinner than normal inner layer which allows the jacket to move a little better with your body than a thicker layer.  These thin layers don’t hold up as long, but they are lighter and more comfortable.

All the seams on this jacket are taped, which keeps moisture from getting in through the needle holes where the fabric pieces are sewn together.  The Cloud Ridge comes with a waterproof zipper on the main zipper as well as the two side pockets to keep rain from coming in through the zipper teeth. This allows the designers to reduce a flap of fabric that usually covers the zippers, which helps save on weight and bulk.

Both the front and side zippers have easy to use pull tabs that are easy to use with your fingers or gloves and mittens for when it’s cold out.

There is a small layer of thin fleece around the top of the jacket to keep your chin from getting rubbed raw when the jacket is zipped up all the way.  There is also a small layer of fleece on the back of the neck to help pull away moisture and keep you comfortable.

The side pockets on the Patagonia Cloud ridge are climbing harness and hipbelt compatible.  They offer plenty of room, making it easy to stash tons of small to medium size items such as phones, gloves, clif bars, etc.  When left open, the pockets also double up as vents as there is a mesh backing layer to them.

Testing out the Patagonia Cloud Ridge Jacket

Patagonia Cloud Ridge Jacket in the Rain

I’ve had the chance to use this jacket in all types of weather conditions and activities.  I’ve tested the jacket out while commuting to work on my bike in the rain, ski touring through snow and wind storms, hiking in the rain, high alpine adventures and everyday use when it’s raining.  The Cloud Ridge jacket doesn’t have anything that makes you say WOW, this jacket only weighs 2 ounces or WOW, I can climb Everest in this bomber jacket.  What the Patagonia Cloud Ridge has is the peace of mind knowing that you can wear this jacket day in and day out in 95% of activities and knowing that it will be there by your side, or on your side.

The fit of the Patagonia Cloud Ridge jacket is spot on.  I am 6’0 and 175lbs and found a size medium to be a perfect fit.  The jacket provides plenty of room for movement, whether you’re stretching your arms out over your bike handlebars, ski touring up the mountain, or heading out to your favorite restaurant for date night.  Unless I am using a rain jacket for running or racing in the rain, I like to have a little extra room which this jacket does perfectly.

Final Thoughts

The Patagonia Cloud Ridge Jacket is reasonably priced at $249 for a waterproof and windproof jacket that will keep you dry day after day in and out of the elements.  For a 3-layer jacket, I find this jacket to be a great deal and is worth every penny.  For more information, visit Patagonia.com