User Review: Patagonia Men's Primo Jacket

Summary

Bombproof, high quality and stylish. The Primo is totally waterproof, highly breathable, lightweight and comfortable and fully featured.

The Primo is an awesome piece of kit. For me at 5'11" and 40" chest the fit in medium is good, allowing for layering (I've worn base layer, fleece and gilet without feeling restricted) and the cut allows for completely comfortable movement without anything pulling or binding. The fit suits me fine, just long enough in the sleeves and waist but not so much as I look like a park grom. The Goretex is totally waterproof, highly breathable, lightweight and comfortable, it's also really tough.

There are loads of features most of which are excellent. Internal and external pockets are all well placed, big enough and with tough waterproof zippers (on the outside). The zips are a little fiddly with gloves on (small pulls and don't glide totally smoothly) but not impossible to use. The music device pocket inside the chest pocket is a bit tight for an iphone but would fit an ipod mini/nano.

Cuffs are well thought and easy to adjust, powder skirt stays put and seals out snow, even better when attached to the compatible loops on Patagonia pants (yes, I'm a fan boy!). Waist and hood draw cords work but there's a knack to it, although I've not really needed to use them. Initially the hood feels a bit tight over a helmet but it stays put, seals out snow and allows good movement. The collar is independent of hood so whether the hood is up or down it sits reasonably comfortably round neck and chin if perhaps a little bit tight to duck your chin and mouth into. There is nice fine fleece around the inside of the collar to help movement and reduce chafing.

So it's a pricey piece with colours perhaps not to everyone's liking and a few very small compromises, but the design, build and material quality - it's all there in spades. This jacket is going to last me a long time and won't ever leave me wanting!