Sierra Designs Agate Jacket

The Sierra Designs Agate Jacket is a nice addition to the increasingly crowded soft shell marketplace. I picked one up on sale at a bargain price. Compared to popular top-end softshell jackets from Cloudveil, Acr'teryx, Patagonia, etc, it lacks features that put it at a disadvantage in more serious outdoor endeavors; but, at a bargain price, it is a great jacket for around-town and general purpose usage.

The fabric is a bit stretchy, and seems rugged enough to survive scrapes against rock faces, etc. The DWR coating repels light rain with ease. It breathes pretty well yet provides good protection from wind. The thing I wish it offered would mainly be a better pocket layout. It has only 2 pockets. They are set low down by the bottom hem. They are small-ish in size. I would prefer pockets set higher up (so as not to interfere with backpack waist bands or climbing harnesses). I would also love an additional pocket vertically-oriented at chest height.

Other than this, I don't have any real complaints. However, the pocket situation means that this jacket will be worn around town and walking the dog rather than climbing mountains.

I only wear my Agate Jacket downhill skiing when it's not snowing and because it is so perfect for this sport. It does its job of protecting me from wind and cold, and it breaths, so I do not sweat in it when "working out" on a particularly difficult run.

I don't like bulky parkas, so I wear the Agate often, also I ski in CA. It is light weight and uncumbersome. It fits close to my body with enough room for layers underneath.

I recommend the jacket and love the light blue color!