TAD Pathfinder Jacket

Made right here in California, USA, Triple Aught Design's Pathfinder jacket really is one of the most versatile jackets I've come across. The 10 oz. Polartec Thermal Pro fleece works very well during the cooler southern California seasons. Probably not something for the summertime, but definitely works well during the winter and spring/fall nights.

One of the many nice features of this jacket is the "Hardface" treatment on the outside of the fleece which gives the fleece added abrasion resistance and durability without compromising comfort.  From treading through thick brush to squeezing between boulders at Joshua Tree National Park, the jacket really is quite durable.  The Pathfinder is also treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish which was tested successfully while hiking through a few rainy/drizzly mornings.  Water just beads on the outside of the jacket and rolls off.

Other nice touches include a zipper chin flap that prevents the zipper from chaffing against your skin, a nice little zippered forearm pocket perfect for lip balm or anything else that needs to be easily accessible, and media ports in both main pockets.

I've used the Pathfinder jacket while hiking/backpacking/scrambling and am thoroughly impressed with its performance.  Fit of the jacket is nice as well with no bunching or snagging while wearing a backpack.  I am 5'9" and weigh 150 lbs. and the medium fits me perfectly.

All in all, the Pathfinder is a very functional jacket with many usable features.  Build quality is top notch and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a more durable fleece jacket that can be worn in the backcountry as well as around town.