Open main menu

Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Jacket

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Jacket fleece jacket

A great jacket or sweater alternative. Has become a go-to item in my closet.

Pros

  • reinforced seams stitching
  • recycled fabric
  • side pockets
  • chest pocket
  • midweight but warm
  • breathable
  • durable

Cons

  • arms are slim cut
  • doesn't stop wind
  • no water repellency

I bought this about 3 to 4 years ago. I've worn it more this winter than any other time. The fabric is comfortable and a nice weight. My favorite days to wear it were when I layered it with a mock-neck poly base layer and a shell for XC skiing on a sunny day. It breathed well and was warm enough when covered to not get me chilled when I stopped to eat. Without the shell wind cuts through it, but it's called a sweater for a reason, not meant to be a coat.

The sleeve are a slim cut and I had heard this from others before I got it. It's difficult to layer over a heavier base garment, so don't expect to put it on over another mid layer type item. Out in the fall I've worn a mid-weight Helly Hansen top or a 32degrees thin long sleeve base layer and was fine.

For casual wear this has become my go-to item to throw over a t-shirt for grocery runs. I usually wear a large and it's true to fit except for the sleeves being slim cut. If I had gone with a size up it would have been too loose in the torso. Last winter I noticed it didn't have zipper pulls of any type so I added them to help when I'm wearing gloves. I've considered spraying it with a water repellent treatment to fend off any rain on misty days.

IMG_3800.jpg
Patagonia Better Sweater

 

Background

Several fall, spring, and winters with this item. It's been hiking and XC skiing on ungroomed trails. I'm trying to recall if it's been 3 or 4 years now since I bought it. In a mist it starts to get wet, with anymore than that it can get soggy. I know because I got caught without a shell when on a trail in the Cuyahoga Valley when rain hit.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $85

The Better Sweater is light and warm. The stand-up collar keeps out drafts.

Pros

  • Light
  • Packable
  • Warm

Cons

  • None that I'm aware of

Comfortable and warm with a zip-up collar. It was the best garment to withstand the cold and mist of the San Francisco waterfront and out on the bay on a breezy day.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $80

rated 5 of 5 stars All Better Sweater Jacket versions

In addition to the 2 men's reviews above, there are 2 reviews for other versions of the Better Sweater Jacket. Read all reviews »

Your Review

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.

You May Like

Specs

Price MSRP: $129.00
Current Retail: $84.95-$329.00
Historic Range: $15.95-$329.00
Reviewers Paid: $80.00-$85.00
Weight 16.4 oz / 465 g
Fabric 9.5 oz 100% Polyester, Sweater-Knit Exterior, Fleece Interior
Product Details from Patagonia »

Recently on Trailspace

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Ultralite HDPE Bottle Review