Patagonia Men's Better Sweater 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.
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
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
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 |