If you’re looking for waterproof, windproof, and breathable clothes for outdoor adventuring, you need to look for pieces with GORE-TEX technology. Patagonia is a tried and true brand for outdoor clothing. I gear tested the Patagonia Women’s Storm Shift Jacket while in Quebec Province, Canada for a week with Adventure Travel Trade Association. The jacket was put to the test snowshoeing, fat biking, dog sledding, ice fishing, urban exploring, and even walking out on an iced over fjord in Canada’s cold and windy February weather.
Storm Shift Specs
This soft shell jacket is made of 2-layer 100% recycled GORE-TEX fabric without any perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs or PFAs). The waterproofing comes from its durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The inside has a zigzag pattern fleece to wick away moisture. Inside also has an adjustable powder gasket with a snap loop to connect to snow pants if needed. The two-way-adjustable hood is helmet-compatible and has a laminated visor to keep blowing snow or driving rain off your face. It has easy-access pit zips and velcro adjustable sleeve openings at the wrists. There are multiple zippered pockets with two outer hand pockets, outer chest pocket, interior chest pocket, and left wrist pocket. There’s also an interior drop-in pocket. The jacket is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. It comes in men’s ($499), women’s ($499), and kid’s ($299) versions.
The Review
Yes, there’s sticker shock with this jacket with the hefty price tag. But, I’ve tried jackets without GORE-TEX technology and I’m not going back for outer layer protection after this jacket. This is an investment piece to stay warm and dry, even in winter’s worst weather conditions. As I was packing for ATTA’s Adventure Week in Quebec, I was pleasantly surprised how packable the jacket is and easily folded it up in my Gregory Pack Border Traveler 30 carry-on backpack. I was also surprised how breathable this jacket. Except for snowshoeing up a steep climb, I didn’t overheat in it and didn’t have to unzip the pit zips. I do like having the option to increasing air flow if needed with those. Initially I wasn’t a huge fan of the sisu brown color color but now love it. I’ve found it to be a neutral that goes with everything and a great color that’s easy to spot in snowy conditions. UPDATE (Dec 2023): sisu brown color is not available in US, but I did find it on a Patagonia Australia site if you really want it. There are currently 4 color options for men’s and women’s Storm Shift Jackets and 2 color options for the kid’s version.
The first day I wore the jacket was while exploring Montreal. As I reached an overlook on Mount Royal the wind picked up and it started dumping snow. I layered the jacket over a puffy jacket and it worked beautifully to keep my torso warm and dry. I wore the jacket every day while in Quebec Province including fat biking in Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier near Quebec City, touring the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), and snowshoeing at Vallée des Fantômes (Valley of the Ghosts) in Monts-Valin. My only regret was that I didn’t have storm shift pants ($399), which are still on my wish list.
UPDATE (June 2023) I also took the jacket to Ireland in April for an 11-day trip I packed for in a carry-on roller and backpack. Space was at a premium but I needed a jacket for the island’s typical breezy and rainy weather. It was perfect for a rainy morning at Dunluce Castle. I also took it to Cody, Wyoming in early June. After a night of heavy rain, I wore the jacket for a side-by-side OHV adventure in some seriously muddy conditions. After getting filthy in Wyoming’s clay mud, all I had to do was hose the jacket off. This jacket is worth the money and can be worn for a lot more activities than just as a ski or ride shell. I had been a fan of GORE-TEX in hiking boots for awhile, but this jacket sold me on GORE-TEX technology in clothes.
Author Jennifer Broome gear tests products that make adventuring and traveling easier. She focuses on multi-purpose products and brands with high sustainability standards. For more product reviews, check out the Go Gear section for outdoor gear and travel gear.
