Patagonia Calcite Waterproof Jacket: What is it?

Light yet durable, packable yet solidly water-repellent, the Patagonia Calcite Jacket – part of the US brand’s recycled Shell, Yeah! Range – is a 2.5-layer Gore-Tex shell designed to keep you dry in everything from sudden torrential downpours to full-winter conditions at altitude. Built with alpine climbing in mind, it has an athletic fit, an outer material constructed entirely from recycled polyester and a PFC-free Gore-Tex membrane, it’s an ethical option as well as a functional one.


Patagonia Calcite Waterproof Jacket: Why do I need it?

If you’ve found your way to this page at all, you probably know why you need a rain jacket, but why should you splurge a little extra on a jacket like this one? For starters, a quality breathable waterproof layer should be a part of any city dweller or outdoor adventurer’s arsenal – they’re great for both high-output activities in town, countryside and backcountry, and a good one will do the job for you for several years. This one, coming in at a price point a little above Patagonia’s ever-popular Torrentshell jacket, is built for multiple pursuits, and gives you more dependable coverage from rain and snow overall.

As an everyday shell for knocking about in, the Patagonia Calcite jacket works well, and while the fit is on the sportier side, there’s still a good range of motion and room for a medium-weight fleece or knit underneath. Elsewhere, the sleeves are long to give you ample coverage up the hand (and to avoid filling gloves with rain), while the hood is capacious, helmet-friendly and easily adjustable for the right fit. If you’re going to wear it in chillier conditions, the hem adjusts from inside the pocket, too, which is a bonus.

Patagonia Calcite Waterproof Jacket: Should I buy it?

Looking for a versatile, high-end and long-lasting jacket at a reasonable price? This’ll do the job, bridging the gap between your standard-issue packable mac and a hardshell jacket made for the most serious of alpine pursuits. Looking for a layer that’ll fit over a chunky jumper or heavier down layer while skiing? Probably go a size up on your normal one for a slightly less sleek fit.

Available now from £200. eu.patagonia.com