I was working on the Tongass national forest all summer (Temperate rainforest receiving an annual avg of 120-180" of rain) and I was in need of something extraordinary for the work I do. I bush-wacked through some of the thickest, wettest, and most intense terrain the US has to offer. our day consisted of usually an hour or so hike into the forest going through anything that came in our way (search Devil's club) on rivers, nearly vertical slopes, and even rock cliffs. This is my second year with this job and I was never satisfied with any gear I had. Helly Hanson synthetic was too bulky, the PVC lined stuff was way too hot for any kind of physical activity, the list goes on.

The last month and a half of work I caved into buying this pricy jacket but after seeing it's toughness (from falling/dirt/grime/sweat/vegetation/etc...) I would honestly paid double and still be satisfied. Not only does this stand up to those gnarly thorns from D. club, but after hiking for 4 hours in the woods you have the option to unzip beneath your armpits for air ventilation -- GENIUS! Perfect placement b/c even with both flaps open it still keeps your body dry.

The hood rolls very conveniently into itself if you don't need it and it stays completely out of the way and remains comfortable on the neck. Speaking of, the suede lining along the back of the neck makes a huge difference so the wet outershell hardly comes in contact with skin. There are two drawstrings (lower neck and lining the edge of the hood) which allow for a nearly customized fit for any person/situation.

Both side pockets have lots of room to store big things and keep them relatively dry (compared to the outside) with solid zippers. That may sound ridiculous but may jackets I've encountered have zippers which wither 1) don't provide a good seal 2) get snagged on itself/jacket. You get the picture, it really seems like Patagonia thought of EVERYTHING for this piece of equipment. There is also an inner pocket that can fit a 12 oz ovaltine jar (don't ask why I just needed it to fit there!) but more or less perfect for maps and such.

As the cherry topper the whole jacket neatly compacts itself into it's left pocket smaller than the previously referred to ovaltine jar. The zipper has a snug enough seal that even when submerged in water for 30 seconds or so everything inside the pocket stays dry. (I fell into a river with the stowed jack at my chest. After getting out I was pretty cold expecting the worse putting it on but only my left side pocket area felt any remote coldness. extraordinary.
This jacket handled itself better than anything I've ever seen in the forest.

Running:
Against my better judgment I went out for some runs (2-5mi) in 20-35 mph winds with walls of sideways rain everywhere.. everywhere! I wore a long sleeve underarmor cold gear underneath and it was an unbelievable combination (Usually what I wore in the forest on tougher days) b/c I stayed dry, yes dry! I could hardly open my eyes from the wind/rain and my face was nearly stinging yet from the neck to waist I was warm, cozy, and ready to keep running regardless of what I came across.

I have probably only written 2-3 reviews in my life but they were for products which I believed in, those that the pictures on the website don't do justice, and those which exceeded any expectations I had. This jacket did everything and more.

If you are looking for a lightweight, thin, waterproof, versatile, breathable jacket this all that and so much more. I'm pretty sure I'm buying another one for next year when I go back but really I just want another one in case they discontinue this model.

I've learned if you are to spend money equipment is the best investment, and this is by far my favorite piece I own to date.