Patagonia Stormshadow Review

Likes

We loved this jacket's quality construction. Immediately after unboxing, we could see that the Patagonia Stormshadow was crafted from top-tier fabrics and components, giving it great functionality and durability.

In addition to superb construction features, we also loved that both the shell and the 700-down fill are composed of 100-percent recycled materials. The fact that the down is repurposed from other down products made us super happy.

The Stormshadow is warm, there's no doubt about it. We wore ours for several weeks in December, and it even kept us warm in areas of Eastern Europe where the humid cold tends to bite through clothing.

Its down fill is generous and dense, and it extends from the hood to the hem, leaving no gaps in insulation and providing a noticeable increase in warmth. Interior baffles keep the insulation evenly distributed, and a near-seamless exterior prevents wind and moisture from entering through the shell. We also loved its gathered elastic wrist openings and easy-to-use drawstring waist that can be accessed through the front pockets, a game-changer when it's so cold you don't want to unzip your jacket just to pull the cinch cord tight. All of these extra features go a long way toward trapping body heat.

When it comes to weather-resistance, the Stormshadow excels in every way. In wind, rain, or snow, this jacket can battle the elements as well as any jacket in our lineup.

Waterproof zippers, an extended chin guard, an insulated neck baffle, a massive storm flap that snaps shut over the two-way zipper, and sealed seams give this jacket an edge when exposed to more extreme weather. We also loved its large insulated hood, which we could either cinch down around the face, or leave loose so we could fit a beanie underneath.

Tightly stitched seams help keep wind and moisture out.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The storm flap is extra wide and effectively seals the 2-way front zipper. It can also serve as a venting option if you want to leave the jacket unzipped and just close a few snaps.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The thick, insulated neck baffle keeps the breeze from running down your back.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The hood is insulated so you don't have to wear a beanie underneath, but deep and roomy enough that you could if you wanted to.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

The brim of the hood comes out a decent amount. It doesn't extend past the nose like some of our other tested jackets, but it provided plenty of coverage for daily use.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Elastic cuffs keep the jacket close to your wrists.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Previous Next

The thing we loved the most is this jacket's GORE-TEX ePE lined shell. When combined with the DWR finish, it takes weather resistance to a whole different level. It breathes well, blocks wind and rain, and keeps the down insulation dry.

The Stormshadow's GORE-TEX membrane and PFAS-free DWR finish in action.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Water slid right off the exterior of the jacket.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Previous Next

Dislikes

After weeks of use, we found the Stormshadow to be comfortable and versatile, but we didn't absolutely love its overall fit. Its generous layer of down, although warm, is expansive and puffy. The jacket feels slightly oversized and bulky compared to others like the Patagonia Tres. It lacks the refinement we would want for a nice restaurant or a date night in the city. That said, it doesn't have bulky cargo style pockets, and will fly under the radar in most situation.

We also didn't love its cropped cut. Some of our testers would have preferred the hem to be a little longer for additional warmth.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

The Marmot Oslo is very similar to the Stormshadow, for a much lower cost. It's GORE-TEX lined and has 700-fill down insulation, but it isn't quite as warm. The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka also offers a similar design at a reasonable price. We also loved the Patagonia Jackson Glacier, which is equally weatherproof and has a sleeker fitting style. It has a slightly more cropped cut that fits in well for casual wear around town but doesn't provide as much coverage.