On the Cleanest Line: Product Test of the New Patagonia R1 & R2

 Photo from rei.com

Patagonia's blog, The Cleanest Line has an entry posted about the new R1 and R2 jackets.  It's a review from a product test and it gives some good insight into the improvements in the newest versions.

Patagonia Rain Jackets: What's the best?

Photo of the Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket from patagonia.com

With all of the rain we've been getting in California lately, I've been thinking about picking up a new rain jacket.  Currently I'm using the Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket that I purchased at REI for half-off a couple of winters ago.  It does the job (Gore-Tex PacLite) but has a lot of flaps and velcro.

I used to own a Patagonia Dimension Jacket and though it was a softshell and I ultimately eBay-ed it because it wasn't waterproof, its simplicity was nice.  That's why I've been considering the Rain Shadow (at the top of the post).  I like its water-resistant zipper in front and the fact that there are no flaps over the center zip or any of the pockets.  Basic, clean rain protection.

Another jacket I've considered is the Patagonia Stretch Ascent.  It's $300 price tag has put the brakes on the idea of actually getting one, but its stretchiness and streamlined design are reminiscent of my old Dimension Jacket.

 Photo from patagonia.com

Then there's the Patagonia Torrentshell which is a nice, basic option (and well-priced too).  I may have to try one of those on when I'm in San Diego this weekend for Christmas.  

 Photo from store.apolisglobal.com

By the way, Apolis (a company I've previously mentioned) is offering the jacket on their website and also has some great "fit shots" if you want to see what it looks like on a real human being.

Christmas Packages Meet Patagonia

By the door and ready to be shipped.  Props to Patagonia Palo Alto!