Patagonia Figure 4 Softshell

**SkiEvil** · 11-06-2006, 09:05 PM

Anyone ever use this soft shell? I can get one for cheap, but I know nothing about it. Thanks!

http://us-parks.altrec.com/shop/deta...tB5pwfzbkv999v

**easyrdr** · 11-06-2006, 09:19 PM

Have you been able to try the jacket on? This is one of those jackets that either fits you like a glove or gives your armpits a wedgie. Very form fitting. Technology wise not sure if you've worn a soft shell before or not but they are superior to hard shells in everything but the most extreme conditions. I switched to a softshell 3 years ago and haven't looked back, they are better all around.

**SkiEvil** · 11-07-2006, 05:52 AM

I will not have a chance to try it on. This will be my first soft shell, I will primarily wearing it under a vest for patrolling. At least Patagonia has a great return policy.

**sfotex** · 11-07-2006, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by SkiEvil

I will not have a chance to try it on. This will be my first soft shell, I will primarily wearing it under a vest for patrolling. At least Patagonia has a great return policy.

I had a Patagucci mixmaster jacket with the 'trimming' cut, and the fit didn't work for me - if you're skinny with broad shoulders for your body size it seems like the fit doesn't work. The medium didn't fit in the shoulders but the large did, but then the large was too long and baggy in the gut area... wish it fit well because it was a rad jacket.

Do you need a certain color for patrolling?, cause Sierratrading post has some nice cloudveil softshells fairly cheap with a coupon..

**f2f** · 11-07-2006, 09:01 AM

i bought this shell (in black) last year and have been wearing it almost daily. it is not really a soft shell (the material is a bit harder than, say, shoeller) but is extremely light. the fit isn't as tight as arc'teryx around the waist. the sleeves fit me like a glove and the jacket is overall very comfortable. it's wider around the neck than arc'teryx.

it's DWR which means after wearing it for a while it gets wet in a downpour (has happened to me) but does keep you dry in lesser rain. windproofness is very good. breathability is medium/good but i am the sweaty kind of person. when biking i need to open it to let steam out quite often. still breathing slightly better than pac-lite. it's not particularly warm. i got mine in black however: that accumulates heat at a great rate when the sun is out.

haven't had any "delamination", but noticed that the tightening tapes around the sleeve have separated about a millimeter. i'm not worried about this.

if you can get it cheap, do so, and just use it to thrash about in it. it takes the abuse.

couloir chose it as one of their recommended clothings in their gear guide this year.

edit: note: i'm not using it for layering but for primary jacket in temperatures down to 0C when i'm active (biking to work in a couple of minutes for example). its material is very thin, i doubt it'll be a good mid-layer (i prefer something more lofty, say the gamma ar/epsilon ar)

**easyrdr** · 11-07-2006, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by SkiEvil

I will not have a chance to try it on. This will be my first soft shell, I will primarily wearing it under a vest for patrolling. At least Patagonia has a great return policy.

It's not really intended as a mid layer. If you put something over it your're going to compromise the breathablility/performance of the jacket. With that said it would definitely be better to do it with a softshell versus a hard shell. Personally I would look at a windproof fleece for a mid layer, like the Lightweight R4 or regular R4 for cooler temps.

**hhski** · 11-08-2006, 01:40 AM

I have it in a med. I like it as it is almost as light as a goretex shell but doesnt flap around. I also agree like all patagonia stuff its cut for tall skinny guys. I went larger for flexability for layering.

**roorfan** · 11-08-2006, 03:01 AM

i just switched from softshell to hardshell. i would buy a hardshell that can double as a raincoat if yer on the boat... 2 jackets for one.

**SkiEvil** · 11-08-2006, 05:32 AM

Pulled the trigger yesterday. I got it as a hookup for $95. Went with the x-large (5'11" 205) for layering purposes. I was not able to try this particular jacket on, but all the other shells (Mtn Hardware, REI, N. Face, Marmot) that I could try on fit me in X-large. If I do not like it I will post it here for sale or simply return it. Thanks for all the feedback.