Staying warm when it’s wet and cold is a challenge. As someone who hates being cold, I’ve spent the past 5 years of my life living on Oahu, where it’s warm 365 days a year. But this year, my husband’s job changed, meaning we’ll be splitting our time summering in Oahu and wintering in Northern California. And it’s been an adjustment.
When it rains in Hawaii, it typically lasts just a few minutes, and then it’s back to sunshine. Occasionally, I’ll pull out my rain jacket when it’s a day-long storm, but even then, it’s still pretty warm. But when it rains in winter in Northern California, it’s cold — and when it doesn’t rain, it can still be pretty cold.
I usually layer my go-to fleece or puffy jacket with a rain jacket, and it keeps me warm and dry. But I feel like a giant puffball with limited mobility. And when I go inside somewhere, removing all of my layers is a process. But right around the time we made our move, I caught wind of Patagonia’s Jackson Glacier Jacket.
I have a Patagonia puffer, and I love it. But when the sky splits open and I’m caught in a downpour, it’s not enough to keep me dry. Unlike many down jackets, the Glacier Jacket is fully waterproof. Because it’s regularly wet and cold in Northern California, my husband and I both opted to get a Glacier Jacket, as it seemed like the ultimate multi-purpose piece of outerwear.
In short: The Patagonia Jackson Glacier Jacket has a 100% polyester shell coated with a durable water-repellent finish, and it’s insulated with recycled down. It will keep you both warm and dry, regardless of where your adventures take you. For people who live in or frequent cold and/or wet climates, this jacket is a versatile piece that can accompany you out on the town, on a hike, or to the slopes.
Shopping for down jackets? Check out GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Down Jackets and the Best Winter Jackets.
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Waterproof and down -
All zippers are waterproof -
Hood is insulated and adjustable
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Not as comfortable as a traditional down jacket -
Not very packable -
Split zipper can be annoying
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Jacket Review
First Impressions
Upon first inspection, the Glacier Jacket looks and feels like a snowboarding jacket. It’s got an oversized look and fit and isn’t as soft as a traditional puffer jacket, but it feels well-insulated and warm. Patagonia told me this jacket was not intended for high-output activities or technical performance. It’s part of the brand’s sportswear line and was designed mostly as a lifestyle piece.
My husband and I both tested the hip-length jacket, but the Glacier also comes in a parka style that hits mid-thigh if you’re looking for some added warmth. In our guide to the Best Winter Jackets, the parka version of this jacket was rated as GearJunkie’s Best Full-Length Parka. So, I was eager to put it to the test on some wet winter hikes and walks around town.
Fits True to Size
According to Patagonia’s website, the Glacier Jacket has a “regular fit,” and that seems accurate. The jacket fits true to size with enough room for a layer underneath for extra-cold days.
For reference, I’m 5’7” and 125 pounds, and I opted for a medium, as I like my jackets to be a little oversized for comfort and easy layering. I probably could have fit into a small in the Glacier Jacket. But I’m happy that I chose a medium. My husband is 5’9” and 170 pounds, and ordered a men’s medium. He found that the jacket fits him perfectly.
H2No Waterproofing
The Glacier Jacket is as breathable as most well-insulated, waterproof jackets I’ve worn. The shell is made from a H2No Performance Standard two-layer 100% recycled polyester plain weave. That makes this jacket both wind- and waterproof, but still allows for some airflow. It isn’t going to breathe like an Alpha Fleece garment, but it wasn’t stuffy or clammy like some waterproof shells.
I live a short walk from the beach, so my pup and I walk down for a surf check every morning. Northern California winter mornings are chilly, so I’ve been pulling on my Glacier jacket every day, rain or shine.
A lot of days are windy, and I appreciate how the jacket cuts the windchill. I also don’t get too overheated on our morning walks. Depending on the day, we’ll do anywhere from 1 to 3 miles.
On days when it rains, our morning walks tend to be shorter. But I can attest that the Glacier jacket does its due diligence in keeping me dry when it’s coming down. H2No is the same three-layer waterproof material that Patagonia uses in rain jackets like the Torrentshell.
The Insulation
Traditionally, down is not the insulation of choice for wet conditions. When down gets wet, the feathers lose their loft and can’t retain warm air. Down can also take a while to dry out once it’s wet, so you don’t see a ton of down jackets rated as “fully waterproof.”
However, because the Glacier Jacket uses fully waterproof H2No, Patagonia used 700-fill-power 100% recycled down for the jacket’s insulation. The recycled down is made from duck and goose down and waterfowl feathers reclaimed from other down products.
Most 700-fill power down jackets should be high-quality and warm — but not all of them are also waterproof and wind-resistant. The Glacier jacket is all of those things. It’s well-made, durable, beads water easily, and delivers a solid amount of warmth, rain or shine.
Additional Features
One of my favorite features of the Glacier jacket is its water-resistant zippers. Both the center zipper and the pocket zippers are water resistant and smooth, ensuring you and all your valuables stay dry.
The center zipper is a two-way zipper, which can be used for style but also makes this jacket climbing harness-compatible. So if you wanted to use this for belaying ice climbers (or rock climbers on a cold day), you could. The two-way zip made it slightly more challenging to get the zippers lined up, though, and I didn’t use the bottom zipper much.
The two side pockets are the perfect size for storing essentials like my phone and car keys, and they’re just the right size for warming up frozen fingers. The jacket also includes a zippered interior pocket for items I wanted to keep extra safe.
The insulated hood is plenty spacious and has adjustment cords so I could cinch it tight on extra-chilly or wet days. It’s just big enough to barely fit a ski helmet underneath, although Patagonia doesn’t bill it as a “helmet-compatible hood.”
Finally, the insulated storm cuffs are a nice touch. They sealed in the warmth and kept snow, rain, and cold breezes out.
Testing the Glacier Jacket
To test out the warmth, functionality, and waterproofness of the jacket, I wore it on walks around town and hiking in the redwoods near my home in Northern California. I also wore it on my daily surf check walks down to the beach. My husband did the same and also had the opportunity to take his on a ski trip in Colorado.
Between the down insulation, the insulated hood and the storm cuffs, we both found that the Glacier jacket is generously warm. During rainstorms, the Glacier did, indeed, keep us dry. The water-resistant zippers made a big difference, keeping water out and our body heat in.
Limitations & Room for Improvement
Unfortunately, the Glacier does not pack down small, so it’s not a great option for backpacking.
Also, while the Glacier jacket seems incredibly durable, my husband had a problem with his while traveling. He packed it into his ski bag, and when he got home, it had a couple of slices on the outside of the jacket.
Luckily, Patagonia’s repair policy is incredible. So, we’re sending it in to get fixed. But just be sure you pack your jacket carefully while traveling to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
Final Thoughts: Patagonia Jackson Glacier Jacket
Like all things from Patagonia, the Jackson Glacier Jacket is Fair Trade Certified sewn. It also incorporates recycled and reclaimed materials to be as gentle on the environment as possible.
If you’re a minimalist, the Glacier jacket is a great option, as it features down insulation paired with a waterproof exterior, essentially delivering two jackets in one. We found that it worked well for walks around town, chilly hikes, warming up after a surf, and ski days. If you ice climb, this could also be a great belay jacket.
There’s a reason why GearJunkie voted the parka version of this jacket as its Best Full-Length Parka in the guide to the Best Winter Jackets. It brings everything to the table, keeping you warm, dry, and out of the wind even through the wettest winters.
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