Patagonia makes very fine gear, well designed and durable, based on my personal experience. I was impressed with Partial Eclipse out of the box. The snug fit & stretch panels made for a very comfortable jacket-- until I was out in the wind. The stretch panels are not very windproof and are located right over the kidneys-- the single fault a beautiful the design. Other materials could be used for the stretch panels to ensure comfort when the wind get strong. You would be hard pressed to find a better jacket---if you plan to always wear it under a shell or don't experience the wind.

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I bought this jacket about a year ago while in Jackson Hole & was reluctent to pay the $165 sale price. I'm so glad I did! It actually is significantly wind resistant! I got the lighter (19.5OZ.-size med.) of the two models availible for a more packable solution. The extra large pockets come in very handy for me also. It's been on several multi-day trips and each time I'm more impressed. I've also lent it to nonbelievers (some unaware of it's capabilities),& everyone had positive comments, & most were downright amazed. I also like the longer sleeves commonly found on Patagonia jackets & shirts. I usually have to buy a size larger from most other manufacturers just to get them to fit properly. Another plus is that Patagonia makes this jacket from recycled plastic bottles. But I sure would like an explanation for the high cost of fleece thats made from such an inexpensive material.