Best for: All-round weather protection and mobility for climbers and fastpackers.

298g (m) 280g (w) 

What we liked

Highly tuned fit, excellent mobility, very breathable, highly packable, good value.

Limitations

Snug fit won’t suit everyone, no rapid venting, limited durability for heavy use.

Overview: The streamlined M10 Storm is made for fast and light alpine activity, with fabric and features selected for a high degree of weather protection and ease of movement. The 30D stretch fabric meets Patagonia’s H2No standard, which demands high ratings for waterproofing, surface repellence, breathability and durability. Taking a ‘less is more’ approach to weight savings, the M10 has no pit zips but does have two large chest pockets (one pack-away), a two-way water-resistant zip and an adjustable helmet-compatible hood.       

Performance: The slim fit minimises fabric that might flap in the wind or catch on terrain. The upper arms are close fitting and it’s snug around the hips (for comfort with a harness), but the cut of the stretch fabric is so well tuned that range of motion in the arms and neck is very good. There’s not a lot of room for extra layers though. 

The fine-knit backing feels comfortable against the skin and helps with wicking, but with no pit zips, venting isn’t rapid. However, despite my efforts to overload this jacket with body heat, breathability was excellent. 

The two chest pockets are positioned well away from a waist belt or harness and are perfectly sized for gloves and a large phone.

Why buy the Patagonia M10?

This jacket provides excellent weather protection and mobility for its packability. While it’s ideally suited to climbers or bikepackers who need a large hood, its weight and dependability make it an excellent choice for fastpackers and through-hikers too.