The Dynafit Patrol Jacket is a lightweight, minimalist shell designed for all-weather touring using GORE-TEX Active 3-layer fabric. As a longtime softshell jacket convert, it’s the rare day that I seek the protection of a waterproof, breathable jacket, but the Dynafit Patrol Jacket is noticeably light. In fact, it weighs a mere 340 grams. It’s also relatively soft and comfortable for a full GORE-TEX membrane shell. Waterproof, breathable technology has made big strides across the stretch, comfort and breathability spectrums in recent years. The Patrol Jacket is clean and simple and exceeded my expectations.
I have run it through two weeks of daily touring in conditions ranging from wet and windy storm cycles to classic clear and cold high alpine touring days. I’ll say right off the start that it does not breathe as well as a softshell, but I am impressed with how well it does breathe. Gone are the days when wearing a waterproof, breathable shell needs to feel like putting on your armor and marinating due to limited breathability. The 3-layer GORE-TEX Active fabric is impressive. It’s light, dynamic and unrestrictive in its feel. It breathes reasonably well and promotes natural movement. Combined with a practical design on Dynafit’s side, the Patrol Jacket is well suited to ski touring.
Two simple chest pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, a trim cut and thumb holes at the cuffs set the minimalist design. I can’t emphasize enough how awesome the thumbhole cuffs are. There are no unnecessary zippers, pockets, velcro straps or draw cords, just a functional shell designed with modern ski touring in mind. The thumbhole loops help keep the cuffs tucked into gloves without fanfare.
The Dynafit Patrol Jacket is light, feels and moves great, packs super small and adds negligible weight to your pack. Dynafit’s choice of materials and craftsmanship is top-notch, and the minimalist design is right in line with what you’d expect from Dynafit. The Patrol Jacket is an excellent choice for all-weather mountain pursuits.
