Patagonia M10 Review

The newly revised 2013 Patagonia M10 jacket could be the best ultralight hardshell on the planet. We're in the process of adding several new ultralight three-layer jackets (from the US and European markets) to our Hardshell Jacket Review and we're excited about the prospects of the M10, primarily because of its features. This is the only ultralight hardshell that stuffs into its own clippable stuff sack pocket. Of the ultralight models we're testing, and have tested, it also appears to have the largest and potentially the most durable zipper, and the zipper is full length, unlike the Mountain Hardwear Blazar and Haglofs Gram Comp Pull.

The M10 weighs 8 ounces. We've found that when weight drops this low the primary factors that influences performance are features (having the best features or the most features for the lowest weight) and durability (no ultralight hardshell is particularly durable; we tend to favor those that last the longest).

The M10 competes fiercely with the Arcteryx Alpha FL, which weighs 2 oz. more, has reinforced shoulders and arms, and a larger chest pocket. Which jacket is better for climbing? Which is better for hiking? Stay tuned for a full update to our Hardshell Review this summer.