Patagonia Guide Hoody Review

Likes
The Patagonia Guide Hoody is a mediocre, casual-use softshell. The best part of the jacket is its recycled material content (47 percent) and Patagonia’s strong environmental programs, which receive your support through the purchase of this jacket. While the Guide Hoody can be used for everything from ice climbing to Nordic skiing and multi-pitch rock climbing, other softshells perform at a higher level and look better.

Dislikes
Out of the 16 softshells tested here the Patagonia Guide Hoody was most disappointing. It excels at nothing, has neither unique nor performance-oriented features, and worst of all, it doesn’t look good. Other complaints include a hood that’s restricting when worn over a helmet, baggy non-adjustable cuffs (larger gloves will need to go over the sleeves and thin gloves will let cold air in), waist height pockets (a backpack’s hip belt will cover them), and a bad hood cincher (most jacket have a three-point tension system, but the Guide has one cincher that doesn’t tighten the area around your neck). To top it off, this jacket looks average if not odd. The seams are bulky and blocky, giving the jacket a robotic look. It’s a mediocre quality jacket with below average looks and features. You should only buy this if you want to support Patagonia and their good environmental programs. Even then, you’re better off getting another jacket and making a donation directly to the cause of your choice. We think Patagonia’s now discontinued Ascencionist jacket was better.

The Guide Hoody is currently available in either grey or black. More color options would be nice.

Best Application
We don’t recommend this jacket.

Value
Poor value

Other versions
The Guide jacket is also available with a hood. See our Guide Hoody review.