Patagonia Jackson Glacier Review

The Patagonia Jackson Glacier Jacket is warm, cozy, and straightforward. Our testers dug its style and comfort, and the insulation is just warm enough for most people's use.

Performance Comparison

We score products in weighted categories and then sum these scores to generate an overall numerical ranking. We know that we've done a good job with our scoring metrics when the hierarchy of products as scored "objectively" matches the general impression we generate as a team. This jacket scoring near the middle of the pack is not surprising in the least.

Warmth

The Jackson Glacier is the lightest sort that we still consider a full-function winter parka. The less insulated pieces in our review all receive "caveats" in their respective reviews. Insulation is relative and somewhat subjective, but we have the opportunity to make direct comparisons between these products. We employ a team of testers in various conditions, making immediate comparisons between products. In this way, we generate the relative warmth scores in our table reports.

The Jackson Glacier is all anyone should need in all but the coldest weeks in the United States "Lower 48", especially if you layer up. For an extended time in the coldest conditions, something like the The North Face McMurdo III or the Canada Goose Expedition Parka will be warmer.

Weather Resistance

Patagonia employs the best water repellent coating in the business without actually being waterproof. Somehow, for years now and through multiple review categories, our testers have always found the outer fabric and the coatings of Patagonia clothing to be remarkably water-resistant. The water-resistant coating of the outer material makes water "bead up." Rub it in, let it sit, or spend enough time out and about, and water will still soak through. However, Patagonia products better resist this soaking-in than any others we use. This feature is essential with the Glacier because, beyond the water-repellent coating, it has little to protect against wet weather. It protects enough, but the full Gore-Tex construction of the Arc'teryx Camosun is more protective than the Jackson Glacier.

Comfort

The entire construction of the Jackson Glacier is soft. The outer, the inner, and the insulation are cozy and tender. Our testers loved these textures. The fit is unconfining and close, but the Jackson Glacier runs small. Our 5'10", 165-pound lead test editor is almost precisely "medium" in virtually every clothing category. In this jacket, he preferred a size large.

Only the Best Buy Marmot Fordham ties the Jackson Glacier for comfort. Both are made of light and soft fabrics and insulated with down insulation - surely a recipe for comfort.

Features

The Glacier is a simple jacket. It has a basic pocket set and a brilliant hood. The double-digit pocket count in the Top Pick Canada Goose Expedition Parka is dizzying compared to the Jackson Glacier.

Style

Our lead test editor tells an anecdote that summarizes the muted style of the Jackson Glacier jacket. He wore it for a few social engagements in November, but no one commented. He then switched to a bolder-styled jacket. A keen observer noted the change and said, "that's nice, but what about that green one you always wear?" The Jackson is sharp enough to be memorable but not so bold as to elicit immediate comment. At least on our main tester, the Patagonia Jackson Glacier has a familiar, effortless style.

Durability

Down insulation and seemingly stain-resistant fabric means that the Jackson Glacier should be plenty durable for regular wear. Still, a casual model like this is likely not as well suited for more rugged use. If you plan to work in your winter jacket, something with a more robust outer layer will probably be better.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Jackson Glacier?

Warmbloods in cold climates or cold bloods in southern latitudes will appreciate the style and function of this parka, and we find it a good all-around staple jacket that always seems to come in handy. It is not quite insulated enough to receive any of our awards, but for the price (which falls in between both of our Best Buy winners), it is worth considering.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

The construction quality found on the Jackson Glacier is excellent. The warmth, casual style, and versatility should help provide a great bang for the buck. However, this is not the warmest of winter jackets, and if you want something that will keep you cozy while standing outside watching a tree lighting or sitting on cold metal bleachers at a hockey game, you may want something a bit more burley. The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is a good option that falls within a similar price range as the Jackson, and the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka is considerably warmer, earning one of the top scores in our testing.