Why We Chose The Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket: Eco-friendly, good features, protective

A new offering for 2022, the Granite Crest comes with all the eco credentials we’ve come to expect from Patagonia. With a three-layer construction using the brand’s own H2No waterproof-breathable tech, it’s designed to be both high performance and responsibly made, using recycled fabrics with no nasty PFC-based water repellent treatments.

Who is the Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket for?

Patagonia describes the Granite Crest Jacket as “ideal for all-day movement on the trail in wet conditions”. That might describe a typical hillwalking day here in the UK, so this is a good jacket for day hikers heading out to bag a few summits in, say, Snowdonia or the Lake District.

At a fraction over 400g in a men’s medium, it’s also reasonably light, especially for a three-layer jacket. That also makes it a good choice for backpacking trips and other extended outdoor adventures where weight is a key consideration.

The three-layer construction also ensures it’s more protective and comfortable than 2- or 2.5-layer alternatives, while also promising increased durability. It has good hydrostatic head and MVTR ratings too, so it’s much more than a ‘just in case’ waterproof. This is a jacket you can rely on even in sustained downpours.

Since we’re talking about Patagonia, you also get a few extra style points on top – which will, of course, tempt many to wear this both on and off the hills.

Materials

As mentioned, the Granite Crest uses Patagonia’s own H2No three-layer waterproof fabric, which bonds a 30-denier nylon face fabric to a PU-based membrane, with a soft jersey backer.

Importantly, the fabric is 100% recycled (made from discarded fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution), as well as being fair trade certified sewn and finished with an eco-friendly DWR treatment that is completely free from harmful PFCs.

“It’s light and packable, stuffing into its own chest pocket.”

That ripstop nylon face is reasonably robust too, promising decent durability – a further plus on the sustainability front.

Features

This is a well-equipped jacket, ticking all the boxes for a reliable hillwalking shell. The main zip and external chest pocket feature laminated, water-resistant zips, while those on the two hand pockets and pit zips are both reverse-coil designs, protected by storm flaps. The hood has a laminated brim and three-point adjustment. It cinches in well, offering good face protection.

The overall fit is relatively roomy. It might be worth sizing down if you prefer a trimmer-fitting shell, as our tester did. But Velcro cuff tabs and a single hem drawcord offer a good weatherproof seal.

It’s light and packable, stuffing into its own chest pocket for maximum compressibility. All in all, it’s an impressive package, though we do wish the hood had a slightly stiffer peak to stop it deforming in the wind. And a scooped tail would also provide better rear coverage. Still, these are minor gripes really.  

Conclusion

This is a jacket that does all the basics well, and more. You get reliable wet weather protection, solid durability and a good range of features (including pit zips, lots of pockets and a decent hood) in a lightweight and comfortable package. It also stuffs away into its own pocket, so it’s a good choice for hillwalkers and backpackers alike.

Most importantly though, the Granite Crest also brings with it some impressive sustainability credentials, including a fully recycled fabric and a PFC-free finish. All in all, it’s a very versatile three-season shell from one of the most outspoken and stridently eco-conscious outdoor brands around.