Waterproof Jackets

Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket | Review

The Patagonia Storm Racer is a quirkily-designed lightweight waterproof jacket for trail runners

Why We Chose The Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket: durable, useful features, waterproof

One gripe we here at Outdoors Magic have with trail running waterproof jackets is in the materials used; in an effort to strip weight from a jacket, brands frequently use flimsy materials, with sub-par waterproof qualities. However, this isn’t the case with the new and updated Storm Racer jacket from Patagonia, a trail running thoroughbred which upholds impressive durability and waterproofing.

Who Is The Storm Racer For?

Although this jacket has been designed with trail runners in mind, it would also be a sensible choice for a fast and light hiking trip; the reasonably tough face fabric and impressive waterproof qualities mean that the Storm Racer can deliver the goods even with a heavy pack on (unlike other running-specific jackets). The Outdoors Magic crew took this jacket on a range of trips, both hiking and trail running, and it performed impressively – more on that further down in the review.

As ever, you can expect high levels of durability from Patagonia. Photo: Mike Brindley

Build

Take one look at this jacket and this first thing you’ll notice is the pretty unique, two zipped design. By throwing this jacket on when wearing a trail vest, the two zips allow you to fold down the font collar of the jacket, improving ventilation and providing access to your hydration flasks. The jacket has also been built with a loose fit to accommodate this, so there’s no need to size up.

“I wasn’t fully ready for how much I would come to love this jacket!”

The left hand zip runs to just below the left armpit, while the right hand zip essentially runs the full length of the jacket, giving you the option to unzip the jacket fully. An overlap of fabric and a popper securing this fabric give you the choice to open up the jacket to increase breathability, while upholding some level of weather protection.

The combination of this three-layer fabric, and the double zippers adds a little extra weight to the Storm Racer, coming in at a weight of 173g. Now, this is still an extremely lightweight waterproof jacket, it’s just not of the lightweight calibre of, say, the 100g Montane Podium or Rab Phantom.

The Storm Racer has been cut to fit over a trail vest. Photo: Mike Brindley

Hydration flasks can be easily reached. Photo: Mike Brindley

The Storm Racer features Patagonia's in-house H2No fabric, with a durable face fabric. Photo: Mike Brindley

As we mentioned previously, the Storm Racer ain’t no slouch in the waterproofing department. This is thanks to a three-layer H2No fabric being used. H2No is, of course, Patagonia’s own in-house waterproof material, which boasts a 100% recycled 30D nylon ripstop face fabric. However, we’re still a little miffed that Patagonia have stuck to using PFCs in their fabrics (NB. they’ve pledged to rule them out by the end of 2020).

The Patagonia Storm Racer is built for real mountain use. Photo: Jordan Tiernan

This use of PFC’s is slightly frustrating, particularly in a time where many brands are already adopting their own alternatives. After contacting Patagonia to ask why these are still being used, they informed us that it’s for durability/longevity reasons. Without the DWR they use, Patagonia simply wouldn’t be able to create a durable waterproof membrane right now that would be able to stand the test of time.

And this makes sense to us, as the Storm Race is quite possibly one of the most durable lightweight trail running jackets we’ve got our hands on – there certainly won’t be a need to replace it, even after a good few years of hard trail use.

Tester’s Verdict

Holly Burns, Outdoors Magic gear tester

“Now I must admit I wasn’t fully ready for how much I would come to love this jacket! I love Patagonia and I know how great their kit is. It lasts a lifetime and these are not just empty words, I own a Nano-Puff which I have had for nearly a decade and it’s still going strong. So, if you are feeling put off by the price tag, know that you will get your money’s-worth with this jacket, ‘buy cheap, buy twice, and all that’.

Testing the Storm Racer in the South Downs. Photo: Jordan Tiernan

“I headed off to the Lake District for a week of trail running and took this jacket for a spin up three of England’s classic scrambles. Arriving on Blencathra the clouds rolled in, the rain started and on the Storm Racer went. One of the things that really sets this jacket apart from other running jackets I’ve worn is just how bombproof it feels whilst still being so lightweight.

“I was impressed with the texture of the fabric as it feels thicker than most running jackets, so I wasn’t so worried about how it might fair in close contact with some rocky ridges. Something else that also stood out was just how breathable it is – while still making me feel confident that it would keep the elements out.

Trail vests can easily fit underneath the Storm Racer. Photo: Jordan Tiernan

“Designed to fit your running vest underneath, it’s amazing how I can pack two water bottles, a GoPro, snacks (everyone loves a snack!) AND my Nano-Puff into my trail vest underneath the Storm Racer without looking like the Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Two zips at the front give access to anything that I need from my trail vest on the go – this is so imperative in the mountains, especially if the weather is bad and you don’t want to stop. You can even undo both zips and fold away the front section of the jacket allowing easy access to your hydration system and also increasing airflow. One zipper is the full length of the jacket meaning it’s not just a smock, but you can unzip like a regular jacket if needs be.

“After a very wild, wet and windy blast along the summit plateau from Sharp Edge it was very apparent on the descent that I was still bone-dry underneath. I remember commenting on how the inside of the fabric wasn’t cold against my skin even though it was cold and wet outside.

Drizzly conditions on Sharp Edge – ideal for the Storm Racer. Photo: Jordan Tiernan

“The Storm Racer comes with a small stuff sack, located at the back of the neck. When packed away it ends up being about the size of the palm of my hand and super light which means it can easily be fitted into a pocket on your trail vest and you won’t even know it’s there.

“To all you female trail runners (men’s version also available) who enjoy getting up high in the mountains, you will not be disappointed with this jacket. That being said, although it’s not it’s original intention, this jacket has great capabilities to also be a great lightweight summer hiking jacket. In my opinion, it’s a must have for any summer mountain adventures.”