Softshell jackets are coming of age as fabric designers create ever more versatile polyester-based materials. This lightweight jacket has a stretch woven polyester build, which features a breathable fleece grid back.
To beat the winter wind, there are windproof front panels and underside to the sleeves. A Deluge DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish covers the entire garment to give it some protection from the odd shower.
Patagonia knows what winter riders are after, so it has made the arms long and used a close-fitting expandable zip cuff. This incorporates a clever wrist gaiter which allows you to make a completely windproof seal between gloves and jacket.
Pre-shaped darted sleeves make the Cold Track comfortable to wear, and it features a slight drop tail with a one-handed draw cord. We used it over a base layer and thin jersey on cold, dry days and under a Gore shell with full-sleeve base layer in the wet, and it worked well both times.