Kirsty Pallas rates the Patagonia M10 Storm jacket but wonders if Scottish winter weather might prove too much for this lightweight garment.

Patagonia’s new M10 range really is incredibly light – I didn’t believe there was anything in the box when the Patagonia M10 Storm jacket arrived! The range has been designed for use in Alpine climates, and you can feel that in the jacket as soon as you put it on.

Kirsty Pallas recommends

The barely there feel, with a bit of stretch, makes this a great option for mountaineering as the jacket moves with you.
Pros
  • weight
  • neat fit
Cons
  • price
  • durability
Quick specs
Price: £360
Weight: 279g (size small)
Materials: 100% recycled nylon H2No shell with DWR finish made without added PFAS
Hood: Stiffened peak with Recco strip, volume adjusters at back and sides
Front Closure: 2 way waterproof zip with internal storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: No
Pockets: 2 napoleon pockets of different sizes
Hem: Drawcord adjustment
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: XS – XL
Men’s version: Yes
eu.patagonia.com

It has a barely there feel, with a bit of stretch in the fabric, making it a great option for climbing and mountaineering as it just moves with you. The waterproof membrane is Patagonia’s own H2NO and the jacket is a three-layer design. The hood is helmet compatible without being overly big, and has easy volume adjustment.

There’s also a Recco strip in the peak, again a classic Alpine feature and worth thinking about if you intend to be in avalanche terrain.

The cuffs are wide enough to get winter gloves in easily but can also be cinched right down. They have a rubber like inner which keeps them in place even when you’re climbing with your arms above your head.

I like the Napolean style pockets. They’re placed out of the way of a rucksack or harness waist belt, and you can pack the jacket away into one of the pockets (not sure you would in the UK!).

My main concern with this jacket is the durability in the waterproofing in UK winter conditions, as generally a lighter weight garment will let water through quicker than a thicker one. Given that on around half my winter days out my jacket will wet out, I’ll be reaching for this one when there’s more Alpine like conditions with drier weather or lower freezing levels.

I love all of the features that make this a great climbing jacket. It’s just that a lot of Scottish winter weather might be a little bit too much for it.

Testing Conditions

These jackets were all tested through Autumn and early winter in Scotland while hillwalking, biking and mountaineering in a mix of rain, snow and even some sunshine. Kirsty is a short size 8-10 and was aiming to get several layers under each jacket. All weights are taken from Kirsty’s own scales.

This review was published in the April 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.