Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! There is so much to love about this classic-styled, streamlined, simple-in-all-the-best-ways Patagonia jacket! The Woolyster comes in options for both men and women and is ideal for those shoulder season trips in spring and fall when you’re not quite sure what the weather will do.
The heritage design will make you nostalgic for your very first Patagonia fleece zip-up, and if this Patagonia is your first, you’ll be sporting a very classic look that’s just updated enough to not be classified as ‘retro’. You get a recycled fabric blend that’s oh-so soft on both the inside and outside, and a full zipper that’s hefty enough to be easy to manage with lightweight gloves on. The curved collar can fold down or up for more coverage, and you get two roomy half-moon pockets for your hands. The pockets are trimmed (but don’t zip closed) and you get a nice rib-knit trim along the cuffs and hem as well.
The jacket is hip-length and roomy without feely bulky. It fits really nicely over a long-sleeved tee or even a flannel, so you can toss it in your backpack and have it at the ready anytime you need just one extra layer. I tested it out on a rainy, foggy day in the Northwest last week, and I was able to zip my rain shell over the top of it without a problem.
If you need something thicker, Patagonia also has a pile hoodie that’s has more bulk, but the recycled wool/poly blend of the Woolyster proved warm and cozy for me as a layering piece. Keep in mind: there’s no hood on this piece, which suits me fine, because then I know I can more easily fit my shell over the top of it without having to deal with two hoods crowding the back of my neck.
The Woolyester sells for $159 on Patagonia’s website, and comes in oxide red (which seems more like a deep plum to me), oatmeal heather, or forge gray. All three colors are in the jewel-tone/earth-tone category. Find the Woolyester in men’sstyles as well, and on Amazon.