Gear Review: Patagonia Airshed Pullover

Patagonia Airshed Pullover

MSRP: $119
Weight: 3.3 ounces
Materials: DWR-treated 20-denier nylon stretch ripstop. Cuffs are a nylon/spandex jersey
What is a “wind shirt?” This is your take-everywhere-all-activities layer. Throw it in your pack (or pocket) and forget about it until you need wind protection, light rain coverage, or added warmth. Think of it as a four-way-stretch version of Patagonia’s hooded, full-zip Houdini Jacket.

Overview

The Airshed has quickly become the layer I never leave my house without. This wind-and-water resistant workhorse is made of a durable, lightweight, stretchy, DWR-treated nylon. It’s my go-to piece for warmth, wind protection, and can stand in for light rain gear. The middle-of-the-road fit sits well over and under layers without feeling too tight or bunching. In chillier temps or for lower energy output, I wear it over a base layer and under a down vest. For higher-energy output (or when wind is the only factor contributing to chill), I wear it over a tank top. The breathable material blocks wind without turning into a sweatbox, so you can leave it on during periods of higher exertion.

The Airshed is built with the same material as Patagonia’s popular Nano-Air Jacket, and stuffs into its own zippered chest pocket. It sheds light rain without a problem, and I feel confident taking it as a protective layer where a rain jacket would be overkill. The zipper is listed as quarter-zip, but it’s a generous length—halfway down the jacket—making the pullover easy to take on and off.

The full-coverage neck can be zipped up for added warmth, and soft jersey fabric of the cuffs is comfortable under tight gloves. The Airshed is long enough to sit securely under a hipbelt, and thin enough you won’t notice any bunching. Important bonus: I’ve had this piece for several months and haven’t washed it yet, and it’s still fine to be worn around polite company.

Circumstances of Use

I’ve worn this backpacking, hiking, running, mountain biking, climbing, and everything in between. It’s the ideal shoulder-season layer, as it can be tossed in a pack (or tucked into a pocket) and thrown on when the sun takes a dive behind the clouds, the wind picks up, or you reach tree line and need some added warmth.

Pros

The protection-to-weight ratio is incredible. I used to pack a synthetic shirt or light rain coat, but the Airshed takes their place in most comparable conditions. There really is no excuse to take it everywhere you go. It doesn’t feel constricting or too loose, and it’s breathable when you start to work up a sweat.

Cons

Some people might want the convenience of a full-length zipper, or the added protection of a hood. If you’re looking for those features, go for the Houdini. If you’re looking for extra breathability, softness, and stretch, the Airshed is the way to go.

Overall

I would recommend this layer to anyone who goes outdoors…  ever. A windshirt is a durable, lightweight layer you’ll never regret throwing in your pack. The versatility, comfort, breathability, and weight-to-protection ratio of the Airshed is exactly what I was looking for in this type of layer. For anyone looking for a hood and a full zip, the Houdini is your best bet.

Looking for options? Check out the Men’s Airshed, the Women’s Houdini, and the Men’s Houdini.

Shop the Airshed Here

This product was donated for purpose of review