Live to Explore Live to Explore
Outdoor

2009 Patagonia Primo Jacket and Primo Pants - First Impressions

Details

2009 Patagonia Primo Jacket About the Patagonia Primo Jacket and Primo Pants

I received my Patagonia Primo Jacket and pants the other day and although I am getting a late start with my ski gear, I plan to give the Primos a run for their money in the coming weeks.  With trips planned to Vermont, Utah, and Colorado I'll be sure to test to the Primo Jacket in some challenging situations.  The Primo jacket also comes in a down insulated version (not reviewed here as I am not a big fan or insulation and shells combined).  Let's have a quick look at some of the features of the Primo Jacket from the Patagonia website:

  • Lightweight, yet durable 3-layer 4.2-oz stretch-woven nylon with H2No® waterproof breathable barrier and Deluge DWR finish
  • Fixed helmet-compatible hood with single-hand drawcord pull
  • Drop collar with high neck to provide protection from winds and snow
  • Coated, water-repellent zippers for center front, hand pockets, and pit zips
  • Pockets: left chest with electronic pocket inside, two handwarmer, two interior drop in
  • Pit zips
  • Fully featured, zip-off, stretch powder skirt with webbing loops to attach to pants, and pass window
  • Shell: 4.2-oz 50-denier 100% stretch-woven nylon with a waterproof/breathable H2No® barrier and Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Powder skirt: 2.3-oz 100% all-recycled polyester plain weave
  • 652 g (23 oz)
  • Made in Vietnam.2009 Patagonia Primo Pants
  • And the features for the Primo pants from the Patagonia website:
  • Lightweight, yet durable 3-layer 4.2-oz stretch-woven nylon with H2No® waterproof/breathable barrier and Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • Snap-closure waistband
  • Interior waistband and adjustments lined with soft, brushed tricot
  • Pockets: two handwarmer, one right thigh with coated water resistant zippers
  • Scuff guards to protect pant cuffs
  • Fully-featured gaiters with gripper elastic, adjustable cam buckles and integrated drawcord
  • 3-layer, 4.2-oz 50-denier 100% stretch-woven nylon with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • 485 g (17.1 oz)
  • Made in Vietnam.

First Impressions of the Primo Jacket and Primo Pants

The quality of the Primos are nothing less than what we have come to expect out of Patagonia.  All seams are perfectly taped, the stitching is top notch, the zippers work perfectly, in fact there doesn't seem to be a single blemish on the jacket or pants.  The Primos are certainly on par with the best ski/snowboard clothing currently on the market.  As a plus, when we put the Primo jacket (small) on the scales it came in at just 21 3/4oz and the Primo pants (medium) came in at 16 3/4oz. both on par with advertised weights.

What We're Looking for from the Patagonia Primo Jacket and Primo Pants

For the premium that is charged for the Primo jacket and Primo pants we expect them to perform superbly in very tough conditions. We'll be on the slopes in Vermont and Utah, late season AT skiing in Colorado, climbing in New Mexico, and torturing ourselves with downpours in between. We're expecting the Primo to keep us protected from the elements as well as allowing water vapor from our sweat to escape so as to not create a sauna inside the shell. All of this is expected of the Primo in widely varying conditions.  It's a tall order, yes, but that is the reason the Primos were designed. Make sure you subscribe to out RSS Feed so you don't miss the final review.