Sizing on Patagonia Northwall

Hey all,

I am interested in picking up the Patagonia Northwall softshell, but as I can't try one on in store and don't want to spend tons of money returning one or two, I was hoping to ask whether anyone who currently has one would be willing to help me figure out the sizing. I am a chest size 36 and have a pretty athletic build. If anything, I am a bit thin. That being said, I have tried a number of other brands (Marmot, Columbia, Sierra Designs, OR) and their smalls have been too small if I wear a fleece midlayer beneath the jacket. The mediums usually have arms that are too long. Any suggestions as to which size would be good for me? Or, for that matter, which brands would likely be a better fit? A number of folks have mentioned Arc'teryx, but in all honesty, I can't afford them, even when they are on sale...

Mountain Hardwear will also fit you very well. I also am in the thin/athletic club and it's like their pieces are tailored for me.

The body of the Northwall fits very snug/athletic compared to other brands and even other Patagonia pieces. The arms are the longest I've ever experienced. If other brands' smalls were too small in the body for you, the Northwall will probably also be too small. The arms of the medium will then probably feel ridiculous to you.

Somewhat similar jackets to the Northwall that may fit you differently include:

Eider Power Pro
Mammut Avers
Rab Baltoro Guide Pro
Outdoor Research Lodestar

Most are more expensive than the Arc'teryx Hyllus (formerly called the Hercules) that is the Arc' piece that is probably the most like that design.

Isn't the Northwall like $450?

Backcountry returns only cost $6 if you print their UPS label. I'd recommend ordering both and seeing which fits best.

I've a Northwall in a large(I'm a chest size 44) and it fits well, if n a bit snug in the chest area. Sleeves are certainly a bit too long, but other than that, I really like the garment.I have had it out climbing as well as snowshoeing in -15*F weather and it did just fine for me. Warm, but breathes very well.

As far as pricing goes, Backcountry has it on sale at the moment,and I think that Patagonia's website may also have the 2011 colors on sale still??

I am a 36/38 chest and can confirm you want a small.

I have a knifelbade which is pretty much the exact same jacket minus the insaltion.

talk to a rep on patagonia.com..they are sually very helpful with sizing. though the small should fit you fine.

the longer sleeves are nice and are there so your sleeve will never sncrunh up when swinging a tool.

as mentioned above mountain hardwear should fit you very well and dry.q elite is great.

youd prob want a medium in MH

I have a mint condition northwall up for sale right now!