Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket Review
Updated:
Jan 21, 2025Patagonia’s M10 Storm ($389) is a streamlined and packable hardshell designed to keep you dry and mobile in alpine environments. Constructed with Patagonia’s proven in-house membrane, this jacket offers plenty of protection in all but the wettest and harshest conditions. It’s light on features—there are no hand pockets or pit zips—but the M10’s blend of weight, packability, breathability, and comfort make it a top pick for any alpinist on the hunt for a waterproof layer.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3-layer H2No Performance Standard
Weight
10.9 oz.
Fabric
30D nylon
Vents
None
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Patagonia M10 Storm
For this season's top shells, see our guide to the Best Rain Jackets.
The M10 Storm is constructed with Patagonia’s 3-layer H2No Performance Standard membrane, the brand’s top-tier in-house waterproof material. As such, the M10 does exactly what you’d expect from a relatively lightweight hardshell. During a two-week, 65-mile mission to summit 13,186-foot Mount Waddington in British Columbia, I wore this jacket in a wide variety of conditions: during strong winds, through downpours, and even as protection from mosquitoes, and the M10 never let me get wet. Separately, it survived a four-hour rain and hail storm in Washington’s Enchantments without any leakage.
The main zipper and chest pocket zippers are taped, and the hood seals nicely over a helmet. Although its face fabric beads water for a while, I did find that it wets out faster than my Montbell Storm Cruiser (especially under my pack straps). That said, the M10’s 30-denier shell fabric blocked wind better than competing models, like the thinner Storm Cruiser. Overall, while the Patagonia M10 Storm isn’t quite as storm-worthy or winter-ready as a 3-layer Gore-Tex shell (Patagonia’s Triolet is one example), it does an admirable job for normal inclement weather in the mountains.
While the M10 might look and perform like a hardcore alpinist’s shell, it still possesses a high level of comfort. Unlike many Gore-Tex Pro shells, which feel stiff and crinkly, the fabric is soft and quiet. Although not advertised, I found that the M10 has a notable amount of stretch, allowing me an effortless range of motion, including when I reached overhead while climbing. The M10’s suppleness allows for an athletic fit that provides great freedom of movement, even with bulky layers underneath, and the shell’s knit backer feels comfortable next-to-skin.
The M10’s thin fabrics and 3-layer H2No Performance Standard construction make it roughly as breathable as a comparable Gore-Tex shell. Overheating was not an issue for me during low- to moderate-output activities above treeline. For cardio-intensive outings, though—a long, uphill bike ride through an afternoon squall with temps in the 50s Fahrenheit, for example—the jacket felt clammy and didn’t dump heat as well. Part of the issue is that the M10 lacks armpit zips or another way to ventilate without opening the center zip. Still, the only time I really wished for better breathability was when I was using the jacket as a mosquito shield in full sun. For anything but high-output activities in warm temperatures, the Patagonia M10 Storm is plenty breathable.
The M10 is listed at 10.93 ounces in a men’s size medium, which is less than most 3-layer hardshells (average weight is roughly 12-18 oz.). Within the ultralight category, the Montbell Storm Cruiser weighs 10 ounces, features a 3-layer Gore-Tex construction, and has two pockets as well as armpit zips, the latter of which the M10 lacks. The Arc’teryx Alpha Lightweight is even lighter at 8.3 ounces, has only a single chest pocket, no pit zips, and sports 3-layer Gore-Tex. Notably, both the Montbell and Arc’teryx utilize thinner shell materials than the Patagonia. All in all, the M10 is on par with these streamlined rain jackets and provides a quality blend of weight, features, and construction.
In terms of packability, the M10’s left chest pocket doubles as its stuff sack and it compresses down to the size of a large grapefruit—small enough for the vast majority of outings (I just wouldn’t take it trail running). Considering its waterproofing and durability, that’s a fine result.
The M10 benefits from Patagonia’s proven design and construction quality. The stitching looks bomber, all seams are taped, and the zippers are buttery smooth. The 30-denier face fabric is on the thin end of the spectrum—many hardshells are 40D and up, such as the 80D Arc'teryx Beta—but offers a good compromise between weight and durability, and I expect this shell to last longer than my lighter, 20D or thinner, shells. While I did not bushwhack while wearing the Patagonia M10 Storm, I wore it hiking and biking, around camp, and while climbing. Despite a significant amount of abrasion from backpack straps and a climbing harness during that time, the only areas with signs of wear are the cuffs. (During climbing the cuffs often came in contact with rock and ice, mostly because the sleeves were too long.)
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Hood
The M10’s hood fits nicely over a climbing helmet, although it feels a bit bulky when you wear it without one. It cinches at three points—on both sides and at the back—allowing for easy tightening to keep the hood from blowing off. I found the release mechanisms to be a bit awkward, but they work. As with the rest of the M10 Storm’s design, the hood is well-constructed for keeping the elements out.
Storage
This shell’s two chest pockets are, in my opinion, perfect. They each easily fit a phone, snacks, or anything else you would want close at hand. The taped zippers operate without issue, and the pocket placement allows you to easily open them when you’re wearing a harness and/or a backpack. The lack of hand pockets makes clear that this is no casual item, which is something to keep in mind if you want a hardshell that can do it all. But for its intended purpose, the jacket’s storage is ideal.
Tester: 5’8” 140 lb.; 38" chest; 28" waist
Size tested: Men’s medium
I typically wear shells in a men’s medium, and tested the Patagonia M10 Storm in that size. It felt true to size, with an athletic fit through the trunk that works well for trim folks such as myself (it may be tight for those with heavier builds, though). The back length and shoulder width were perfect for me, and perhaps a little longer than an “average” medium. Sleeve length was long, but that is always the case for my short arms. I was able to comfortably wear the jacket with just a t-shirt underneath, and over a lightweight fleece and a warm puffy. As I noted above, the M10’s stretchy fabric makes for easy layering.
Montbell Tempest ($395): Light Makes Right
At 9.1 ounces, the Montbell Tempest is lighter than the M10, and we’ve found it slightly more protective: Its DWR withstands more moisture before wetting out, and its 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane can withstand more continuous precipitation. It also offers a boost in breathability, largely thanks to pit zips, which the M10 lacks. This is an extremely high-performing alpine hardshell, all while costing just slightly more than the M10. However, it can’t match the M10’s durability with a thinner 20D shell, nor does the Storm Cruiser have the same sustainability bona fides that the M10 boasts.
Patagonia Granite Crest ($289): A Less-Technical Cousin
The Patagonia Granite Crest rain jacket is geared towards less alpine-focused activities than the M10—think on-trail hiking and everyday wear. While it’s designed with the same 3-layer H2No Performance Standard membrane as the M10, this shell is noticeably heavier at 14.1 ounces. However, the Granite Crest does feature pit zips, which are missing on the M10. It has one chest pocket in addition to two hand pockets, which gives it real casual chops. While it won’t pack as small as the M10 and its cut might get in the way while wearing a harness, this cheaper shell will work for most backpacking trips, and moderate biking and hiking outings. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Granite Crest.
Is the M10 Storm for You?
Patagonia’s M10 line has legendary roots, and the latest version carries the torch. The new Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket was built for a specific task—fast-and-light alpine climbing—and it more than met our high expectations, with a dialed feature set, packable construction, and surprising toughness. We’ve relied on this shell to keep us protected over hundreds of miles of testing in some of the toughest mountain environments, and it’s succeeded in all but the absolute wettest conditions. Unless you need a full-on winter fortress (get a thicker Gore-Tex shell instead), we have no qualms about this impressive jacket.
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