Patagonia M10 Anorak & M10 Storm Pants Review: A super lightweight technical shell that can be used all year round, stripping away everything and sharpened like a knife

The Patagonia M10 alpine shell series, which has been revived this winter, has gained enormous support from alpine climbers who are looking for lighter than 1 gram and free even if it is just one millimeter, but has been discontinued to improve the product , and has evolved for the first time in about six years.

This three-layer waterproof and breathable shell is made to the extreme with minimal functionality, and is not only highly rated by alpine climbers, but also by overseas BC skiers and the UL backpacking community, and is a very well-balanced design that is hard to imagine. As someone who likes snowy mountains, backcountry skiing, speed hiking and stream climbing during snowy seasons, I was surprised that this guy has great potential.

So this time, I tried M10 Anorak and M10 Storm Pants, , in actual winter mountains, as I enjoy activities such as fast packing, trail running, stream climbing, backcountry skiing, snowy mountain traverses, and a little more variety of routes.

What are the appeal and features of this cutting-edge technical shell, which is neither a hard shell nor a rainwear? Are there any other things to be concerned about or should be careful about? I'd like to review it right away.

Main features of the Patagonia M10 Anorak & Storm Pants

The Patagonia M10 is a technical shell that is extremely light and easy to move in, created to meet the harshest demands of the most harsh alpine climbing. Above all, ease of movement when taking action is the top priority, and despite its slim silhouette that eliminates waste, the unique pattern is calculated down to the smallest detail, allowing for stress-free dynamic movements in all situations, including the shoulders and hip joints. The 20-denier ultra-thin fabric (M10 anorac only) uses an "X-pore nanoporous membrane" that does not contain organic fluorine compounds (PFAS) and is thin and lightweight, yet provides ample weather resistance and breathability. It has a hood that combines fit and protection, a 3/4 front zipper that can be opened and closed up on top and bottom, a chest pocket, and a packable design, making it easy to use with the minimum necessary weight, and is highly versatile, making it useful for a wide range of adventures, including alpine climbing, regardless of whether there is snow or not.

Favorite points

• Waste-free cutting that provides a comfortable fit and excellent movement
• It's so light and compact that you wouldn't expect from a shell that can be used in snowy mountains.
• Despite being flexible and extremely thin, it has excellent wear resistance, weather resistance and moisture permeability
• The front 3/4 zippers that can be opened and closed upwards make it comfortable to wear and highly ventilation
• Helmet compatible hood that combines fit and protection
• Highly versatile for all high-tempo activities
• Carefully constructed and high manufacturing quality

Interesting points

• Pockets are not too sloppy and the sleeves and hem are not adjustable (not suitable for casual outdoor activities)
• Because it's a slim fit, it's difficult to layer thick layers depending on the combination of your body type and size.
• Anxiety about scratching caused by sharp objects

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review worn during speed hiking on snowy Akadake and low mountains

Amazingly stripped weight for snowy season

Actual measurement of size M. Although the M10 anorak has been slightly more weight than the previous model, it boasts a light weight equivalent to light rainwear.

The Patagonia M10 series is based on the product name of the "M10", a hard mixed climbing grade of rocks and snow, which only a limited number of experts can complete . M10 Anorak & M10 Storm Pants a top and bottom set that emphasizes the concept in particular , is basically an ultra-lightweight hard shell designed for technical climbing.

However, the lightness is the first thing that makes you feel is the minimalist design, which is the opposite of the so-called hard shell, which is heavy, stiff, bulky, and rustling when you move.

When I actually measured the size M, it showed 274g (212g for Storm Pants), which is surprisingly lightweight for a 3-layer hard shell for winter. To be honest, it doesn't feel uncomfortable when worn at all, and the lightness of this level is of course a major advantage in missions in winter mountains, where there are many heavy equipment.

It is also worthy of its light weight and is extremely compact in storage. It is packable and can be easily rolled up and stored in the left chest pocket, so it can be stylish, for example, when you start climbing from a low altitude and rolled up and hooked onto the carabiner clip. Of course, when considering rainwear not only in winter but also in the snowless season, it's hardly a bothering you by keeping it at the bottom of your backpack.

A stunning pattern that combines outstanding ease of movement and a lean fit

About the size

The M10 anorak is basically positioned as a "slim fit" silhouette that follows the body line, but it is mainly made to focus on ease of movement when climbing alpine, so there is room in particular around the shoulders, and the hem is tapered (tightened) to fit under the harness. For me, who is slender than average, this cutting itself was not a problem.

However, when I tried to put the sleeves on the S size I usually choose from as Patagonia outerwear, I found that the S size was the perfect size if I was to concentrate solely on movement, but for me, who would rather use it for a wide range of activities, such as backcountry, snowy mountain traverses, and stream climbing rather than ice climbing, I felt that I wanted a little more room in the waist.

So after a bit of deliberation, I chose the size M. I've been wearing it for about a month, and it's comfortable to wear, and I have plenty of room to wear a lightweight down jacket inside, so I'm happy with how easy it to layer.

Wearing size M (176cm, 64kg)

On the other hand, when it comes to pants, I always try them on every time, as my body type is just in between size S and size M. This time I tried it on and the S size fits just right. This is because the S size was especially optimal for the waist, and normally it often makes the waist area cramped, but the characteristic of these pants itself is that there is more than enough room for the inseam gusset, so the S size was perfect.

At first glance, the pants look particularly normal silhouettes, but in fact they are decorated with bold gusset crotch so that even when the crotches are spread out extremely, they don't give off a complete stubborn look (photo below). This groundbreaking cut was apparently inspired by Japanese judo uniforms.

As there are some quirks in the size, I recommend that you try on when purchasing, but once you've cleared that, the M10 has the best fit ever.

Incidentally, one of the major factors behind the fact that we were able to make the most of these shell pants this time is the existence of nanoair light bottoms New to this season, this layer of heat retention, elasticity and breathability has been worn inside, keeping the M10 Storm Shell comfortable, without any obstacles to the high mobility of its M10 Storm Shell.

The ones I wore as the middle-wear under my bottoms were men's nano air lights and size M. These wonderful liner pants have a loose waist and a chipped hem that tapered tightly, making them both roomy and easy to move around.

This time we had layers of underwear called Nano Air Light and Shell, but if it gets even colder, use long merino wool tights to make it even warmer and perfect for the underwear.

Ease of movement

The M10 jacket is for alpinists who are particular about the best moves even in harsh environments , and the most important thing is "ease of movement." As was mentioned in an interview with the developer, after extensive trial and error, researching not only the climber's movements but also the dance movements, the construction of the gusset under the armpit has been greatly revised.

As a result (compared to the previous model), the shoulders have become even easier to move around, and the hem has also been moved as little as possible. I didn't own the old model, but just wearing the new model and moving around gave me a good sense of ease of movement that would be hard shells to imagine (the fabric actually has a slight elasticity too). There is no need to worry about the hem slipping up (but not at all) and the wearing of the harness will become uneven. This slim pullover is supple, has little rubbing noise, and has no fluttering at all, and there is no zipper around the harness, making it a neat silhouette and comfortable to wear.

As well as its reputation, even when you raise your arms, the fabric doesn't tangle around your shoulders, and the hem hardly moves up, making it so impressive that its high mobility is impressive.

the M10 Storm Pants, developed as hardshell pants for alpine climbing that do not limit movement at all, are the huge diamond-shaped "4-point gusset" placed in the crotch and the skillful three-dimensional cutting of the knees, making it impossible to interfere with movement of the lower body even when wearing a harness, and the hem of the feet will not sway when you lift your thighs. At first test, I was worried that it would have been better if there was a gaiter on the suspension, but the ankles, which were tightly fitted with the tight elastic, covered the climbing boots without slipping up.

The thin knit lining is comfortable on the bare skin, while the thin, supple seam tape minimizes the stiffness of the fabric, and it can only be said that it is well-known that it has been designed to prevent any stress when wearing it.

The seam tape at the seams is supple and extremely thin, at 10mm. The back of the neck, which is prone to dirt, is carefully reinforced with anti-fouling.

Excellent weather resistance and moisture permeability due to the new membrane that does not use PFAS

The waterproof and breathable membrane used in the M10 anorak is a three-layer H2No performance standard membrane, but unlike the jacket type, it uses Xpore's nanoporous membrane and an ultra-thin 20 denier outer material. Although no small differences have been revealed, the anorak is clearly thinner and more supple when touching both. It's safe to say that I chose anorak because of this good feel.

As for the waterproof and breathable performance, we continued to apply water in a shower indoors for a certain amount of time to check its water resistance and water repellency. As expected, it prevented water from entering so well that it was hard to believe it was thin, and it showed performance on the same level as a major waterproof and breathable membrane. It also blocks strong winds on the ridge, so there is no problem with basic functions.

Also, regarding breathability (although I haven't tried it in high temperatures and humid environments), the sweatiness that occurs during winter mountain climbing was quickly resolved before feeling uncomfortable. In tests, the company was wearing the company's NanoAir Light Hybrid Jacket above the base layer in a climate of around 10 degrees below zero, but as far as that's how it goes, there's absolutely no need to take off the set from the start of the climb until the descent. When you feel the heat in low mountains, you can ventilate the long front zipper when you feel the heat, and the thin fabric keeps your body warm (for better or worse) still comfortable here.

As an aside, M10 anoracs , was originally applied to the "nanoporous membrane" technology that was originally created when manufacturing automobile batteries, mechanically stretching the material to create uniform and fine holes. It is interesting to see if it will be utilized in other items in the future, as it allows for more stable performance than conventional chemically manufactured non-uniform porous membranes for clothing.

Enough wear resistance and scratch resistance

Regarding durability, which is something that is inevitable, I think it is durable enough for such thin and lightweight clothing. I have rarely seen any other product in this class of the M10 anorak It is supple, yet has solid tension and robustness.

That being said, it is so robust that it can be done by beginners who are not used to mountain mountains to some extent, and it is by no means that it is strong enough to let go.

People who are not used to using sharp tools such as axes, crampons, and ski edges tend to accidentally snag the fabric when they are eager to for a moment, and in that case, this thin fabric doesn't seem to be able to withstand.

M10 Storm Pants do not have any reinforcements from the clamp guards, which are usually placed inside the hem of the pants I'm confident that I'll get caught in a little bit within a year or two. You will inevitably need to be extremely careful about this point, or be prepared and prepared to tear it.

Functionality is complete with only the things you really need after being stripped away

Adjustable hood

This hood is one of my favorite parts of Patagonia jackets, the M10 anorak was no exception.

There is one adjustable cord lock on the back of the hood, allowing you to easily pull and squeeze it with one hand even when you are on the move. Once it fits, it firmly secured to the head, and whether it was wearing a helmet or not, it followed the movement of the neck and did not obstruct your vision.

The collar covers the chin firmly and the hard visor (with Recco reflector) protects your face from the rain and wind.

Excellent ventilation front zipper

The M10 Anorak 's front zipper is very long (longer than half, about 3/4 length), and it is a double zipper that can be opened and closed upwards and downwards. This provides excellent ventilation and minimizes the need to put on and take off during activities. Of course, even though it is long, it is not enough to interfere with the belts of your backpack or mountaineering harness, and is impressive.

Chest zip pocket that can be turned over and also used as a storage bag

The only zip pocket on the left chest of this clothing is big enough to hold a large smartphone. As mentioned above, it is packable so you can roll the entire jacket upside down and store it in this pocket, making it perfectly stowable.

On the other hand, the pants also have one pocket. There is a slightly larger zip pocket on your right thigh that can fit a large smartphone just right.

Climbing Can you easily add more while wearing a harness? Diagonal fly zipper

Simple cuffs that are only stretchable

Unlike regular hard shells, the sleeves of the M10 anorak and the sleeves of the pants are elastic.

On the good side, it is simple, easy to handle, and lighter with no waste. The cuffs are stretchy and moderately tight, so cold air never let in or slip up without any effort.

However, to list the bad side, it is not possible to adjust the width of the cuffs for various situations, which may be inconvenient for people who prefer wider cuffs or who have not yet decided how to use them in their own way.

Summary: A technical shell that meets the needs of all challengers, not just alpinists.

the Patagonia M10 is certainly designed for niche targets such as serious alpinists and mountaineers. If you just want a rain jacket or hard shell that feels just right, then there are plenty of more affordable options.

However, on the other hand, for all people who are willing to push their limits against harsh nature with perfect equipment, regardless of their skill or level of experience, the M10 Anorak can be said to be one of the few options that will meet your urgent needs.

After actually trying it out, I was amazed at how versatile it is. You don't have to be an alpinist to wear an M10 If you understand and use it, you've realized that you have the potential to be able to play an active role in all kinds of tough activities, from alpine climbers, as well as backcountry skiers, ordinary mountain climbers, trail runners, and speed hikers. It will surely be useful as a hard shell you wear all the time while you're on the move, or as a piece to keep in your backpack in case of an emergency.

One of the words Patagonia cherishes on a daily basis is "The more you know, the less you need," but the reason why products with such high performance can be achieved by cutting out waste is probably because the M10 series embody this phrase. If you are interested in this report, we recommend you try picking it up. You should be able to experience the "Patagonia-likeness" that is different from the widely loved side of Patagonia and is closer to the origins of the brand.

Patagonia Men's M10 Anorak

created by Rinker

¥57,200 2024/12/08

• Patagonia official website

Patagonia Men's M10 Storm Jacket

created by Rinker

¥55,000 2024/12/08

• Patagonia official website

Patagonia Men's M10 Storm Pants

created by Rinker

¥38,500 2024/12/08

• Patagonia official online store

Disclosure: The author received the product in this review and the articles have been created with full independence in accordance with editorial policy.

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