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The purple, orange and black Fitzroy Massif Patagonia logo is synonymous with craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to protecting the planet through environmental and political activism. The company is considered one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor clothing and equipment, its outerwear is worn by some of the world’s best athletes in the most extreme weather conditions.
Before buying a new jacket, the first thing to consider is its intended use and the weather conditions it will face. What is more important: thermal insulation or breathability (because the more one, the less the other)? Maybe you want a completely waterproof model, or maybe a windproof version will suffice. After all, we’ve found that most Patagonia jackets run oversized, so when in doubt, go down a size.
The Nano Puff is Patagonia’s best-selling jacket, and rightfully so. In short, its versatility and ease of use are second to none. For the American West, this is almost an all-season coat. The 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation is perfect as a stand-alone jacket in the off-season or as a mid-layer under a hard shell for days on the snow. The outer shell is made from lightweight 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR treatment and is said to be water and wind resistant. The Nano Puff provides ample warmth in the mid-30s, but below that, you’ll probably need a few layers or something thicker, like Patagonia’s DAS Hoody (see below).
In High Sierra conditions Nano Puff provides excellent wind protection in direct cold and harsh alpine wind. As for water resistance, it is water resistant, but certainly not waterproof. This is an important distinction. In drizzle and snow it holds up pretty well, but besides that, moisture starts to seep in and things can get nasty. As far as heat goes, I find it has a great range. From just below freezing to slightly chilly California nights, I was comfortable. This is my middle layer for hot cold days. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find it easier to get hold of this jacket than any other jacket in your closet.
Sizes: small to XXXL | Materials: Recycled Polyester (Fabric), 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Post-consumer Eco-Polyester (Insulation) | Sustainability: recycled, bluesign certified
This is our favorite of all the Patagonia creations we’ve tested. It combines the technical qualities of our favorite alpine product, the classic R1, with the comfort of Patagonia’s Better Sweater. It’s designed for high-intensity activities and is more breathable than most fleeces (hence the name “air”), but if you’re moving fast, you’ll appreciate the breathability. 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece has a unique zigzag pattern that makes R1 Air breathable and wicks away moisture better than regular fleece. Unlike most of the Patagonia jackets listed here, this long-sleeved model has a sporty and fitted look.
Of all the jackets and cardigans in my closet – and I have a lot of them – I use the R1 Air the most. I practically live in this cardigan. As someone who gets hot very quickly when moving and freezes when stopped, I have always struggled with jackets that are either too hot or too cold. The R1 Air’s temperature range is amazing – the best I’ve ever tested. It’s the perfect sweet spot between warmth and breathability. I wear them for dog walks, rock climbing, as an intermediate layer for skiing and in cold weather. Built like a runner, I appreciate the snug fit. It sits next to the skin and the zipper is high enough to cover my neck.
Sizes: small to XXL | Material: recycled polyester fleece | Sustainability: recycled, bluesign certified, fair trade tailoring
Half bomber, half Patagonia classic down sweater, rhinestone quilted bomber hoodie is the perfect all-round casual one-shoulder jacket this season. This windproof, water-resistant hoodie is made from 100% recycled polyester taffeta with a PFC-free DWR eco-friendly finish. Insulation 100% polyester, 80g thermogreen, with a quilted diamond pattern that not only enhances the jacket’s insulation, but also looks great. Elastic cuffs at the arms and waist ensure that the edges of the jacket stay in place, further enhancing its insulating properties.
Sizes: small to XXL | Materials: 50D recycled polyester taffeta (fabric), 80g Thermogreen (insulation) | Eco-friendly: recycled material, bluesign certified material
If you’re the type of person who measures gear in ounces instead of centimeters, the Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket is just right for you. Compressed to the size of two soda cans, this lightweight insulated jacket weighs just 9.3 ounces. The upper is made from ultra-light Pertex Quantum fabric, composed of 100% ripstop nylon, with a DWR coating for moderate wind and water protection. With PlumaFill synthetic insulation, the Micro Puff is compact and lightweight, while the unique checkerboard pattern prevents PlumaFill from shifting and creating dead spots.
I have a difficult relationship with this jacket. Without a doubt, this is the most portable and lightweight thermal jacket on the market. This is my layering option for cold climbs when there is not enough space in the backpack. What I struggle with is how thin it is. It doesn’t provide enough warmth to protect for long periods of time for those who get cold when they don’t move. If I don’t have clothes on, I start to get cold at temperatures below 45 degrees, especially if it’s windy outside. For what it’s worth, I found the size to be very large. I usually wear men’s clothing in small sizes, but a very small size suits me perfectly with Micro Puff.
Sizes: small to XXL | Materials: Netplus (10D, 100% recycled nylon fishnet ripstop), PFC-free DWR (fabric) liner, 65g PlumaFill (100% recycled polyester) | Environmentally friendly: recycled and reused material, bluesign certified material
One of the company’s most popular down jackets, Patagonia’s DAS Light Hooded Jacket is made from ultra-lightweight nylon ripstop fabric treated with a durable water-repellent treatment that keeps rain and snow from seeping through. It’s also made from 65g PlumaFill recycled polyester. It also has a zipper underneath the monochrome buttons, both of which do double duty, protecting the wearer from snow, wind and rain. There’s even an inside pocket for your smartphone, and the hood can be folded into the collar when not in use. Men’s and women’s sizes range from Extra Small to Extra Large.
The lightweight DAS sweatshirt does what the Micro Puff can’t: keep you warm while still offering great packability. Once I received this jacket, Micro Puff never left the closet. Along with this, the DAS Light Hoody is a more durable jacket. It’s thicker and a bit bigger in the package, but not enough to prevent me from using it when space is limited. The extra space it takes up is worth the extra warmth it provides. I was pleasantly surprised by its resistance to wet weather. I took it out in a small snowstorm in Mammoth and light precipitation did not pierce the shell.
Sizes: from XS to XXL | Material: [Fabric] 10-D 100% Nylon Ripstop Pertex Endurance, PU Dry Coat, DWR treated, [Lining] 10-D 100% Nylon Ripstop Pertex Quantum, DWR treated, 65 grams PlumaFill, 100% recycled Polyester | Eco-friendly: recycled and recycled material, bluesign certified material
The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket really impressed us during our testing. It is breathable, warm and lightweight. In addition to wearing it on the slopes, we also ran in it when temperatures dropped into the mid-20s and found that the breathability and stretch make it a great outer layer to allow us to move through our range of motion without overheating.
This mobility is aided by a two-layer 100% recycled polyester shell with 80g Thermogreen insulation in the body and 40g in the sleeves. Patagonia’s patented H2No DWR, which is PFC-free, makes the jacket completely waterproof. (We also took it in a downpour and found it held up pretty well.)
We’re also impressed with the Patagonia’s thoughtful functionality and design, especially all the pockets that help keep things organized. Pockets include two zipped hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket, a forearm pass pocket, an internal concealed cash pocket and an internal slip pocket for eyeglasses or gloves. The jacket also has the typical features of a ski jacket, such as a large helmet compatible hood, ventilation zippers and a puffy skirt.
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: 2 layers: 100% recycled polyester, thermal green, 100% recycled polyester (80g body, 40g sleeves) | Sustainability: Recycled shell, recycled insulation, PFC-free DWR treatment
If there is any winter coat that everyone should have, it is the down jacket, also known as the down jacket. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hooded Jacket is the epitome of chic style. A 20 x 30 denier 100% recycled ripstop polyester upper with a DWR finish and a windproof finish, while the body is filled with 800-denier goose down to keep you cozy and warm. An adjustable hem and elasticated cuffs keep the jacket warmer, keeping you warm and keeping out nasty drafts. For easy packing, the jacket fits into a breast pocket slightly smaller than a soccer ball.
This jacket does everything it’s supposed to do and doesn’t have to. It’s not fantasy, it just works. When it comes to heat management, I am a picky eater. If I move, I heat up quickly, but as soon as I stop, I cool down very quickly. I found that it was about 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the jacket. Once the temperature drops below this value, I always default to a more durable and luxurious fabric, such as a Fitz Roy or Grade VII parka. Its upper temperature range is impressive. In central California, where I live, nights often drop into the 50s. Worn over a T-shirt, this is the perfect jacket for these temperatures. As I have mentioned about other Patagonia jackets, this one fits a large size, so the size is smaller than what I normally wear. If a down jacket is too large, it loses some of its warmth.
Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Materials: Netplus (10D fishnet, 100% recycled ripstop nylon), PFC-free DWR (fabric) finish, 800 fill, 100% natural goose down | Sustainability: Recycled Jacket, Recycled Insulation, PFC Free DWR Processing, Responsible Down Certification
There’s a lot to love about one of Patagonia’s newest raincoats. While testing the raincoat, we found it to be the most water resistant and breathable of the 15 or so we tested. Patagonia uses the patented H2No outer fabric, which is the market leader in moisture protection and moisture wicking at the same time. It also features a water-resistant zip, a recessed zip and an adjustable drawstring at the bottom for a tight fit. We love smart features like the helmet-compatible hood for great coverage and the ability to pack it into your own pocket. It’s been our favorite raincoat for about a year now, especially handy during California atmospheric flooding in early 2023.
Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Material: H2No Performance Standard Shell: 30 oz 30 denier 3-ply recycled Ripstop NetPlus nylon | Sustainability: Fair Trade certified tailoring, recycled materials
The Patagonia Houdini was one of the first ultralight shells and remains the best to this day. Weighing just 3.7 ounces and the size of a compressed baseball, this is pocket-sized weather protection. The shell is made from durable lightweight 100% recycled ripstop nylon with an adjustable hood. There is a chest pocket that serves as an organizer.
Wherever I go, you will most likely find Houdini in my backpack. I use it as weather protection or as an extra layer when it gets cold. Because it is lightweight and compact, it fits easily into a backpack. Patagonia made it a running shell, however breathability is extremely poor. This is not a jacket that I want to quickly spend a lot of time on. I’ve tried running in it, but I always sweat when I’m out. Personally, I find it best used for moderate activities when I don’t get hot, such as hiking, or as a last shell when running in windy alpine terrain. Two things worth noting: Because of how thin it is, I find it very durable and a good fit.
If you’re looking for a running jacket, we highly recommend the Airshed Pro Pullover. This unique jacket is made from ultra-light Patagonia Pertex fabric, which we found to be lightweight yet stretchy for superior freedom of movement while you run. Meanwhile, the sleeves are made from the brand’s popular Capilene Cool fabric to keep you ventilated and wick away moisture as you run. We love the large 2-way zipper that makes it easy to get the jacket on or off without stopping your run. The hood will protect from wind and rain. But the best thing about this jacket is that it folds into its own pocket and is small enough to fit easily into a running vest.
Sizes: XS to XXXL | Material: Ultralight Pertex, 100% Nylon (54% Recycled) | Environmental friendly: recycled material
Most of our testers live in California, where we’ve had the privilege of testing a variety of conditions, climates and activities. We have spent years testing many of the jackets featured in this review. Our tests include cross-country running, mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, fly fishing, biking, mountain biking, whale watching, dog walking, niece and nephew babysitting, brewery jumping, housewarming, skiing on kayaks and kayaks and much more.
Before researching a jacket, you always want to think about how you will use the jacket. The main question to ask yourself is: “What will I use it for?” Consider what you’re buying a jacket for – skiing, hiking, running, etc. Most sites, including Backcountry and REI, allow you to filter products based on expected activity and then narrow down to product type like jackets in this example. This is a great starting point for making sure the jacket you want is right for your intended activities.
Once you’ve decided how you’re going to use your jacket, you need to think about what kind of weather you’re going to be in. Factors such as snow, rain, wind and temperature should be considered. You can see which weather protection jacket is best for in the details on the product page. Terms such as waterproof, windproof, waterproof, or windproof indicate the type of weather protection the jacket is designed for.
While you don’t need to delve into the latest fabric technologies, it will help you understand what types of materials are used and what weather conditions they can withstand. The most commonly used material for waterproof and windproof jackets is Gore-Tex. Patagonia jackets are usually insulated with Polartech, Primaloft and PlumaFill.
The level of heat and the type of jacket will affect how warm it is. Patagonia mainly uses down and PlumaFill for insulation. Down is usually warmer than PlumaFill. When choosing a thermal jacket, it is important to consider how much you will be doing in it. Do you do high performance activities like running? stand in the cold? Since insulation has a negative effect on breathability, the more active you are, the less insulating the jacket will be.
Air permeability is a term used to describe how much heat can escape through an insulation or enclosure. The more active you are, the more breathable your jacket should be. If the breathability of the jacket is not adequate for the intended activity, heat stays in the jacket and you overheat and retain moisture (sweat) underneath.
It’s worth noting that in our testing, we found most jackets to be oversized. Unless otherwise stated in the reviews, it is better to choose a smaller size in full size. We welcome the fact that most Patagonia jackets come in a variety of sizes, from XXS to XXXL.
Corey Smith is a freelance writer specializing in running, climbing, outdoor and fitness, and gear reviews. He has been running at the elite level for 25 years and has been a full-time running coach since 2014. Many of the jackets included in this review have been tested in a variety of climates, from the coast of California to the alpine conditions of the California Sierras, the Colorado Rockies and the Midwest. Some jackets have been used by our writers and editors for years.
Post time: Mar-30-2023