Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody provides the perfect mid-layer answer to the question: “Which jacket should I pack?” Very warm, utilising a clever synthetic down-like material, and SO light you’ll barely feel you’re wearing it, all in a pack size that can fit in the palm of your hand. And yes, it still has the usual Patagonia eco credentials.

Patagonia claim that the Micro Puff Hoody is their “lightest, most packable insulated jacket ever” and this is not hard to believe once you get your hands on it. Weighing just 264g, it really is unbelievably light, to the point where you would be forgiven for forgetting you are even wearing a jacket!

When you first get your hands on the Micro Puff, you may wonder how a jacket that feels so light and quite frankly quite thin, can be highly insulating and protective. I certainly did! However, when wearing it outdoors, you soon realise that the claims Patagonia make are by no means exaggerated; it provides really impressive warmth and wind protection, with a high collar and a hood that keep you really cosy even in colder conditions.

For those considering this jacket as part of their winter mountain gear, you can rest assured that this is the perfect layer for maintaining warmth in cold conditions. It uses Patagonia’s revolutionary PlumaFill insulation, which replicates the structure of down but in a continuous synthetic insulation material. This means that the Micro Puff Hoody benefits from the ‘warm-when-wet’ performance of synthetic insulation, whilst also maintaining the warm and packable nature of down. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a man-made alternative which still offers all the benefits of down.

What’s more, while it does look fantastic on, the quilted design of the jacket is not used just for style purposes! In fact, this innovative construction is specifically designed to compliment the PlumaFill insulation, stabilising and maximising the loft of the insulation strands, with minimal stitching. All in a day’s work for Patagonia and the highly technical design does not stop here…

The ultralight nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum® outer shell is water-resistant and windproof and really does the job of protecting you from the elements. It’s actually quite incredible the extent to which this jacket keeps out the wind, making it an ideal choice for outdoor adventure fans. Whether you’re cycling around your hometown in the UK or ski touring in the mountains of France, the Patagonia Micro Puff will protect you from the elements whilst remaining highly breathable and well ventilated.

The DWR (durable water repellent) fabric finish repels light rain and snow and decreases drying times. This means that while you should not expect a 20k waterproof performance, the DWR does work to keep the outer fabric becoming saturated if you get caught in unexpected conditions, allowing the breathable barrier to work its magic keeping you comfortable.

A strong centre zipper is complete with a storm flap and two welted zippered handwarmer pockets as well as two internal drop-in pockets ensure that you have space to keep your belongings secure. The left pocket even doubles as a stuffsack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop, so that you can stuff the entire jacket into one pocket for easy carrying – incredible!

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody is available for both men and women and comes in a wide variety of colours.

RRP: £250

To shop the Patagonia Micro Puff, click here: www.skibartlett.com/ski-clothing-accessories-c2/ski-clothing-c16/mid-base-layers-c59/patagonia-micro-puff-hoody-p13536