Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody review

Synthetic insulation that offers a comparable weight/warmth to down but with the advantages inherent to synthetic insulation is all the rage at the moment, and the Micro Puff Hoody is Patagonia’s take on this theme. Citing it as having the ‘best warmth-to-weight ratio of any jacket we’ve ever created’, it weighs in at just 264g.

The Micro Puff Hoody is available in men’s and women’s versions, and its outer is made from a very fine 10-denier ripstop Pertex Quantum with DWR finish for water-resistance. The synthetic filling is called PlumaFill and – without mentioning names – word has it that this is sourced from one of the leading synthetic insulation suppliers in the business. The insulation is held in place by an unconventional stitching pattern (not baffles) which consists of non-continuous and alternating seams.

In terms of features, the Micro Puff Hoody has four pockets – two zipped handwarmer pockets on the outside and two stash mesh pockets that would be good for carrying half-litre water bottles in. The left pocket doubles as a stuffsack with a reinforced karabiner clip-in loop, and the jacket does pack down incredibly small. In keeping with the streamlined (i.e. light) design of the jacket, the cuffs, hem and hood are elasticated rather than having toggle adjustors. The hood itself is intended for under-helmet use.

In use we found the jacket quite large for a Medium, but this did mean we could thrown it on over other layers, belay jacket style. As an insulating layer it is likely to appeal to alpinists who want ultimate light weight, however for this price those with less weight-conscious objectives may look elsewhere.

More info at: www.patagonia.com