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Best Patagonia Jackets
Patagonia is a company that has been built by people who care for and admire the outdoors. The high-end craftsmanship and dedication can be seen easily in their gear and clothing- especially their jackets. Both men and women can feel confident in the quality and comfort of Patagonia jackets. You are not only investing in a great company but in an environmentally conscious company as well. Check our selection of the top ten jackets.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weather Resistance
Since down loses its insulation power whenever it gets wet and clumps up, you’ll want to make sure you get some water resistance when you purchase your down Patagonia jacket, especially if you’ll be outside when the weather is wet. If you plan on being around a lot of rain and snow, then you’ll need to make sure your Patagonia jacket has some water resistance to help protect the down insulation.
Patagonia and other manufacturers of winter weather jackets usually either treat their down to make it better at handling moisture. Sometimes jackets will have a polymer coat over the down, which helps to make it more water-resistant when it gets wet.
Even down that’s treated with polymer won’t be as great at insulating as synthetic fabrics when it gets wet, but it does add a level of performance to a jacket that helps protect the insulation. Typically, down that’s treated with a polymer coat is known as hydrophobic down.
Insulation
Patagonia’s jackets are all designed with some extra insulation for warmth, and most of them feature down filling that’s very effective for thermal temperature regulation. Although Patagonia uses down in almost all of its jackets, not all down is created equally, and not all styles of jackets are as warm as others. Much of the jacket’s warmth and insulation depends on a few items, including the fill power found in the jacket.
Patagonia’s jackets usually feature a fill power number in the description of the product, and the fill power tells you about the down’s quality because the higher the fill number, then the better the insulation will be on your jacket. For instance, a jacket with 600 fill down won’t be as warm as a jacket with 800 fill down.
Fill power helps to tell us the amount of loft a jacket will have, and the more loft a jacket has, the better the jacket will be at regulating temperature, and the warmer the interior of the jacket will be. So, if you’re concerned about freezing temperatures, you want to make sure you get a jacket that has a lot of loft and a high fill power.
Comfort
How comfortable your Patagonia jacket feels will depend a lot on the jacket’s overall fit. Different styles of Patagonia jackets are designed to fit you differently, and many down sweaters are made with a more casual cut and style than what you get with regular jackets. The fit of your Patagonia jacket will depend a lot on the style of the jacket you buy.
Some of the Patagonia jackets on our list are a bit boxy and stiff, and depending on how you want your jacket to fit you; you may need to vary up the styles and try things on. Some people are okay with a stiffer, boxier jacket, while others are not. If you don’t like the boxy, stiff feel, there are still plenty of other Patagonia jackets provided on our list that have different styles and cuts that might feel more comfortable to you.
The ventilation on your jacket can also affect how comfortable you feel when you wear it, and some Patagonia jackets on our list ventilate better than others. How much ventilation you need will be up to you and where you’ll be taking your outdoor adventures.
If you need a lot of warmth, you might not wind cutting back on some ventilation for comfort. Also, the feel of a jacket’s interior can affect how comfortable the jacket feels when you wear it. Most Patagonia jackets are designed with soft, cozy fabric on the inside, so they feel pleasant to the touch. Since fit and comfort can vary depending on your personal preference, you’ll want to go to the store and try some Patagonia jackets on to figure out what suits you best.
Durability
The overall durability of your Patagonia jacket depends a lot on the jacket’s materials and overall weight. While most of Patagonia’s jackets are designed to be lighter in weight, some have better materials packed into them than others, and this can affect how long the jacket will last you. If you know you’ll be carrying your jacket often in your pack, you do want to consider purchasing a Patagonia jacket that is lightweight and easy to compress. Many of Patagonia’s jackets, like the Patagonia Ultralight Jacket, are lightweight and easy to back, and still, keep you very warm no matter what you plan to do while outside.
Also keep in mind that just because a jacket is designed to be ultralight, that doesn’t mean it’s not durable. Some ultralight jackets are still made with high-quality fabrics and insulation fills that help make the jacket not only warm but also durable and long-lasting. Most of the ultralight jackets here on our list above are still very durable and made to withstand a lot of outdoor winter sports abuse. The shell fabric, also known as a denier, on the Patagonia jacket can affect a lot about the jacket’s durability as well as its weight. Jackets with lower denier ratings are not made to be as durable as jackets with higher denier ratings, so you’ll want to aim for a jacket that has a higher denier rating if you want something that is durable and long-lasting. Also, since most Patagonia jackets use down jacket as an insulator, you’ll want a jacket that also has some weather protection on it to help keep your down from wearing down, or getting wet and not being able to insulate your body well.
Top 10 Picks
1. R2 Jacket
Patagonia’s R2 Jacket offers several nice features, including a warm, thermal insulation system and a lot of flexibility. Plus, this jacket is very breathable and meant to assist you during all of your outdoor adventures.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Patagonia’s R2 Jacket is made with panels, sleeves, and cuffs that are all designed from Polartec’s Power Grid technology. This technology helps make the jacket warm while still making it very comfortable.
Insulation
Designed with very warm Polartec Thermal Pro fleece fabric, this jacket can effectively boost your temperature regulation while still offering a lot of breathabilities. This jacket will give you the cold weather boost you need to stay warm without overheating.
Durability
Designed from high-quality materials, this jacket also has Sonic/Stitch seam construction, which makes the jacket more lightweight and also helps to make it last a while. You should easily get several seasons of use out of this jacket.
Comfort
The fit on this jacket is very comfortable and it features a lot of flexibility so that the jacket will move with you. You won’t ever feel restricted or slowed down whenever you wear this jacket outside and stay active.
2. Downtown Parka
Downtown isn't the only place this parka fits in. It's a comfortable and versatile jacket that is ideal for many environments. It is insulated with (traceable) 600-down fill power duck down. You may not be able to tell from the photo, but there is also a zip-away hood that hides away in the shawl-style neck of the jacket.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Made from satin polyester with a DWR finish, this jacket is water-resistant. It can handle light rain or snow but will not hold up well in a heavier storm. Although it isn’t labeled as windproof, the warmth of the jacket does help to cut some wind chill.
Insulation
If you are looking for warmth, you have found it here. The Downtown Parka is filled with 600-down fill power duck down. The insulation is quilted, which helps to avoid it from moving around and causing cold spots. For extra warmth, there is a zip-away hood hidden in the shawl-style collar. The hood is not adjustable but does add an extra layer of warmth when used. Also, the interior of the pockets is lined with fleece to help keep your hands warm.
Durability
Generally, there haven’t been many complaints nor concerns about the durability of this jacket. It isn’t known to shed feathers and seems to hold up well overall. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that the satin polyester could snag or get caught on a zipper. Remember to always use caution when zipping the pockets or hood.
Comfort
This jacket has a slim fit and falls below the knee. One of the best features of the jacket is the main zipper. It is two-way zipper that allows you to sit comfortably by unzipping a few inches from the bottom, offering full leg mobility. The comfort of this jacket has been compared to the comfort of a sleeping bag by some. While that surely doesn’t sound glamorous, it does ensure that the jacket is cozy. Overall, the jacket weighs 32.8-ounces.
3. Better Sweater
Patagonia’s Fleece Jacket is designed to help you stay warm and regulate your body temperature even when the weather gets cold. You can use this versatile, flexible jacket either as a layering piece or as a single piece to help stay warm when the temperature drops outside.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Made from 100% polyester fleece, this jacket features lightweight insulation that helps keep the jacket warm while still allowing for a thin jacket. This also helps add a lot of flexibility to the design of the jacket, allowing you to stay warm and dry.
Insulation
You get a lot of moisture-wicking control with this jacket and a jacket that will help you stay warm and dry. The insulation provides an effective boost of warmth. Additionally, there are two zippered hand-warming pockets.
Durability
Designed with environmentally-friendly polyester on the exterior of the jacket, you’ll get a lot of durabilities. Patagonia’s Fleece Jacket should last you through many seasons.
Comfort
You’ll also get a lot of coziness since the interior of this jacket is very smooth to the touch.
4. Houdini Full Zip
Perhaps Patagonia named this jacket the Houdini because it packs up so small and can be unexpectedly pulled out of almost any purse or backpack. It is a great jacket to carry with you everywhere. It can provide just that extra bit of warmth on a chilly night, is wind-resistant, and water-resistant. It weighs only 3.2-ounces and stuffs into its own pocket.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Primarily designed as a wind jacket, you can count on this jacket to protect you from wind and light rain or snow. It is made from 100% nylon ripstop with a DWR finish.
Insulation
While there is no extra insulation built-in, the layer of the jacket itself does provide a little bit of warmth. Considering that you will be carrying this around as a just-in-case jacket, it’s a great layering piece. To keep the elements out, the hood is adjustable, the wrists have a half of an elastic cuff, and the hem features a drawcord. There is no specific integrated ventilation, but you can get decent breathability by unzipping the jacket.
Durability
The nylon ripstop fabric that the Houdini is made from has a good reputation for its durability. Not to mention, as with all Patagonia jackets, it comes with a lifetime warranty. With decent upkeep (don’t stuff it into its sack while it’s wet and forget about), you can expect to carry this jacket with you for many years.
Comfort
Overall, this has proven to be a decently comfortable jacket. While it is good looking, it isn’t a jacket that you’ll wear for style or warmth. It tucks away into its own chest pocket, making it incredibly portable. It weighs only 3.2-ounces. Its slim fit makes it a great thin jacket or as a layer under a heavier jacket.
5. Torrentshell
Patagonia’s Torrentshell Jacket is the ultimate extra layer of protection in conditions that are rainy and windy. While it doesn't offer the warmth of a down-filled coat, it can certainly be used to layer with warmer jackets or sweaters below.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Designed with nylon that has an H2O Performance Shell, you will be kept very dry in rainy weather. The neck is made of microfleece, which offers both warmth and breathability.
Insulation
The insulation in this jacket is minimal, as it is mainly a shell that you layer with other pieces. However, with the right combination, you would be very warm with this shell on, as it blocks the wind.
Durability
Patagonia’s Torrentshell Jacket is made from high-quality nylon and offers strengthened stitching. It should last for the long haul.
Comfort
Made to give you plenty of room, even while layered, this shell is quite comfortable. To add to your comfort, the neck area is microfleece and breathable. The hood is spacious and has a zipper garage-chin guard so that your face and chin are comfortable. There are also pit zips, which offer you maximum breathability, which also helps you to feel comfortable.
6. Tres 3 in 1 Parka
If you like looking fashionable while staying warm and dry during the winter weather, then you’ll love Patagonia’s Tres 3 in 1 Parka. With this parka, you’ll both look good and feel good while you venture outdoors into the colder temperatures.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Patagonia’s Tres 3 in 1 Parka is made with two layers of waterproof fabric on the outer shell area, which will help keep you warm and dry no matter how wet the weather gets outside. Also, this jacket is designed to be lightweight, which makes it easy to carry and easy to wear.
Insulation
The insulation on this jacket is made from a 600-fill down, meaning it provides plenty of warmth even on the coldest of days. As long as you wear the outer coat and the inner down jacket together, you’ll stay warm.
Durability
Made to be very flexible, this jacket is designed with high-quality materials including water-resistant fabrics and excellent stitching. Built to last, you’ll be able to wear this jacket for sometime after you purchase it.
Comfort
This jacket breaks down into three different styles, giving you the opportunity to use the jacket in a variety of ways. You can use just the outer shell, just the liner, or combine the shell and liner together depending on what you need.
7. Fitz Roy
If you’re looking for a good, all-around cold weather jacket, then the Patagonia Fitz Roy Jacket combines plenty of warmth and flexibility into a nice winter jacket design. With the Patagonia Fitz Roy Jacket, you’ll get plenty of insulation and a stylish appearance you’ll love to wear no matter where you plan to go.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Made with a 20D shell fabric, this jacket runs a bit long, so it helps cover up part of your lower body for more protection. Plus, this jacket is made to be water-resistant, which will help you stay dry no matter how wet the weather gets outside.
Insulation
The insulation on Patagonia’s Fitz Roy Jacket is made up of 8 ounces of 800-fill down and also comes with a Pertex Quantum shell to repel water, helping to make the insulation and jacket water-resistant. You also get a jacket that offers you a longer cut, so that’s more protection and still more insulation to keep you warm.
Durability
Patagonia’s Fitz Roy Parka comes with a helmet-compatible hood and a two-way main zipper designed with high-quality materials that are built to last. You’ll be able to wear this jacket for some time since it’s made to take abuse anytime you are active.
Comfort
The insulation on this jacket and the interior area of the jacket are soft to touch, so the jacket is very comfortable. The jacket also brings you some ventilation to help prevent overheating.
8. Los Gatos
Embrace your feline side with this super comfortable and stylish jacket. Even though you may not expect it, the exterior and interior of this jacket are moderately weather-resistant, making this is a great jacket for many activities.
Read moreWeather Resistance
The exterior of this jacket is made from 100% polyester fleece. Innately, the exterior is weather-resistant, but mildly. The trim and polyester lining of the jacket is finished with a DWR treatment, preventing light rain, moisture, or snow from penetrating the jacket.
Insulation
Judging by the fluffiness of this jacket, many reviewers expected it to be warmer and heavier than it is. That being said, it does still provide decent warmth, lined with polyester plain weave. The interior lining is also moisture-wicking, meaning that if you do overheat and sweat, the material will absorb the moisture and dry quickly. The collar of the jacket is high, creating extra warmth around your neck. Additionally, there are two hand-warming pockets.
Durability
There haven’t been many comments or concerns with the overall durability of this jacket. There was a review that mentioned that the fur lost its fluff from having the seatbelt in the same spot every day. Other than that, this jacket seems as reliable as every other Patagonia jacket. As usual, it also comes with Patagonia’s lifetime warranty.
Comfort
It’s almost as good as wrapping yourself in a blanket- but more stylish. The Los Gatos jacket has a slim fit and features princess seams in the back to provide a feminine fit. With so much “fur,” you would think it weighs more, but it only weighs 15.5-ounces.
9. Down Sweater
Patagonia’s Down Sweater Jacket is one of the most popular jackets Patagonia offers, for good reason. This jacket is made with several high-quality materials that help make it both lightweight and warm for great all-around winter weather protection.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Designed to be stylish, you get a casual look with this jacket, that is made with a strong shell to extend durability. Patagonia’s Sweater Jacket will look great either outside when you’re doing your sports or for everyday errands.
Insulation
Made with 800 fill down, you get a lot of warmth designed into this jacket, and it works great for just about anything you’d want to do outside. There is some ventilation in the jacket as well, which should help prevent you from overheating.
Durability
Patagonia’s Down Sweater Jacket features a durable outer shell material that can withstand a lot of abuse. So, this jacket is built to last quite some time.
Comfort
The interior area of this jacket is smooth and soft to the touch, which helps make this jacket feel great when you wear it. Plus, it will provide you with an excellent boost of warmth.
10. Nano Puff Hoody
The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody is one of the lightest, most portable, and best all-around winter jackets you’ll find on the market today. Featuring a hood that will help boost your warmth no matter how cold the weather is outside, you’ll love the benefits this jacket offers you during the winter.
Read moreWeather Resistance
Made to be lightweight and portable, you can pack the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody easily into its internal chest pocket, and then zip it. Even better, you can attach that to your backpack and easily save space while you are on-the-go.
Insulation
Patagonia’s Nano Puff Hoody is designed with ripstop polyester and also has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, so the interior down insulation stays dry. Plus, this jacket is designed so that the insulation is not only warm but doesn’t bulk up, which helps increase your flexibility.
Durability
Designed with high-quality materials like water protection and fully sealed seams, this jacket is very durable and can withstand a lot of abuse while you are outside. Once you purchase this jacket, you should be able to use it for some time.
Comfort
Patagonia’s Nano Puff Hoody is very comfortable and has zippered handwarmer pockets as well as a lot of warmth. You also get a good ventilation system, and an overall cozy feeling each time you put the jacket on.
Sources
- , The Ultimate Patagonia Jackets, Informational Hiking Website
- , Best Warm Jackets, Informational Camping WEbsite