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Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater
Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Review Facts
There are just those certain brands that you naturally expect a lot out of. From Nike to Garmin to Adidas to Sony, you typically know a good brand when you see one. Well, it is safe to put Patagonia Men's Down Sweater in that category and that immediately means that their down jacket is going to be held in stricter regard than normal ones will.
Whether that is fair or not is irrelevant. Why do we say that? The price point. Many of you will need to be enthralled by this sweater in order to pull the trigger on it. That is what you are going to find out today as we take an in-depth look at the Patagonia Men's down sweater.
Per the name, this is indeed complete with down insulation which makes it ideal for colder climates. The warmth-to-weight ratio is also superb and is something that this garment excels at. It is also complete with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to handle both rain and snow.
However, as you will see, not everything is all that is cracked up to be as there are certain areas in which this is limited just a bit. This jacket is very similar to the Women's Down Sweater, just this is the male version of it. Read this review of Patagonia Men's Down Sweater to find out the other differences between these two models.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Equipped with 800-fill down insulation
The warmth-to-weight ratio is fantastic
The overall comfort is quite ideal
Finished with a DWR coating
The outer shell acts as a slight windbreaker
Updated with a refined fit
It can be folded into its own pocket
Only weighs 13.1 ounces
Cons
It is not exactly fully waterproof
In heavy wind, gusts will sneak through the shell
One user did have durability issues with the zipper
Use
The Patagonia down sweater has been filled with 800-fill-power goose down, and if you anything about down, you know it is some of the best insulation out there. This makes it suitable for colder weather (even freezing temperatures). Now, as for the down itself, Patagonia used certified goose down (by NSF International) to ensure that no birds were live-plucked or force-fed.
As noted, though, more impressive is the warmth-to-weight ratio of this jacket. Relative to the weight of it, you will notice that the down has an exceptional amount of loft. Due to how it fits you, you can also layer down with this bad boy. For more info you can check the guide on the best mid-layers.
When the temperature drops into the teens or possibly even lower, this is ideal as this jacket alone is probably not going to cut it. A lightweight sweater underneath or something of that nature can easily be fitted underneath this. Of course, during the average winter afternoon, this sweater should be warm enough with a simple undershirt.
As noted, though, more impressive is the warmth-to-weight ratio of this jacket. Relative to the weight of it, you will notice that the down has an exceptional amount of loft. Due to how it fits you, you can also layer down with this bad boy. For more info you can check the guide on the best mid-layers.
When the temperature drops into the teens or possibly even lower, this is ideal as this jacket alone is probably not going to cut it. A lightweight sweater underneath or something of that nature can easily be fitted underneath this. Of course, during the average winter afternoon, this sweater should be warm enough with a simple undershirt.
Comfort
The fact that down insulation is present will make you more comfortable during the winter. For bigger comfort and warmth, you can also combine it with some of the models from the list on the best winter vests.
That you already know, but there are a plethora of other reasons why the Patagonia down sweater is a joy to wear. For starters, both the shell and interior lining have a plush and soft feel. You can tell that an emphasis was placed on soft-to-the-touch materials, so to speak.
Additionally, the elastic cuffs at the end of the arms are nylon-bound and do not cause discomfort at all. They are also going to seal in even more warmth which will enhance your comfort even more so. Even if you wanted to pop the collar up for additional warmth, the zipper is not going to be allowed to irritate your skin. If you need help with the irritation, make sure you read our guide on the best skin products for hikers and backpackers.
Due to the fact that there is a small flap that covers the top part of the zipper, all your neck will feel is the plush feel of the fabric. Oh yeah, and the DWR coating that is present does not hinder the natural soft texture of the outer shell.
That you already know, but there are a plethora of other reasons why the Patagonia down sweater is a joy to wear. For starters, both the shell and interior lining have a plush and soft feel. You can tell that an emphasis was placed on soft-to-the-touch materials, so to speak.
Additionally, the elastic cuffs at the end of the arms are nylon-bound and do not cause discomfort at all. They are also going to seal in even more warmth which will enhance your comfort even more so. Even if you wanted to pop the collar up for additional warmth, the zipper is not going to be allowed to irritate your skin. If you need help with the irritation, make sure you read our guide on the best skin products for hikers and backpackers.
Due to the fact that there is a small flap that covers the top part of the zipper, all your neck will feel is the plush feel of the fabric. Oh yeah, and the DWR coating that is present does not hinder the natural soft texture of the outer shell.
Waterproofness
It has been mentioned a few times already that this jacket is equipped with a DWR coating. However, what exactly is this, and what is it going to accomplish? In the simplest of explanations, it is a thin layer of liquid that is going to allow clothes the ability to repel water and other such debris. In other words, it will enable this sweater to be water-resistant.
And, just for the record, both the shell and lining have been treated with this coating. However, and this is vital to understand, these coatings do not make this down sweater waterproof. They allow it to repel an adequate amount of water (or snow), making it suitable for light precipitation.
However, you will find that during harder rainfall and snowfall, this jacket will not be able to keep up, and you will get wet. Also, on a side note, over time, you will want to wash this garment to help reactivate the DWR coatings. And, indeed, it is rated to be machine wash-safe.
And, just for the record, both the shell and lining have been treated with this coating. However, and this is vital to understand, these coatings do not make this down sweater waterproof. They allow it to repel an adequate amount of water (or snow), making it suitable for light precipitation.
However, you will find that during harder rainfall and snowfall, this jacket will not be able to keep up, and you will get wet. Also, on a side note, over time, you will want to wash this garment to help reactivate the DWR coatings. And, indeed, it is rated to be machine wash-safe.
Wind Protection
Admittedly, this is one of the areas in which this sweater struggles a little bit. The outer shell can block a decent amount of wind, so it is not going to be an issue on most winter afternoons. The problem comes when the wind begins to howl as this is not equipped to handle such conditions.
Due to the stitched baffling, heavy gusts of wind will pass right through this sweater, and you will feel them. This can become a concern on those brutal winter days and nights where the wind creates a reel feel of negative temperatures. In such conditions, without an outer shell over top of this, you will find this inadequate at keeping you warm.
The good news is that you can indeed wear a windproof outer shell over top of this. However, you may not want to wear all that layering, and that is fair. In other words, if you are looking for a sweater (on its own) to keep you warm in frigid temperatures with gusting winds, this is not the ticket. In this case, we may help you with the extreme cold-weather gear.
Due to the stitched baffling, heavy gusts of wind will pass right through this sweater, and you will feel them. This can become a concern on those brutal winter days and nights where the wind creates a reel feel of negative temperatures. In such conditions, without an outer shell over top of this, you will find this inadequate at keeping you warm.
The good news is that you can indeed wear a windproof outer shell over top of this. However, you may not want to wear all that layering, and that is fair. In other words, if you are looking for a sweater (on its own) to keep you warm in frigid temperatures with gusting winds, this is not the ticket. In this case, we may help you with the extreme cold-weather gear.
Size
As opposed to wind protection, which is one of the weakest features of this jacket, it is now time to talk about one of the best features. The best way to describe the fit of the Patagonia down sweater is with one word: versatile. This can be attributed to the fact that the garment is not incredibly bulky or loose but also not form-fitting.
Due to this, you will find that it is just as easy to add base layering as it is to layer over top of it. Thus, this makes it ideal for wearing on its own or with a hardshell jacketover top of it (which can then make it suitable for blizzard-type conditions). Additionally, the back does not extend far enough to stick out awkwardly of your outer shell (which is nice).
Of course, you can still nitpick a bit in this section. As with other likeminded sweaters, you can adjust the hem. There are cinches located in the handwarmer pockets and while it is nice that your hands will not have to be exposed to the blistering cold, these cinches do take up space in the pockets. This is only a minor complaint, though.
Due to this, you will find that it is just as easy to add base layering as it is to layer over top of it. Thus, this makes it ideal for wearing on its own or with a hardshell jacketover top of it (which can then make it suitable for blizzard-type conditions). Additionally, the back does not extend far enough to stick out awkwardly of your outer shell (which is nice).
Of course, you can still nitpick a bit in this section. As with other likeminded sweaters, you can adjust the hem. There are cinches located in the handwarmer pockets and while it is nice that your hands will not have to be exposed to the blistering cold, these cinches do take up space in the pockets. This is only a minor complaint, though.
Durability
This is where you can count on a brand like Patagonia jackets because you know, at the very least, they are going to deliver a garment with a high-quality build. It is safe to say that this is the case with their Patagonia Men's down sweater (even though it is not perfect in this regard).
The main shell has been crafted out of 100 percent ripstop polyester, and just by looking at the quality of the horizontal stitching, you can tell that the artistry is fantastic. There should be minimal shedding of the down insulation, so this is not something you will need to worry about.
Of course, when looking at the denier of the shell, this is not the most rugged down sweater on the market. At the same time, it is not incredibly light, either, but it does have somewhat of a delicate feel. As for the other features, for the most part, the quality of the components is on full display.
We say “for the most part” as one buyer did have a negative experience with the main zipper. It fell off for them within a couple of weeks.
The main shell has been crafted out of 100 percent ripstop polyester, and just by looking at the quality of the horizontal stitching, you can tell that the artistry is fantastic. There should be minimal shedding of the down insulation, so this is not something you will need to worry about.
Of course, when looking at the denier of the shell, this is not the most rugged down sweater on the market. At the same time, it is not incredibly light, either, but it does have somewhat of a delicate feel. As for the other features, for the most part, the quality of the components is on full display.
We say “for the most part” as one buyer did have a negative experience with the main zipper. It fell off for them within a couple of weeks.
Features
There are not a ton of features to cover here, but the ones that need to be addressed are important regardless. To begin, most of you will be delighted to know that this garment does come equipped with two handwarmer pockets. Better yet, both of them have zippered closure systems to secure your items better if you want to store some inside.
Of course, as noted, the cinches do take up some space, so take note of that. Either way, there are nice to have as either storage pouches or warmth for your hands. Additionally, there is also an internal zippered chest pocket. Past the fact that this can also hold some essentials, it also allows the Patagonia Men's Down Sweater to fold into it for enhanced portability.
While not incredibly compact, when folded into itself, it will make storing and transporting it more accessible. Keep in mind, however, that you should avoid doing so for extended periods as this can compromise the loft of the down.
Of course, as noted, the cinches do take up some space, so take note of that. Either way, there are nice to have as either storage pouches or warmth for your hands. Additionally, there is also an internal zippered chest pocket. Past the fact that this can also hold some essentials, it also allows the Patagonia Men's Down Sweater to fold into it for enhanced portability.
While not incredibly compact, when folded into itself, it will make storing and transporting it more accessible. Keep in mind, however, that you should avoid doing so for extended periods as this can compromise the loft of the down.
Flexibility
If you have any interest in utilizing this sweater for activities that require you to move your body (even something as simple as jogging or running in the winter), you will want to know if it is flexible or not. While it is not as if this garment is made of spandex or anything like that, it will not diminish your flexibility very much at all.
Its semi-loose and baggy nature (not too much so) will allow for optimal freedom of movement. Then again, if you do decide to go crazy with the additional layers, you may find that your ability to move freely is compromised. On its own, however, you will not have to worry about too much.
Its semi-loose and baggy nature (not too much so) will allow for optimal freedom of movement. Then again, if you do decide to go crazy with the additional layers, you may find that your ability to move freely is compromised. On its own, however, you will not have to worry about too much.
Weight
It was alluded to before that the warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent here. But, that is not what this section is about as let’s take a look at the weight of this garment as a whole. While the size you get will slightly alter it, the medium weighs only over 13 ounces (13.1 ounces, to be exact).
If you are familiar with down sweaters of this nature, then you will know that this model of Patagonia Men's Down Sweater is not incredibly lightweight. At the same time, several users have raved about the overall weight and feel of this sucker when worn. If you were to compare it to several other models, it would fall in the middle of the pack regarding its weight.
Also, remember that the total weight of this jacket is not all you will need to account for. Any base layering or shell layering you put on will add to the weight.
If you are familiar with down sweaters of this nature, then you will know that this model of Patagonia Men's Down Sweater is not incredibly lightweight. At the same time, several users have raved about the overall weight and feel of this sucker when worn. If you were to compare it to several other models, it would fall in the middle of the pack regarding its weight.
Also, remember that the total weight of this jacket is not all you will need to account for. Any base layering or shell layering you put on will add to the weight.
Bottom Line
Make no mistake about it; this is a terrific article of clothing to add to your closet. For the upcoming winter season, it is a sweater that you will most likely go back to time and time again. Its certified down insulation, sensational comfort, and versatile fit ensure that this will be the case.
Yet, for as great as it is, there are some slight shortcomings that some of you will be disgruntled by at this price range. For instance, due to its somewhat lackluster windproof capabilities and only decent DWR coatings, it is not going to be suitable for extreme inclement weather. Sure, it can handle light wind and light rain or snow, but it will not be able to handle anything significant on its own.
But, this is where the versatile fit comes into play. You see, when you pair the Patagonia Men's Down Sweater with appropriate layering, you can create the ultimate winter outfit. And, when the time comes to pack it down and away, you can easily do so inside its interior chest pocket.
Put, while not perfect, this is just another solid showing from one of the best outdoor clothing manufacturers on the planet. What more would you expect?
Yet, for as great as it is, there are some slight shortcomings that some of you will be disgruntled by at this price range. For instance, due to its somewhat lackluster windproof capabilities and only decent DWR coatings, it is not going to be suitable for extreme inclement weather. Sure, it can handle light wind and light rain or snow, but it will not be able to handle anything significant on its own.
But, this is where the versatile fit comes into play. You see, when you pair the Patagonia Men's Down Sweater with appropriate layering, you can create the ultimate winter outfit. And, when the time comes to pack it down and away, you can easily do so inside its interior chest pocket.
Put, while not perfect, this is just another solid showing from one of the best outdoor clothing manufacturers on the planet. What more would you expect?
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