Our review: quality heritage styling, good warmth and packability
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First impressions
Very soft and with a nice balance between lightweight packability and reassuring pillowy warmth, we liked this jacket straight out of the box. There are 12 colour options for women (10 for men) but we liked this pale green as it felt muted yet modern – and a nice change from the many black jackets on test.
How was the fit?
Ours was a women’s large which overall was a good fit, though we would have welcomed a little more shape over the hips to allow more range of movement (or a 2-way zip) as we ended up undoing it when hiking up steeper hills. Slimmer-hipped hikers might be ok though!
Overall it was a nice fit though – close enough for warmth without being restrictive and the sleeves were a good length. There is a cord with toggle at the hem for adjustment and the cuffs have a little elastication in them, though not enough to allow you to push the sleeves up to elbow-height (as we have a habit of doing!).
How does it feel?
No problems here – soft and warm with a small zip garage to prevent rubbing once the jacket was done up to the chin.
Does it have a hood and is it any good?
No. But Patagonia also offer the Down Sweater Hoody (RRP £280) in the same spec.
What’s it made of?
The facing fabric on the jacket is made from NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled nylon downproof ripstop with a PFC-free DWR finish (a durable water-repellent coating that does not contain perfluorinated chemicals).
What’s it filled with?
The jacket is filled with 800-fill-power 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down certified by Control Union. The jacket is over-stitched to keep the down evenly distributed.
How durable is it?
The jacket didn’t sustain any wear and tear in testing and packs away into its inner zipped pocket – with carabiner – for stashing. It comes included with two sticky fabric patches in the same shade/fabric for on-the-go repairs and Patagonia also offer a (paid) repairs service.
How sustainable is it?
Patagonia are transparent about their materials and, as you would expect from a company known for their environmental concern (since 1985 they have pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment) this jacket features many sustainable elements.
The facing fabric is made from 100% post-consumer nylon in the form of recycled fishing nets, while the down is 100% Responsible Down Standard down certified by Control Union. The purchase of Responsible Down Standard certified products demonstrates demand for better animal welfare practices in the down and feather supply chain. Patagonia also supports Mamata, an organization that provides essential services for the workers that made this product.
The jacket comes with some sticky fabric patches included for repairs on the go which is a really nice touch. Patagonia also have a repair service available ‘Worn Wear’.
Is it good value?
Overall, yes – though we would be tempted to pay a little more to get a version with a hood.
Best used for:
Chilly strolls and long winter walks – though this one would be equally at home on the mountains as an extra mid-layer.
Facts at a glance: Patagonia Down Sweater
Sizes: W XS-XL
Weight: 292g
Fill power: 800
Down type: 100% Responsible Down Standard down certified by Control Union (RDS)
Face fabric: NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop
Type of zip: 1-way zipper
Pockets: 5
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For more of our expert outdoor gear reviews, browse our roundup of the best walking shoes, tried and tested.
