Patagonia Down Sweater Review
versatile combination of warmth, durability, and style for year-round use
September 22nd, 2023
We tested the men’s and women’s Patagonia Down Sweater jacket in all seasons and are impressed by its versatility and flattering style. Photo by Emily Haas.
Our Verdict
If you have to buy only one down jacket, the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket (men’s and women’s) is the one. Over and over in the professional outdoor media and everyday customer reviews, this puffy jacket came up—even when reviewers disagreed on everything else. For these and other reasons, this jacket won Best Down Jacket in our Best Down Jackets article.
The Patagonia Down Sweater is the kind of jacket that sees year-round use. Toasty enough to wear as an outer layer in town on those winter days it’s hovering around freezing, but light enough to take on your high alpine hiking trip in August. Our testers have used the Down Sweater for hiking, skiing, camping, and climbing for years and find it a reliable standby for most outdoor situations.
Its versatility can't be beat. On a recent trip, we wore it while leaving the chilly Pacific Northwest winter, then stashed it in its internal stuff pocket for a week in Mexico, pulling it back out for the plane ride home. It took up so little space we didn’t mind bringing it. This year-round usability – from town to trail, crag to commute – makes the Patagonia Down Sweater a classic favorite gear item.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
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Specs
Price: $279
Jacket Weight: 10.3 oz (women's) and 13 oz (men's) for size med, no hood;
Down Sweater Hoody Weight: 12.1 oz (women's) and 14.8 oz (men's)
Shell fabric: NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets, PFC-free DWR
Insulation: 800 Fill RDS certified down
Hand warmer pockets: Two zippered
Internal pockets: 1 zippered chest pocket, 2 drop-in pockets
Hood: optional as the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (men's and women's)
Available sizes: Women's XXS-XXL Men’s XXS-XXXL
Best for: backcountry and frontcountry
We loved the flattering style, warmth-to-weight ratio, versatility, and sustainability of the Patagonia Down Sweater jacket. Photo by Emily Haas.
What We Liked
size range
color options
warmth to weight ratio
optional hood (called the Down Sweater Hoody)
commitment to sustainability
The Down Sweater comes in a wide range of sizes. Men’s sizing has been extended from last year, ranging from XXS-XXXL. We’d like to see a similar extension into larger sizes for the women’s Down Sweater as well; the range there is XXS-XXL. You can get it in infant, toddler, and youth sizing, though, enabling one to outfit the whole family in matching jackets!
View of the liner fabric on the Patagonia Down Sweater jacket. Photo by Emily Haas.
Shell Fabric
The Patagonia Down Sweater for 2023 is made from NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled fishnet nylon ripstop. This fabric is made from recycled fishing nets, reducing the amount of plastic in the ocean and the overall use of plastic.
The face fabric is treated with a PFC-free (perfluorochemical-free) DWR (Durable Water Repellent). The DWR will keep light precipitation from immediately soaking through the face fabric, which is essential in a jacket that uses untreated non-hydrophobic down. PFAS water repellents are common in outdoor technical apparel, and Patagonia is at the forefront of research and development to phase it out of all its products.
We liked the length of the Patagonia Down Sweater jacket. Photo by Emily Haas.
Insulation
The Patagonia Down Sweater is made with 800 fill power RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified down. It is NSF International Certified for global traceable down standards.
Fill power is one of two ways to determine the warmth-to-weight ratio of your insulated jacket. Higher fill power means that, ounce for ounce, your jacket’s insulation will feel warmer. Fill power generally ranges from 300 to 1000. Most good quality jackets will contain a fill power of 600 or higher. Down of an 800-fill power is considered high quality and is extremely lightweight and fluffy for how well it insulates. Fill powers of 900 or higher are less common due to the difficulty of sourcing such high quality down and the subsequent high prices associated with that cost.
Patagonia does not use hydrophobic down, so one must take more care to ensure the Down Sweater does not get wet. Depending on who you ask, the lack of treated down may be a pro or a con. Hydrophobic down (down that has been impregnated with a DWR to make it water resistant) is far less likely to get wet and clump up, meaning it will retain loft and keep you warm in wetter conditions.
Some manufacturers believe that treating down for water repellency reduces its lifespan, making the treatment not worth it. I personally have found that I tend to be more careful about the conditions in which I wear an insulated jacket with untreated down versus one that has been treated, so there may even be a human factor in the lifespan argument.
You can read more about responsible down and how down is measured in our guide to The Best Sleeping Bag and in our article on Which is better? Down vs. Synthetic Jacket.
The Patagonia Down Sweater jacket has an internal pocket that we like to make sure our phone stays warm. Phone batteries can drain and even permanently be damaged by cold, so this is a way to protect your phone. Photo by Emily Haas.
Front Zipper
The storm flap prevents drafts at the chest, and the zipper garage keeps your chin from getting abraded by the zipper, which is especially painful when it’s freezing out.
Pockets
There are two spacious zippered handwarmer pockets and two internal drop-in pockets. The internal zippered chest pocket is large enough for a standard smartphone.
Packability
The Down Sweater stuffs into the internal zippered chest pocket with a fabric loop so you can attach the stuffed jacket with a carabiner. In the men's large size that we tested, this resulted in a bundle larger than a Nalgene. This is good for hiking and backpacking. However, it's bulky attached to a harness for climbing. For travel, like our trip to Mexico, it took up relatively little volume to keep us warm for our cold return trip back home. We like that the pocket is the stuff sack, so we can't lose it. It also reduces the amount of fabric that needs to be manufactured and cuts down on weight.
Elastic Cuff
Patagonia reduces weight and bulk by using an elastic cuff rather than velcro tabs. Previous versions had a more robust elastic that more readily sprung back into place. We noticed a difference in the cuffs in the newest model–and so did customers. The current version feels pretty wimpy in comparison. However, it is more lightweight and less bulky.
The drawcord hem on the Patagonia Down Sweater has moved in the most recent version to be along the base of the jacket instead of accessible from the pockets. Photo by Emily Haas.
Drawcord Hem
On previous versions of the Down Sweater, the drawcord at the hem was located inside each hand pocket. We liked not taking our hands out of our pockets to cinch down the hem. With the newest version, the Down Sweater has an external draw cord located only on the right side. This placement necessitates reaching across the body and using both hands, which our male tester noted was “kind of annoying.”
Hood
The Down Sweater comes in a hooded (called the Down Sweater Hoody) and non-hooded version. We tested the hoody and the non-hooded version. The two jackets are mostly the same except for the hood.
A few factors come into play when deciding which to choose. If your primary use will be around town, as a mid-layer with a shell over it, or if you just run warm, you probably don’t need a hood. On the other hand, if you wear the Down Sweater as an outer layer in the backcountry, where you need more versatility in a single piece (or tend to run cold), get the Down Sweater Hoody.
The adjustable hood on the Down Sweater Hoody has a drawcord at the back to cinch up in windy conditions. The hoodie's front zipper is higher than the non-hooded version, coming up almost to this tester's nose. The hood is not helmet compatible, so it may not accommodate all hairstyles well, either. However, it is what Patagonia calls “under helmet” compatible.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE PATAGONIA DOWN SWEATER HOODY
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Weight
This is considered a lightweight jacket. At 10.3 oz for women's medium and 13 oz for men's, it's middle-of-the-road. It's not the most ultralight jacket out there, nor is it heavy duty for extreme cold. The result is an extremely versatile lightweight down jacket that delivers a great warmth to weight ratio without being bulky.
The Patagonia Down Sweater is arguably the most environmentally-friendly down jacket available while also being a product designed to last and backed by a repair and warranty program created to keep clothing out of landfills. Photo by Emily Haas.
Environmental Impact
Here at Treeline Review, we are very aware of the real impact of outdoor gear manufacturing on the environment. That’s one of the main reasons Patagonia is a brand we consistently recommend. They are a leader in the outdoor industry and are known for their commitment to sustainability.
Patagonia's products are also Bluesign-approved, meaning they reduce the amount and toxicity of chemicals they use, especially during the dying of fabrics.
In a monumental move last year, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard transferred ownership of the company to a trust and a non-profit, with the goal of all the profits being used to combat climate change. You can read Chouinard’s letter here and learn more about what this means in this New York Times article, written September 2022.
RDS DOWN CERTIFIED
Patagonia uses RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified down. This certification means that geese and ducks are ethically treated along the supply chain, protecting them from force-feeding or live-plucking.
RECYCLED FABRIC
Our world's oceans are filled with plastic. With NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled fishing net nylon ripstop, Patagonia is reducing their overall use of plastic AND the amount of plastic in the ocean. This is a change from the previous version (which we also tested), which was made of 100 recycled polyester ripstop.
Using a PFC-free DWR finish significantly reduces Patagonia’s environmental impact. PFCs (also known as PFA or PFOA) are often called “forever chemicals” because they never go away once they enter the environment or your body. PFCs can enter water sources and may be linked to various health problems. You can read more about PFCs here or in our guide to PFAS and PFCs in outdoor gear.
Another way Patagonia reduces their impact is through their incredible warranty. Patagonia has what they call their Ironclad Guarantee. They will repair, refund, or exchange any item for any reason—no matter how long you’ve had it or how much you’ve put it through.
The updated version of the Down Sweater now comes with fabric repair patches. These patches reduce carbon emissions from shipping the jacket to Patagonia for repairs on small tears.
We like the fleece lining along the neck of the Patagonia Down Sweater that is soft and warm against the skin. Photo by Emily Haas.
Warmth
Patagonia states that their updated version is warmer than previous versions. We can't verify this because we couldn’t do side-by-side field testing of the new and old versions on the same tester. We can tell you that when we compared our older version to the current version, the new version seemed way puffier. Our male tester, who tested the current version, noted his surprise at how warm the Down Sweater is for how lightweight it is.
Wind and Water Protection
The Down Sweater is windproof and treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent). The DWR will shed light rain for short periods. If you plan on being out for more extended periods or in a downpour, we recommend wearing a shell over it.
Fit and Sizing
This factor is why there is a lot of uproar about the newest version. The men's sizing does not appear to be too different, but the women's version has been changed from a comfort fit to a trim fit. Many everyday reviewers mentioned having to size up to accommodate their hips, resulting in an ill-fitting jacket elsewhere in the body.
I am 5’ 7” and 155 lbs, with a small chest, narrow waist, and large hips. I usually wear a size medium women's Down Sweater. The Fall 2022 updated version felt a bit tighter at the hips, but it’s not something I would have noticed or been bothered by if I were unaware of the complaints.
We contacted Patagonia and the fit for the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 model is the same as the 2022/23 model.
Value
At $279, the Patagonia Down Sweater is not cheap, but it is a good value for a sustainably-sourced, ethically made, high-quality piece. Plus, with Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee, even if something like a zipper fails, Patagonia will repair or replace the jacket, ostensibly giving it a longer life than comparable brands. If you wash and take good care of it, it will last you many years. See our guides on How to Clean, Maintain, and Repair Outdoor Gear for other advice, such as how to repair a zipper.
We compared the newest model of the Patagonia Down Sweater (left) with last year’s model of the Patagonia Down Sweater (right). Photo by Emily Haas.
Changes From Previous Models
Patagonia has updated this version of the Down Sweater with changes that some people like and others don’t. Those changes include the following:
Softer face fabric is 100% recycled material
More down fill for a warmer jacket
Hem drawcord cinch is on the right side at the waist rather than in pockets
Zipper garage at the chin is nylon rather than fleece
Women’s model is now a Trim Fit
Extended sizing
Updates for Winter 2023/2024
We contacted Patagonia and there are no updates to the Patagonia Down Sweater for the Fall 2023 model. It appears as if the Patagonia Down Sweater is now available in more colors.
What Could Be Better
We tested the newest version in the men's model, which didn't have complaints about the fit. However, many reviewers didn’t like the changes in the fit of the women's model. Previous versions of this jacket had more of a comfortable fit that some users described as “boxy.” The upside was that the jacket fit a wider variety of body types. In contrast, the updated model is what Patagonia’s website calls a “trimmer fit,” for which they recommend sizing up for folks with bigger hips. Most brands cater to a more stereotypical “athletic” fit that limits the type of people who can wear their jackets, so this change is a bit disappointing. Patagonia does suggest on their website to size up “for a more relaxed fit around the hips.”
The men’s version had far fewer complaints about the change in fit. Our 6’ 4” 210lb tester found the size Large Down Sweater fits true to size and appreciated the extra length in the arms. The men's reviews mentioned that the elastic at the wrist was too loose, letting cold air in. We confirmed that the elastic is looser than previous versions; however, our tester did not have a problem with his wrists getting cold.
We would have loved it if Patagonia had kept the hem drawcord in the pockets. We liked keeping our hands warm when cinching down. That said, none of these things were a deal breaker, as this jacket is still incredibly well made with quality materials.
For those who want the previous version, this is one outdoor item that is relatively easy to find gently used versions. You can pick up the men's and women's Down Sweater Jackets and men's and women's Down Hoodies at Patagonia's Worn Wear store and REI's Good and Used. We also recommend checking your local used gear store.
Who else likes it
We're not alone in praising the Patagonia Down Jacket. Outdoor Gear Lab called it “A stylish and highly functional down jacket.” Everyday users commented about the color options, functionality for various activities, and good warmth-to-weight ratio.
What we look for in a down jacket or parka
We made a video that explains the criteria that we look for when choosing down apparel, including down fill, fill weight, insulation, and warmth.
Similar Jackets to Consider
Cotopaxi Fuego
If you want something similar to the Patagonia Down Sweater but in fun retro stripe colors, check out the Cotopaxi Fuego. With a similar size range and an astonishing offering of 14 color combinations, this super stylish, warm jacket will fit most bodies. Their 800 fill down is RDS certified; however, they don’t mention anything about using recycled face fabrics like the Patagonia Down Sweater. Cotopaxi is a certified B-Corp.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0
Do you want a down jacket that keeps you warm, has a great warranty, and comes in a ton of sizes, colors, and feature options but don't want to pay more than $100? Then the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket is the one for you.
Since it has a lower fill power, it doesn’t have the packability or warmth-to-weight ratio of the Down Sweater. But it’s still way more packable and lighter than a synthetic puffy or fleece. Plus, it has some of the most inclusive sizing we've seen anywhere with plus sizes and tall sizes.
Like the Patagonia Down Sweater, it’s also available in kids’ sizing and for infants and toddlers.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
The Patagonia Nano Puff jacket has some of the same features as the Patagonia Down jacket with a few notable differences. First, the Nano Puff is synthetic insulation instead of down. The Nano Puff jacket uses 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco, which is not as effective as the Down Sweater. The Down Sweater jacket has a much better warmth-to-weight ratio than the Nano Puff jacket, and the Down Sweater is a warmer jacket. The Nano Puff is better suited for milder conditions. If you want a synthetic Patagonia jacket, we recommend Patagonia's Micro Puff jacket instead.
If maintained well, the Down Sweater can last for years. The synthetic insulation on the Nano Puff becomes less effective at insulating with use.
The Nano Puff is more affordable and costs $50 than the Micro Puff. If price is a consideration, you'll get some of the same features, like recycled fishing net shell and the same build quality of the Down Sweater, but at a lower price.
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WOMEN'S
Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoodie
For more versatility, you might consider hybrid down and synthetic jackets.
These jackets use a mixture or combination of down and synthetic fill. The concept is to capitalize on the positive aspects of both types of insulation; you get down’s lightweight packability, combined with the water resistance and breathability of synthetic insulation.
The finest example of a hybrid jacket is the Arcteryx Cerium LT Down Hoody, which won our award for Best Down-Synthetic Hybrid.
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WOMEN'S
Katabatic TARN Down Hoody
The Katabatic Tarn Down Hoody, an ultralight jacket that uses hydrophobic down. It's made by Katabatic Gear, makers of ultralight quilts popular with thru-hikers and bikepackers.
You can read more about it in our Gear News article.
You can also read out in-depth review on the Katabatic Tarn.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Durability and long-term testing
For the Spring 024 models, we’ve spent the past year wearing it almost year-round. We’ve used it backpacking and camping in Oregon and Washington and it got near daily use around town when in was chilly. One of our testers works outside and spends his work day at different job sites outdoors. He says he loves how light the Down Sweater is and also how warm.
For this gear review, we tested 3 different Patagonia Down Sweater vests. One is a model from their 2020 line and the other two are models from 2022/23 line. For an earlier version of this story, we relied on our 2020 model to be the example of long-term durability testing. We traveled, commuted, hiked, backpacked, and lived in that jacket and never had issues with the fabric ripping, zippers jamming, or any other durability-related issue.
We have no issues with either of the jackets we tested and will keep you updated if anything changes.
How We Tested
We tested the Patagonia Down Sweater year-round from New York State to Tennessee, Colorado to California, and in the Pacific Northwest. We tested it on section hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Wonderland Trail, and extended camping trips in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. We've also worn it extensively around town, with temperatures down to the mid-teens. It's performed beautifully in all of these diverse situations and conditions, and it's the jacket we reach for over and over (and we have a lot of jackets to choose from!).
Tiffany Searsdodd has two decades of experience helping outdoors people choose the best clothing for their adventure. She’s a big fan of the Patagonia Down jacket. Photo by Emily Haas.
About the Author / Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a gear nerd who’s been gearing up myself and others my entire adult life. As a Wilderness Guide for a wilderness therapy organization serving teenagers, I spent four winter seasons living in the snow in Central Oregon. I became intimately acquainted with cold-weather gear, tips and tricks, and teaching teens how to be comfortable in the wilderness. I’ve also worked as a Sea Kayak Guide for Pangea Adventures in Alaska, leading glacier tours by kayak.
I also bring more than two decades of experience working in Outdoor Retail. Gear shakedowns are something I do for fun. I love talking about gear, but more than that, I love making sure people have the gear that is right for them. I've spent over 20 years outfitting people of all skill and experience levels outdoors on their quest to stay active in cooler weather. Over the years, I've learned what kind of features, materials, sizing, and colors customers want and what aspects of outdoor apparel they find unnecessary.
When it comes to down jackets, I have another reason for being an expert: I’m always cold. Seriously. I own three sleeping bags, one backpacking quilt, a pair of down booties, puffy pants, and more puffy jackets than I care to count. I know all about keeping warm while adventuring outside.
I am not sponsored, an ambassador, or an employee of any of the companies mentioned in my reviews.
You can read all of Tiffany’s stories on her author page.
