Patagonia Down Sweater
I had my eye on these for a while. I'd never owned a proper down insulating layer but for the weight, packability, and warmth, I knew I'd have to get one.
On a whim at the Round Rock REI, I found last year's model on sale ($120) and walked out with a size Large.
http://www.rei.com/product/770806/patagonia-down-sweater-mens
Specs:
- 11 ounces (avg)
- 800 Fill power
- Polyester shell, down fill
- $220 retail. $100-200 on sales.
Initial Impressions
Loved the lightweight and loft. Color was eh (sky blue) but it got the job done.
Performance
800 fill goose down provides great warmth in a small package. It's not hydrophobic, probably because the down treating process is killer on the environment and this is a Patagonia piece. Outer shell is light weight and treated with water repellant coating. Baffles are sewn well and stuffed full of down. Hand pockets are in a perfect spot and are large enough to be comfortable.
Size seemed pretty true, if a touch big. I'm hard to size, though.
This was my go-to piece on the trail for hanging out in camp, setting up on cold nights or cold mornings, and breaks. Blocks the wind well. Shed light rain well. I did rip a tiny hole in the shell on a bolt sticking out of Muir Trail Ranch's gate. Put a tiny patch of Duck tape on it and haven't messed with is since. Still wear it weekly.
Love the performance, features, and capabilities.
Last words
Down with the Down Sweater
For light weight, pack abilit\, and loft- it's gotta be down. There's lighter weight pieces out there but for all around versatility I've been a fan of the Down Sweater.
Overall Arbitrary Trail Score (OATS)