Patagonia Men’s Micro Puff Hoody Review

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody is a versatile layer that can be used as a mid-layer or outer layer. Is it the warmest puffy out there ? Definitely not, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an insulating layer that is as light, warm, and versatile as this one. One day it can be your around-town jacket for running errands or going to dinner, and then the next day on the slopes it can be a toasty mid-layer under an outer-shell.

Micro Puff Weight

Do you like going fast and light? Then this 302 gram (Size Large) puffy should be on your short list of layers to own as it packs down small and does a great job of fending off the cold. Now, is this the end-all, be-all of cold-weather jackets? Most definitely not, as I still find a use for heavier “bus stop”down jackets as well as the Mico Puff’s bigger sibling, Das Light.

DAS Light vs Micro Puff

The Das Light jacket from Patagonia does weigh 71 grams more, but I feel the boxier cut and more weather-resistant outer shell make it my go-to ski touring fortress against the elements. As seen in the photos, the Das is only slightly larger when stuffed into its own pocket, which had made it my go-to must-bring insulating layer for ski touring. Having said that, the Das has a boxier cut and isn’t going to be worn under a waterproof shell like the Micro Puff could be. In a pinch, I can toss the Micropuff on over all my layers too. There is something to be said for a layer that is a jack of all trades and master of none. For me, the Micropuff soon became that one layer that I just grab off the coat hook when walking out the door in the morning, and it was reassuring to know that I have something on or in my pack that will work well for 90% of the situations I may encounter, whether it be business or pleasure.

Pertex Quantum Fabric

Upon first glance of the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody, one can immediately tell that the design and construction are well thought out, and every detail is intentional. This isn’t just another cookie-cutter fashion piece but definitely won’t look out of place in the city or on the mountain. The windproof outershell is made of Pertex Quantum fabric, which is now produced from 100% recycled fishing nets!

PlumaFill Insulation

The ultralight weight down-like puffiness is provided by PlumaFill Insulation, which Patagonia spent over a decade developing. Features to keep you warm include elastic around the hood opening and cuffs, as well as elastic drawstrings around the hem to trap the heat in. The left pocket doubles as a stuff sack and includes a fabric loop so you can clip it onto your harness if you feel so inclined. The interior features two deep drop-in pockets, but the one thing I feel it’s missing as far as storage goes is a chest pocket to have your phone close by for photos of gratuitous face shots while skiing. However, this inadvertently forces me to place my mobile device in a leg pocket while backcountry skiing, which reduces avalanche beacon signal interference, so I guess that’s a good thing!

Overall Impression

In summary, the Patagonia Micro Puff ($329.99) should be on the short list of must-have gear to own for almost anyone that spends time outdoors in the cold. It packs up small, so it can be used as one’s primary insulation layer or as a complimentary layer when doubled up with something warmer on top. When paired with a Patagonia R1 Air fleece underneath and a hard shell on top, one would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile layering system for a ski trip. The design is clean and stylish, so it’s adaptable in many different settings in a “mountain chic” kind of way. I see this piece being my go-to for travel, backpacking, lift-access skiing mid-layer on single-digit days, or my primary insulating layer for those quick-strike ski tours where I know I won’t be stopping much, so saving space and weight are always welcomed.

Related Puffy Jackets We Tested

1. La Sportiva Wild Down Puffy
2. Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down
3. Forclaz MT100 Down Jacket