Tech & Gear Luggage The 10 Best Patagonia Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Find the right layer for every activity and season By Cory Smith Cory Smith Villanova University Cory Smith is a Santa Barbara-based freelance journalist specializing in running, climbing, outdoor and fitness-related content, and gear reviews. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 12/04/23 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Patagonia's purple, orange, and black logo depicting the Fitzroy Massif in Patagonia is synonymous with excellent craftsmanship and rigorous dedication to conserving the planet through environmental and political activism. Considered one of the leading makers of outdoor apparel and gear, their outerwear is worn by some of the world's best athletes in the most extreme weather conditions. Before purchasing your new jacket, the first thing to consider is its intended use and the weather conditions it will face. Is insulation or breathability more important (as more of one means less of the other)? Perhaps you need a fully waterproof model, or just a wind-resistant version will suffice. Lastly, we have found that most Patagonia jackets run large, so if in doubt, size down. The Rundown Best Overall: Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoody at Backcountry.com ($289) Jump to Review Best Fleece: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody at Backcountry.com ($90) Jump to Review Best Budget: Patagonia Diamond Quilted Bomber Hoodie at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Most Packable: Patagonia Men's Hooded Insulated Jacket at Backcountry.com ($329) Jump to Review Best Lightweight Insulated: Patagonia DAS Light Hooded Jacket at Backcountry.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Insulated for Skiing/Snowboarding: Patagonia Powder Town Jacket at Backcountry.com ($320) Jump to Review Best Down: Patagonia Down Sweater Hooded Jacket at Backcountry.com ($329) Jump to Review Best Rain Jacket: Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket at REI ($279) Jump to Review Best Wind Shell: Patagonia Houdini Full-Zip Jacket at Backcountry.com ($109) Jump to Review Best for Running: Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover at Backcountry.com ($119) Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Final Verdict How We Tested What to Look For When Shopping for a Patagonia Jacket FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoody Courtesy of Patagonia View On Backcountry.com $289 View On Patagonia.com View On REI $173 What We Like Broad temperature usability Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio Small pack size What We Don't Like Thin shell can puncture easily The Nano Puff is Patagonia's number-one-selling jacket, and rightfully so. Simply put, its versatility and usability are second to none. It's almost an all-season coat for the Western US. The medium-weight 60-gram PrimaLoft Gold Insulation is perfect as a standalone jacket in shoulder season or as a mid-layer under a hardshell for days in the snow. The shell is made with a lightweight, DWR-treated, 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop and is said to be windproof and water-resistant. The Nano Puff provides adequate warmth well into temps in the 30s, but below that, you may want a few layers or something thicker, like Patagonia's DAS Hoody (see below). In High Sierra conditions, the Nano Puff had excellent wind protection in downright cold and nasty alpine winds. As for water resistance, well, it's resistant, but certainly not waterproof. That's an important distinction. In drizzle and snowfall, it holds up just fine, but beyond that, moisture starts to penetrate, and things can turn nasty. For warmth, we found it had great range. Our tester was comfortable in it from just below freezing to mildly chilly California evenings. For bitter cold days at Mammoth, it was the go-to mid-layer. If you're like us, you'll reach for this jacket more than any other one in your closet. Sizes: S to XXXL | Materials: Recycled polyester (fabric), 60 grams PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco post-consumer polyester (insulation) | Sustainability: Recycled materials, Bluesign-certified materials TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Fleece Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody Backcountry View On Backcountry.com $90 View On REI $125 View On Patagonia.com What We Like Solid ventilation and insulation Trim fit Comfortable against the skin What We Don't Like Pills very easily This one is our favorite of all the Patagonia pieces we've tested. It combines the technical chops of our favorite alpine climbing piece, the classic R1, with the coziness of Patagonia's Better Sweater. Designed for high-output activities, it's a bit airier (hence the "air" namesake) than most fleeces, but if you're moving quickly, you'll welcome its superb breathability. The 100 percent recycled polyester jacquard fleece features a distinctive zigzag pattern that gives the R1 Air better breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities than your typical fleece. Unlike most Patagonia jackets listed here, the fit is athletic and snug, with long sleeves. Of every jacket and fleece in our closet, the R1 Air gets used the most. If you're someone who heats up extremely quickly when moving and gets cold just as quickly once you stop, you know the struggle with jackets either being too hot or too cold. The R1 Air's thermal regulation range is phenomenal—the best we've ever tested. It's a perfect medium between warmth and breathability. It's ideal for walking the dog, hiking into the crag, as a ski mid-layer, and whenever it's chilly out. The slim cut is fitted without being restrictive and features good neck coverage. Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: Recycled polyester fleece | Sustainability: Recycled materials, Bluesign-certified materials, Fair Trade Sewn TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Budget Patagonia Diamond Quilted Bomber Hoodie REI View On Backcountry.com View On Dick's View On REI What We Like Chest zippered pocket Stylish Insulation works even if wet What We Don't Like Shell isn't very durable Thinness sacrifices warmth Part bomber jacket, part classic Patagonia down sweater, the Diamond Quilted Bomber Hoodie is a perfect shoulder season all-around casual jacket. This windproof and water-resistant hoodie features 100 percent recycled polyester taffeta with an environmentally friendly PFC-free DWR finish. The insulation is 100 percent polyester 80-gram Thermogreen with a diamond quilt pattern that not only enhances the jacket’s insulation but also looks great. Elastic cuffs on both hands and along the waist ensure the jacket’s edges stay put, further adding to its heat-trapping ability. Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: 50D recycled polyester taffeta (fabric), 80 grams polyester Thermogreen (insulation) | Sustainability: Recycled materials, Bluesign-certified materials Most Packable Patagonia Men's Hooded Insulated Jacket Backcountry View On Backcountry.com $329 View On Dick's $299 View On Patagonia.com What We Like Best-in-class weight to warmth Ideal for ultralight travel Offered in both hooded and non-hooded What We Don't Like Shell punctures easily If you're the type that measures your gear's weight in ounces and size in centimeters, the Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket is for you. This featherweight, lightly insulated jacket packs down to the size of two soda cans and weighs just 9.3 ounces. The shell is made with Pertex Quantum 100 percent nylon ripstop with a DWR coating that's mildly windproof and water-resistant. The Micro Puff gets its packability and lightweight stature thanks to synthetic PlumaFill insulation, while the unique offset checkered stitching pattern keeps the PlumaFill from shifting and creating dead loft spaces. We've had a rocky relationship with this jacket. Hands down, it's the most packable and lightest insulated jacket on the market. This is our go-to layering option for chilly climbing days when pack space is at a premium. What we struggle with is how thin it is. For someone who gets cold when not moving, it didn't provide enough warmth for extended time standing around belaying. If not layered up, our tester started to get cold in temperatures under 45 degrees, especially if there was wind. It's worth mentioning our tester found the sizing to be extremely large and ended up perfectly fitting into a full size smaller than usual. Sizes: S to XXL | Materials: Netplus (10D 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop from fishing nets), PFC-free DWR finish (fabric), 65 grams PlumaFill (100 percent recycled polyester) | Sustainability: Recycled and repurposed materials, Bluesign-certified materials TripSavvy / Nathan Allen Best Lightweight Insulated Patagonia DAS Light Hooded Jacket Patagonia View On Backcountry.com View On REI What We Like Extremely warm for the weight Weather resistance Two-way zipper What We Don't Like No waist cinch One of the company's best-loved down jackets, Patagonia's DAS Light hooded jacket is made with ultralight nylon ripstop and is infused with a durable water-repellent finish to keep rain and snow from sinking in. It's also made with 65 grams of recycled polyester PlumaFill. It has a zip under its monochromatic snap closures, too, and the two do double duty protecting wearers against snow, wind, and rain. There's even an internal pocket for your smartphone, and the hood can be folded into the collar when you don't need it. Sizes for men and women range from extra small to extra large. The DAS Light Hoody did what the Micro Puff could not—keep the wearer warm while still offering superior packability. Side-by-side, the DAS Light Hoody is a more substantial jacket. It's thicker and also packs down a bit larger, but not to the point of prohibiting you from using it when space is limited. The extra space it took up was well worth the extra warmth it provided. Our tester had it out in light snowstorms in Mammoth, and light precipitation didn't penetrate its shell, which was a pleasant surprise. Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: 10-D 100 percent nylon ripstop Pertex Endurance (face fabric), PU dry coating, DWR treatment, 10-D 100 percent nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum (lining), 65 grams PlumaFill 100 percent recycled polyester (insulation) | Sustainability: Recycled and repurposed materials, Bluesign-certified materials The 10 Best Patagonia Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Insulated for Skiing/Snowboarding Patagonia Powder Town Jacket REI View On Backcountry.com $320 View On REI $279 View On Patagonia.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Weatherproofing 5/5 Warmth 5/5 Design 5/5 Durability 5/5 What We Like Excellent ventilation Allows for natural movement Stores all your essentials What We Don't Like Substantial insulation makes layering more complicated A lot about Patagonia's Insulated Powder Town jacket impressed us during testing. It's breathable, warm, and lightweight. In addition to taking this on the slopes, we took it running when temperatures dipped into the low 20s and found the breathability and stretch made it a superb outer layer, giving us a full range of motion without overheating. The jacket consists of a 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester two-layer shell with 80 grams of Thermogreen insulation in the body and 40 grams in the sleeves. Patagonia's proprietary PFC-free H2No DWR tops off the jacket, making it fully waterproof. (We also took this out in a proper rainstorm and found it held up well.) Patagonia's thoughtful features and construction also impressed us, particularly all the pockets that helped boost the organization. Pockets include two zippered hand-warming pockets, a zippered chest pocket, a pass pocket on the forearm, an internal stash pocket for money, and an internal drop-in pocket for goggles or gloves. This jacket also has the typical ski jacket features like an oversized helmet-compatible hood, pit zips for ventilation, and a powder skirt. Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: 2-layer 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester, Thermogreen 100 percent recycled polyester (80 grams in body, 40 grams in sleeves) | Sustainability: Post-consumer recycled shell, recycled insulation, PFC-free DWR treatment TripSavvy / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm Best Down Patagonia Down Sweater Hooded Jacket Patagonia View On Backcountry.com $329 View On Dick's $172 View On Paragonsports.com What We Like Durable shell Great mobility Excellent weatherproofing What We Don't Like Baggy arm fit Limited color options If there is one winter coat everyone should own, it's a down jacket—also commonly referred to as a puffy. Patagonia's Down Sweater Hooded Jacket is the quintessential puffy. The 20 x 30-denier 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop shell is DWR-coated and windproof, and 800-fill goose down is stuffed inside the shell to keep you cozy and warm. An adjustable hem and elastic cuffs add to the jacket's warmth by keeping the heat inside and those pesky drafts out. For easy packing, the jacket stuffs into its chest pocket down to a little smaller than a football. This jacket does everything it should and nothing it shouldn't. It's not fancy; it just works. A person who heats up quickly while moving and gets chilly just as fast at a stop will appreciate the Down Sweater Jacket. Our tester found it good to about 30(ish) degrees standing around. Once the temps dipped below that, a beefier puffy like the Fitz Roy or Grade VII Parka was in order. Its upper-temperature range is impressive. In central California, where our tester lives, the nights often dip into the upper 50s. With a T-shirt underneath, this is a perfect jacket for these temperatures. As with other Patagonia jackets, this one fits large, so we recommend going for a smaller size when in doubt. If a down jacket is too large, it loses some of its warmth. Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Materials: Netplus (10D 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop from fishing nets), PFC-free DWR finish (fabric), 800-fill-power 100 percent virgin goose down (insulation) | Sustainability: Post-consumer recycled shell, recycled insulation, PFC-free DWR treatment, Responsible Down certified The 10 Best Patagonia Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Rain Jacket Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket REI View On REI $279 View On Patagonia.com What We Like Excellent waterproofing with good ventilation Plenty of functional extras Great for travel What We Don't Like Nothing yet There's a ton to love about one of Patagonia's newest rain jackets. During our rain jacket testing, we found it to be one of the most waterproof and breathable of the 15 or so we tested. Patagonia uses a proprietary H2No shell fabric, which is at the top of the market for blocking moisture from coming in and releasing it simultaneously. It also features watertight zippers, pit zips, and an adjustable drawcord at the bottom to cinch down. We like intelligent features like a helmet-compatible hood with a ton of coverage and the ability to pack it into its own pocket. This has been a go-to rain shell for us for about a year now and came in particularly handy during California's deluge of atmospheric rivers in early 2023. Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Materials: H2No Performance Standard shell: 3-layer, 3-ounce, 30-denier NetPlus recycled ripstop nylon | Sustainability: Fair Trade Certified sewing, recycled materials Gear Best Wind Shell Patagonia Houdini Full-Zip Jacket REI View On Backcountry.com $109 View On REI $65 View On Patagonia.com What We Like Small packed size Excellent wind protection Hard-wearing shell material What We Don't Like Barely vents heat from inside The Patagonia Houdini was one of the first super-lightweight wind shells, and to this day, it’s still one of the best. Weighing in at a measly 3.7 ounces and packing down to roughly the size of a baseball, it’s pocket-sized weather protection. The shell is made with a durable featherweight 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop with an adjustable hood. There is one chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack for stowing. No matter where we're climbing, odds are you’ll find the Houdini in our pack. It works well as an emergency weather shell or an extra layer when it gets chilly. Due to how light and compact it packs down, it’s a no-brainer to throw in the pack. Patagonia pins it as a running shell; however, the breathability is extremely poor. It’s not a jacket we wanted to spend any significant time moving fast in. Our tester has tried running with it on and always comes away drenched with sweat inside. A better application would probably be a moderate activity where you're less likely to heat up, like hiking, or as a last resort shell layer when running in high, windy alpine terrain. It’s worth noting two things—for how thin it is, we found it durable as hell, and it also fits true to size. Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: Recycled ripstop nylon | Sustainability: Recycled materials Best for Running Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover Courtesy of Patagonia View On Backcountry.com $119 View On Patagonia.com View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Allows for natural movement Good enough breathability Running-specific details What We Don't Like Nothing yet If you are looking for a running jacket, we highly recommend the Airshed Pro Pullover. This unique jacket features Patagonia's Ultralightweight Pertex fabric, which we found incredibly lightweight and stretchy, providing an excellent range of motion while running. Meanwhile, the sleeves feature the brand's popular Capilene Cool fabric, which helps with venting and offloading moisture while running. We love the oversized two-way zipper, which makes it easy to put the jacket on or take it off without stopping your run. The hood can help block out rain and wind. But the best feature of this jacket is that it folds into its own pocket pouch and is small enough to fit easily in a running vest. Sizes: XS to XXXL | Materials: Ultralightweight Pertex, 100 percent nylon (54 percent recycled) | Sustainability: Recycled materials Final Verdict If you haven't already fallen in love with Patagonia's sustainable and functional pieces, there's no time like the present. The versatility of the Nano Puff Hoody will have you wearing it for at least three seasons, and the stylish Diamond Quilted Bomber Hoodie won't break the bank. How We Tested Most of our testers live in California, where we're fortunate enough to test for many conditions, climates, and activities. We spent multiple years testing many jackets found in this roundup. Our testing has included trail running, climbing, skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, cycling, mountain biking, whale watching, dog walks, babysitting nieces and nephews, brewery hopping, house-warming parties, paddleboarding, and kayaking, among many other activities. What to Look For When Shopping for a Patagonia Jacket Intended Activity Before researching jackets, you always want to consider how you’ll be using the jacket. The main question to ask yourself is “What will I be using it for?” Consider your primary purpose for the jacket—skiing, hiking, running, etc. Most websites, including Backcountry and REI, allow you to filter products by your intended activity, and then narrow them down to product type, like jackets. This is a great place to start to ensure the jacket you want is suitable for your intended activities. Weather Protection Once you’ve decided what to use the jacket for, you’ll next want to consider what type of weather you’ll encounter, including elements such as snow, rain, wind, and temperature. You can view what kind of weather protection a jacket is most appropriate for in the details on the product page. Terms such as waterproof, windproof, water-resistant, or wind-resistant will indicate what type of weather protection the jacket is designed for. Material While you don’t need to geek out on the latest fabric technology, it does help to understand the different types of materials used and what kind of weather elements they protect against. The most commonly used material in jackets for waterproofing and windproofing is Gore-Tex. For warmth, Patagonia jackets often utilize Polartec, PrimaLoft, and PlumaFill. Insulation How much and what type of insulation a jacket has affects how warm a jacket will be. Patagonia mainly uses down and synthetic PlumaFill as insulation. Down is typically warmer than PlumaFill. When choosing an insulated jacket, it’s important to consider how active you will be while wearing it. Will you be doing high-output activities like running? Standing around in the cold? Since insulation negatively affects breathability, the more active you are, the less insulated a jacket should be. Breathability Breathability is a term used to describe how much heat can escape through the insulation or shell. The higher the output of the activity is, the more breathable a jacket should be. If the breathability of a jacket does not match the intended activity, the heat stays trapped in the jacket, and you’ll overheat and retain moisture (sweat) in your base layer. Fit It’s worth noting that in our testing, we found most of the jackets to run large. Unless otherwise stated in the review, going down a full size is best. We do applaud Patagonia for having a wide range of sizes in most jackets, going from XXS to XXXL. Frequently Asked Questions What makes Patagonia a noteworthy brand? Patagonia has earned a reputation throughout the years for high-quality performance and casual outerwear. Beyond reliable products, this brand is committed to sustainable practices, both for the environment and the workers it employs. Their Worn Wear program allows you to trade in your used Patagonia gear and shop other used items to help reduce overconsumption and keep more clothing out of the landfills. Are Patagonia jackets actually warm? Yes. The company offers a range of different jackets for different seasons. Some function well as standalone pieces in shoulder seasons or as mid-layers, such as the Nano Puff Hoody. Others—like the Micro Puff Hooded Jacket—boast one of the best weight-to-warmth ratios on the market. In a nutshell, with proper layering and selection, you can find a Patagonia piece that will keep you toasty during any adventure, from strolling through Christmas markets to hiking in snowy conditions. Will Patagonia pieces shrink in the dryer? Patagonia recommends washing their products in cold water and air drying or tumble drying on low. Hot temperatures may cause some items to shrink. Always check your item for specific care instructions before attempting to wash. Why Trust TripSavvy Cory Smith is a freelance journalist specializing in running, climbing, outdoor and fitness-related content, and gear review. He’s been an elite-level runner for over 25 years and a full-time running coach since 2014. Many of the jackets included in this review have been tested in multiple climates ranging from California's coast to high alpine conditions in California's Sierra and Colorado's Rocky Mountains and Midwestern states. Some of the jackets have been used by our writers and editors for many years. The 10 Best Patagonia Jackets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 10 below. Continue to 9 of 10 below.