Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Down Sweater (men’s / women’s) is an absolute classic and long-time favorite of the CleverHiker team. 

It excels as a versatile, durable, and warm jacket that performs well on trails just as well as it does around town. With 800-fill-down insulation, an adjustable hood, and a cozy tall collar, it keeps you warm and comfortable during moderate activities or when stationary in cool weather. For us, the Down Sweater was the perfect outer layer down to the mid-20’s.

Its durable 20D ripstop nylon exterior and practical features—like the zippered hand-warmer pockets and the ability to pack down to the size of a water bottle—make it a solid choice for both outdoor adventures and casual wear. 

However, it’s not the lightest or most packable option, and its weight can be a consideration for those seeking an ultralight jacket. While the price point is on the higher side, its durability and long-lasting performance justify the investment for those looking for a reliable, all-around jacket for cooler conditions. 

If you’re in search of a warm, functional jacket for everyday use and light outdoor activities, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is a top contender. For more recommendations, check out our guide to the best down jackets.

How We Tested

We’ve been testing this jacket for years, using it for everything from multi-day backpacking trips in the Rockies to crisp fall climbing sessions and everyday wear. The latest version has joined us on high-altitude hikes in Colorado’s Indian Peaks, early-season ski tours in the Gore Range, and post-ski après in some of our favorite resort parking lots. 

Comfort

Comfort has always been a defining feature of the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody, which remains true with the latest version. Both the lining and shell are now made from 100% post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop, sourced from recycled fishing nets. Not only is this the most environmentally friendly option we tested (no surprise there), but the material is surprisingly soft and feels great against the skin. 

Patagonia has also improved the fit of the Down Sweater Hoody over the years, and the latest version offers the best fit yet. While the jacket is slightly more relaxed than some of the more athletic cuts we tested, this added room makes it easier to layer underneath. There’s plenty of space in the chest and shoulder areas, so you never feel restricted, and mobility isn’t an issue. That said, we did find the jacket to run a bit on the shorter side, and when the hem was cinched, it would sometimes ride up, which can affect both comfort and warmth.

Warmth

The jacket is filled with a high-quality 5.3 ounces of 800-fill-power down. This is an improvement to the latest version, as the company boasts it added more fill than previous models. So if you were concerned about warmth and under-filled baffles, they heard ya.

The windproof shell, form-fitting adjustable hood, adjustable hem, and elastic cuffs all work together to retain heat while blocking out the wind. 

Larger baffles on the hood and torso provide extra warmth where it’s needed most, while smaller baffles on the arms and sides enhance mobility. For us, the Down Sweater offers the perfect level of warmth for days above freezing. With proper layering, it can comfortably handle temperatures down into the mid-20s.

The main downside we’ve encountered during testing is that the elastic cuffs are slightly loose, allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter.

The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is a versatile, well-insulated jacket that excels in mild to cool conditions. While the cuffs could be improved, its overall design and thoughtful features make it a reliable choice for staying warm in a variety of outdoor activities.

Weight & Packability

The Down Sweater Hoody is slightly heavier than other high-end down jackets, weighing 14.8 ounces (our men’s large version comes in at 16 ounces). While it’s not ultralight, we found it to still be light enough for backpacking, climbing, or ski touring. If weight is your primary concern, a true ultralight option may be more suitable. However, for most activities, we found the Patagonia Down Sweater to be light enough.

Despite being slightly heavier, the jacket still packs down compactly and doesn’t take up too much space in a backpack. We took it on several early-season, low-angle ski tours, and it fit comfortably in a 15L pack without any issues.

The Down Sweater Hoody packs into its chest pocket and includes a loop for easy attachment to a climbing harness or backpack. When packed, the men’s large size is about the size of two Nalgene water bottles side by side. While it’s not the most compact, it’s sufficient for most users.

One minor drawback is the small chest pocket opening, which makes the packing process a bit more challenging than we’d like. It wasn’t a major issue, but it does require a little more time and hand strength compared to some competitors.

Weather Resistance

Down jackets should never be relied upon as an outer layer in rainy conditions. Even the best-performing jackets will eventually fail in wet weather, as moisture will penetrate the DWR (durable water repellent) treatment and reach the down insulation, causing it to clump, lose loft, and stop insulating. 

The Patagonia Down Sweater performs reasonably well, but slightly below average in the weather resistance category. Patagonia uses a non-perfluorinated DWR that works well in light rain or snow, but the 800-fill down is not a treated “dry down” or “hydrophobic down” that is commonly found in high-end down jackets these days. This means that once moisture reaches the down, it will lose loft and cease to insulate. A simple solution is to layer a rainshell over the jacket if wet weather is expected.

We tested the Down Sweater in strong winds during a cold front in the Colorado foothills, and found it provided average to slightly above-average wind protection. The hood seals well, keeping out the wind, and the adjustable hem also performs well. However, the cuffs, which are slightly large even for our testers with larger wrists, and the stitched baffling, both let in high winds. This became particularly noticeable when temperatures dropped below freezing.

Overall, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody offers solid weather protection, but it isn’t quite built for extreme conditions. While it performs well in mild to moderate weather, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for harsher environments.

Breathability

Down jackets are typically not known for their breathability, as they tend to be more passive insulation than active. The Down Sweater Hoody performs about average in this area, thanks to its slightly looser fit. Unlike some of the more form-fitting, athletic-cut jackets we tested, the looser fit allows for better airflow. 

As long as you don’t cinch the hem closed, you can expect moderate airflow, which is fine for short bursts of high-heart-rate activity. However, for longer periods of intense activity, you’ll be better off with a synthetic insulation jacket or one with additional heat-dumping features like pit zips. Otherwise, you can expect to get a bit sweaty when bundled up.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Down Sweater?

We think so. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a versatile, warm, and durable jacket for cool-weather activities. It’s perfect for casual wear, day hikes, camping, and short backpacking trips where comfort and warmth are priorities. Its combination of 800-fill down insulation, adjustable hood, and wind-resistant design makes it ideal for moderate temperatures and stationary use.

However, if you’re after an ultralight, highly packable jacket for long treks or technical climbing, this may not be the best option, as it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than some competitors. While the jacket performs well in mild to moderate weather, it’s not designed for extreme conditions or prolonged exposure to wet conditions.

Overall, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody offers great value for those in need of a reliable, everyday down jacket. It’s built to last and performs well across a variety of outdoor activities.

What Other Down Jackets Should You Consider?

The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody tops our list of the best down jackets of the year, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some options that give the down sweater a run for its money:

Arc’Teryx Cerium Hoody Review: The Cerium Down Hoody provides a comparable level of warmth to the Down Sweater, but in a lighter, more packable design. Geared more toward backcountry use, it offers excellent performance and a streamlined fit—though it comes with a $70 premium over the Down Sweater.

Rab Microlight Alpine Reivew: The Microlight Alpine is one of the few jackets we tested that matches the Down Sweater in terms of comfort. If you love the Down Sweater but want a more technical layer at a better price, the Microlight Alpine could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket: The Patagonia Down Sweater and Cotopaxi Fuego both offer excellent insulation, a lightweight design, and practical features. However, the Fuego edges ahead with a lighter weight, slightly more affordable price, and a more stylish, standout look.