Ultralight Insulated Hooded Jacket
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
$329, 10 oz./283.5g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s XXS-XXL
backcountry.com
Since getting my first Micro Puff Hoody when Patagonia rolled it out eight years ago, I have zipped into this lightweight, synthetic jacket in countless circumstances that include: sitting at campsites on cool, windy evenings and mornings while backpacking in the Wind River Range and on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim; wind blowing over 40 mph while belaying a climbing partner and in camp at Idaho’s City of Rocks; on winter days (wearing it under a shell) when skiing downhill in the backcountry; and at kids’ soccer games on blustery autumn and spring days.
Most recently, I wore the latest update of the Micro Puff Hoody for three evenings and mornings in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, with strong wind at times, on a late March backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon—affirming again that it remains one of the lightest and most versatile insulated jackets on the market, and remarkably warm for its weight.
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The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody in the Grand Canyon.
The water-resistant, 65g PlumaFill synthetic insulation, made entirely from recycled polyester, doesn’t loft quite like high-quality down feathers, but it approaches the warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility of 800-fill down. It accomplishes that by essentially mimicking the structure of down in a continuous synthetic material. That gives it the warmth and packability of down, while retaining synthetic insulation’s advantage of continuing to trap heat when wet (traditionally the Achilles heel of down feathers, although there are now highly water-resistant forms of down insulation). The quilted construction, resembling a down jacket, helps to maximize the insulation’s heat retention and prevent it from migrating, which could create cold spots.
The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody.
The Micro Puff’s hood delivers an almost surprising boost of warmth, given how light it looks. Although not adjustable—again, every element of the design aims to minimize weight—the hood’s elasticized, under-the-helmet design clings snugly around your face, moving with you as you turn your head even with the front zipper fully open. The elasticized cuffs and hem similarly seal tightly enough to keep drafts out.
The regular fit is true to size and, for me, at five feet, eight inches and 155 pounds, it allows one or two light to midweight base layers and a light insulation piece underneath. Thelength extends well below the waist, another warmth-boosting detail that’s nice to find in an insulated jacket this light.
The ultralight 10-denier Pertex Quantum shell—made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop from recycled fishing nets (reducing ocean plastic pollution)—is water-resistant, windproof and treated with a DWR (durable, water-repellent coating) that contains no PFC or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called “forever” chemicals).
When I’ve worn the hoody in light rain, letting the shell get damp to see what would happen, the fabric appeared to either keep the insulation dry or at least prevent it from getting damp enough to have any noticeable impact on warmth.
The two zippered hand pockets warm up cold digits, and the jacket stuffs easily into the left pocket, packing down to a good size for a backpacking pillow. Two internal drop-in pockets are convenient for stashing items you want to keep warm or dry, like gloves. While lightweight, the front zipper appears durable—I’ve never seen one break, but again, a little extra care isn’t a bad idea.
We all want lighter gear—but only when it performs well. Beyond broad differences in amount and type of insulation, which dictates the temperatures and conditions they’re made for, many insulated jackets are similar. The models that break new ground do so in how much warmth they deliver relative to their weight and bulk. That’s what Patagonia has achieved with the Micro Puff Hoody.
Whether you’re a backpacker or climber trying to trim ounces in pack weight without compromising on performance in your layering system, or you simply want one of the lightest, most packable, water-resistant puffy jackets for late spring through early fall, the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ranks among the very best.
You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody or other Micro Puff models at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.
See my picks for “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” which includes synthetic models like the Micro Puff, and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.
NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.
—Michael Lanza
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
$329, 10 oz./283.5g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s XXS-XXL
backcountry.com
Since getting my first Micro Puff Hoody when Patagonia rolled it out eight years ago, I have zipped into this lightweight, synthetic jacket in countless circumstances that include: sitting at campsites on cool, windy evenings and mornings while backpacking in the Wind River Range and on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim; wind blowing over 40 mph while belaying a climbing partner and in camp at Idaho’s City of Rocks; on winter days (wearing it under a shell) when skiing downhill in the backcountry; and at kids’ soccer games on blustery autumn and spring days.
Most recently, I wore the latest update of the Micro Puff Hoody for three evenings and mornings in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, with strong wind at times, on a late March backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon—affirming again that it remains one of the lightest and most versatile insulated jackets on the market, and remarkably warm for its weight.
The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody in the Grand Canyon.
The water-resistant, 65g PlumaFill synthetic insulation, made entirely from recycled polyester, doesn’t loft quite like high-quality down feathers, but it approaches the warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility of 800-fill down. It accomplishes that by essentially mimicking the structure of down in a continuous synthetic material. That gives it the warmth and packability of down, while retaining synthetic insulation’s advantage of continuing to trap heat when wet (traditionally the Achilles heel of down feathers, although there are now highly water-resistant forms of down insulation). The quilted construction, resembling a down jacket, helps to maximize the insulation’s heat retention and prevent it from migrating, which could create cold spots.
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in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-books.
The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody.
The Micro Puff’s hood delivers an almost surprising boost of warmth, given how light it looks. Although not adjustable—again, every element of the design aims to minimize weight—the hood’s elasticized, under-the-helmet design clings snugly around your face, moving with you as you turn your head even with the front zipper fully open. The elasticized cuffs and hem similarly seal tightly enough to keep drafts out.
The regular fit is true to size and, for me, at five feet, eight inches and 155 pounds, it allows one or two light to midweight base layers and a light insulation piece underneath. Thelength extends well below the waist, another warmth-boosting detail that’s nice to find in an insulated jacket this light.
The ultralight 10-denier Pertex Quantum shell—made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop from recycled fishing nets (reducing ocean plastic pollution)—is water-resistant, windproof and treated with a DWR (durable, water-repellent coating) that contains no PFC or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called “forever” chemicals).
When I’ve worn the hoody in light rain, letting the shell get damp to see what would happen, the fabric appeared to either keep the insulation dry or at least prevent it from getting damp enough to have any noticeable impact on warmth.
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The two zippered hand pockets warm up cold digits, and the jacket stuffs easily into the left pocket, packing down to a good size for a backpacking pillow. Two internal drop-in pockets are convenient for stashing items you want to keep warm or dry, like gloves. While lightweight, the front zipper appears durable—I’ve never seen one break, but again, a little extra care isn’t a bad idea.
We all want lighter gear—but only when it performs well. Beyond broad differences in amount and type of insulation, which dictates the temperatures and conditions they’re made for, many insulated jackets are similar. The models that break new ground do so in how much warmth they deliver relative to their weight and bulk. That’s what Patagonia has achieved with the Micro Puff Hoody.
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The Verdict
Whether you’re a backpacker or climber trying to trim ounces in pack weight without compromising on performance in your layering system, or you simply want one of the lightest, most packable, water-resistant puffy jackets for late spring through early fall, the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ranks among the very best.
BUY IT NOW
You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody or other Micro Puff models at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.
See my picks for “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” which includes synthetic models like the Micro Puff, and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.
NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.
—Michael Lanza
The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
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