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Since 2010, we've braved the elements to test over 290 products from Patagonia, including more than 130 Patagonia jackets. Without a doubt, Patagonia is more than just a stylish brand. Their products have proven top performers in our rigorous side-by-side comparison tests. They have earned many of our prestigious Editor's Choice, Top Pick, and Best Buy awards and won the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. It's not just their commitment to sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices that set them apart. Patagonia's research and development team leaves no stone unturned in their quest to create functional, durable jackets (although we do quibble with some of their zippers) and incredibly comfortable. They also offer an amazing and differentiated repair warranty that we respect (and we have happily relied on it to replace a few jacket zippers). So, it's no wonder Patagonia has earned a well-deserved reputation for making some of the best jackets, pants, and other gear on the market.
In this review, we share some of our very favorite products from Patagonia, with each one being picked out based on our extensive testing and long-term use process.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on April 12, 2024, to add a new Patagonia base layer to our selection.
Weight: 13.7 oz (men's small) | Insulation: 800-fill Advanced Global Traceable goose down
REASONS TO BUY
Responsible sourcing
Stylish
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor compressibility
Relatively heavy
We've worn the Down Sweater line for years. Style isn't one of our official criteria for testing down jackets, but this piece has it. It looks more elegant than the other pieces, which look more like tech, and is our go-to choice for day missions where the weather and other factors are uncertain or changeable. It has solid wind resistance, which helps on very cold days. When the zipper needs to be completely closed, the fleece chin guard prevents the zipper from rubbing against the skin, and the flexible waist hem traps warm air. Additionally, our male testers really like the athletic cut, which is roomy around the shoulders but slimmer down the sides. Our female testers don't feel as overwhelmingly positive about the fit of the women's Down Sweater, but maybe Patagonia will revamp the fit of their women's model as they recently did with the men's version.
Despite a DWR coating that temporarily prevents water from getting into the down, this jacket does not perform well in wet conditions. However, it has some great features, such as a chest pocket, a packing pocket, and a generous collar that reaches over your nose when zipped up. It's not the lightest down jacket we tested (nor the cheapest), but we think it's a very comfortable option.
Weight: 11.5 oz | Insulation: 65 g Plumafill (100% recycled polyester)
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent wind and water resistance
Lofty and warm
Large, helmet-compatible hood
REASONS TO AVOID
Not very breathable
Very crinkly
The Patagonia DAS Light Hoody is one of the best women's insulated jackets we've tested. It has no baffles and a roomy fit in the arms and chest, leaving just enough room for layering. It is possible to wear a helmet, a hat, or a beanie with a pompom while the hood is up. The exterior is highly resistant to the elements, outperforming every other model we tested. The precipitation, whether sleet, rain, or snow, causes the water to bead up and roll off. Plumafill cushioning is not only light and warm, but it also compresses down to a size comparable to that of a one-liter bottle. It's designed with cold weather and hiking trips in the mountains in mind, but you can take it anywhere.
Although this jacket is almost ideal for everyday use, neither its breathability nor its durability are particularly impressive. When you are sweating, the rough texture of the Pertex Quantum fabric prevents much air from passing through. The exterior fabric is also only 10D thick, giving it a fragile and slender appearance. We could easily rip the fabric by placing a sharp snowboard edge against it. Despite its compressibility, we could not fit it into its stash pocket and close the zipper. Overall, we recommend the DAS Light as a warm, waterproof jacket for all four seasons.
Insulation: 150g of 700-fill recycled duck and goose down | Hood: Zip-off, uninsulated
REASONS TO BUY
Three jackets in one
Warm and form-fitting
Shell is both waterproof and long-lasting
REASONS TO AVOID
Hood is not insulated
Liner jacket fits snuggly
If you want a jacket that you can wear from the beginning of fall until the end of spring, the Patagonia Women's Tres 3-in-1 Parka is the one for you. This versatile winter jacket features an inner layer of down, an outer shell layer, and a zipper that connects the two layers, allowing you to wear it in different configurations depending on the climate. The inner jacket uses recycled 700-fill goose and duck down. It has a level of water resistance that will protect you in the rain, and it is an excellent choice for days when the sky is clear, but it is still chilly outside. The outer layer is impervious to water and wind and allows air to pass through. This jacket transforms into a warm, weatherproof piece by zipping the two halves together. It is also one of the options that looks the most flattering and is fashionable.
The innermost layer of the Tres Parka is meant to fit inside the outer layer, so it runs a bit small. If you regularly wear bulky winter sweaters or have more muscle mass, consider ordering the next size up. The hood is not insulated but is also very adjustable, so you can pull it down over your head and secure it to keep the wind and precipitation out. Although expensive, this jacket has three high-quality options to see you through several seasons.
The Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck is an excellent base layer that we love for its winning combo of warmth and breathability, which it owes to its microgrid Polartec fleece interior. We love this layer as a standalone top for cool-weather trail runs or layering up for a day of skiing. It's quick to dry, and for more or less breathability or warmth, the zip neck allows you to dial in your desired temperature even more.
Despite the name, we think the Capilene Thermal Weight is more of a midweight than a "thermal" weight. The thumb loops are simple elastic, and we wish they were a bit more robust. One final gripe we have is that the synthetic material can hold onto odors. If that's something that bothers you, wool is a better option because it retains less odor. We've tested several all-wool tops in our best base layer or best women's base layer reviews.
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a dynamic fleece that performs admirably. The R1 Air does not specialize in a single use case; it uses features that apply to most people. It is a lightweight fleece that provides warmth equivalent to a midweight. This lightweight hoodie offers an impressive amount of stretch in addition to its fuzzy interior and exterior, contributing to an exceptional level of wearability. Even in the harshest conditions, its properly fitted hood remains in place, and thoughtfully designed cuffs are comfortable even when pushed up our forearms. While we are out on the trail, the zig-zag pattern on the fleece maintains breathability to keep our body temperature just right, and then when we stop working hard, it performs the wizardry of retaining our warmth so we don't get chilly when we get to camp.
On the other hand, those same zig-zags that breathe so well also allow wind to pass right through this thin fleece. They also make it easy for precipitation to transfer to any base layers worn underneath. There are no thumbholes, and the fuzzy exterior attracts debris from the surrounding forest. The fit of the R1 Air works well for some of our testers, but it may not be ideal for women with more curves in their bodies. If it fits, this piece can be worn over and underneath other garments, making it an extremely versatile piece that can be utilized in almost any circumstance.
The Patagonia R1 Air is our favorite lightweight fleece jacket. It keeps us warm when stationary and wicks sweat when we're working hard in cooler temps.
Weight: 13.4 oz | Waterproof Fabric Material: 3-layer H2No
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Enduring DWR treatment
Great weather resistance
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier
Stiffer feel
The Patagonia Torrentshell has an exceptionally water-resistant fabric, allowing it to live up to its name and withstand even the most intense downpours. The rugged fabric withstood months of abuse in our tests and remained in good condition. It did a good job of venting internal moisture thanks to the magic of its three-layer fabric, combined with pit zips that help regulate internal temperature. This is one of our favorite rain jackets for moderately strenuous outdoor activities that take place in heavy precipitation.
A bulkier design results in the sense of increased heaviness and decreased mobility. Even though it was not a major issue, the jacket is less comfortable and mobile than lighter or stretchy rain jackets. The breathability was satisfactory but not outstanding. Overall, though, we love this timeless and durable rain jacket that is built to last for many years.
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants have undergone consistent development over the past several years. These trousers have been upgraded to be more durable and comfortable. The material has a smooth feel against the skin, in contrast to other 2.5-layer pants. It is a great buy for the money, and the fact that it is thicker and more water-resistant makes it ideal for any excursion.
The weight of these pants is hefty. Despite this, they function admirably as a standard shell for various adventures. We recommend the Torrentshell Pants to anyone looking for a simple, high-quality shell pant that is not overly expensive or bogged down with excess features.
Are you in a rush to get your rain pants on? No worries, the Patagonia Torrentshell pants have ample side openings, with zippers that reach up to the knees.
The Patagonia Women's Capilene Thermal Weight Bottom offers a unique and modern take on a thermal weight design. Though not the best for sedentary warmth, these bottoms are built to be in motion, trapping body heat that is generated during high-output mountain pursuits and releasing any sweat that builds through the see-through, lofted grid fabric. The combination of recycled polyester, spandex, and Polartec Power Grid fabric offers high performance and unrivaled wicking power without sacrificing the soft and supple feel next to your skin. Our testers also love the high-waisted fit and the functional elastic waistband that holds the bottoms in place throughout big days in the mountains.
It is worth mentioning that most synthetic designs are constructed from a stiff, more rigid fabric that offers superior strength and durability. However, the Thermal Weight features a Polartec Power Grid lining that offers more warmth in addition to its soft and flexible design. The only downside to this excellent comfort is that we can imagine the see-through fabric may not last as long as its synthetic counterparts. That being said, we've tested these bottoms for multiple seasons of heavy use, and they are still going strong. One other potential downside is that these bottoms aren't meant for lounging around by the fire or for mellow winter activities; the warmth is only found during motion. While this limits their versatility, these bottoms will keep you warm and dry the next time you're pushing the pace on the skin track. If you're looking for a more durable and versatile synthetic option that is available at a more affordable price, check out the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms. Another favorite from Patagonia that is perfect for year-round use.
Our testers love the high-waisted fit of the Patagonia Thermal Weight bottoms in addition to the Polartec Power Grid fabric that is the most comfortable synthetic bottom we've ever tested. Perfect for big days in the mountains where you'll be pushing the pace.
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is one of the best duffel bags on the market, with years of consistent performance to its name. This duffel bag is an all-around high performer in a variety of different scenarios. Despite subtle differences across the wide range of available sizes, each bag in the Black Hole product line is sure to serve you well. On the smaller 55-liter model, there is a dual interior and exterior accessible pocket and a zippered lid pocket. On the larger 100-liter model, there's a dedicated external pocket and an additional interior pocket, along with internal compression straps. On all of the models, there are comfortable and completely removable backpack straps that slip off easily when you need to check your bag but hold strong in transit. The Black Hole boasts a sturdy 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop fabric that is tough and water-resistant. There is also a reinforced bottom panel with light padding that helps protect your gear from bumps and bruises during travel. Combined with its stylish design, we found this bag to be right at home on the most rugged expeditions and frequent business trips. You'll come across the Black Hole in a variety of locations due to its high versatility.
There are not many downsides to any version of the Black Hole. It's a well-rounded bag with few apparent flaws. Still, if we had to nitpick, we found that the button snaps on the suitcase handle closure are rather tedious to use, even in the best of conditions. We also wish that on the smaller-sized models, there were additional internal organization pockets for storing small items. Despite these relatively minor complaints, the Black Hole is an excellent bag that will keep the adventures coming for many years.
The 55-liter Black Hole is a standout duffel bag thanks to its durability and versatility - a staple piece of gear for every adventure.
Credit: Hale Milano
Why You Should Trust Us
Our women's and men's testing teams have each spent over 1000 hours putting these jackets, apparel, and pieces of gear through their paces in various environments and activities. Since 2010, GearLab has purchased nearly 300 different Patagonia products, all of which have been subjected to our complete testing procedures against some stiff competition. Ian Nicholson and Maggie Nichols have impressive extreme weather testing resumes.
Ian is qualified to act as a mountain guide internationally, thanks to his IFMGA and UIAGM certification certifications. He has over 2,000 days of experience working as a guide in various mountain ranges, including the Andes, the European Alps, and the Pacific Northwest. As a result of living in the Pacific Northwest for the past 20 years, Ian has sported a waterproof coat on more than 800 of those days. He has approximately one thousand customers whom he has assisted in the selection of appropriate equipment for outdoor activities.
Maggie is also one of GearLab's most veteran testers and has reviewed over 1000 products. She has a master's degree in biological anthropology and has traveled extensively, including extended periods studying chimpanzees in Zambia and Senegal, numerous seasons teaching in South Africa, Ecuador, and several Caribbean islands, and thousands of nights guiding and exploring the backcountry from Iceland to the Galapagos. Maggie has been an avid fan of the great outdoors for decades and has more than 15 years of experience leading others through the wilderness, from tropical rainforests and mountain ranges to river journeys and backpacking.
Another one of GearLab's most prolific contributors, Clark Tate, has reviewed dozens of Patagonia products over the years. Writing and all kinds of outdoor adventure sports are two of Clark's biggest passions. Fortunately for her, her chosen profession combines the two aspects. Immediately after completing her master's degree in Environmental Science and Land Use Planning at the University of Virginia, she packed her bags and headed west to Colorado, where she spent her time snowboarding, guiding whitewater raft trips, and wrangling cattle. After gaining experience as a journalist intern with the Summit Daily, she worked as a river restoration ecologist in Grand Junction and Durango, Colorado, for seven years. This required significant fieldwork (for example, 15-day rafting trips on the Colorado River), volunteer guiding, and, to everyone's surprise, scientific writing. In addition to that, it's where she learned how to ride a mountain bike.
Here are just some examples of the test metrics we used when evaluating these products:
Warmth
Weather Resistance
Breathability
Comfort and Mobility
Portability
Weight
Ease of Use
Our review test teams have spent dozens of hours analyzing and researching different kinds of Patagonia products to select the best possible candidate to buy for further testing in real-world conditions. To maintain objectivity throughout the evaluation process and in the following findings, we buy all of the products we review from the same kinds of stores that you do. Our most recent update includes a list of the best available jackets. These jackets and layers were put through more than 2000 field hours of testing, including hiking, biking, camping, mountaineering, and more, to evaluate aspects such as breathability, mobility, and water resistance. Our testers make extensive notes and observations about the performance across all metrics, and our award winners are selected after a lot of thought and hours of use.
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Chris McNamara, Ian Nicholson, Clark Tate, Maggie Nichols, and Hale Milano
