Patagonia Micro Puff vs Down Sweater

Last updated: October 20, 2023


In FW23, Patagonia revised both of Micro Puff and Down Sweater. See updates: 

Highlights of the Down Sweater update: 

  • Fill weight is increased from 104 grams to 150 grams (main update), 
  • Number of internal drop-in pockets has been increased from 1 to 2, 
  • Outer fabric is now NetPlus (recycled waste) shell

Highlights of the Micro Puff update: 

There has also been small changes made in the colors, fit and hood sizes. 

FW23 Down Sweater (Men's - Women's). Probably one of the greatest and most popular casual down jackets out there. 

Patagonia's Down Sweater and Micro Puff are both light, packable, warm and fantastic all-doer casual jackets. Depending on the weather, they both can be used as mid-layers or stand alone pieces. They're pretty much identical in terms of best use.

Their main difference lies in their methods of insulation: Down vs Synthetic. 

Down Sweater is warmer than the Micro Puff, but since down loses insulating power under wet conditions, only consider it for dry areas. Micro Puff, on the other hand, is more weather resistant (owing to its synthetic insulation), lighter and more packable than the Down Sweater. 

Additionally, if you're planning to perform high output activities more than, say, once every two weeks, then neither of these jackets would cut it for you - even the Micro Puff (fragile outer fabric and mediocre breathability).

So, in that case, consider getting Patagonia DAS Light Hoody (Men's - Women's) and Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's). 

Links: 

Also check out their temperature ratings below. 

  • Temperature ratings of Patagonia jackets

NameEst. Temp (F/C)ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?TypeFill Power (in3/oz)Fill Weight (g)Fill Volume (in3)Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricActivityFitWeightLength (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDown8502968,875Coreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8501173,508Coreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 in
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18YesYesNoParka8501263,778Coreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoYesDown8501133,388Coreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7NoNoYesDown850441,319Coreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10NoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15NoNoNoParka850932,788Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17NoNoNoParka8501364,078Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6ReviewNoYesNoParka750671,773Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 in
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18NoYesNoParka7502045,397Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 in
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesNoParka7501203,175Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoYesNoParka7502115,582Coreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesYesDown7501403,704Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19ReviewNoYesNoDown7502095,529Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDown7501694,471Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18NoYesNoDown7501955,159Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDown7001553,827N/AN/A30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 in
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13NoNoYesDown9001053,333N/AN/APertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27NoNoYesDown90037812,000Primaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002657,478N/AN/ANylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 in
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 in
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoNoYesDown800852,399N/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoYesNoDown8001825,136N/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2NoNoYesDown8001002,822N/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002958,325N/AN/APertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-12ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 in
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/1ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 in
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoNoYesDown8001504,233N/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 in
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDown6002795,905N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8001283,612N/AN/A20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesNoDown7001413,482N/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14NoNoNoParka7002185,383N/AN/A50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/4ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10NoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 in
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDown7001092,691N/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18NoNoNoParka7002596,395N/AN/A75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoParka7001182,914N/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 in
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001805,079N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001754,938N/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 in
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7NoNoYesDown7001463,605N/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoNoYesDown7001533,778N/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 in
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDown8002125,982N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 in
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8501203,598N/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 in
 

Assumptions: Worn over a thin shirt, no output, no precipitation, light to no wind. Values are always for size M and for men's, except for women's-only items. 

Primary use of this spectrum is for comparison, rather than figuring out absolute temp ratings. 

Make sure to check this out:

Read more of our articles on Patagonia and insulation: 

I've also talked to the Patagonia Customer Service about Micro Puff vs Down Sweater, and shared the screenshots here in this post. 

The motivation behind trying to come up with a brand new insulation technique (which, ended up being synthetic insulation) was to defy the two strong disadvantages of down (used in Down Sweater)

  • Loss of insulating capability when it's wet/damp out. 
  • Delayed warmth after putting it on. 

Overcoming these disadvantages comes with its own costs and downsides - which eventually made up the disadvantages of synthetic insulation (used in the Micro Puff)

  • Fragile face fabric (specific to Micro Puff), 
  • Loss of insulating capability after 3-4 years. 

These are the 4 key points to consider

The second point of Micro Puff is typically looked at as a disadvantage of sleeping bags and quilts with synthetic insulation, and often not so much of the clothing since (1) most of us tend to renew our casual wear wardrobe much more often than our outdoor gear and (2) the wearing out occurs each time the jacket is stuffed into its own sack - rather than occurring simply as the time passes. 

That's why, if you're planning to use your Micro Puff or Down Sweater mostly casually when it's cold out in the neighborhood (which is what they are mostly designed for anyway), then I'd recommend you to forget about the second disadvantage of Micro Puff

For a mostly dry weather use, Down Sweater can be a better choice since its down insulation will last years longer than the Micro Puff.  

If, on the other hand, you're planning to wear them when skiing, traveling, hiking and/or camping for a fair amount of time, then I'd recommend you to keep this disadvantage in your minds as you read on since packability can't be completely overlooked in your case. 

Warmth

For folks who are unaware of the basic working principle of Down Sweater's down insulation, here's a two sentence introduction first (this is important). 

Down provides warmth by heating and holding on to the air cluster trapped within its vacant spots. Synthetic insulation in the Micro Puff basically tries and mimics this exact process of down - but via artificial, man-made equipment (65 grams of PlumaFill). 

So, the higher the total volume of these empty spots inside the down, the more the air is going to be heated, and hence the provided warmth will be higher. Because the down's ability to loft gets lost as it gets wet, so does its ability to trap/heat more air. 

Ultimately, its warmth will be impacted negatively. 

  • Fit

Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines. 

  • Arc'teryx's 2024 men's fit revision

Here's what Arc'teryx says about its most recent fit revision

Not all jackets come with the revised fit - only the ones with following statement: 

This working principle is also why the fully extended volume of (dry) down is a crucial metric (referred to as FP) and determines the down's quality, warmth potential, durability and price tag. 

800 FP down of our Down Sweater will feel much warmer, prove solid performance for more years and hence also be a more expensive pick than a 700 FP down.

To my knowledge, FP numbers start from 450 and goes up to 950. This makes the 800 FP down of Down Sweater one of the highest quality fills in today's world. 

This doesn't mean that it's impossible to manufacture a clothing piece using a rather low quality (say, 500 FP down) and make it quite warm. You perfectly can - but you'd just have to stuff a bunch of it - quite a bit more than the amount it would take if you had used a 800 FP down instead. 

  • Temperature ratings of Patagonia jackets

NameEst. Temp (F/C)ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?TypeFill Power (in3/oz)Fill Weight (g)Fill Volume (in3)Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricActivityFitWeightLength (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDown8502968,875Coreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8501173,508Coreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 in
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18YesYesNoParka8501263,778Coreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoYesDown8501133,388Coreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7NoNoYesDown850441,319Coreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10NoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15NoNoNoParka850932,788Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17NoNoNoParka8501364,078Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6ReviewNoYesNoParka750671,773Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 in
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18NoYesNoParka7502045,397Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 in
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesNoParka7501203,175Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoYesNoParka7502115,582Coreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesYesDown7501403,704Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19ReviewNoYesNoDown7502095,529Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDown7501694,471Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18NoYesNoDown7501955,159Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDown7001553,827N/AN/A30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 in
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13NoNoYesDown9001053,333N/AN/APertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27NoNoYesDown90037812,000Primaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002657,478N/AN/ANylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 in
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 in
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoNoYesDown800852,399N/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoYesNoDown8001825,136N/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2NoNoYesDown8001002,822N/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002958,325N/AN/APertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-12ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 in
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/1ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 in
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoNoYesDown8001504,233N/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 in
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDown6002795,905N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8001283,612N/AN/A20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesNoDown7001413,482N/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14NoNoNoParka7002185,383N/AN/A50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/4ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10NoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 in
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDown7001092,691N/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18NoNoNoParka7002596,395N/AN/A75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoParka7001182,914N/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 in
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001805,079N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001754,938N/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 in
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7NoNoYesDown7001463,605N/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoNoYesDown7001533,778N/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 in
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDown8002125,982N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 in
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8501203,598N/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 in
 

Assumptions: Worn over a thin shirt, no output, no precipitation, light to no wind. Values are always for size M and for men's, except for women's-only items. 

Primary use of this spectrum is for comparison, rather than figuring out absolute temp ratings. 

Make sure to check this out:

Read more of our articles on Patagonia and insulation: 

Delayed warmth

As grueling as it sounds, this entire process of the down heating and holding on to the air cluster... takes time. Longer than the synthetic insulation. 

This makes up one of the two disadvantages of the Down Sweater laid out above. You don't get to feel the cozy warmth the moment you put on your Down Sweater. 

With the Micro Puff, though; it doesn't take that much until the maximum potential warmth is achieved. The difference is noticeable. 

Center back length

The Down Sweater is extremely short, which affects its warmth. This can be a disadvantage if you aren't planning to insulate your legs, so keep that in mind. 

Links: 

Durability

And this, is the disadvantage of Micro Puff. 

I know I've kept saying that the insulating power of Down Sweater can last for decades (much shorter for the Micro Puff), and that's true; but there's one more parameter there: 

  • How often are you going to be stuffing them into their own sacks? 

The quicker loss of Micro Puff's insulation capability doesn't occur when these jackets are simply at rest. 

Instead, it occurs each time you stuff the Micro Puff into its own sack and then release it back. The more you do this cycle, the quicker it'll get old.

For the Down Sweater, on the other hand, it doesn't really matter, since its insulation is very durable. So you can stop worrying about it and instead use the stuff sack freely (which you'll also do with the Micro Puff anyway... so it'll get older quicker). 

Regardless of the insulation, face fabric of Micro Puff is also fairly fragile. 

Weather Resistance

Micro Puff is more weather resistant than Down Sweater. Not only does it stand better against wind and precipitation, but its warmth also doesn't decrease when the jacket gets wet (which, as mentioned earlier, isn't the case with Down Sweater). 

The difference isn't huge, by the way, but definitely is noticeable. 

By the way, they're both coated with DWR. 

  • What is DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. 

It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. 

It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. 

DWR also decreases dry time. 

It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR.

But pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time. 

Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one at arcteryx.com for after treatment. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine

Yes, the DWR does help with preventing the rain drops from getting soaked into the internal surface of the Down Sweater, but doesn't help so much with its warmth. 

Again, once the fill gets wet, its warmth will drop significantly. Depending on the precipitation, the water will get in, too. 

Pockets

Both offer 2 internal drop-in pockets (large enough to fit 110 mm skins) and 2 external hand warmer pockets. 

Breathability

Face fabric of Micro Puff (0.7-oz 10-denier shell and lining) breathes slightly better than the Down Sweater (1.4-oz 20x30-denier shell and 1.4-oz 20-denier lining).

But, neither of these jackets are designed to breathe and hence are terrible in this department. They're not equipped with pit zips either, so I'd recommend you to forget about getting these jackets if breathability is one of your expectations. 

Check out Nano Air (Men's - Women's) in that case.

Style

To most people, Down Sweater looks prettier (especially this Carbon color is liked by many - including me). 

Micro Puff... I don't know. Looks overly wrinkled and pretty bad. At least to me. 

Weight and Packability

Micro Puff offers an exceptional level of warmth to weight ratio. This is a bit strange because you'd actually expect this from a down product first and synthetic product second. 

Micro Puff is the lightest and most packable synthetic insulated puffy in Patagonia's line-up. 

Links: 

My discussion with the Patagonia Rep

Here are the screenshots I took. Reps can sometimes provide inaccurate information or even flat out incorrect "facts" every now and then - so take the info in this conversation with a grain of salt. 

Product videos 

About the Author Canberk K.


Hey, what's up? Canberk here. Arc'teryx addict, gym rat, and Tame Impala fan.