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Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater

rated 4.5 of 5 stars

The Hi-Loft Down Sweater has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best down insulated jackets for 2024.

photo: Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater down insulated jacket

It's Patagonia. It's down. It's lightweight. What else is there to say?

Pros

  • Great warmth-to-weight ratio
  • Packs small/very compressible

Cons

  • Cost (if paying full price)
  • Would've liked a little bit slimmer cut (I'm 6' 150 lbs and got a medium)
  • Paintbrush Red is more of an orange

I bought this through CampSaver.com on sale for $110 bucks. Living in Los Angeles, I understand this jacket is a little bit of overkill. However, on a recent trip to Chicago where temperatures dropped to the 30s this jacket made me feel like I was in the land of swimming pools and movie stars, although I was walking around in the windy Midwest.  

I would say that this jacket is a must-have for backpacking, due to the great warmth-to-weight ratio, as it is very light and very compressible. At night, I put this jacket in my sleeping bag stuff sack to use as a pillow.. which is VERY comfy.  

EDIT (7/14/13)I have since used this jacket in various trips, including to San Jacinto Peak and up into SEKI... the jacket always is a must have in my pack!

I would've preferred a slimmer cut for a medium (as I am 6' 150 lbs) but this is mainly an aesthetics issue more than anything else. However, because of the roomy feel, layering is very easy for any clothing worn underneath.  Furthermore, on the topic of aesthetics, the Paintbrush Red option is more of an orange color than red. Once again, this is an aesthetics issue versus a performance issue.

EDIT (7/14/13): I have been told that I look like I'm wearing a "life-preserver" before while wearing this jacket.. but once again, it's an aesthetics issue. As aforementioned, in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio, this jacket is a great buy (especially at a discount!).  

Performance wise, I really have no qualms with this jacket as it is very warm and blocks wind quite well. However, at full price ($250?), I would have a difficult time purchasing this jacket. As with many of you, I am a bargain hunter. However, if this jacket can be had on discount for around $100, this jacket is a must buy!

EDIT (8/9/2013): As noted above and in the enclosed picture, the color does make this jacket look somewhat like a life preserver.  But with its light weight, warmth and layering abilities, as well as its secondary use as a pillow, the Patagonia Hi-Loft is going on every trip:


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Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $110 from campsaver.com

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $99.60-$249.00
Reviewers Paid: $110.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $91.59-$249.00

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