Judy Armstrong awarded the Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Hoody a ‘recommended’ accolade in her review of the best down jackets for 2022. Here’s why.
Patagonia have built a strong reputation for recycling and environmental awareness. The Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Hoody is a continuation of that: entirely recycled polyester outer, with 800-fill-power Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked). The down is impressive – 800 fill is highly desirable, goose trumps duck, and the certification is solid.
The outer is slightly less gorgeous: polyester just doesn’t have the same feel, to wear or in the hand, as nylon (especially Pertex), and the recycled element makes it feel less supple. The cut is curve friendly, especially around the bust, with enough length to keep my backside warm. The lining is loose rather than stitched through to baffles on front and sides which aids breathability and reduces heat escape through stitch lines.
Patagonia can’t tell me the weight of down in the Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Hoody, but I’d guess at around 100g. Zipped side pockets are roomy and I could just squeeze the jacket into the internal zip chest pocket in lieu of a stuff sac. The hood is very cosy, properly 3D and well-shaped, with rear adjustment to cinch down over a beanie or bare head. The floppy peak is a bit odd and blows about in wind. The soft chin/cheek guards are lovely against skin so it’s very comfortable zipped all the way to the top. The 800-fill goose down is the top tick for this jacket, making it a no-brainer for Patagonia fans.
Read more: 10 of the best down jackets for 2022
