Grab the Patagonia Down Sweater over at evo.com

INTRODUCTION:

An essential member of every backcountry rider or winter shredder’s coat collection is the puffy jacket. For this Patagonia down sweater review the jacket has seen it all. From blustery changeovers on exposed ridges to treks home from the bars on cloudless nights, warmth is key and down is king. Patagonia has become widely recognized as a crafter of outstanding quality and environmentally responsible gear, and now even beer. The Patagonia down sweater hoody is an iconic, stylish, and backcountry tested down jacket. With one-inch baffles the down sweater is toasty, without making you look like the Michelin Man. In a crowded market for down jackets here is what makes the down sweater stand out:

Skiing the Muir Snowfield: throw it on for warmth, looks good J!

DETAILS:

The Patagonia hooded down sweater is made with Patagonia’s environmental responsibility in mind. The 800-loft jacket is stuffed with goose created as a by-product from the meat industry (not foie-gras industry). Tested over the past year, the down sweater has stood up the abuses of backcountry touring, sailing the San Juan Islands, X-Games nightlife, and the miles in between. The down sweater is most at home when the weather takes a turn for the drier or colder. In the often soggy Pacific North West the down sweater is the layer of choice on backcountry missions when rain is out of the forecast. It can easily be layered over thermal layers or light fleece to lock in heat while transitioning or snacking on PB&J.

Clear skies, cold transitions.

FEATURES:

Straightforward in features and styling, the Patagonia Hooded Down Sweater is a fully equipped minimalist.
– Two hand-warmer pockets with zipper closures
– Internal pocket that doubles as a storage sack
– 800-fill hood with drawstring cinch that pulls hood snug around the face and clear of eyes
– Hem drawstring to lock in warmth
– DWR coating that can withstand light rain
– Elastic cuffs that prevent the sleeves from riding up
– Robust ripstop nylon face fabric

FIT:

The down sweater has a boxy and straight cut. This cut is generous, so consider sizing down (author is 5’11”, 155lbs and wears medium). The roomy fit is excellent for easily layering on top of fleece and other layers on the skin track or your favorite flannel for an intercontinental flight or night on the town. The arms are true to size and do not taper for ease in wearing over lower layers. While the jacket is bulkier it can easily be layered under a larger shell like the Arc’teryx sidewinder.

CONCLUSIONS:

Boasting incredible warmth while remaining breathable and timeless styling, the down sweater is here to stay. Thanks to Patagonia’s environmental responsibility, you know the down sweater has minimal environmental impact. Whether catching some sleep in the back seat after an epic powder day in the North West or a cold changeover on top of Teton Pass the down sweater ties quality construction with outstanding warmth and comfort. Starting at $159 its a steal, go grab yours, J!

Winter 2013/2014 Colors: Black and Red Delicious for the dudes. Brich White, Curacao Blue, and Ikat Purple for the ladies. Pick up a down sweater from evo for $219. Don’t forget about black friday deals on last year’s down sweaters and vests.

Black, it doesn’t get dirty.

Bottom Line: timeless styling, Patagonia quality, low-weight warmth, environmentally resonsible.