Patagonia Jacket: 4 Important things To Look For When Shopping for it

Patagonia jackets are some of the most popular outdoor garments on the market today. Not only do they provide great protection from the elements, but their stylish designs look good in any setting.

When shopping for a Patagonia jacket, several key considerations should be taken into account to ensure you get one that is right for your needs.

With all these points in mind, let’s take a closer look at what makes a Patagonia jacket so special!

Materials of the Jacket

When purchasing a jacket, one of the primary aspects to consider is the material it is made of. An assortment of fabrics is typically employed in manufacturing jackets, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some common materials used for constructing jackets include:

Fleece

Fleece is a popular material used to make Patagonia jackets due to its light weight, warmth, and breathability. This synthetic fabric is often made from polyester and is great for providing insulation in cold climates.

Fleece is also highly resilient against wear and tear. Additionally, it can be easily washed without fear of shrinking or fading.

The lightweight nature of fleece makes it ideal for layering under heavier winter jackets during colder months. It also helps keep water out, allowing you to stay dry even in the rain or snow.

The breathable nature of the material keeps you comfortable while still providing the necessary warmth and body heat.

Many Patagonia jackets are designed with a combination of breathable fabrics such as fleece and waterproof materials like Gore-Tex for superior protection against the elements.

Fleece is an especially good choice for those who need a jacket that will offer reliable performance over time. Most fleeces are made with organic cotton and Patagonia nails them compared to other brands.

The strength and durability of the fabric mean that it won’t easily rip or tear when you’re out in the wild, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Plus, the material’s natural moisture-wicking properties help ensure that sweat won’t accumulate inside your jacket, keeping you comfortable all day long!

Finally, fleece offers another big benefit: affordability! Due to its relative low cost compared to other fabrics like wool or down, Patagonia jackets made with fleece can provide a great value for your money if you’re looking for lasting performance on a budget!

Down

Down jackets are one of the most popular types of Patagonia jackets on the market today. They use down feathers (which come from geese, ducks, and other birds) to create insulation that is incredibly warm and lightweight.

The down is often treated with a water-resistant coating to help protect against wet conditions and provide further warmth.

When shopping for a down Patagonia jacket, it’s important to pay attention to its fill power rating. This rating is an indication of how much space each ounce of down occupies in the garment, which is directly related to how warm it will be.

A higher fill power rating means the jacket will provide more warmth with less weight. Some Patagonia jackets have a fill power rating as high as 900 or even 1000—these are some of the best Patagonia jackets on the market today!

It’s also important to note that Patagonia down jackets usually have both natural and synthetic fibers added for extra warmth and durability.

Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and hemp are often used for their breathability and ability to absorb moisture—great for activities like skiing and snowboarding where you can work up a sweat!

Meanwhile, synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester can provide extra protection from wind and rain while remaining lightweight.

Synthetic insulation

Synthetic insulation is a great alternative to down when it comes to Patagonia jackets. This synthetic material is typically made of polyester or other plastics and is designed to mimic the natural insulation properties of down feathers.

Synthetic insulation is generally more affordable than down and can be just as lightweight and warm.

One of the main advantages of synthetic insulation is that it usually retains its insulating properties even when wet.

This means that synthetic-insulated Patagonia jackets are great for activities like skiing or snowboarding where you’re likely to encounter wet conditions.

Synthetic insulation also tends to be more resilient than down with regards to compressing and packing away—which makes it an ideal choice for travelers who need their jackets to remain lightweight and compact over long periods.

Additionally, many Patagonia jackets incorporate recycled materials into their synthetic insulation, making them a more sustainable option than traditional materials like down.

The company’s Thermogreen® 100% Recycled Polyester Insulation is composed entirely of post-consumer plastic bottles, which helps reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing new Patagonia jackets while still providing reliable warmth!

Accessories in the Jacket

Hoods

Hoods are an essential feature for Patagonia jackets, as they provide extra protection from the elements and keep you warm and dry when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

They’re designed to fit snugly around your head and face, providing extra insulation against cold winds and rain. Hoods also offer added visibility in foggy or snowy conditions, allowing you to better see where you’re going even if visibility is reduced.

A good Patagonia jacket will have a hood that fits comfortably over your head without being so tight that it causes discomfort—a common problem with poorly-fitted hoods is that they can feel restrictive around your face.

Additionally, the hood should be adjustable so you can cinch it down tightly when temperatures drop or loosen it up during warmer weather.

The fabric used in a hood can also make a big difference in terms of comfort and warmth. Many Patagonia jackets use softshell fabrics such as polyester and nylon for their hoods, which provide breathability while still offering good protection from wind and water.

Alternatively, some of the company’s more extreme jackets like its Hard Wear line offer waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex Pro fabric for maximum weatherproofing and durability.

Hoods aren’t just about keeping warm—they can also help protect against sunburn on sunny days thanks to their excellent UV protection rating (UPF). This means you won’t have to worry about sunburn on long hikes or any other outdoor activities where exposure to direct sunlight is likely.

Patagonia jackets with hoods typically come with drawstrings on either side of the face opening so you can adjust them to achieve the perfect fit.

Some models even have additional features like visors or ear flaps for further warmth in chilly temperatures—ultrathin neoprene fabric works great for this as it offers significant insulation while remaining lightweight and comfortable!

Pockets

Pockets are a critical feature of any Patagonia jacket. They provide an easy and convenient way to store your items, from keys and wallets to snacks and water bottles.

Some pockets are designed as hand-warming pockets that keep your fingers warm on cold days. Others offer extra storage space for items like maps, hats, sunglasses, or gloves.

The type of pocket you choose will depend on the activities you plan to use it for. For instance, if you’re planning on going backpacking or mountaineering, Patagonia jackets with deep cargo pockets are ideal for storing heavier items such as food or extra clothing layers.

If you’ll be skiing or snowboarding in colder weather, look for Patagonia jackets with internal pockets lined with fleece material—this helps keep your valuables close to your body while providing warmth at the same time.

You should also consider the size of the pockets when purchasing Patagonia jackets. Smaller pockets allow you to carry only essential items such as keys and wallets while keeping them secure inside the jacket.

On the other hand, larger Patagonia jackets may have roomier pockets that can accommodate larger objects such as cellphones, GPS devices, and snacks.

Additionally, some Patagonia jackets come with pockets specifically designed for ski passes or lift tickets so they can be easily accessed while on the slopes! Some jackets also have pit zips for extra pockets and are good partners for Patagonia Baggies.

Finally, when looking at Patagonia jackets with zippered closures, check to make sure that the zippers are durable and secure—this is important since zippers can wear out over time due to regular use and exposure to outside elements such as rain and snow.

Also, look for Patagonia jackets with double-entry pocket designs—these great deals have added convenience by allowing you access from both top and bottom without having to unzip the entire pocket each time you need something from it.

Fleece Collar

Fleece collars are an essential feature of any Patagonia jacket and can make a big difference in terms of comfort, protection, and warmth.

Fleece is a synthetic material made from polyester or nylon that is lightweight, flexible, and soft to the touch, making it a great choice for outerwear jackets.

The most common type of fleece collars you’ll find on Patagonia jackets are full-zip or half-zip designs, which can be zipped all the way up for extra warmth and coverage or worn open for a more relaxed fit.

Fleece collars come in various sizes, so make sure to get one that fits snugly around your neck without being too constricting.

You should also look for a fleece collar that is lined with soft material such as microfleece—this helps avoid irritation and keeps you comfortable even when the collar is zipped up.

Storm Flaps

Storm flaps are a critical feature of Patagonia jackets, providing extra protection against wind and rain. They are usually made from a waterproof material such as Gore-Tex or DWR fabric, which helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable during inclement weather.

Storm flaps also provide additional insulation, trapping heat inside the jacket and helping to keep the wearer warm.

When looking for Patagonia jackets with storm flaps, make sure to check that they are properly constructed and have a secure fit. Storm flaps should be large enough to cover the zipper completely and close securely to provide complete protection.

You should also look for storm flaps that feature fabric reinforcements such as webbing or taping—these reinforcements help increase the durability of the jacket and keep it looking good for longer.

Elastic Cuffs

Elastic cuffs are an important feature of Patagonia jackets and can help keep the wearer comfortable and dry. They are usually made from a stretchy material such as Lycra or Spandex, which allows them to fit snugly around the wrist without cutting off circulation.

Elastic cuffs also help to keep cold air out and warm air in, providing extra insulation and helping to keep the wearer warm.

When looking for Patagonia jackets with elastic cuffs, make sure to check that they are properly constructed and fit snugly—too tight or too loose cuffs can be uncomfortable or ineffective. You should also look for jackets with adjustable cuffs—this allows you to adjust the fit as needed for a more comfortable experience.

Lightweight and Easy Access

Patagonia jackets are designed for comfort and convenience, so make sure to look for lightweight materials and easy-access features.

Lightweight materials such as ripstop nylon or polyester help keep the jacket from feeling too bulky and uncomfortable, while still providing excellent insulation.

Easy access features like zippered pockets and drawstrings can make a big difference in terms of convenience, allowing you to access items quickly and easily without having to unzip the entire jacket each time.

Price

Finally, it is important to keep an eye on the price tag when shopping for a Patagonia jacket. While it is easy to be tempted by all the features and styling options of some high-end models, make sure you’re getting value for money.

Patagonia jackets come in a wide range of prices, so it is worth doing some research to find the best deal.

Look for quality features such as durable zippers, double-entry pocket designs, and adjustable cuffs—these added features can make a big difference in terms of longevity and performance.

At the end of the day, purchasing a Patagonia jacket should be an investment, and one that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

So take some time to find the right fit and features that suit your needs, and you’ll be sure to get the most out of your purchase.

Conclusion

Shopping for a Patagonia jacket can be daunting, but it is important to remember the key considerations outlined above. Make sure to partner it with the right shoes and grooming products make it long-lasting.

Look for features such as fleece collars, storm flaps, elastic cuffs, lightweight materials, and easy-access features—all of these features combine to help create an optimal experience when wearing your Patagonia jacket.

Finally, be sure to compare prices and look for value when making your purchase—this will ensure you get the most out of your Patagonia jacket for years to come.

Good luck with your shop!