For over a decade, we've braved the elements to test over 270 products from Patagonia, including more than 130 Patagonia jackets. Without a doubt, Patagonia is more than just a stylish brand. Their products have proven top performers in our rigorous side-by-side comparison tests. They have earned many of our prestigious Editors' Choice, Top Pick, and Best Buy awards and won the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. It's not just their commitment to sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices that set them apart. Patagonia's research and development team leaves no stone unturned in their quest to create jackets that are functional and durable (although we do quibble with some of their zippers) and incredibly comfortable. They also offer an amazing and differentiated repair warranty that we respect (and we have happily relied on it to replace a few jacket zippers). So it's no wonder Patagonia has earned a well-deserved reputation for making some of the best jackets, pants, and other gear on the market.
In this review, we share some of our very favorite products from Patagonia, with each one being picked out based on our extensive testing and long-term use process.10 Best Patagonia Jackets, Pants, & Gear of 2023
Our Top Picks
Best Patagonia Down Jacket
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
Weight: 14.9 ounces | Fill: 800-fill advanced global traceable down
We've worn the Down Sweater line for years. Style isn't one of our official criteria for testing, but this piece has it. It looks more elegant than the other pieces, which look more like tech, and is our go-to choice for day missions where the weather and other factors are uncertain or changeable. It has great wind resistance, which helps on very cold days. Additionally, we like the athletic cut, which is roomy around the shoulders but slimmer down the sides. When the zipper needs to be completely closed, the fleece chin guard prevents the zipper from rubbing against the skin, and the flexible waist hem traps warm air.
Despite a DWR coating that temporarily prevents water from getting into the down, this jacket does not perform well in wet conditions. However, it has some great features, such as a chest pocket, a packing pocket, and a generous collar below the eyes. It is heavy, which contributes to its warmth. The Down Sweater is the most versatile option, although other jackets weigh less and have lower prices.
Read more: Men's Down Sweater Hoody review, Women's Down Sweater Hoody review
Best Patagonia Insulated Jacket
Patagonia DAS Light Hoody - Women's
Weight: 11.5 oz | Insulation: 65 g Plumafill (100% recycled polyester)
The women's Patagonia DAS Light Hoody is still one of our go-to choices when it comes to insulated jackets. It has no baffles and a roomy fit in the arms and chest, leaving just enough room for layering. It is possible to wear a helmet, a hat, or a beanie with a pompom while the hood is up. The exterior is highly resistant to the elements, outperforming every other model we tested. The precipitation, whether sleet, rain, or snow, causes the water to bead up and roll off. Plumafill cushioning is not only light and warm, but it also compresses down to a size comparable to that of a one-liter bottle. It's designed with cold weather and hiking trips in the mountains in mind, but you can take it anywhere.
Although this jacket is almost ideal for everyday use, neither its breathability nor durability are particularly impressive. When you are sweating, the rough texture of the Pertex Quantum fabric prevents much air from passing through. The exterior fabric is also only 10D thick, giving it a fragile and slender appearance. We could easily rip the fabric by placing a sharp snowboard edge near it. Despite its compressibility, we could not fit it into the stash pocket. Overall, we recommend the DAS Light as a warm waterproof jacket for all four seasons.
Read more: Women's DAS Light Hoody review, Men's DAS Light Hoody review
Best Patagonia Winter Jacket for Men
Patagonia Frozen Range
Total Weight: 2.76 lb | Number of Pockets: 4
Because the Patagonia Frozen Range outperforms the competition in every way a winter jacket should, we recommend it as the best winter coat currently available. It has a Gore-Tex shell for weather resistance, high-quality down insulation for maximum warmth, and a comfortable fit, all while maintaining a slim profile. It is resilient enough to withstand repeated periods of severe winter weather and anything that winter can throw at it. When the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, there is no other jacket we would rather have on than this one.
The unconventional design of the jacket isn't for everyone, but most of our panelists thought it had a nice appearance. Because the price is so high, many customers will opt for a significantly less expensive jacket. We also wish there were a few more pockets. If you want to stand out in a crowd and can afford the high sticker price, this jacket performs as well as it looks, and you get what you pay for.
Read more: Men's Frozen Range review
Best Women's Patagonia Winter Jacket
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka - Women's
Insulation: 150g of 700 fill recycled down | Hood: Zip-off, uninsulated
If you want a jacket that you can wear from the beginning of fall until the end of spring, the Patagonia Women's Tres 3-in-1 Parka is the one for you. This versatile jacket features an inner layer of down, an outer shell layer, and a zipper that connects the two layers allowing you to wear it in different configurations depending on the climate. The inner jacket uses recycled 700 fill power down, weighing 150 grams. It has a level of water resistance that will protect you in the rain, and it is an excellent choice for days when the sky is clear but it is still chilly outside. The outer layer is impervious to water and wind and allows air to pass through. This jacket transforms into a warm, weatherproof piece by zipping the two halves together. It is also one of the options that looks the most flattering and is fashionable.
The Tres Parka can constrain the shoulders when all the layers are worn together. If you regularly wear bulky winter sweaters or have more muscle mass, consider ordering the next size up. The hood and the handwarmer pockets on the outside are not insulated, but they are large enough to fit a beanie and gloves. The hood is also very adjustable, so you can pull it down over your head and secure it to keep the wind and precipitation out. Although expensive, this jacket has three high-quality options to see you through several seasons.
Read more: Women's Tres 3-in-1 Parka review
Best Patagonia Base Layer
Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody - Women's
Material: 51% merino wool, 49% recycled polyester | Thickness: Lightweight
The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody is an excellent option for anyone searching for a garment that combines fashionable design with practicality and adaptability. This layer is distinguished from the others by its one-of-a-kind 3D lofted knit design; it is also constructed with 51% RWS-certified Merino wool and 49% recycled polyester. The form-fitting design comfortably hugged our curves and remained in good condition even after we had worn it multiple times without washing it. The layer is exceptionally versatile, serving as a midweight layer of warmth thanks to the inclusion of a hood option and the utilization of 3D knit weave technology. However, it is part of a lightweight layering system. Compared to the other layers evaluated for this article, the Air Hoody possesses an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio.
The lofted fabric and slim cut make it somewhat difficult to layer, which is one of our only complaints about the product; however, this is hardly a deal breaker by any stretch of the imagination. We love this lightweight performance layer's exceptional comfort, improved breathability, eco-conscious fabric blend, and exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. As a result, we now always reach for it when we need a layer that isn't too bulky.
Read more: Women's Capilene Air Hoody review, Men's Capilene Air Crew review
Best Patagonia Fleece Jacket
Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody - Women's
Weight: 10.7 oz | Main Fabric: Recycled polyester
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a dynamic fleece that performs admirably. The R1 Air does not specialize in a single use case; it uses features that apply to most people. It is a lightweight fleece that provides warmth equivalent to a midweight. This lightweight hoodie offers an impressive amount of stretch in addition to its fuzzy interior and exterior, contributing to an exceptional level of wearability. Even in the harshest conditions, its properly fitted hood remains in place, and thoughtfully-designed cuffs are comfortable even when pushed up our forearms. While we are out on the trail, the zig-zag pattern on the fleece maintains breathability to keep our body temperature just right, and then when we stop working hard, it performs the wizardry of retaining our warmth so we don't get chilly when we get to camp.
On the other hand, those same zig-zags that breathe so well also allow wind to pass right through this thin fleece. They also make it easy for precipitation to transfer to any base layers worn underneath. There are no thumbholes, and the fuzzy exterior attracts debris from the surrounding forest. The fit of the R1 Air works well for some of our testers, but it may not be ideal for women with more curves in their bodies. If it fits, this piece can be worn over and underneath other garments, making it an extremely versatile piece that can be utilized in almost any circumstance.
Read more: Women's R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody review, Men's R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody review
Best Patagonia Rain Jacket
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Weight: 13.4 oz | Waterproof Fabric Material: 3-layer H2No Performance
The Patagonia Torrentshell has an exceptionally water-resistant fabric, allowing it to live up to its name and withstand even the most intense downpours. The rugged fabric withstood months of abuse in our tests and remained in good condition. It did a good job of venting internal moisture thanks to the membrane of the three-layer fabric, and the pit zips helped regulate internal temperature. This is an excellent rain jacket for moderately strenuous outdoor activities that take place in heavy precipitation.
A bulkier design results in the sense of increased heaviness and decreased mobility. Even though it was not a major issue, the jacket is less comfortable and mobile than lighter or stretchy rain jackets. The breathability was satisfactory but not outstanding. Overall, though, we love this timeless and durable rain jacket that is built to last for many years.
Read more: Men's Torrentshell 3L review, Women's Torrentshell 3L review
Best Patagonia Rain Pants
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant - Women's
Pockets: 0 | Side zips: 2/3, to mid-thigh
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants have undergone consistent development over the past several years. These trousers have been upgraded to be more durable and comfortable. The material has a smooth feel against the skin, in contrast to other 2.5-layer pants. It is a great buy for the money, and the fact that it is thicker and more water-resistant makes it ideal for any excursion.
The weight of these pants is hefty. Despite this, they function admirably as a standard shell for various adventures. We recommend the Torrentshell Pants to anyone looking for a simple, high-quality shell pant that is not overly expensive or bogged down with excess features.
Read more: Women's Torrentshell 3L Pant review, Men's Torrentshell 3L Pant review
Best Patagonia Long Underwear
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms - Women's
Weight: Midweight (150 g/m²) | Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
The Patagonia Women's Capilene Midweight Bottom, famous for its long-lasting construction, once again ranks first among synthetic bottoms in terms of performance. This pant features a construction between lightweight and heavyweight, and it is versatile enough to be worn during each of the four seasons. It uses recycled polyester in its entirety. The smooth-face fabric can keep its shape while offering effective thermoregulation. In addition, the material is thin, making it easy to layer, and it offers comfort that lasts throughout the day. Additionally, the synthetic fabric has an unrivaled wicking power and superior durability to its natural counterparts.
Sadly, synthetic materials do not provide the same level of coziness as Merino wool. Despite having been treated for odor control, the fabric starts to smell after only a few days of use. Because of this, it's not our first choice for extended journeys. On the other hand, if you are looking for a pair of long underwear made of synthetic material that is extremely durable and affordable, then these will not let you down.
Read more: Women's Capilene Midweight Bottoms review, Men's Capilene Midweight Bottoms
Best Patagonia Duffel Bag
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
Weight: 3.8 lbs (100L model) | Volume options: 40, 55, 70, 100 Liters
The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, with its high-quality design and top-notch performance, has landed towards the top of our duffel bag review for years. We enjoy the high-end design touches such as an exterior zipped pocket, two internal zippered pockets, internal baggage compression straps, and external daisy chain attachment points. The backpack straps are comfy and easy to remove. The 900D recyclable material is long-lasting and water-resistant, and the strengthened bottom panel helps to withstand wear from dragging and hauling. This bag has a sleek design that makes it suitable for frequent business travel, despite its ability to withstand extreme conditions.
The Black Hole is an amazing and capable duffel bag, but it does not quite get our maximum grade due to minor design flaws. We wish the material was slightly thicker, and there are other duffels from competing brands with more adjustable and adaptable strap systems. Overall though, the Black Hole is a solid bag with a great design, and we love the additional storage compartments and the additional daisy chain attachment points.
Read more: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel review
Why You Should Trust Us
Our women's and men's testing teams have each spent over 1000 hours putting these jackets and apparel through their paces in various environments and activities. Over the past thirteen years, GearLab has acquired more than 300 different Patagonia products, all of which have been subjected to our complete testing procedure. Ian Nicholson and Maggie Nichols have impressive cold weather testing resumes. Ian is qualified to act as a mountain guide internationally, thanks to his IFMGA and UIAGM certification certifications. He has over 2,000 days of experience working as a guide in various mountain ranges, including the Andes, the European Alps, and the Pacific Northwest. As a result of living in the Pacific Northwest for the past 20 years, Ian has sported a waterproof coat on more than 800 of those days. He has approximately one thousand customers whom he has assisted in the selection of appropriate equipment for outdoor activities. Maggie is also one of GearLab's most veteran testers and has reviewed over 1000 products. She has a master's degree in biological anthropology and has traveled extensively, including a sting studying chimpanzees in Zambia and Senegal. Maggie has been an avid fan of the great outdoors for many years. She has over 15 years of experience leading others through the wilderness, including tropical rainforests and mountain ranges. Another one of GearLab's most prolific contributors, Clark Tate, has reviewed dozens of Patagonia products over the years. Writing and all kinds of outdoor adventure sports are two of Clark's biggest passions.
Fortunately for her, her chosen profession combines the two aspects. Immediately after completing her master's degree in Environmental Science and Land Use Planning at the University of Virginia, she packed her bags and headed west to Colorado, where she spent her time snowboarding, guiding whitewater raft trips, and wrangling cattle. After gaining experience as a journalist intern with the Summit Daily, she worked as a river restoration ecologist in Grand Junction and Durango, Colorado, for seven years. This required significant fieldwork (for example, 15-day rafting trips on the Colorado River), volunteer guiding, and, to everyone's surprise, scientific writing. In addition to that, it's where she learned how to ride a mountain bike.
Here are just some examples of the test metrics we used when evaluating these products:- Warmth
- Weather Resistance
- Air Permeability
- Comfort and Mobility
- Portability
- Weight
- Ease of use
Our review test teams have spent dozens of hours analyzing and researching different kinds of Patagonia products to select the best possible candidate to buy for further testing in real-world conditions. To maintain objectivity throughout the evaluation process and in the following findings, we buy all of the products we review from the same kinds of stores that you do. Our most recent update includes a list of the best available jackets. These jackets and layers were put through more than 2000 field hours of testing, including hiking, biking, camping, mountaineering, and more, to evaluate aspects such as breathability, mobility, and water resistance. Our testers make extensive notes and observations about the performance across all metrics, and our award winners are selected after a lot of thought and hours of use.
— Chris McNamara, Ian Nicholson, Clark Tate, Maggie Nichols
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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
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