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Patagonia Primo Puff Review

High quality warmth and weather resistance, at a price
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Patagonia Primo Puff Review
Credit: Backcountry
Price:  $799 List
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Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 3, 2019
80
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth - 20% 10.0
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 9.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 7.0
  • Ventilation - 15% 7.0
  • Style - 15% 6.0
  • Features - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Patagonia Primo Puff is an excellent ski parka that is among the best that we have tested. It ranks highly for warmth, weather resistance, ski features, and is styled in a way that will appeal to a majority of skiers. The price is high, but not unreasonable, given that it is designed to keep users warm in the coldest ski conditions. It is probably too warm for users in sunny and warm destinations, but if you're looking for a parka that will keep you warm when the temperature drops and the snow starts to fly, this jacket is a great option.
REASONS TO BUY
Very warm
Great weather resistance
High quality construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Boxy fit
Unremarkable style
Expensive

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Primo Puff is the warmest jacket we tested that uses synthetic insulation. This, combined with a Gore-Tex shell, produces a jacket that will keep you warm and dry, period. Other jackets feature a more contoured fit and more sophisticated style, while the Primo Puff blends in with the crowd.

Performance Comparison


patagonia primo puff - lead editor jeff dobronyi ripping some pow turns on a cold day.
Lead editor Jeff Dobronyi ripping some pow turns on a cold day.

Warmth


The Primo Puff packs the heat… with more synthetic insulation than most ski jackets on the market. As such, this jacket is warm, and is probably too warm for many fair-weather ski destinations like Lake Tahoe, Mammoth, or New Mexico. Of course, those places get cold too, but this jacket is most at home in the frigid, stormy ski seasons of the Northern Rockies or New England. An insulated hood, hem drawstring, and insulated neck rib all add to the warming capabilities of this jacket.

patagonia primo puff - lots of puffy synthetic insulation mean the primo puff is a warm...
Lots of puffy synthetic insulation mean the Primo Puff is a warm jacket.
Credit: tom causley

Weather Resistance


We noticed exceptional weather resistance in this jacket. Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane, fully taped seams, and waterproof zippers, the Primo Puff means business in stormy weather. Even in the shower test, we were unable to find a weak spot in this jacket. The hood has great coverage and cinches down tight around the face. The powder skirt works well and also integrates into Patagonia pants using a button loop system. Our only reason to complain was that a couple of testers felt like strong winds could penetrate the jacket, but only in extreme situations.

patagonia primo puff - a large and effective powder skirt seals the hem on super deep days.
A large and effective powder skirt seals the hem on super deep days.
Credit: tom causley

Comfort and Fit


The quilted insulation pattern and soft interior fabric make this jacket very comfortable to wear. While providing the jacket's warmth, the massive amount of synthetic insulation can make the Primo Puff seem bulky at times. The jacket also has a relatively “boxy” cut, which means it remains wide in the torso, which can be great for larger people, but generally feels untailored for slim users. This was the biggest complaint about this jacket from our testers. There is plenty of room to layer underneath, and if you are on the fence about which size to get, size down.

patagonia primo puff - a boxy fit stands between this jacket and its more close-fitting...
A boxy fit stands between this jacket and its more close-fitting competition.
Credit: sam willits

Ventilation


This jacket is relatively breathable, despite the heavy synthetic insulation and Gore-Tex membrane that will trap body heat. Two large pit vents without mesh liners allow airflow when you need to dump some heat. Because of the insulated neck rib, there is less air motion near your neck, where your body tries to get blood to the surface in order to cool down. This jacket is not made for warm weather or high exertion, but we appreciated the pit vents when we headed for long bump runs or a short bootpack for fresh turns.

patagonia primo puff - long pit vents with no mesh backing means lots of airflow.
Long pit vents with no mesh backing means lots of airflow.
Credit: tom causley

Style


The Primo Puff features an unremarkable style. Many jackets in the competition aim for a “core,” dirtbag look; others aim for an alpine racing or “Euro” style. This jacket has a boxy hem cut and muted color options, so while this jacket might not win any awards for style, it won't offend anybody either. It is classy and fits in with the crowd. The classic Patagonia logo on the chest is the biggest fashion statement that this jacket makes.

patagonia primo puff - a boxy, loose cut doesn't win any style awards. the patagonia logo...
A boxy, loose cut doesn't win any style awards. The Patagonia logo on the chest is easily visible.
Credit: tom causley

Features


The Primo Puff is a very well-featured and convenient ski jacket. It is loaded with pockets: two fleece-lined and spacious handwarmer pockets, two external chest pockets (one with a phone sleeve and headphone port), two internal stash pockets, including one with a zipper, and a lower sleeve ski pass pocket. The powder skirt functions very well, and when it's not snowing, the powder skirt is removable for added comfort. The features of this jacket show that the design team knew what skiers need.

patagonia primo puff - lots of pockets with waterproof zippers were the main features of...
Lots of pockets with waterproof zippers were the main features of this jacket.
Credit: tom causley

Value


The Primo Puff is expensive, and is priced similarly to the top offerings from high-end brands. As an investment, you get a jacket that is constructed to last, although synthetic insulation begins to lose its loft (and thus its insulating abilities) after a couple seasons. Patagonia has a great warranty program, and they stand behind their gear, which is well constructed anyways. However, we doubt that they would replace the jacket just because the synthetic insulation has ended its useful life.

Patagonia also has brand recognition, which commands a premium, and excels as a brand that supports environmental and social responsibility. Many customers are willing to support these efforts by paying a higher price. Those considerations aside, we think there are better values elsewhere in the ski jacket market.

Conclusion


The Patagonia Primo Puff is a well constructed, warm, and weatherproof parka for cold ski conditions. It will keep you warm on the coldest days, and is overkill for warmer ski destinations and sunny, spring weather. The boxy fit may deter some, but the unassuming and neutral style will lure other users. There are many ski jackets on the market, and the Primo Puff is one of the best.

patagonia primo puff - the primo puff is a good choice for bad weather and cold temperatures.
The Primo Puff is a good choice for bad weather and cold temperatures.
Credit: tom causley

Jeff Dobronyi