Last Updated on 19/01/2025
In this Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody review, we break down what makes this outdoor jacket so popular and our own experience over 6 years of use.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an experienced mountain guide, no one can head into the outdoors without a trusty down jacket at their side. Comfortable, lightweight, compressible, and oh-so-warm, the right-down jacket can stop a cold day in the hills from turning into a miserable experience.
With so many different down jackets available today, however, it’s understandable if you’re having trouble finding the one that’s right for your needs. That’s where Gaby’s Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody review comes into the picture. We do also have a list of the best down jackets here too if you’re interested.
Tried and true, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody has been keeping outdoor enthusiasts warm for years, thanks to its good all-around range of features and performance capabilities. To help you decide if this jacket is right for you we’ve put together this in-depth Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody review based on our real-world experiences. Let’s get to it!
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review: The Basics
Okay, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s review some of the basics of the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody. This jacket features a classic design with all of the features you’d expect from a down hoody. How does it stack up to the competition? Well, here are some of the
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody’s Specifications:

- Weight: 15.1 oz (428g)
- Insulation: 800 fill Advanced Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International to ensure that birds are not force-fed or live-plucked)
- Shell fabric: Bluesign approved 1.4 oz 20×30 denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop nylon
- Fit: Classic jacket fit
- Water-resistance: DWR finish on shell and lining
- Packed size: 9.5” x 7.35” x 4.5” (24.13cm x 18.67cm x 11.43cm)
- Helmet-compatible hood: Yes

First Impressions
From the get-go, it’s clear that the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is made for the outdoors. Stylish, yet durable, the Down Sweater Hoody set the benchmark for the down jacket category, by showing that a technical piece of outdoor gear doesn’t have to look out of place on a city street. That being said, it’s a mid-range jacket that doesn’t really wow in any specific category – but it does pretty darn well in most situations.
When it’s brand new, the jacket has a surprising amount of loft, though it doesn’t feel exuberant for its job. If anything was going to turn someone away from after reading the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody review, however, it would have to be the price tag. While we wouldn’t say that the Down Sweater Hoody is excessively expensive, it certainly isn’t cheap either – but what else do you expect from Patagonia?

Performance
Like any piece of outdoor gear, a down jacket is only as good as its performance. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is no exception. To help you decide if the Down Sweater Hoody is the right jacket for you, we’ll take the time to review the main features of the hoody to see how it performs in real-world mountain conditions. Here we go!
Warmth
As far as down jackets go, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is no belay puffy. Sure, it can keep you warm on the street during a chilly day, but it’s not meant to be the end-all be-all jacket that keeps you toasty when the mercury drops below -40F (-40C).
Rather, the Down Sweater Hoody is more of a “midlayer” in the backcountry, which means it should be used as part of a layering system. Indeed, the Down Sweater Hoody performs best when it’s coupled with a base layer and perhaps another fleece or synthetic mid-layer for the coldest of conditions.
On its own, the Down Sweater Hoody is a good option for staying warm at the crag on a chilly fall day or for hanging out in the front country, but we wouldn’t bet on it as a solo layer in truly cold conditions.

Compressibility
Although the Down Sweater Hoody uses 800 fill down, it’s not the most compressible of down jackets, with a packed size similar to a 1 liter Nalgene water bottle. However, the Down Sweater Hoody isn’t marketed as a super lightweight or incredibly compressible jacket, nor is it meant to be the world’s most technical puffer jacket.
Our advice? If you’re looking for something that packs down to a teeny tiny size for use as a layer in emergencies only, the Down Sweater Hoody probably isn’t for you. If you want a jacket that you’re going to spend more time wearing than packing, the Down Sweater Hoody is a solid option.
Weight
At just under 1 pound (450g), the Down Sweater Hoody is pretty darn heavy in the world of technical puffy jackets. However, the vast majority of similar jackets beat the Down Sweater Hoody by only an ounce or two, so unless you’re a gram weenie or an ultralight alpinist trying for a fast-and-light ascent of the Rupal Face on Nanga Parbat, you probably really won’t notice the added weight difference. Just sayin’

Water Resistance
The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody has a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment on both its outer shell and lining. However, the down itself is not DWR treated. In real-world tests, the Down Sweater Hoody did remarkably well in a light drizzle, but, like all down jackets, turns into a sad duck in heavy rain.
That being said, there are very few down jackets out there that are actually waterproof, so, as far as water resistance goes, we’re pretty happy with the Down Sweater Hoody’s performance. If you need to stay dry and warm, layer your Down Sweater Hoody with a shell jacket.
Fit and Comfort
The older Down Sweater Hoody models had a bit of a boxy cut, but, these days, the jacket has a more classic fit. We wouldn’t say that it’s a particularly athletic cut, which is nice for layering, though it does seem a bit tight on some people around the bottom hem. Overall, the Down Sweater Hoody has a nice all-around fit for everyday use, which is much appreciated. That being said, if you want to use the Down Sweater Hoody as part of a layering system, you might want to consider sizing up.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody after 4 years
Durability
After using the Down Sweater Hoody for over 4 years with no issue, we’d have to say that we’re pretty darn happy with its durability prowess. Like all down jackets, you can expect some down shedding, but, despite years of heavy use, we have yet to experience a single tear in the shell fabric of the Down Sweater Hoody – a true achievement!
Features
Overall, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is a pretty simple jacket, with two handwarmer pockets, an internal chest pocket, and a helmet-compatible hood, so it’s nothing to call home about. However, what’s sets the Down Sweater Hoody apart from the competition is the company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing of its materials.
The Down Sweater Hoody is made from Global Traceable Down, which ensures that the birds that supply the down for the jacket are never force-fed or live-plucked. Additionally, the fabric used in the jacket is bluesign approved, which means the chemicals used to produce these materials are safe for people and the environment. Although one pays a premium for Patagonia products, if environmentally-friendly materials are important to you, the Down Sweater Hoody is a great option.

The Verdict
Ultimately, this 4 year Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody review found that it isn’t a super technical, top-of-the-line down jacket for cutting-edge alpine ascents. However, it is a fantastic all-around jacket with environmentally-conscious materials, a durable and reliable build, and stylish construction.
So, while, the Down Sweater Hoody isn’t going to win any awards for crazy innovation, if you need a jacket that looks and performs well both in the backcountry and for day-to-day wear, the Down Sweater Hoody is a fantastic option.

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