Patagonia’s Micro Puff Hoody ($459.99, 264g (m)/227g (w)) was nearly 10 years in the making – that’s how long it took the company to develop its PlumaFill synthetic insulation and the construction techniques that prevent it shifting and clumping.
Plumafill is said to replicate the structure of down, which means it has the same packability, but with the added benefit of being warm when wet. Patagonia describes it as the best warmth for weight jacket it’s ever built.
The jacket features 64g of insulation, a water-resistant and windproof ripstop nylon shell, centre-front zipper with wicking storm flap, two zippered handwarmer pockets and the left pocket doubles as a stuff sack.