Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Hoody

Judy Armstrong awarded the Patagonia Women's Down Sweater Hoody a 'recommended' accolade in her review of the best down jackets for 2022. Here's why.

Patagonia has built a solid reputation for recycling and environmental awareness. The Patagonia Women's Down Sweater Hoody is a continuation of that: the entire shell is recycled polyester, packed with 800-fill-power Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked). The down is impressive: 800-fill is highly desirable, goose beats duck, and the certification is solid.

The shell is slightly less good: polyester simply doesn’t have the same feel, to wear or in the hand, as nylon (especially Pertex), and the recycled element makes it less stretchy. The cut is curvy-friendly, especially around the bust, with enough length to keep your bum warm. The lining is wide rather than stitched to the baffles at the front and sides, which aids breathability and reduces heat leakage through stitch lines.

Patagonia can't tell me the down weight of the Patagonia Women's Down Sweater Hoody, but I’d estimate it to be around 100g. Zipped hand pockets are roomy, and I could just about stuff the jacket into the internal zipped chest pocket in lieu of a stuff sack. The hood is very cosy, properly 3D and well shaped, with rear adjustment for wearing over a beanie or bareheaded. The floppy peak is a bit odd and blows around in the wind. Soft chin and cheek guards feel pleasant against skin, so it’s very comfortable zipped to the top. The 800-fill goose down is the main selling point of this jacket, making it a no-brainer for Patagonia fans.