New Patagonia Micro Puff Insulation?

John,

I am also shopping for a synthetic insulated top. Thanks for this post. I have looked at the Micro Puff and this REI jacket that is now on sale but was unaware of the newly substituted insulation on the Micro Puff. I have been on the fence in re: the Cocoon UL Hoody top because of what I considered an already stratospheric price tag and with the recent price increase am even more hesitant. I purchased the Cocoon pants several months ago to go along with my Monbell down. Are you considering the Cocoon? If not why not?

I too, was considering the Cocoon Hoody, but when the price went higher than the "Pro" decided to look elsewhere. The Cocoon pants without the zip would be just too much of a hassle, even at the old price. I'm left with the option of Pro series at $398 for the set, or look at something else. I can get both the Mont-Bell top and bottom therma wrap for $242 and would only need warm headwear.

I can’t answer your question re: the insulation of the Micro Puff and rather than hijack your thread, let me just say that for now, based on our consensus of market forces, I am looking for a hoody-pullover pattern and materials for a seamstress to sew a top using Polarguard.

John,

I've got one of the new MicroPuffs pullovers. I didn't really have any experience with the older model, but I can confirm that the new stuff kept me pretty toasty on a recent trip to Zion, Bryce, and Escalate in southern Utah. I'm pretty happy with it overall, but wish I would've gone with a medium instead of a large. The large is pretty big. I think the total weight is right at 15 oz.

Ryan

No experience with the new micro puff. The insulation is climashield green… but climashield doesn't indicate what the performance characteristic of "green" is compared to their other materials.

No experience with the micro-puff or the cocoon but I can say that I LOVE my thermawrap parka I would recommend it to anyone looking for an insulated jacket.
It may be my most favoritest piece of gear.

I ordered one of the hooded Micro Puff jackets, and just sent it back today without even trying it on. After I ordered it, I found the Montbell UL Down Inner hooded parka and matching pants. Together, they weighed the same as the Patagonia jacket and cost only $50 or so more. The weight and price made it a no-brainer; they also got great reviews on this site. I'm anxious to see how it compares to the Micro Puff.