Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket

Perfect insulating layer

I can’t say enough great things about this jacket. It’s a very flattering cut, it fits true to size while leaving plenty of room underneath for a layer and it’s packable. My only gripe is my own fault, which is not getting the hooded version, then again, it’s nice not fighting to get ALL my hair under two hoods.

You’d be hard-pressed to find many (or any) cons with this jacket.

One of the Best Synthetic Jackets for Layering

I have the hooded version. My men’s size M weighs 9.3 oz.

This is my favorite synthetic insulating jacket for layering under a rain jacket. It’s not so puffy to be constricting, but the little baffles and hybrid continuous/short-filament insulation is contained with this interesting “partial-baffle” stitching. Mine has retained most of its loft over the course of three years. Disclaimer: I’m very careful with my synthetic insulating layers and never overcompress them when packed in my pack.

For cold-weather trips, I prefer something with more loft like the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket or pullover, but then I need to size up my rain jacket in order to layer over that puffier insulation.