Patagonia Micro Puff

Patagonia continues to outdo itself. The new Micro Puff hoodie features several upgrades over previous models, making the jacket a top pick for winter warmth this season.

The jacket touts a “previously unattained balance of warmth, weight and compressibility.” The Micro Puff succeeds on each of these fronts, with a synthetic filling that keeps you warm even if it gets wet, unlike down. The hood fits tight around the face for further protection against the elements. Unlike other hoods that slide off or are otherwise ill-fitting, this one is designed to stay in place while still offering comfort.

The jacket is specifically engineered to achieve maximum warmth with minimal bulk; when you first feel the garment, it seems improbably thin for the comfort it advertises. But tests show it achieves its aim. When not in use, the Micro Puff packs down to the size of a softball and is easily stowed away inside one of its own pockets, making it ideal for packing into luggage or a backpack.

The zippered jacket has two exterior hand pockets and two interior storage pockets, perfect for stowing a cell phone and wallet. And the entire garment is a nylon ripstop treated with a durable, water-repellent finish, perfect for protection against all types of inclement weather. Though not a rain jacket, the Micro Puff can certainly act as one.