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UOG TOP PICK – The new incarnation of this outdoor classic, has been redesigned for an improved fit, coupled this with its Ultralight design and its Revolutionary lightweight PlumaFill insulation and its easy to see why we still think this is one of the best synthetic jackets on the market.
Patagonia says:
The Micro Puff® Jacket combines ultralight Pertex® Quantum shell fabric with PlumaFill insulation, and the result is the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any jacket we’ve ever created and the highest compressibility of any of our synthetic jackets. It is your go-to insulation piece for mixed (and possibly miserable) cold conditions. The shell fabric is made with NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets, and the insulation is 100% recycled polyester. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Our Verdict
Patigonia have updated their iconic Micro puff jacket but have also kept many of the features that made it the best warmth to weight jacket avalible.
The main updates are firstly Patagonia as fitting of their renowned environmental ethos are using NetPlus nylon which is constructed from recycled fishing nets in order to create a product that not only performs to a very high level but is also trying to bring new environmental standards into the industry. There is an update to the fit to create a more technical fit that feels less boxy and more tailored. One of the other big changes is in the finish of the outer fabric to a more matt finish that is more in keeping with use as not only a technical jacket but one that is great for urban wear as well.
Other features remain such as the PlumaFill insulation is Patagonia's masterpiece in Insulation Type. Everyone is trying to replicate the warmth and weight of down while reducing the negatives associated with its performance, particularly when wet. The insulation is unique in that it is the most compressible insulated jacket Patagonia produce, along with a unique construction that prevents shifting, clumping and cold spots. The loft retention and water resistance last for life of the jacket and with Patagonia's excellent background of durability and repairing kit you can be assured this jacket will last.
Patagonia have also kept the stitch design that keeps the PlumaFill in place is also an nice aesthetic feature. In addition to the super-light insulation, the outer fabric is high quality Pertex Quantum which gives it a lightweight but durable finish. The overall weight of the jacket is further reduced through the use of elasticated hem and cuffs. Two zip hand pockets are a good size and they double up as internal drop pockets giving additional space.
The updates to the design are not major as the Micro Puff is still the market leader in its weight to warmth ratio, but the addition of a updated fit and the change in the finish of the face fabric just help to improve the already iconic jacket.
The shift to using fully recycled fabrics mean that Patagonia are continuing to lead the way in trying to produce top quality products and protecting the planet at the same time, which is hopefully something that will continue to grow within the industry.
Overall this is and excellent choice for a range of activities as it can act as both an outer-layer or and insulating midlayer. The lightweight nature of the jacket means that it fits really well under any shell or larger insulated layer, and can be packed away easily and take up minimal room.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Revolutionary lightweight PlumaFill insulation replicates the structure of down in a continuous synthetic insulation material, offering the warmth and packability of down but with the warm-when-wet performance of synthetic insulation
- Innovative quilting construction complements the insulation by stabilizing and maximizing the loft of the PlumaFill strands with minimal stitching
- Center-front zipper has storm flap and zipper garage at chin for next-to-skin comfort; patterned for high mobility
- Two welted, zippered handwarmer pockets and two internal drop-in pockets; left pocket doubles as a stuffsack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop
- Elasticized cuffs and adjustable hem seal in warmth
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor
- Regular fit
Specifications
- XSmall (UK 08) weighs: 211g
- Small (UK 10) weighs: 218g
- Medium (UK 12) weighs: 228g
- Large (UK 14) weighs: 241g
Material & Construction
- Shell and lining: Pertex® Quantum 0.8-oz 10-denier NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution; with a PFC-free DWR finish (durable water repellent coating that does not contain perfluorinated chemicals). Insulation: 65-g PlumaFill 100% recycled polyester. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
