UK RRP £250 have been manufacturing high quality apparel for nearly 40 years and as one of the founding members of the 1% For the Planet, they have gained a reputation as pioneers within ethical retail.  Over the years the brand has developed to market its products to skiers, mountaineers, hikers, climbers, and more recently, surfers. As a product that matches the demands of all of these sports, the Patagonia Down Sweater is a prime example of a neat interaction between design innovation and ethical manufacturing.

The product’s main design aims were to reduce weight and cut bulk whilst retaining a high level of insulation. The Down Sweater manages to bring together a superlight jacket at only 343g  (medium size) with 800-fill premium European goose down, forming an extremely warm jacket that punches way above its weight.

I tested the Down Sweater in numerous conditions over different sports, wearing it as an outer jacket for milder temperatures in Edinburgh and as a mid-layer under a waterproof for the colder Alps. But what makes this jacket so versatile is that when the temperature rises and the intensity increases, the superb compressibility and minimal weight means it can be easily stored in your rucksack or clipped onto your harness using its carabiner clip-in loop.

Tough and durable, the jacket didn’t tear on my trips and the windproof shell providing some extra reinforcement to the strong fabrics. Further, the jacket is treated with a durable water repellent finish so that you remain relatively dry during your sport.

If you want to shed the Michelin Man look without compromising the weight, the Patagonia Down Sweater is the jacket to go for. Slimmer than other down jackets this winter, Patagonia are taking new steps with this high performance product.

Useful Information

• UK RRP £170 (men’s and women’s) | US RRP $200 (men’s and women’s) | Not yet available in South Africa
• Available in Autumn Yellow, Silver, Black, Red, Grey and Blue in all men’s sizes from Patagonia
• The Shell and Lining is made from 100% recycled polyester
• More about Patagonia’s Environmental Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility. As an interactive starting point, check out The Footprint Chronicles.