Mountain Essential

By Donny Roth Ranked #80 - Men's Synthetic Insulation Jackets June 10, 2010

I will not hesitate to label the Micro Puff Hooded Jacket the single most important piece of mountain clothing I own. I do not consider going into the alpine without it - regardless of the season.

From icy belay ledges to unforeseen squalls, and from early morning starts to nights out under-the-stars, this jacket nearly always makes an appearance. Considering how often it comes to play, the extra pound-plus in my pack is well worth it. The synthetic insulation compresses like down, but never stops working.

I prefer to wear this layer over the top of everything. I tend to pull it out and stuff it back into my pack a few times during a long day. Therefore, I have it one size larger than my softshell layer. Keep in mind, I wear my softshells fit “properly,” so there’s not a lot of bagginess to the system. (I’m 5’8”, 140-lbs and wear a small Ascensionist jacket, and a medium Micro Puff Hooded jacket.) But doing this means the jacket glides over under layers without constriction. And if I do end up wearing it in town, I don’t look like I stole my big brother’s clothes.

There are no downsides to this jacket. It is useful, fits well, durable, and easy to care for. I recommend it to every client before a trip. I consider it to be a mountain essential.

View Details: Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Insulated Jacket - Men's

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