Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

You Know Winter is on Its Way When Patagonia Releases a Jacket Like This

Patagonia Men's Micro Puff Hoody
Even though hurricanes are ravaging the southern part of the country and forest fires are heating up the west, it’s hard to escape the fact that summer is coming to an end and the dreaded dark days of winter are near. What’s the first indicator of that? Not the shortening days and lengthening nights. Not the slow, but steady drop in temperature in the more temperate climes. No. The first indicator is that iconic sportswear company Patagonia has released its new Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody. And when a jacket with this crazy warmth-to-weight ratio appears on the market, the first cold snap isn’t far behind.

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody weighs in at a strikingly minimal 9.3 ounces (that’s just a little over a half a pound), but doesn’t skimp on warmth. Packed into that seemingly impossibly low weight is Patagonia’s PlumaFill insulation (100% polyester), which is a lightweight synthetic insulation that affords the same warmth as down, but will go one further and continue trapping body heat even when wet (perfect for the PNW). The exterior shell is made of nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum GL with a waterproof repellent to block light rain, wind, and snow.

Quilted construction of the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody not only adds stylish and appealing texture to the jacket, but also serves stabilize and maximize the loft and therefore the warmth retention of the innovative Plumafill insulation. The offset pattern of the quilting also prevents the fill from bunching up or sinking to the bottom of the coat, keeping the insulation properties spread equally throughout the coat. The cuffs and hem are elasticized, so no pesky pulling of drawstrings are required to keep warmth in.

Recommended Videos

The best part though? The two hand-warmer pockets with welted zippers, the left of which doubles as a stuff sack to pack the entire jacket into. If you day in the snow gets a little too warm, simply pack the jacket into its own pocket and use the attached carabiner to clip onto your day-pack and you’re ready to continue outdooring in comfort without any excess weight holding you back.

The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody jacket is on sale now for $299 at Patagonia and comes in four colors: black, forge gray, paintbrush red, and viking blue.

Chase McPeak
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Good news if you’re visiting Hawaii: This stunning attraction has reopened
This famous trail at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park reopens after major upgrades
Lava at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Sulphur Banks is one of the most visually striking areas in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. If you've never seen the yellow sulfur crystals on dark lava rocks, you're in for a real treat. Earlier this year, Sulfur Banks was closed for a maintenance project and was not expected to open until December. However, due to the trail crew's hard work, they wrapped up construction a month early.
Here's everything you need to know about the new upgrades to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

The Sulfur Banks Trail, also known as Ha'akulamanu, has reopened upon the project's completion, which included a complete replacement of the boardwalk, benches, and railings. This area of the park hasn't seen much TLC since 2000, so this was a welcome upgrade. The new boardwalk is made from yellow cedar, which is strong and weather-resistant to all manner of sun, rain, and heat, so the National Park Service expects it to last another fifteen or twenty years.

Read more
Winter camping made comfortable: The best tents for cold-weather adventures
Stay warm in one of these warm tents for winter camping
Woman with a headlamp camping in a winter tent surrounded by snow.

Winter camping isn't for the faint of heart. You've got to deal with deep snows, high winds, and freezing temperatures, but the right winter tent can be the difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable one. Your tent will protect you during the coldest hours of the early morning, so it better be a good one. In this guide, we'll be looking at what to consider when buying a winter tent and discussing the best tent for winter camping, as we've found two options.
Things to consider when buying a winter tent

Tent type
When considering what kind of tent to buy for your winter adventure, make sure you purchase a tent designed for the cold. Summer-grade tents are primarily designed for maximum ventilation to keep you cool, but that's not going to fly in the winter. Choose one that's marked as a four-season or mountaineering tent. These are built for harsher conditions and can withstand the extra weather challenges that you will face during the winter.

Read more
Why it’s time to upgrade your camping clothes
Don't make these camping clothes mistakes
best camping clothes jan valecka lt9mncyftm8 unsplash

Jeans and your favorite tee might cut it for casual camping, but if you're starting to become serious about spending time with nature, it's time to think about investing in proper camping clothes. Modern streetwear or style pieces often aren't sturdy enough for the rigors of the outdoors, and you definitely don't want to be the guy to get caught in the rain with only one pair of jeans. Fortunately, we've compiled our favorite tips for choosing the best camping clothes. Let's take a look!
Do you need to have specialized camping clothes?

While specialized camping clothes offer benefits like enhanced durability, moisture management, and technical features, you don’t always need to invest in them for short or casual trips. Regular outdoor wear can suffice, but for longer or more challenging expeditions, investing in quality camping clothes is worth it for your comfort and safety.

Read more