But this is a "budget site"??? I got mine here for $149.00 (Regular $279.00)
Ok, so yup, this is a site dedicated giving preference to budget items, but premium products and upgrade reviews might be helpful to folks, and when there are deals on premium products, like this - even better.
My Take
So this came to me from the Patagonia Worn Wear site (link above). Used gear sold at a discount. I have bought 2 Jackets there (this down jacket and a synthetic jacket), both listed as "excellent condition", the best possible per their rating system, and I honestly wondered if they were selling brand new previous season jackets, as in both instances, they were flawless and I could not find any clue that they had ever been worn before, including being in a sealed bag. As listed above, the price was $149 vs $279 - a difference of $130.00. So, happy with the price, this jacket became by far, my favorite piece of clothing AND gear. It's warm, durable, comfortable and performs as a technical piece of gear should. I usually sleep in it in cold temperatures, it's been beside open fires, it's been through brush, it's gotten filthy, and other than being in need of a dry clean, it is holding up strong. It has a peaked & cinchable hood, hand pockets, 800 fill down of advanced global traceable goose down (Patagonia are very environmentally conscious) and the shell fabric is made of 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. It has elasticated cuffs (to keep the heat in) as well as a cinchable waist band. I have had it in freezing temperatures and felt warm. It packs into it's own pocket. Compared to my Hard Land puffy it definitely feels like an upgrade, despite my very positive review on that jacket.
The fit is slightly boxy which I have no problem with, but it definitely does not have the "fitted" look/feel of some competitors. I'm a boxy guy, so that is just fine with me!
My only issue is that Patagonia is somewhat ubiquitous in California with non-technical wearers! So it's a little bit of a fashion statement out here. But it is a testament to the brand and their commitment to quality and the environment, so that is a good thing.
If you are budget conscious and looking to buy this or any other premium jackets but want new items, look at Evo or Backcountry as they often have great deals on styles that may be rotating, excess stock, or out of season items (such as a down jacket in the height of summer).
Finally, while I have had no issue with this product whatsoever, I had a Patagonia baseball cap that split on the snap closure at the back. I had heard about their great return policy so I called them. No questions asked, I had a brand new one on my doorstep in 4 days. They are a great company.
Finally, finally, this, and any other down jacket is not something you want to get wet as it damages the loft of the feathers, which impacts the warmth. It's the reason I purchased a synthetic version also (which can get wet). So bear this in mind as it pertains to your expected conditions.
Specifications
Dimensions: Xs, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL (I wear an L)
Weight: 15.1 oz (M)
Materials: 800 fill down of advanced global traceable goose down and the shell fabric is made of 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR finish.
Price: New $279.00, Used $149.00
Pros & Cons
Pros: Light, packable, warm, quality, environmentally conscious.
Cons: None
The Final Score
10/10 - Wearing it is like a big hug.