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The down jacket market ranges from performance to casual and everything in between, but you won’t find a more versatile option than the Patagonia Down Sweater. With 3.4 ounces of 800-fill-power down, the jacket is light and packable enough for backpacking and travel yet offers enough warmth to use as a midlayer for skiing. In addition, it looks great for everyday use—few outdoor companies can match Patagonia in crossover appeal. And we can't help but love the build quality. Of all of the brands we've tested, Patagonia jackets consistently last longer and end up winning us over with their longevity.

What are the shortcomings of the Down Sweater? At just over 13 ounces, it's a far cry from ultralight and you can shave significant weight with a number of the more backcountry-centric options below. Moreover, the fit isn’t as tailored as some of the performance designs on this list (the upside is that layering either over top or underneath is easy, which isn't the case with some technical pieces). Lastly, Patagonia products don't come cheap, although again, we love the sleek styling and you should get a very healthy lifespan out of this jacket... Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater  See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater

Some down jackets are unmistakably casual, while others are designed specifically for the backcountry. But if you’re looking for one jacket that can do it all, the Patagonia Down Sweater is perhaps the most versatile option on the market. Like some of the more specialized picks below, the Down Sweater is light enough to pack on your next hiking trip yet warm and streamlined enough to layer under a shell for skiing. And with that premium Patagonia build quality and finish and a variety of fresh colorways, it doesn’t look overly technical for walking around town or grabbing a drink after a long day in the mountains.

The Down Sweater was redesigned for 2022, with an all-new NetPlus shell (made from recycled fishing nets), a lower weight, added warmth features like larger side baffles and a more structured collar, and drop-in pockets for additional storage. The new jacket costs $50 more than the previous version, but it’s even more versatile than before and gives performance-minded designs like the Cerium LT below a run for their money in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio. However, expect the fit to be on the casual side: We have yet to test the updated version, but previous iterations of the Down Sweater have been a bit shorter and boxier than we would prefer. For those who want added coverage, the Down Sweater also is made in a hooded version for $50 more. And for a warmer and more performance-oriented option from Patagonia, check out the ultra-cozy Fitz Roy below.See the Patagonia Down Sweater

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Patagonia Down Sweater Review | Altitude Blog

Down Sweater Comparison