11 Best Patagonia Jackets of 2023, Reviewed by Gear Experts

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From the Synchilla Snap-T to the Nano Puff, here's a simple guide to the brand's best outerwear offerings.

IT'S NO secret that when you buy from Patagonia you're getting a piece that's going to last you for quite some time. The legacy outdoor maker prides itself on function first, yet there's a timeless look about all of its apparel that seems to just never go out of style. There are the Patagonia Baggies (the best shorts from the brand) and the Patagonia Responsibili-Tee shirts (the oh-so-soft t-shirts from the brand). Heck, even Patagonia underwear is a homerun addition to any wardrobe. And then there are Patagonia jackets, the heart and soul of the brand's apparel offerings.

The best Patagonia jackets tap into a decades-long lineage of special fabrics and silhouettes. Several of the original Patagonia jacket styles are still around today (most notably the Synchilla Snap-T pullover) and can be bought in several exciting colors and patterns. The brand still continues to push innovation too, with tons of different new and exciting jacket variations that seem to hit the shelves on a yearly basis (see the Iron Forge Ranch Jacket). With so many jackets available from Patagonia, it can be easy to become frozen by choice. Which is where we come in with our guide to the best Patagonia jackets. Ahead, you'll find our top Patagonia jacket picks for all types of specific uses and style preferences.

Take note, we recommend approaching each pick with inspiration rather than treating it as an absolute, because even if you might not like the exact rain jacket or zip-up hoody listed, it's likely you'll be able to find a similar garment with slight variations you find much more appealing. Catch our drift? It's time to see this all-star lineup for yourself.

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The Sweater Fleece is your traditional zip-up fleece jacket made for wearing anywhere from fall to all the way in early spring. The jacket's design is slimming, with several pockets that fit streamlined to the body. It's also got a stand-up collar and shape-holding cuffs and a hem to help block out any nasty gusts of cold wind getting to you.

Simply put, the Sweater Fleece is the default go-to for those who want a toasty warm fleece that keeps a sleek, modern look.

In so many ways, the Nano Puff is Patagonia's most versatile jacket you can buy. For starters, it's insanely lightweight. We're talking under 12 ounces. The Nano Puff is also incredibly packable, thanks to a warm 60-gram PrimaLoft Gold insulation that traps heat like a pro but is still airy and thin.

The Nano Puff works by itself as a puffer jacket in mildly cold temperatures, but when layered over a thin hoodie or fleece sweatshirt it can also serve as the perfect shell to a warm winter-ready outfit. The jacket works especially well on days that fluctuate in temperatures (fall and spring), as well as on days when you're traveling from one climate to another (like flying from New York to LA during the winter).

Read more: Best Packable Down Jackets

Ah yes, the Synchilla Snap-T. This pullover has been around since the 1980s, and really it hasn't changed hardly one bit. The Synchilla Snap-T is so highly desired that it's scooped up regularly from fall all the way to spring, resulting in low stock and sold-out jackets in the most popular colors.

The good news is this jacket comes in a ton of fun colors and patterns, so you'll always have some type of selection. As far as function goes, the Snap-T is the perfect fleece pullover for mild temperatures and an ideal mid layer for much colder temperatures. Versatility is key here. What's even cooler is Patagonia cued in on the high demand for the Snap-T and made a lightweight version of the jacket (pictured above), which is built to handle those more gentle springtime temps.

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The Sweater Fleece Vest has always been a top choice for Patagonia buyers, but this product became so popular at one point that it served as a signifier for an entire group of people. We're talking about finance bros, as the vest was found to be a comfortable layer over an oxford shirt in business casual outfits.

The finance bro Patagonia vest stereotype has started to fade away in recent years (largely because Patagonia themselves cued in on the ridiculousness and said they would not allow any more custom labeling for Wall Street firms to sewing their logos onto the vests), and so the Fleece Vest has floated back into the common territory. All past associations aside, this is a cozy warm vest that can be dressed up or down and serve as a crucial piece to keeping your torso warm for years to come.

If you think the Nano Puff is a great packable jacket, then you'll be even more impressed with the Houdini Jacket. This is the most travel-friendly and the most packable jacket Patagonia has to offer. The chest pocket converts into a zippered stuff sack that will hold your jacket to the size of a hotdog for crying out loud.

The Houdini is made from 100% recycled nylon that's weather resistant, so it can handle light rain and bat away light to the medium-strength wind. It's also got a nifty hood and, best of all, a price point under $110.

Read more: Best Travel Backpacks

It's best not to skimp when buying a rain jacket, which is why we love the Triolet at Patagonia best piece at repelling the strongest precipitation (it's even capable of batting down snow). The construction consists of a 3-layer Gore-Tex, a helmet-compatible hood, watertight pockets and zippers, and low-profile cuffs for a fitting wrist seal.

Patagonia offers several quarter-zip jackets, but its most advanced one is the R1 Air, a lightweight jacket made with quick-drying tech fleece that wicks away moisture and sweat. You can wear it casually as a mid-layer, or you can wear it as a base-layer for outdoor activities like hiking.

Read more: Best Zip-Up Hoodies

The Quilted Bomber has become a favorite among Patagonia fans due to its cool quilted pattern and warm insulated build. The jacket has some room, so you can layer under it to prepare for intensely cold weather. The best characteristic of this jacket might be the spot-on comfort only a good bomber jacket can pull off. This jacket veers from the traditional Patagonia look.

If you're looking for a Patagonia jacket that really challenges the status quo, then look no further than its Iron Forge Ranch Jacket. This sturdy piece is made with midweight hemp canvas, which is 25% more abrasion resistant than cotton duck canvas, according to Patagonia. Metal hardware, reinforced elbow patches, ample pocket space, and a bi-swing back make this ranch jacket a legacy piece made to handle years of hard work, or just regular everyday wear.

Read more: Best Waxed Canvas Jackets

If you're looking for a classic winter coat, then the Downdrift is what you'll want to look toward. The vintage-inspired coat is great for everyday wear and for outdoor wear (like hiking and camping). It's made from 100% recycled nylon that has a water-repellent coating and a mighty warm 600-fill recycled down. Combine the Downdrift with the fact it's got a functional build (metal hardware, good pocket space, and a hefty hood) and you've got a go-to coat you can reach for all fall and winter long.

The Jackson Glacier Parka is a top pick for those who want the warmest jacket for winter. This thigh-length parka contains 700-fill 100% recycled down and is woven from 100% recycled polyester to create a tw0-layer polyester shell that's incredibly wind and water-resistant. Simply put, this is a parka that can hang with the best competitors in the game while still promising a low environmental footprint.

When it comes to responsibly producing eco-friendly garments that stand the test of time, Patagonia is pretty much in a league of its own. This is to say you can't go wrong with buying any Patagonia jacket, however, you can better find the best Patagonia jacket for you by honing in on a few key characteristics when shopping.

Waterproof Capability

Most Patagonia jackets are suitable for at least battling through light rain, but if you want a jacket that's water-repellant it's best to veer from any of the fleece jackets. The Patagonia jackets made with recycled nylon and Gore-Tex are the best at batting away moisture, with the Triolet Jacket being the best pure rain jacket you can buy.

Weight

Patagonia lists the weight of each jacket it offers. You can compare jacket weights to determine things like which jacket is more travel-friendly than another, as well as which jacket might provide the most warmth for snowy weather. In terms of weight, the Houdini Jacket (3.7 oz) is by far Patagonia's lightest jacket, and the Iron Forge Ranch Jacket (51.9 oz) is probably the heaviest due to its abrasion-resistant materials.

Layering

Most Patagonia jackets allow for easy layering. Depending on how you like to layer, you can throw on anything from a thin hoodie to a crewneck sweatshirt under your jacket and double up on warmth. Or you can grab a thin layered Patagonia jacket (like the R1 Air) and throw on a top-layer.

The only two Patagonia jackets that are probably not the most layer friendly are the Sweater Fleece Jacket and the Synchilla Snap-T Pullover, as they have a more form-fitting cut and wear more comfortably with just a t-shirt, a polo, or a long-sleeve shirt underneath.

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best Patagonia backpacks for men in 2023. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, reviewed a number of Patagonia jackets and evaluated their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered Patagonia jackets that had high praise from loyal reviewers from retailers we trust, including reviews from Patagonia's website.

John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include attending concerts, spending time outside, and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.

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