I don’t share this very often, but I am a pretty sentimental person.

I’m the type to keep old things because of the memory attached. I find it hard to get rid of my worn-out hiking boots that are still in the garage, my old snowboard bibs which now have a paperclip to attach the strap after they broke, or my favourite socks which are finally wearing holes in the bottoms. 

One of my favourite items after years of use is my Patagonia Down Hoody. The only difference between this jacket and my previously mentioned items is that still after many years, I’m not hanging on to this for the sake of it, it is still better than ever. 

I’ve taken this jacket all over the world from Canada, the United States, New Zealand and adventures close to home in Aus. A jacket like this often joins us in adventures that change us. 

We take them to places we’ve never been to before and may not go again, because it's a jacket made to explore. My Patagonia Down Hoody kept me warm during a surprise snowstorm in Jasper National Park in September, getting drinks spilt on me by strangers on ski hills and survived a mid-March 2020 trip to New Zealand with me. 

So, you’ve heard enough of my sentimental retellings, let’s get into the good stuff - specs. 

1. Lightweight

A warm jacket doesn’t have to be bulky or heavy, and that’s one of the reasons I love mine. It weighs only 420g for the Men’s and 343g for the Women’s and packs down into its own jacket pocket. I’ve taken mine on a multi-day hike in Alaska and it was great to stuff down small in my pack for the chilly nights.

2. Warmth Rating

The Patagonia Down Hoody has a lofty 700 fill RSD (Responsibly Sourced Down) which is on the high end of the spectrum, particularly given its low weight. This was my go-to jacket even in the middle of a Canadian winter.

3. Budget

Let’s be honest, this isn’t the cheapest jacket on the market, but it also isn’t the most expensive. Given the specs as previously mentioned, this jacket is a great choice for features vs price. Also, if you haven’t got the gist yet, a jacket is an investment, and if you pick a good one, it will be with you for many years (and adventures) to come. 

I have tried other jackets but I still hang on to ol’ reliable, because that’s what it is - reliable. I know if I take this with me on a multi-day hike, a winter trip to the snow, or travelling to a cold city, it will handle it. 

Now, enough of my ramblings about an ode to a jacket which I am no doubt greatly attached to. Go check it out for yourself, you won’t regret it.

If you need any further help, don't hesitate to come in store to chat with our experts or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! We’ll see you outdoors. Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.

About the contributor: 

   Jess Fiske is the Marketing Manager at Wild Earth. When she isn’t rollerblading in the streets of Coolangatta, you will find her either hiking in SEQ or strapping on her snowboard somewhere cold. Always planning her next adventure, Jess loves to get outdoors and travel off the beaten path. Follow her adventures on Instagram.