Review: The Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoody for Cold Weather Fly Fishing

Patagonia has several jackets that are great for cold weather fly fishing. The SST is a classic that feels like putting on a piece of armor for going up against the elements. And the Tough Puff is a favorite as well. However, for most of my winter fishing, I go with a jacket that isn’t designed for fly fishing at all — the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoody.

The Hi-Loft Down Hoody is a technical piece that is hard to beat for warmth in the winter months. While this jacket might be best suited for around town needs, that warmth and comfort makes a difference on the water. This is a down insulated jacket that faces wind and cold in phenomenal fashion. Think Nano Puff but with far more insulation. With 600-fill and an adjustable hood, it almost feels like wearing a sleeping bag.

On most days, this is my go-to for winter fishing. Last week, it was overcast and temps were in the teens, and I was pretty comfortable. However, this jacket features a “durable water repellent” finish, so it’s not your best option in rain or snow storms. A breakdown of the pros and cons of the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoody:

Pros

  1. Warmth
    -Of all of the jackets I’ve worn, it’s hard to think of a warmer jacket.
  2. Comfort
    -This jacket is exceptionally comfortable and breathable. It’s lightweight and even packs down into a stuff sack.
  3. Drawcords
    -Drawcords on the hoody and hem help keep the cold out.
  4. DWR Finish
    -This jacket handles wind and weather quite impressively.

Cons

  1. Not Waterproof
    -If it rains, you might get wet.
  2. Hook Concerns
    -If you are accustomed to taking hooks in your clothes, you might need to be a little more careful. There would be fewer concerns about hooks with a jacket like the SST.

The Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoody is available in numerous colors and comes in sizes XS to XXL. This jacket costs $299.

To learn more about the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoody, please click here.

— TH

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