Alpine Downlab: Patagonia’s Lightest, Most Packable Down Insulation Yet

Last year, Patagonia’s primary focus was synthetic insulation, and their Nano Puff and Micro Puff jackets have become favourites among bikepackers looking for a reliable insulating layer that also packs up small. For 2021, Patagonia is shifting their emphasis back to down garments, with a focus on creating the lightest, most packable down insulation possible. The new Patagonia Alpine Downlab products use some of their lightest weight fabrics and they’re designed to work in conjunction with the layering system you’re already using. The line consists of the UltraAlpine Down Hooded Vest, AlpLight Down Jacket, AlpLight Down Pullover, and UltraAlpine Down Crew. Find details on each below.

Patagonia Women’s UltraAlpine Down Hooded Vest

The 800-fill-power UltraAlpine Down Hooded Vest uses an ultralight 7-denier 100% recycled nylon fab­ric—the lightest shell fabric Patagonia has ever used—and was designed as the ultimate minimal mid layer for cool weather missions when you need a little bit of insulation that packs down small and still keeps you warm.

• Ultralightweight, packable 100% recycled 7-denier Green Threads nylon; features a PFC-free DWR finish
• 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down
• Zippered chest pocket into which vest stuffs with carabiner clip-in loop
• Fair Trade Certified sewn
• Weight: 161g (5.7oz)
• Retail Price: $199 USD

Patagonia UltraAlpine Down Crew

The UltraAlpine Down Crew features all the same specs as the UltraAlpine Down Hooded Vest, but in a unisex crew design.

• Ultralightweight, packable 100% recycled 7-denier Green Threads nylon; features a PFC-free DWR finish
• 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down
• Varied quilting stabilizes goose down; narrow channels provide shape and reduce bulk for enhanced mobility at elbows and shoulders, maintains loft and reduces drafts
• Elastic-bound cuffs and hem with single drawcord adjustment seal in warmth
• Fair Trade Certified sewn
• Weight: 172g (6.1oz)
• Retail Price: $199 USD

Patagonia AlpLight Down Pullover

Available in both men’s and women’s sizing, the AlpLight Down Pullover features 800-fill-power down and is made from NetPlus, a 100% postconsumer recycled nylon fabric created using recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution, plus a PFC-free DWR finish.

• 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down
• Varied quilting stabilizes goose down; low profile collar to reduce bulk under layers, and narrow channels provide shape and enhance mobility at elbows and shoulders, maintains loft and reduces drafts
• Center-front 1/4 zipper has wicking interior storm flap and zipper garage at chin for next-to-skin comfort
• Jacket self-stuffs into hidden chest pocket with carabiner clip-in loop and zipper for security
• Men’s Weight: 223g (7.9oz)
• Women’s Weight: 178g (6.3oz)
• Retail Price: $249 USD

Patagonia AlpLight Down Jacket

The AlpLight Down Jacket shares the same specs as the pullover but has a full front zipper and two low-profile hand pockets. The women’s version also has a slightly overstuffed insulated collar to help keep out drafts, and both feature an internal chest pocket that also doubles as a stuff sack.

• 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down
• PFC-free DWR finish
• Two hidden zippered handwarmer pockets and one zippered chest pocket; jacket self-stuffs into chest pocket with carabiner clip-in loop
• Comfortable nylon-bound elastic cuffs and a single drawcord adjustment seal in warmth
• Men’s Weight: 269g (9.5oz)
• Women’s Weight: 215g (7.6oz)
• Retail Price: $299 USD

Each of the new garments will be offered in a few different colours and a full size range, but this is all the information we have for now. Both the UltraAlpine Down Hooded Vest and Crew will be available directly through Patagonia, and the rest of the line will be available through limited specialty shops. The entire line is scheduled to be available by August 2021.

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