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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Oct 7, 2021 5:57:46 GMT -8
Agonizing over an older down piece (original MH Ghost Whisperer) which had some nicks in its gossamer shell anyways. The main problem was almost all the replacements were $299 or above (except for budget Uniqlo pieces).
Luckily, I picked up a Patagonia hooded jacket on sale called the Micropuff ($178 in Portland OR .. no sales tax). It’s filled with “synthetic down” (Plumafill) with a lot of good reviews. Apparently they tested this for several years and even it’s packability rivals down. It also doesn’t lose loft though more synthetics are becoming longer lasting. Being Patagonia it’s recyclable when it comes to that.
So a little of my own testing shows me it feels almost like a fine down piece but fewer worries when it rains. Still not going to compress it and will likely pick up a Uniqlo for any campfire trips.
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Post by downriver on Oct 7, 2021 8:06:32 GMT -8
Living in Portland I have three Patagonia Micro-Puff jackets, and I find them to be excellent jackets for this climate as they’re super lightweight, warm and reasonably weather-resistant. I much prefer to wear the hooded model for warmth and rain resistance. I treat them several times a year with Nikwax for water repellency. It’s nice they can be stuffed into their own pocket. I like the looks of the jackets (hooded and non-hooded), too. Especially the black and forge grey colors. I don’t think they are as warm a down, though. I had a Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket and I found it to be much warmer than the Micro-Puffs. I also have a GoLite down jacket that is warmer than the Micro-Puffs. But living in this climate I would take the Micro-Puff over the Patagonia Down Sweater due to quality control and water resistance factors.
Regards,
DR
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Post by bradmacmt on Oct 7, 2021 11:02:32 GMT -8
Agonizing over an older down piece (original MH Ghost Whisperer) which had some nicks in its gossamer shell anyways. The main problem was almost all the replacements were $299 or above (except for budget Uniqlo pieces). Luckily, I picked up a Patagonia hooded jacket on sale called the Micropuff ($178 in Portland OR .. no sales tax). It’s filled with “synthetic down” (Plumafill) with a lot of good reviews. Apparently they tested this for several years and even it’s packability rivals down. It also doesn’t lose loft though more synthetics are becoming longer lasting. Being Patagonia it’s recyclable when it comes to that. So a little of my own testing shows me it feels almost like a fine down piece but fewer worries when it rains. Still not going to compress it and will likely pick up a Uniqlo for any campfire trips I had the Ghost Whisperer, but found it a poor piece of kit. It really wasn't warm enough for most of my mountain trips except warm nights in July or August. But of course it can snow here in those months too, so I was looking to replace it. downriver mentions he has three Micro Puffs. I wonder if he's thinking of the Nano Puff? Reason I mention it is here in MT I own 3 Nano Puff Jackets and 2 vests, as well as 2 Patagonia Down Sweaters and 1 down vest. I find them great for around town and work as they're warm and durable. However, the Micro Puff is not nearly as durable as either the Nano Puff or Down Sweater. For me, it's really not an "around town" piece of gear... just a bit too fragile. But for a dedicated late spring through early fall backpack jacket I replaced the MH Ghost Whisperer with the Micro Puff Hoody. It's perfect for the highcountry. It's warmer then the Ghost Whisperer by a good margin, and is also warmer than the more durable Nano Puff. I tried the Micro Puff jacket, but the collar is cut too high (crappy design), so went with the hoody.
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Post by downriver on Oct 7, 2021 13:12:34 GMT -8
Agonizing over an older down piece (original MH Ghost Whisperer) which had some nicks in its gossamer shell anyways. The main problem was almost all the replacements were $299 or above (except for budget Uniqlo pieces). Luckily, I picked up a Patagonia hooded jacket on sale called the Micropuff ($178 in Portland OR .. no sales tax). It’s filled with “synthetic down” (Plumafill) with a lot of good reviews. Apparently they tested this for several years and even it’s packability rivals down. It also doesn’t lose loft though more synthetics are becoming longer lasting. Being Patagonia it’s recyclable when it comes to that. So a little of my own testing shows me it feels almost like a fine down piece but fewer worries when it rains. Still not going to compress it and will likely pick up a Uniqlo for any campfire trips I had the Ghost Whisperer, but found it a poor piece of kit. It really wasn't warm enough for most of my mountain trips except warm nights in July or August. But of course it can snow here in those months too, so I was looking to replace it. downriver mentions he has three Micro Puffs. I wonder if he's thinking of the Nano Puff? Reason I mention it is here in MT I own 3 Nano Puff Jackets and 2 vests, as well as 2 Patagonia Down Sweaters and 1 down vest. I find them great for around town and work as they're warm and durable. However, the Micro Puff is not nearly as durable as either the Nano Puff or Down Sweater. For me, it's really not an "around town" piece of gear... just a bit too fragile. But for a dedicated late spring through early fall backpack jacket I replaced the MH Ghost Whisperer with the Micro Puff Hoody. It's perfect for the highcountry. It's warmer then the Ghost Whisperer by a good margin, and is also warmer than the more durable Nano Puff. I tried the Micro Puff jacket, but the collar is cut too high (crappy design), so went with the hoody. No, I have three Micro-Puffs. Love them! I agree with you on the funky collar on the non-hooded version, so I prefer to wear the hooded ones. I have a Nano Puff and it’s a great jacket, too. Unfortunately, it is not nearly as warm as the Micro-Puffs. Even though I live in a moderate climate, I find myself getting chilled due to the rain and humidity levels; it’s the constant dampness that chills me here. The Nano is not warm enough for me in the winter or late fall. It was easier for me to stay warm in Montana for the four years I lived there due to the low humidity levels and dryness than where I live now. I’m surprised you’ve had good luck with the Patagonia Down Sweater; it was complete garbage for me. Terrible quality control. My first shredded at the waist with normal wear; the replacement had very little fill, was defective and should have been caught by quality control at the factory. Fortunately, Patagonia has a great warranty and they replaced the Down Sweater with the Micro-Puff (non-hooded). Regards, DR
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Post by bradmacmt on Oct 7, 2021 14:36:12 GMT -8
DR, I agree with you on humid cold... I lived in New England. There's nothing in the West like -15* in Maine! And yes, agree the Micro Puff is warmer. I wear the Nano's in Fall/Spring and mild winter days (above 25*). Otherwise I run the Down Sweater's all winter.
I did return a Down Sweater a couple years ago for lack of down. Everything I have now (since they moved to a tooth zipper, not the older coil zip models) has been superb. I've never paid retail for anything Patagonia, and given their customer service, I keep going back because the fit is ideal for me (size M in most things - some thing size S).
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Oct 8, 2021 13:09:01 GMT -8
Here in the midatlantic I'm a big fan of the Nano Puffs, and some other Patagonia I have - some synthetic, some down. Nano Puff is great for around town or shoulder seasons. I wear something a bit warmer when camping, or in true winter (which, of course, is regional).
Love my Nano, patches and all.
You wouldn't believe what I see people wear when walking into work from their car.
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rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Oct 8, 2021 17:29:21 GMT -8
uckily, I picked up a Patagonia hooded jacket on sale called the Micropuff ($178 in Portland OR .. no sales tax). It’s filled with “synthetic down” (Plumafill) with a lot of good reviews. I am on my second MicroPuff. Mine have served as my three season "puffer" for years in the Central Rockies. My first was a half zip pull over that is still around in on my bikes when it blows. My newest one is a hoody (2020). The original I was not protective of. I compressed it all its life in the original stuff sack. It was the stuffing for my pillow for years. First thing in the morning, it went on as I got up to face the day. Its was a winner in the worst weather I think a hiker can face, freezing rain with wind, and worn under a rain jacket. It could wet out but as long as I had a good baselayer, it kept me warm and functional. I do have a slim fit Go-Lite vest that fits under MicroPuffs when the temps dip a bit past the MP's range. I love down. When I am stationary and in dry winter conditions, it is a marvel of warmth. Last winter I added a MacroPuff, the unknown cousin for winter wear at half retail from Patagonia Worn Wear.
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Post by bradmacmt on Oct 9, 2021 15:16:19 GMT -8
I am on my second MicroPuff. Mine have served as my three season "puffer" for years in the Central Rockies. My first was a half zip pull over that is still around in on my bikes when it blows. The Micro Puff has only been available since Novemeber of 2017... so 4 years. I'm pretty sure they never made a 1/2 zip. Were you thinking "Nano Puff?" That was available as a 1/2 zip, and appeared in 2009.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Oct 9, 2021 16:09:18 GMT -8
The Micro Puff has only been available since Novemeber of 2017... so 4 years. That's the current Micro Puff. The old one was different, although I don't know how much, since I only had the old one, ~2004. The Nano Puff didn't exist yet back then, and I think the Micro Puff went away for a while when the Nano Puff was born. I eventually replaced my Micro Puff with a GoLite Selkirk, which was also quite a while back.
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Post by downriver on Oct 9, 2021 23:35:38 GMT -8
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Post by bradmacmt on Oct 10, 2021 7:08:17 GMT -8
That's the current Micro Puff. The old one was different, although I don't know how much, since I only had the old one, ~2004. The Nano Puff didn't exist yet back then, and I think the Micro Puff went away for a while when the Nano Puff was born. I eventually replaced my Micro Puff with a GoLite Selkirk, which was also quite a while back. Thanks for the intel BL.
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rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Oct 10, 2021 18:34:59 GMT -8
The Micro Puff has only been available since Novemeber of 2017... so 4 years. I'm pretty sure they never made a 1/2 zip. Were you thinking "Nano Puff?" That was available as a 1/2 zip, and appeared in 2009. Maybe quarter-zip anorak style but definitely 2006-2007 in a hideous color. My new one bears the name but different fill and cut.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Oct 10, 2021 21:03:45 GMT -8
The Micro Puff has only been available since Novemeber of 2017... so 4 years. I'm pretty sure they never made a 1/2 zip. Were you thinking "Nano Puff?" That was available as a 1/2 zip, and appeared in 2009. Maybe quarter-zip anorak style but definitely 2006-2007 in a hideous color. My new one bears the name but different fill and cut. Yeah, I think the way it played out was that the Nano Puff was lighter but similar in warmth to the Micro Puff that preceded it. That Micro Puff no longer made sense as a product and went away. I thus (perhaps erroneously) assume that the new Micro Puff is warmer than the Nano Puff (and the old Micro Puff).
One obvious difference is that the new one is quilted. The old one was more or less loose batting in a shell, with no quilting. It worked for me down to freezing or so with something sensible underneath.
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rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Oct 11, 2021 4:46:25 GMT -8
Yeah, I think the way it played out was that the Nano Puff was lighter but similar in warmth to the Micro Puff that preceded it. That Micro Puff no longer made sense as a product and went away. I thus (perhaps erroneously) assume that the new Micro Puff is warmer than the Nano Puff (and the old Micro Puff). And when I went looking for a replacement for my old one, I completely missed that narrative. And when I went looking for winter insulating layer for under a parka shell, I discovered the Macro Puff!! Last year I picked up a gently used pair of Micro Puff pants that Patagonia only markets in their fish gear for under waders. Perfect layer down to about 0F under some MH bibs.
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Oct 12, 2021 11:45:19 GMT -8
The current Micropuff was 10 years in the making as they refined Plumafill and then had the quilting scientifically designed for maximum retention so the down-like Plumafill doesn’t migrate. There was an older Micropuff that used more traditional synthetic fill.
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