Patagonia’s Most Capable Winter Jacket Just Got Even More Weatherproof and Cozy

Trusted by genuine hardcore mountaineers, this remarkably rugged parka took years of building, testing and refining.

Red Patagonia puffer jacket with chest and side zip pockets against a light blue background.

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If Patagonia is known for anything, it’s jackets. However, while some of the brand’s most hyped offerings, like the Retro-X Fleece and Nano Puff, often get the spotlight, they’re far from the only great coats the brand has to offer. And they’re not even close to the most capable.

That latter distinction is owed to the Patagonia Grade VII Down Parka, a jacket built for the most extreme conditions. It has just received some key upgrades, making it better than ever before.

Bright red puffer jacket with hood and front zipper worn by a person shown from front and back. — Patagonia calls this jacket capable of handling “the most visionary lines on the most intimidating peaks.”

Don’t survive—thrive

This is not the first time Patagonia has released this jacket. In fact, it dates back a few years, when it was originally released as a part of the brand’s High Alpine Kit. However, it was discontinued for a time.

Now, what the brand has called its “most technical and warmest jacket” is back with a vengeance. And it’s not just a simple redux, either.

Bright red Patagonia puffer jacket with zippered chest and side pockets worn by a person. — This fully baffled jacket is stuffed with 900-fill-power down insulation.

Per Patagonia, this new take is “more weather-resistant and warmer than ever.” And it got that way through years of testing and refining, both by the brand’s designers and its ambassadors.

And here’s the real kicker: all of this has been managed while maintaining all of Patagonia’s famous sustainability goals. The jacket has no intentionally added PFAS, it’s built from recycled materials and it’s manufactured in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Pair of black leather and fabric gloves worn with a bright red jacket against a light blue background. — The stretchy cuffs keep heat in but make covering the ends of your gloves a cinch.

Belay the day away

How this jacket was designed and made is one thing, but how does that translate to performance, you ask? Let’s start from the outside in.

The external shell is 100-percent nylon with a water-resistant endurance coating, making it both durable and lightweight while protecting you in nearly any weather condition. A classic double zipper closure and stretchy, glove-friendly cuffs bolster that protection.

Inside view of a red insulated jacket showing internal stitching and a black mesh pocket, held open by a hand in a black glove. — The recycled nylon shell also has a water-resistant endurance coating to protect you in any weather.

That nylon shell, by the way, is fully baffled and stuffed with 900-fill-power down insulation — capable of keeping you warm in the most extreme conditions. That insulation also extends to the helmet-friendly hood, and the jacket has insulated exterior pockets.

It also has a hem cinch to keep warmth trapped inside, and boasts a pair of internal pockets for even more storage. Finally, the whole jacket actually packs down into a travel-friendly bag format, which, while not the smallest, does make an excellent travel pillow in a pinch.

Red Patagonia stuff sack held by a person wearing black gloves and black clothing. — The jacket packs down for easier traveling, and it makes a great travel pillow.

Pricing and availability

The Patagonia Grade VII Down Parka is now available on the brand’s site for $999 in three distinct colorways.

Blue insulated puffer jacket with hood and vertical chest zip pockets.

Patagonia Grade VII Down Parka

$999 at Patagonia

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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