Arc’teryx Thorium vs Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket: Which is Better?

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When it comes to battling the chill, two popular insulated jackets are: the Arc’teryx Men’s Thorium Jacket and the Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Jacket.

Both are made to offer exceptional warmth and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences.

The Thorium Jacket is a robust option, filled with 750 fill-power grey goose down and designed for serious cold, while the Down Sweater shines with its 800-fill-power down and eco-friendly materials, making it a favorite for those who value sustainability.

In this article, we’ll see the features, materials, and unique benefits of each jacket to help you determine which one is the ultimate choice for your outdoor adventures.

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1. Arc’teryx Men’s Thorium Jacket

Arcteryx Thorium Jacket - Men's Review 2024

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The Arc’teryx Men’s Thorium Jacket is a warm and versatile standalone jacket, ideal for serious cold conditions. It is insulated with responsibly-sourced goose down and designed for efficient performance, comfort, and durability.

The jacket features a lightweight, abrasion-resistant Arato 30 nylon shell, and strategically placed synthetic insulation to manage moisture. It also has a durable water-repellent treatment and multiple pockets for storage.

Main Features and Materials

  • Insulation: 750 fill-power grey goose down, Coreloft synthetic insulation
  • Shell: Lightweight, abrasion-resistant Arato 30 nylon
  • Liner: Downproof 20D plant-based Arato liner
  • Fabric Treatment: FC0-DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish
  • Technical Features: Moisture-resistant, breathable, lightweight, compressible, wind-resistant
  • Collar: High collar for added warmth
  • Cuffs: Stretchy cuffs
  • Fit: Regular fit for freedom of movement with room for layers
  • Hem: Dual lower hem adjusters
  • Pockets: Chest pocket with zip, two hand pockets with zippers, two internal dump pockets
  • Sustainability: Contains bluesign-approved materials, RDS certified down, 80% recycled polyester
  • Weight: 470g / 1 lb 0.6 oz
  • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
  • Activity: Suitable for travel, commute, and everyday use
  • Manufacturing: Made in Bangladesh, with fabrics and dyeing processes from Japan
  • Additional Features: Includes stuff sack for compact transport, articulated patterning for mobility, two-way front zipper

This jacket combines high-quality materials and thoughtful design to provide warmth, comfort, and functionality in cold weather.

Arcteryx Mens Thorium Jacket

2. Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Jacket

Patagonia® Men's Down Sweater

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Check it out on the official website.

The Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Jacket offers the perfect warmth for a wide range of activities. This lightweight and windproof jacket features a durable shell made from NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop derived from recycled fishing nets, contributing to the reduction of ocean plastic pollution.

It is insulated with 800-fill-power 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down, ensuring high standards of animal welfare. The jacket is designed to be true to size and offers a regular fit.

Main Features and Materials

  • NetPlus 100% Postconsumer Recycled Nylon Fabric: Durable shell fabric made from recycled fishing nets; includes a durable water repellent (DWR) finish without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS).
  • RDS Down: 800-fill-power 100% Responsible Down Standard down certified by Control Union (CU 880272) for superior warmth.
  • Center-Front Zipper: Features an interior storm flap and a zipper garage at the chin for added comfort.
  • Pocket Features:
    • Two on-seam handwarmer pockets with welted zippers.
    • One interior zippered chest pocket that converts to a stuffsack with a carabiner clip-in loop.
    • Two interior drop-in pockets for additional storage.
  • Sealed-In Warmth: Nylon-bound elastic cuffs and adjustable hem with a cord lock to retain warmth.
  • Repair Patch: Includes a patch for quick repairs on the go.
  • Supporting Workers: Patagonia supports Mamata, an organization providing essential services for the workers who made this product.
  • Country of Origin: Made in Bangladesh.
  • Weight: 369 g (13 oz).

Materials:

  • Shell and Lining: 1.2-oz 20-denier NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled nylon downproof ripstop with a DWR finish.
  • Insulation: 800-fill-power 100% Responsible Down Standard down certified by Control Union (CU 880272).

Certifications:

  • Fabric is certified as bluesign approved.

Patagonia Mens Down Sweater Jacket

3. Comparison

Here are the main differences between these two products:

  • Insulation:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: 750 fill-power grey goose down with Coreloft synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: 800 fill-power down certified by the Responsible Down Standard.
  • Shell Material:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: Lightweight, abrasion-resistant Arato 30 nylon shell.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: NetPlus 100% post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets.
  • Weight:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: 470g (1 lb 0.6 oz).
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: 369g (13 oz).
  • Water Resistance:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: FC0-DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: DWR finish made without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS).
  • Design and Fit:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: Regular fit with articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: Regular fit, true to size.
  • Pockets:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: Chest pocket with zip, two hand pockets with zippers, two internal dump pockets.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: Two on-seam handwarmer pockets, one interior zippered chest pocket that converts to a stuffsack, and two interior drop-in pockets.
  • Cuffs and Hem:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: Stretchy cuffs, dual lower hem adjusters.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: Nylon-bound elastic cuffs, hem adjusts with a cord lock.
  • Sustainability:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: Contains materials that meet the bluesign criteria, 80% recycled polyester, responsibly-sourced down.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: Made from recycled fishing nets, bluesign-approved fabric, supports worker welfare through the Mamata organization.
  • Additional Features:
    • Arc’teryx Thorium: Includes a stuff sack for compact transport.
    • Patagonia Down Sweater: Includes a repair patch for quick fixes.
  • Country of Origin:
    • Both jackets are made in Bangladesh.

4. Which is Better?

The Arc’teryx Men’s Thorium Jacket and the Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater Jacket both offer excellent warmth and performance, but they are suited to slightly different situations.

The Arc’teryx Thorium Jacket is designed for serious cold and versatile use. It features 750 fill-power grey goose down and Coreloft synthetic insulation strategically placed in moisture-prone areas. This combination ensures warmth even in damp conditions.

The Arato 30 nylon shell is lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to repel moisture. The jacket’s high collar and stretchy cuffs add extra warmth and comfort, while the regular fit allows for layering.

Additionally, the Thorium includes multiple pockets for storage and a stuff sack for compact transport. This makes the Thorium an excellent choice for activities in colder, wetter environments where durability and moisture resistance are crucial.

In contrast, the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket excels in providing lightweight warmth with an eco-friendly focus. It features 800-fill-power down certified by the Responsible Down Standard, offering high loft and an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

The shell is made from NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop, derived from recycled fishing nets, which helps reduce ocean plastic pollution. The jacket also has a DWR finish, but it’s made without perfluorinated chemicals, aligning with Patagonia’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Down Sweater’s nylon-bound elastic cuffs and adjustable hem help seal in warmth, and it includes a repair patch for quick fixes. This jacket is ideal for those who prioritize lightweight warmth, sustainability, and a more streamlined design for everyday use or milder conditions.

Which is better: choose the Arc’teryx Thorium Jacket for colder, wetter environments where durability and moisture resistance are essential. Get the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket if you need a lightweight, sustainable option for milder conditions and everyday wear.

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