Patagonia Warmth Index: The brand introduced the measuring scale for its fall 2022 collection in early February.
The principle? To condense the question “Which Patagonia jacket is warmer?” to a number on a 1-10 scale.
The Patagonia Warmth Index measures the warmth of Patagonia jackets and vests relative to each other. The brand developed the method in its in-house testing lab. It aims for straightforward simplicity for the user: the higher the score, the warmer the garment.
The index draws on a few key variables. In the lab, Patagonia measures a garment’s materials, insulation, construction, and silhouette to develop a total score. The foundational measurement is the material’s “thermal insulation value.” The scale also accounts for design and construction factors like paneling and baffling. Analysis of the garment’s breathability and shape completes the process.
In practice, Patagonia shoppers can utilize it to directly compare one jacket to another. For example, the women’s Radalie Parka, which uses a 100g foam insulation, scores a 4.8; the Silent Down Parka, with 700-fill recycled down, scores a 10.
