Macropuff as DAS replacement?

Does anyone have any time with the Macropuff and DAS? I'd welcome comparisons as I consider getting the Macropuff for a belay jacket.

More background: I've used a DAS parka for years for belay jacket for ice climbing (on my second one actually). I don't have any complaints aside from its stuffed bulk, which has always felt a bit annoying. The Macropuff tempted me before it was even released - as soon a I tried on my micro puff I knew it must be in teh works and would have put in a preorder for it. It seems like it's aiming to be a DAS replacement but way lighter and more compressible. Patagonia store person says it's a similar warmth to the DAS, but this particular source didn't strike me as definitive. So going to MP, where all the posts are definitive! 

Anyhow, in all seriousness, thanks in advance for any input, particularly that based on experience in the field. 

Let us know what you think when you get yours 

I'd bet the farm it's not as warm as a DAS for 50% less weight and all that quilting. Maybe the new Patagucci insulation is magical though.

I tried it on and my uniformed take is this an another Patagucci overhyped miss (so many in the past few years). Boxy, boring, and did not feel that warm. I think the micropuff storm, or whatever it was called (from last year) with a hard shell outer layer could be the closest DAS replacement. But then again, I always felt the DAS was overrated and no longer cutting edge a few years after it was introduced ( another boxy, uninspiring, pataguchi deliverable)

I’ve used the macro puff since it was in the proto stage.  Definitely not a DAS replacement, more like the micro puff of earlier years (early 2000’s to 2010 or so.)  A lot of my partners have have gone away from using one large parka like a DAS and using a micro and a macro puff together as this adds a bit more flexibility and temperature range.  

I’ve seen some loftier prototypes around but not sure anything is imminent at the moment.  The Plumafill insulation has some challenges to scale up.

If you want the best information available, you should buy a backpackinglight.com membership to read Max Neale’s State of the Market report on Synthetic Insulated Parka. He has extensively used the Macropuff and has a thorough review. Well worth whatever it is these days. 

Mikey Schaefer wrote: I’ve used the macro puff since it was in the proto stage.  Definitely not a DAS replacement, more like the micro puff of earlier years (early 2000’s to 2010 or so.)  

That makes total sense. It's a midweight synthetic jacket like the old Micro that had 100g Primaloft.

Mikey Schaefer wrote:
A lot of my partners have have gone away from using one large parka like a DAS and using a micro and a macro puff together as this adds a bit more flexibility and temperature range.  

That's a fair point and the total weight comes out about the same if you like that system. I still appreciate the simplicity of one single large belay jacket most of the time. Less mucking around. And smaller ones don't tend to come with the same features (length, helmet compatible hood, inner drop pockets, 2 way zip) so they're not actually that versatile to me. The idea makes a lot of sense in a place like the Cascades where the elevation gain is such that you'll confront vastly different conditions from trailhead to summit. For ice climbing in a cold place like Canada or New Hampshire I'm not sure it's as helpful. 

Jon Rhoderick wrote: If you want the best information available, you should buy a backpackinglight.com membership to read Max Neale’s State of the Market report on Synthetic Insulated Parka. He has extensively used the Macropuff and has a thorough review. Well worth whatever it is these days. 

I agree BPL is worthy content in general but Max is kind of a walking Patagonia ad IMO. So of course he loves the Macro, just like he loved the Grade VII. 

I've also tried the MacroPuff on in-store and maybe it's just me, but there's no way a synthetic belay jacket this "thin" would keep me warm in the depths of an Adirondack winter.  If the designer's point was to wear the MacroPuff/MicroPuff as a system, I feel like this should've been mentioned, especially because of it's marketing as an alpine belay jacket. Again, I have no legitimate experience with this jacket, or anything PlumaFill, so maybe I'm wrong? 

A sub 1lb jacket with 900fp down fresh out of the dryer isn't enough for Adirondack winter, in fairness :-)

I would consider one of these Macros for the Cascades to save a little weight, but my MB Thermawrap Guide does pretty well there and I'm less psyched on the Macro 10d fabric and all that quilting. My experience from ultralight backpacking gear is that once you get down to those gossamer thin shells they're often not all that windproof, but maybe Patagonia did something to the fabric (eg calendering). 

I have one, I'm sending it back. It is no DAS and I have no place for it in my kit, but it is a nice jacket. Its baggier than a DAS, WTF Patagonia. I can barely tell the difference between it and my micro puff, other than its baggy and has a double zipper.

Patagonia claimed the Hyperpuff was an updated improved replacement for the DAS, but it’s not close. DAS is still a favorite jacket of mine.

Ryan O wrote: Patagonia claimed the Hyperpuff was an updated improved replacement for the DAS, but it’s not close. DAS is still a favorite jacket of mine.

They originally compared the short lived HyperPuff to the DAS and it was not.

I feel like the Macropuff got something of a bad rap here, so I'll weigh in.  As others have pointed out, it's no DAS.  It has far less loft. But for the loft and weight that it does have, it's really warm.  It has a hood that fits over a helmet, cuffs with just the right amount of elasticity (pull them down or slide them up), two nice, large, drop-in pockets inside, and the best zippers in the bussiness--I love the thick plastic zippers with the metal slider, they just work, don't get stuck, and so on.  For me, a tall, long waited, athletic guy, the fit is perfect.  I can raise my arms over my head without the jacket lifting too high and pulling tight across my back, the rear hem covers my butt, and the whole thing doesn't balloon around me like a tent.  For a long time looked for, "gear that disappears," or gear that just works, without any problems or complications that interupt climbing.  This jacket lives up to that standard.  Good stuff.