Patagonia Nano Puff Review – The Best For Warmth?

There is no need to introduce Patagonia, one of the most popular and sustainable outdoor brands ever. When you buy Patagonia, you make a difference to the planet, and their guarantee assures this too. 

Patagonia’s Nano Puff jacket is probably one of the most popular outdoor jackets around today. If this is the first you’re hearing of it, it definitely won’t be the first time you’ve seen one. Even though the Nano Puff has been around the block a few times, it sill kees up with the competition’s newest releases.

The jacket is warm, light enough, portable, packable, and you can rock it in town, on the trail or at home watching a movie. It’s a timeless classic. 

Here we take a deep dive into all the dirty details to see what’s really going on under that hood. What makes it so special? Why is it so popular? It is time they updated or is the Nano Puff as good as ever? Keep on reading to find out how it does in our ratings. 

Materials & Warmth

Nano Puff Materials

Patagonia is one of the best in the world in terms of sustainable clothing, especially in the outdoor world. The Nano Puff couldn’t be more sustainable and is made from a 100% recycled polyester outer shell and lining, and 55% recycled insulation.

It doesn’t stop there, all fabrics used are also bluesign-approved meaning the overall impact of the manufacturing process is minimal on the environment. Oh, and it’s also fair trade. You couldn’t find a better jacket for the planet.

Now we know all the materials are healthy for the planet, are they going to last? The outer shell of Nano Puff uses 20D polyester, which is about average in the light jacket world. It’ll handle scuffs and rips fine but don’t go mountain biking in it or something like that.

Warmth

The PrimaLoft’s top-end 60g Gold Eco fill insulation will give a mid-range down jacket some competition. Patagonia was one of the first to think of using synthetic insulation in a light jacket, and it didn’t fail them. The warmth to weight ratio of the Nano Puff is excellent and with a base layer, you’ll find you’re warm and toasty on days down to the 40s F.

In terms of outdoor use, it’s perfect as an outer layer for spring, summer, and fall, and mid-layer in winter. It’s this versatility along with the good looks that make the Nano Puff so popular.

Weight & Packability

Weight

Life in the outdoors is about being as light as possible to make your time out there as easy as possible. No one wants to be carrying any extra weight around in their backpack. Not to worry, the Nano Puff might actually be of assistance in this department.

The Nano Puff weighs in at around 12oz and when compared to the market, it’s pretty competitive. Other similar jackets by similar brands weigh in at 14 oz and 16 oz, so the Nano Puff is doing pretty well. If you’re a gram counter, this jacket isn’t going to weigh you down.

Packability

From a packability point of view, the Nano Puff is also pretty awesome. The bringing together of simple features, light materials, and PrimaLoft’s compressible insulation by Patagonia has made a jacket you can pack anywhere.

You can actually stuff it down into it’sown chest pocket, and squash it even further into a tight gap if you need to.  Compared to other jackets, like Patagonia’s Micropuff, the Nano Puff isn’t the most packable, but it’s good enough for most outdoorswomen and men.

Weather Performance

Rain

The 2oD polyester shell does well at being water-resistant and when combined with a DWR, it functions pretty well in the rain. A light shower isn’t an issue but if it lasts a while, it will start filtering down through the stitching and into the insulation. Not to worry, the synthetic insulation doesn’t clump up or down and still keeps you warm when wet. So the rule is, light showers are fine, if it’s torrential, grab a rain jacket.

Wind

In terms of wind, the Nano Puff is a winner. You can barely feel a touch of breeze coming through this jacket. How? Well, the stitching on the outside never reaches the inside, so the wind never truly penetrates. The inside also has an almost seamless liner too, so any air that does come in gets blocked before reaching your body. The Nano Puff is awesome in wind.

Breathability & Comfort

Breathability

Unfortunately, the Nano Puff isn’t meant for breathability. If that’s what you’re looking for, check out the Nano-air. The reason it’s so poor at breathing is because it’s so good at blocking the wind. So it makes sense you can’t have both in a warm layer.

If no air comes in, then no air is getting out, and you’ll get warm and sweaty if you’re doing anything but light aerobics. You can always unzip the jacket and give it a flap if you do start to overheat.

That being said, it’s breathability is still like all other down jackets, so I wouldn’t let this concern you. Just don’t go trail running in it.

Comfort

The Nano Puff isn’t popular for no reason. The stylish looks, comfy feel and great fit are a big part of it. It can seem a little boxy but this is for layering and mobility purposes in the outdoors. It’s comfy with a single base layer, still comfy with two base layers, and is the right size for sliding an outer layer over the top. It also gives you a free range of movement and is soft on your skin.

The is one issue with the fit, and that is when you want to cinch is closed. There is only one toggle on one side, and when tightened give the jacket an odd look. It’s not a big deal but for over $200, you want a jacket that doesn’t look weird when you do it up.

Value for Money

When considering value for money, it’s not just about how much bang you’re getting for your bucks, it’s about how much bang the world is getting for your bucks.

We are of course talking in terms of what the products are made from and if the people making them are happy and paid well.

All products made along the same lines as Patagonia’s are always going to be a bit more expensive, and they should be, as that is what it costs to do things the right way.

So is the Nano Puff good value as a jacket? Yes, it is so versatile, warm, comfy, and well-made, how could it not be. And with Patagonia’s guarantee, it’s a jacket for life.

Is the Nano Puff good value for the world? Absolutely. Every step in the manufacturing process from the materials used to the people making it is done to the highest of standards.

Rating

With a solid 84 on our rating scale, Patagonia’s Nano Puff has done exceptionally well.

The only place it lost real points was in the breathability department, perhaps this was a little unfair, as its design focus wasn’t around breathability.

The focus was around stylish casual mountain wear that still rocks it in the outdoors. And they nailed that without question.

Verdict

The Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is about as versatile as a jacket can get. It’s got style for casual town wear, warmth for all seasons, weather protection for them too, and it’s light and packable. It’s the ideal jacket to do a little bit of everything in, but it’s not ideal for prolonged rain, cold, or exercise without something else to help it out.

Patagonia does need to update the Nano Puff a bit, the market is getting more and more specialized, and in the end, there will be one for every occasion, not one for all occasions.

We love the Nano Puff and the way it’s made even more. For most of us, the Nano Puff covers all the bases. If you want a jacket for something very technical you might have to look elsewhere. If it’s warmth, check out the Patagonia Down Sweater, and if it’s breathability, have a look at the Nano-air