Patagonia Women's Nano Puff Jacket

The Patagonia Nano Puff jacket ($199) is a lightweight, compressible, water-resistant, windproof jacket that will keep you warm whether rock climbing, hiking, or running errands around town.

MATERIAL

The Nano Puff jacket is made from postconsumer recycled material. So, for all the nature lovers who care about our environment this is definitely a plus.

In addition to the patent featured material it is uniquely designed to keep the wearer warm. It contains air pockets that lock the heat in and keep the cold drafts at bay. According to the manufacturer, it is guaranteed to keep up to 98% of its warmth even when wet! We definitely put this claim to the test.

The jacket is highly compressible which is ideal for anyone concerned about minimizing weight in their backpack. If you’re into hiking or other backcountry adventures like me, you know that every ounce counts. A jacket that keeps me warm, compresses nicely, and is lightweight marks all the boxes for my go to gear.

Image of the logos. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ross

• Shell: 1.4-oz 20-denier 100% recycled polyester with durable water repellent finish

• Lining: 1.3-oz 22-denier 100% recycled polyester

• Insulation: 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco 100% polyester (55% postconsumer recycled content).

• Weight 284 g (10 oz)

Also, the jacket comes in an array of colors—what’s not to love about that!

TESTING CONDITIONS

Reviewer #1 - Rebecca Ross

Photo courtesy of Nathan Kaul

I live, climb and hike in the Pacific Northwest where winter conditions currently range from the low 30’s to high 40’s. I’ve used this jacket on several occasions. The first time wearing it, I was caught out in an unexpected downpour. The water-repellent capability on this jacket made for a stress-free outting that kept my upper body mostly dry.

I get cold easily! So, when I tested this jacket again, in colder conditions (20 degrees), out on the ski slopes, I was pleased to find myself warm despite wearing fewer layers than I typical wear.

Typically, I like to wear a form fitting base layer, followed with a fleece mid-layer, then a puffy jacket, and finally a rain jacket—and a lot of warming accessories. Yes, I get cold easily! I was prepared to don nearly every layer I owned (including the mother load of puffy’s) before hitting a few runs on the ski slopes. To my surprise I ended up wearing just my base layer, this Nano Puff jacket, and a fleece jacket. I quickly began to overheat, but I decided to keep the layers on for those chilly moments when I was standing around between runs and for the occasions when the winds decided to pick up. So, if you’re planning to be super active in your Nano Puff, be prepared to be super cozy.

Reviewer #2 - Hamziye Aman

I also wore the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket on a hiking trip in the North Cascades. I went to Heather Lake on a chilly, winter day where the high was about 26 degrees. The jacket kept me very warm without overheating my body. For how thin the material is I was pleasantly surprised at how well it trapped heat. Initially I wore it as a base layer underneath another jacket, however, half a mile into the hike I stripped down to the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket—it kept me warm all on it’s own.

FIT & FUNCTIONALITY

Image profile. Photo courtesy of Nathan Kaul

Reviewer #1 - Rebecca Ross

I am 5’ 3” and generally wear an XS. While the majority of reviewers agree that the jacket fits “true to size,” I personally found that the sizing ran a bit large. I originally received an XS which was a little large on me. I ended up exchanging it for the XXS. I found that the fit on the XXS was most flattering and form fitting. However, opting for a smaller size meant I was unable to layer as much as I would have liked. That actually had the benefit of making the jacket feel a bit roomier and a lot less constricting in the shoulders, underarms and torso. So, keep this in mind if you want more room for activities vs. a snug fit.

The Nano Puff comes with two zippered pockets and an internal pocket for smaller items. It also comes with elasticized cuffs which keep the cold out and the heat in. The dual-adjust drawcord hem has the same function of cinching the jacket against the cold and wind. Not bad!

A definite drawback to the jacket is that it does not have a hood to trap in additional heat.

Reviewer #2 - Hamziye Aman 

I am 5’6” and I generally wear a size medium. The jacket is form fitting but I felt that the sizing ran small when compared to similar medium sized puffy jackets. I would have preferred to layer sweaters underneath for additional warmth but the medium did not allow it. So if you want to layer clothing under it, I recommend you order a size up.

Throughout my hike, which was 4.6 miles, I could comfortably move my arms and shoulders without the jacket riding up. Overall, I thought the jacket was lightweight, breathable and perfect for winter outdoor activities.

Image of the drawcord hem. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ross

Image of the elasticized arm cuff. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ross

PROS & CONS

Pros:

• Light weight and compresses easily

• Surprisingly warm given the thin material

• Water repellent

• Made from postconsumer recycled material

• Designed to protect against the cold (e.g. drawcord hem, elasticized arm cuffs)

• Comes in a variety of fun colors

Cons:

• Even though most reviews say the jacket runs “true to size”, there’s room for disagreement. The fit may be smaller or larger than expected.

• This jacket does not come with a hood.