Several manufacturers are producing what I’ll call ultralight puffy jackets. These jackets tip the scales under 10 oz. with lightweight and compressible synthetic insulation. Some are pullovers while others are of the full-zip variety. This little number, the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover, fits right into that category quite well and has quickly become a jacket I can’t live without.
The Nano Puff is a new jacket introduced by Patagonia this Fall. Its versatile enough to be an excellent insulating layer or as an outer layer–depending on weather conditions. The exterior and lining is 100% recycled polyester while the lightweight insulation is handled by 60 grams of Primaloft One. A single chest pocket and a pullover design makes this jacket light and simple.
More features of the Nano Puff:
- Versatile 60-gram PrimaLoft® One polyester insulation provides excellent warmth and compressibility
- Ultralight face fabric sheds water and blocks wind
- Deep center-front zipper allows for easy ventilation
- Stuffs into a self-storage left chest pocket
- Elasticized cuff and hem seal out wind and trap warmth
- Shell and lining: 1-oz 15-denier 100% all-recycled polyester with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Insulation: 60-g PrimaLoft® One. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
- 266 g (9.4 oz)
- MSRP: $150
Patagonia Nano Puff Review
I really enjoy a good, lightweight puffy jacket and the Nano embodies both traits. Slip this on and you’ll quickly experience one of the most comfortable (both temperature and fit) insulation layers in existence. The nature of the polyester outer and the Primaloft One insulation is so compressible and lightweight that you can hardly tell you’re wearing anything. With its un-restrictive feel, the Nano Puff is comfortable around town and for any number of outdoor pursuits.
I’ve worn the Nano as an outer layer while trail running and absolutely loved how lightweight and comfortable it felt. The fit is standard as this jacket has little-to-no taper to it. The sleeves are articulated, but the body is essentially a straight cut, thus allowing for a variety of layers underneath, should you choose to go that route.
The collar height and diameter is perfect for coverage when needed and the zipper affords extra ventilation. I was able to zip and unzip the jacket with ease on the trail when moving from warm and sunny to cold and shady.
With high-output activities, like trail running, the jacket does tend to get pretty wet in back from perspiration, but warmth is maintained. Once done, a quick hang for 30 minutes is all it takes to dry. I typically prefer a lightweight fleece or softshell for trail running, but this thing holds its own and does the trick better than most puffy jackets could.
The length of the jacket is good, but could be just a tad longer to maintain a wee bit more coverage when used as an outer layer. Length is perfect for a mid-layer as it doesn’t stick out the bottom of an athletic-cut outer shell, like the Backcountry.com Stoic eVent shell. As it stands right now, I think the Medium fits me perfectly (5′11″ and 175 lbs) as the Large is just way too baggy overall.
I’ll continue using the Nano this Winter as both an insulation and outer layer while backcountry skiing. So, look for more long-term performance updates throughout the season.
Good Nano Puff
- So light you think you don’t even have it on
- Extremely comfortable
- Good cut… not too tight, nor too loose
- Primaloft insulation maintains warmth and dries quickly
- Perfect collar height and diameter
- Extremely versatile as a mid or outer layer
- Warmth-to-weight ratio is killer
- Warm when wet
Bad Nano Puff
- To reduce weight, you get only a single chest pocket
- Exterior fabric feels like it could rip easily (but, nothing so far… just perception, I guess)
- Length could be just a tad longer
Bottom Line: Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover
Ultralight yet warm, the Nano Puff Pullover provides an excellent outer layer or mid-layer. Did I mention it is ultralight and feels like wearing air? Yes, it’s true.
Growing up in Seattle, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continued as he founded 
Bought this puppy from Backcountry 5 weeks back and flat out LOVE it. Used it as a lightweight insulated belay duty jacket at the local climbing crags and thus far I remain impressed. I can tell I’ll be using this through the season.
Jason,
Would it be possible for you to tell us the temperature you’ve been running in when doing this review? Thanks.
TRD
Temps were in the 30-40 degree range during most of the runs. It was very comfortable and I used the zipper to add ventilation when the sun beat down on me. I was grateful to zip it up when dipping into the shadows though.
I’ve had the puffball jacket for a number of years. Great jacket for sure! I don’t care for the pullover as much. EPIC!