Patagonia is dead set on making versatile, functional, long-lasting clothing that’s as easy as can be on the environment. With that, the latest Nano Puff Jacket uses recycled PrimaLoft insulation, recycled outer shell and lining and is Far Trade Certified sewn. In short, this jacket was something else before it arrived and is built to have a long, useful lifespan.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket Features:
- Recycled polyester shell and liner fabric
- Features PFC-free DWR finish
- Recycled 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation
- Brick-style quilting pattern to maintain loft
- Drawcord-adjustable drop hem
- Built-in stuff sack
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Regular fit
- Weight: 335 grams (medium, actual)
- MSRP: $199
The feel good, feel good jacket
Patagonia aims for versatility and they have certainly achieved that with their latest Nano Puff Jacket. Over the years, this jacket has evolved to meet Patagonia’s ever-stringent standards of sustainability and the latest version is as environmentally-friendly as you’ll find. Recycled shell, liner and insulation make up the bulk of this jacket and it’s sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories. If “all the good feels” had a jacket, this would be it.
Certainly, the Nano Puff Jacket is ubiquitous in every climate, location and social group. No doubt, Patagonia — and this jacket in particular — have garnered their fair share of attention amongst a wide variety of consumers. The Nano Puff Jacket isn’t a specialist, but more of a generalist that does so many things well.
Depending on your climate and activity, the Nano Puff Jacket can be your backcountry companion or grocery-getter jacket. For me, I’ve been pushing it around the Wasatch for some cold-weather trail running, dog walking and adventuring. Admittedly, there are more running-specific jackets, but the Nano Puff (with it’s awesome PrimaLoft Gold insulation) does a great job balancing warmth with breathability.
When running, I’ve worn the Nano Puff with the Hoka One One Performance Long-sleeve and ventured onto the trails in temperatures from 20-35 degrees. In the 20’s, that combination of layers is outstanding. Moisture management is excellent and it passes the “warm when wet” test. Certainly, a hybrid jacket with fleece underarms would do better for pure running, but again, this one holds its own. The back panel does get a little saturated and so do the sleeves, but it’s quite respectable overall.
As far as the cut of the jacket goes, this one is a regular fit and my medium jacket fits me quite well (5’11” – 170 lbs). I want to kiss Patagonia’s designers full on the lips because they get the need for a little extra sleeve length. Never is it okay to have sleeves that are too short and these are a good length with a little extra wiggle room to properly stay put atop a variety of light or mid-weight gloves.
Fit is pretty standard and provides a comfortable jacket for adventuring or hanging out at the local cafe. There isn’t a ton of excess for me, but there’s just enough to allow for a mid-weight layer, if needed. I love the height and diameter of the collar as it provides the proper warmth and never digs into the underside of my chin. The simple sleeve cuffs are comfortable and keep the wind out. If needed, the drawcord hem can further manage the cold.
As far as weather resistance goes, this one is great for slow activities between 30-50 degrees. Windy, cold conditions in the low-30’s will reveal that while the Nano Puff can block a fair bit of wind, it doesn’t completely block those nightly, blustery winds here in the Wasatch Mountains. The block pattern does manage to look stylish and keeps the insulation evenly distributed. However, the stitching does tend to grab on things — particularly the teeth of the hand pockets if left open.
Now, it does come with a lightweight DWR treatment, but its effectiveness is pretty minimal. Don’t grab this one as an outer layer if significant rainfall is in the forecast.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and wear a men’s medium.
The Good
- Such a versatile jacket for almost anything
- Comfortable fit with proper sleeve length
- Great as a mid layer for skiing or winter fun (no hood helps)
- Ultimate “feel good” jacket
- Warm when wet
- Extra sleeve length keeps you covered
- Going with the jacket version makes it better as a mid-layer
- I can wear this one comfortably in the car or even in warm temps without overheating
The Bad
- Threads do catch on the open zipper teeth
- All that stitching does lend to a touch more wind penetration
- I’d like a more accessible chest pocket
- DWR isn’t going to replace a good rain jacket
The Bottom Line: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
It’s easy to recommend the Nano Puff for anyone looking for that versatile layer that can serve both backcountry and urban use. This jacket is stylish and warm within its reasonable usage range. The overall fit is easy to live with for both casual and athletic use. And, the environmental story is hard to ignore here.
Buy Now: Available from Patagonia.com
