The Patagonia Nano Air has quickly become a classic layering jacket since receiving the “2015 Outside Gear of the Year” award. Patagonia labelled the Nano Air as the “put it on, keep it on” jacket for the shoulder seasons, or during “stop-and-go” activity high in the mountains, so it had a lot of hype to live up to. However Patagonia managed to hit the nail on the head with this one.

Tech Specs

The Nano Air uses a fill of 60g stretchable and breathable insulation, water repellent yet stretchable shell, hood with stretch binding, two chest pockets, two larger above-the-harness pockets, drawcord hem, front zip with storm flap and garage. All of this is very packable and comes down to a very reasonable weight of 351 g, which importantly isn’t to bulky to layer under a shell when required.

Mid-weight Layering Options?

When looking for a new warm mid-layer I had three main options:

  • Fleece – relative inexpensive and highly breathable, however fleece jackets tend to be quite bulky & heavy when looking for medium to high levels of warmth. Hence the warmer and heavier 200/300 weight jackets have fallen out of fashion. However for layering in cool climates the light 100 weight and stretch offerings are still very popular.
  • Down – traditionally down jackets tend to be bulky with many people commenting that they don’t like the “Marshmallow Man” look, there are lighter weight, high loft options to counter this though they tend to be quite expensive. The warmth down holds in ratio to its weight is very good. Down will quickly lose its warmth when wet and is difficult to wash and dry.
  • Synthetic – modern synthetic fills are much more compact and packable than their predecessors hence its warmth to weight ratio is now very good. Synthetic fill will still keep you warmer than down if it gets wet in a sudden downpour, and can be easily washed and dries quickly. Synthetic fill is vegan friendly and generally less expensive when comparing to to similar featured down options.

On the trail & around town

I ended up choosing the Nano Air as it had the best compromise between, warmth, weight, ease of care and to be honest it a really nice looking jacket that fits very well.

I first used the Patagonia Nano Air for a solid month while in European for a late Autumn holiday. We based ourselves in Prague and had a 7 day trip touring around Iceland where temperatures ranged from mid teens to a few degrees below 0. The jacket was used almost every day, from on plane getting to and from, hiking and climbing while in Europe and around town seeing the sights, and going to dinner in the evening.

The jackets breathability was amazing to the point of when the wind was moderate to strong a shell was needed to provide a wind-proof layer. This wasn’t a big issue as a shell was always nearby and having to layer a shell is a far better option than having a jacket that traps perspiration when doing highly aerobic activities.  With layering in mind Patagonia has designed it under their slim-fit criteria, which means it fits comfortably over a base layer but is tight enough to tuck underneath a waterproof shell without bunching.

The Nano Airs DWR (durable water repellent) was more than adequate if you get caught out in a shower. With a water repellent shell being extremely important as wet clothing is less breathable, so the first step in increasing breathability is finishing the jacket with a quality DWR,

The warmth the Nano Air trapped made it nice and toasty as it felt a bit better than a traditional 200 weight fleece but without the bulk. The jacket was also soft to wear due to its light weight, full stretch fill and face fabric.

Final Word

Since getting the jacket in mid 2014 it has become one of the first pieces of clothing that I pull out of the wardrobe when it begins to get cold. It is perfect for layering while skiing in Australia with a shell, keeping cosy warm while camping and around the crag when climbing. The best thing is that is both practical and looks good for around town travelling or grabbing a drink at the pub after the days adventures.

Try on the Nano Air Mens or Women’s at your nearest Paddy Pallin store or online. 

Review: PATAGONIA NANO AIR HOODY
The Patagonia Nano Air is a great piece of outdoor equipment. It's warm, soft and comfortable and has easily turned into the all-around, go-to layer for colder days and evenings it truly lives up to the statement of “Put it on, leave it on.”
WARMTH85%
BREATHABILITY95%
PERFORMANCE90%
DURABILITY85%
LOOKS90%
AFFORDABILITY85%
Pros
  • Very comfortable and great warmth for weight.
  • Light weight, packable and layers very well.
  • Adequate DWR if you get caught out in a shower
Cons
  • Not very windproof. However this was controlled by layering with a shell.
88%Overall Score

About The Author

Zuzana Melicharova

Zuzana has lived in Europe, New Zealand and Australia while travelling extensively though out these countries as well as Asia, North & South America. Zuzana enjoys hiking, skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing.

4 Responses

  1. Your ultimate guide to ethical adventure gear

    […] My absolute favourite item of clothing I took when I recently trekked to Everest Base Camp was the Nano Air Jacket. It’s incredible! I wore it every day. It’s both warm and cool when it needs to be. It’s one of the rare jackets that you can hike in and feel like you remain a steady and comfortable temperature. Check out the reviews. […]

    Reply
  2. Your ultimate guide to ethical adventure gear | Inspired Adventures

    […] My absolute favourite item of clothing I took when I recently trekked to Everest Base Camp was the Nano Air Jacket. It’s incredible! I wore it every day. It’s both warm and cool when it needs to be. It’s one of the rare jackets that you can hike in and feel like you remain a steady and comfortable temperature. Check out the reviews. […]

    Reply
  3. Jake

    How would you compare this to the Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody? They seem like two neck in neck competitors

    Reply
    • Paddy

      Hi Jake

      Firstly apologies for the delay in replying. Your message got lost in the system.

      You are correct both the Patagonia Nano-Air and Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody are quite similar.

      The main difference’s are the Atom LT’s micro stretch fleece down the side of the body which helps ventilate heat which makes the Atom a slight cooler jacket. The Atom LT also has a slightly more wind resistant outer fabric but the Nano-Air is more breathable if you’re highly active.

      Its hard to say which is better and you couldn’t go wrong with either Hoody.

      Reply

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