Patagonia NanoAir Ultralight Review: A lovely, the exquisite volume that can be used all year round, and the extremely convenient active mid-layer is extremely convenient
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
The mid-layer, "active insulation," which maintains a moderate state of "not too cold or too hot" even when you are in low temperatures, makes mountain climbing even more comfortable and safer than ever before.
However, once you get used to the impact of this comfort, it is humans who want even more comfort. In fact, even though it is cold, the seasons are broad, fall, winter, and early spring, and the intensity of the activity varies depending on the activity. Unfortunately, the reality is that with active insulation, everything is "just comfortable while you're taking action."
A scene that comes to mind from my personal experience is when I'm in a subtle cold, with just a shirt on, and when I'm in high-loading activities, which can make me so hot that I put on a warm jacket. For example, hiking around October in low mountains, trail running around November in the evening, hiking in the cheerful snowy mountains in spring, hiking up forests on backcountry skiing.
Putting a thin fleece, softshell, or active insulation over the base layer gives it a little too ventilation, so try layering a windshell. This makes me feel like I'm getting sweaty again, and I can't find a layering that fits perfectly.
A mid-layer that will fit perfectly into such a delicate sweet spot is Patagonia's new 2025 release, " Nano Air Ultra Light ," which we'll be introducing today. I've worn this new jacket for the past month and for about a year. I'll write a review right away.
table of contents
Main features of Patagonia NanoAir Ultralight Full Zip Hoodie
The Patagonia NanoAir Ultralight Full Zip Hoodie is a lightweight mid-layer that is perfect for wearing as a behavioural wear during active exercise in chilly climates. By strategically placing 20 grams full range insulation (padded) that combines the minimum necessary heat retention and moderate breathability, we provide a comfortable environment that is not too cold, too hot, or too stuffy during intense activities that involve sweating. The front and back fabrics are made of thin recycled polyester, which is durable, breathable, windproof, and stretchy. The calculated three-dimensional cutting and stretch make it natural to wear even in large movements. It is also highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of activities, such as mountain climbing, climbing, and backcountry skiing in a wide range of seasons except midsummer. We also have a lineup of men's and women's models as well as pullover types.
Recommended points
- Thin and lightweight yet 20 grams of full range insulation provides moderate heat retention during your activities
- Strategic padding arrangement that provides an exquisite balance between protection and breathability
- Shell fabric that combines comfort, breathability, elasticity, durability and windproof
- Excellent three-dimensional cutting and stretchability make it both excellent movement and a sophisticated silhouette
- Stretch fabric under the sleeves that combines comfort and practicality
- Packable chest zip pocket
Points that interest me
- Simple and minimalist structure with minimal functionality and storage (I personally didn't mind it, but it may not be enough for those looking for more convenience)
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Patagonia Men's Nano Air Ultra Light Full Zip Hoodie |
|---|---|
| Actual measured weight | 249g (M size) |
| color | Pollinator Orange, Wetland Blue, Smolder Blue |
| size | XS/S/M/L/XL |
| Women's model | can be |
| Other types | Pullover model (no hood) |
| Shell and lining | A 1.6oz, 30 denier, recycled polyester shadow stretch ripstop with excellent breathability. DWR (durable water repellent) processed without PFAS |
| Underside panel of sleeves | 2.3oz recycled polyester double knit with moisture wicking properties |
| Insulation | 20 grams full range made from 100% recycled polyester. Manufactured at Fair Trade Certified Factory |
| Chest zip pocket that can be folded inside out | |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Wind resistant | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathable and not easily stuffy | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Compact | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| Suitable activities | It is useful for hiking, mountain climbing, climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor activities that require lightness and mobility. |
Detailed review
The exquisite harmony of padding and shell material provides a good balance of heat retention, breathability, windproofness and ease of movement
First adopts the lightest version of the "Full Range" pioneering active insulation
Nowadays, active insulation is becoming a standard in any brand, but Patagonia is actually one of the pioneers in this field. The Nano Air Hoodie which uses a unique padding "Full Range," that combines heat retention and breathability, first appeared in 2014. It was a long time ago when the genre such as active insulation was still established. NanoAir has since evolved in a variety of ways, including " NanoAir Light " and " NanoAir Light Hybrid " to suit the wider applications and seasons, and has become a standard series that has continued to this day.
This latest version, this work, uses 20 grams of recycled polyester 100% full-range padding, which is even thinner than the previous 60 grams and 40 grams of padding. This is the most notable feature of this item.
The filling is so thin that you'll probably wonder if there's something in it when you touch it, but it's still very warm and gentle.
What exactly does this thinness mean? Of course, it has reduced heat retention compared to before, but on the other hand, deliberately reducing insulation has also improved the airflow and quick drying, which is an undeniable fact that it has expanded its range of usefulness in warmer seasons and more active scenes.
In fact, in Japan's fall/winter season, when days are "fairly chilly" than severe cold, this minimum insulation is thin enough to be worn all day long (without taking off) during trail runs and fast hiking around September to November.
When I previously reviewed NanoAir Light Hybrid on this site , I wrote that the temperature is around 10°C and the heat gets bothered, but with this NanoAir Ultralight , it was just the right amount of comfort, even if it was a little warmer, so I was able to walk (run) without taking off my clothes.
Strategic mapping is to remove padding in areas where heat is likely to build up easily and prevent stuffiness.
Of course, Patagonia, which has always been the leading group of outdoor brands, does not just mean that it is not just a thinning padding. Rather than placing this full-range padding all over, it is placed on the front, back, upper side of the arm, and hood, and the rest of the side panels and under the arm (that is, the area where sweat and stuffiness tend to accumulate and heat and moisture are desired to escape), by omitting the padding, which delves into optimal comfort in the field.
Shell fabric that combines moderate windproof, water repellent and breathable
This jacket is made of 100% recycled polyester ripstop fabric that moderately prevents wind and water droplets, but does not interfere with airflow.
This fabric is the same as the fabric used in the senior model Nano Air Light Hybrid , and is not a crunchy, completely unventilated shell fabric that is common with insulation jackets.It is a fluffy, light, supple feel, windproof, but maintains moderate breathability, and is also reasonably stretchy due to mechanical stretch. It feels good on the skin even when worn over a short-sleeved T-shirt, so it doesn't bother you, and if I had to say, it feels as close to a softshell.
In other words, this outer material has some protection against wind, rain, snow, etc., and is evenly equipped with the functions necessary as an outerwear, with ease of movement and breathability. This is especially useful when using it as an outerwear.
During the test, I was able to fully appreciate his abilities, especially when I tried wearing it as an outerwear for skiing at Hakkoda in March. The outside temperature is around -5°C. The climb was from the forest to the ridge where a slightly strong wind blows, but with this jacket layered layer on the base layer, even the tough climb did not overheat, and the cold air didn't freeze, so I was able to move without taking off my clothes (though that said, it was only "when moving," and of course it would get cold if I stopped at the summit, so I put on a hard shell on top of it).
Except during the harsh winter, activities that involve intense exercise will keep you comfortable enough, and I felt that relaxing activities that don't sweat too much can be worn from early autumn until the beginning of winter.
Fluffy, light and easy to move around, comfortable to wear without feeling stressed while you're at work
Nanoair Ultralight is made with the aim of wearing it while you are in motion, so the silhouette is slightly tight and has a slim cutting that follows the body lines. When I looked through the sleeves, I was 177cm tall and had the perfect size for a size S (photo below). The hem is quite tight, so it may be a little difficult to see in the photo below, but the back is slightly longer, preventing it from sliding up due to a harness or backpack.
Although it has a slim silhouette that follows the body lines, it is not difficult to move around at all. In fact, it's very easy to move around. The stunning three-dimensional cutting around the shoulders, elbows, underarms and movable parts naturally follows the intense movements of the activity. There is no stress even when you bend your elbows or turn your shoulders. As mentioned earlier, both the padding and shell fabric have moderate stretchability, so you don't notice any unpleasant tension. The slim and smooth outer material makes it easy to put on and take off when layered, and as usual, it gives a sense of the high quality and tailoring of clothing everywhere.
Practical details for behavioral wear
Nanoair Ultralight an extremely simple and seems like it has minimal functions, with an emphasis on mobility , but it's also nice that it is filled with carefully thought out ideas to make your activities comfortable.
Soft and stretchy, easy to roll up sleeves, and cuffs with moisture wicking and quick drying
For example, the construction of cuffs. The underside of the forearm is made of the "Capeline Cool Lightweight" material, a thin base layer of the brand.
What's good? It is true that the heat retention in extreme cold is reduced, but instead, it can be lighter by omitting rubber and velcro, allowing sweat to be removed and convenient for releasing excess heat, and natural stretch makes it easier to roll up and stretch the sleeves when it gets hot, and the soft texture and comfortable to wear, making it overall more usable in mild cold.
Packable chest zip pocket
This jacket has a simple chest zip pocket that is the only one that is large enough to fit a large smartphone.
Furthermore, turn this pocket inside out and roll it up and quickly transforms into a stuff sack. It also comes with a carabiner clip, so it can be used to hang it from a harness or backpack in case of an emergency.
Hood that fits with or without a helmet
the NanoAir Ultralight Hoodie was very functional despite the few parts. Even without adjustment drawstrings, the stretch fabric on both sides of the face fits to fit the shape of your head. As always, it has a high fit, and even when you shake your head left and right, it follows your face movements and does not block your vision. The snowy mountains in Tohoku in March also prevented winds. Furthermore, the gusset on the back of the head fits firmly without adjustment even when worn over a climbing helmet (as it is not made for skiing, it is slightly cramped, although not impossible with a larger ski helmet).
Summary: Exquisite action mid-layer filling sweet spots that have never been seen before
This extremely simple and minimalist jacket, which omits as much as possible parts such as pockets, drawstrings, and velcro, is highly breathable, blocks wind moderately, and provides just the right insulation for your activities. , NanoAir Ultra Light Hoodie has a simple, easy-to-use feel that this one piece has a thin fleece that has a light and breathability, and a light windshell and a good windproof finish.
The biggest attraction of this jacket is the mid and shell layer that fits literally "active" scenes, and has become available for a long time from winter to early summer, and is now available for all kinds of high-tempo activities.
Compared to other full-range jackets from Patagonia, it is much more suitable for active use, as it has lower heat retention and is breathable and quick-drying than the nano-air hoodie, which nanoair light hybrid hoodies with a filling capacity of 40 grams , it has slightly less heat retention, but it is highly windproof, making it easy to use as an outerwear, making it a wide range of activities and activities that can be used in a variety of seasons.
NanoAir Light Hybrid is an intermediate wear for active use in harsh winters NanoAir UltraLight Hoodie is an ideal sweet spot for active intermediate wear and outerwear in a wide range of other seasons. In short, that's the impression that it's the perfect sweet spot.
Another reliable partner has been added to your wardrobe, as you can bring it to your convenience, even starting this spring.
The article was created with the product provided in this review and is independence in accordance with the editorial policy.
