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Patagonia 2025 New "Nano Puff Jacket" Review: Everyone ends up coming back to this. What is the ultimate comfort achieved by the "perfect" synthetic insulation?

Beyond perfection. The new "Nano Puff" achieves the next standard

There are many products that are considered "classics" in the outdoor world, but it is rare to find an item that has been loved as a uniform for hikers and climbers for as long as Patagonia's Nano Puff

Today's insulation market is flooded with high-performance garments that specialize in specific functions, such as highly breathable active insulation and ultra-lightweight down jackets, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who ends up throwing the Nano Puff into my backpack

This jacket, which can already be said to have reached the level of perfection, has been further updated for 2025. What evolutions lie hidden beneath its seemingly unchanged appearance? In this article, we'll compare the old and new models while wearing them in the field, and unravel the "beyond perfection" that Patagonia is aiming for with the latest model

Seven improvements to the 2025 Nano Puff Jacket, as seen in the field (compared to the previous model)

In this test, I wore them from November to December on a day hike in a low mountain, a snowy mountain climb on Mt. Tanigawa, and backcountry skiing on Mt. Tateyama. The size was the same as the previous model, S

Detailed fitting improvements provide a smart silhouette and ease of movement

It was the perfect size for me, 177cm tall and weighing 64kg. The overall sleeve length and length were neither too long nor too short, and the S size again fit perfectly

The most obvious aspect of this update, and the one that I personally found most appealing, is the improved mobility around the shoulders and arms. The original silhouette itself was slim and followed the lines of the body, but it may have been a little too snug for heavier people. While the new version retains its slim appearance, the shoulders and elbows have been given more room to move around more easily , reducing the feeling of tightness in the upper body and definitely improving ease of movement.

In particular, the armholes are wider than before, which means there's a lot more room around the shoulders and it definitely eliminates the tightness around the armpits when layering. There's also an impression that the hem doesn't ride up when you raise your arms or feel tight when bending your elbows (although this wasn't a noticeable issue in the previous model)

Personally, I didn't dislike the previous model's "purity that eliminated all unnecessary elements," but when I tried on the latest model, I realized for the first time how comfortable it was thanks to the subtle play in the fit. In terms of a natural fit that doesn't restrict movement, this model is clearly superior

In addition, the previous model had a slightly wider hem from the waist to the hips, but in the new model, this hem width has been slightly tightened (see photo below). This makes it easier to move around, but also gives the impression of a slimmer silhouette. The hem also fits better when layered

Before imageAfter image

Comfort and warmth are steadily improving

In addition to improvements to ease of movement and layering thanks to revised patterns at the joints, don't miss the subtle updates that have been made to improve comfort, warmth, and a sophisticated design

For example, the new model features a higher collar, an even longer back, a tighter hem, and improved stretch cuffs, making it easier to keep out the cold. Each change is subtle, but it's amazing how these little touches add up to a big difference in comfort and warmth (see photo below). And yet, the weight hasn't increased; in fact, it's actually slightly lighter (by about 10 grams)

The look has also been improved by removing the seams along the edges of the collar and hem, and using more natural stitching

By the way, the brick-like quilting pattern has also become larger, although it's only a very small difference of a few millimeters. You might not even notice it, but if this reduces the overall number of seams, it should reduce the weight and reduce cold spots at the seams (see photo below)

Field performance: The unique strengths and appeal of the "Nano Puff" are still intact

There have been no major changes to the Nano Puff's basic functionality, and as always, this jacket's appeal as an all-around jacket can be used in a wide range of applications, from emergency cold weather wear in the snow-free season to a mid-layer for active use in autumn and winter

The jacket boasts a high level of lightness, warmth, and sustainability thanks to its synthetic insulation, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, and a 100% recycled polyester ripstop outer fabric with moderate weather resistance, making it a lightweight yet lightweight outer layer that provides ample protection for active use in sub-zero snowy mountains. Of course, it also boasts durable water-repellent properties, so you won't have to worry about light rain or snow

A high level of balance that can be used in any situation, something that is not possible with specialized insulation

It's true that active insulation, with its higher breathability and mobility, may be advantageous for activities that cause particularly intense sweating, but the new Nano Puff offers ease of movement comparable to active insulation, while also providing moderate wind resistance (not letting too much wind through) and warmth, making it advantageous as clothing for activities that don't involve that much intense movement or are extremely cold. In that sense, it's better for mountain climbing, where sweating is mild and stop-and-go movements are frequent

 

On the other hand, compared to a thin down jacket that stands out for its lightness and warmth, this jacket does not have enough heat retention to keep you safe when you're stationary in the bitter cold. However, as a cold weather garment for when you're on the move, this level of heat retention is sufficient no matter how cold the day, and what's more, unlike down jackets, it dries quickly, doesn't get stuffy, and stays warm even when wet - these are the biggest advantages that down jackets simply can't match

Its versatility, which helps you resist shivering when you start walking and continues to prevent you from getting cold even if you sweat later, is an appeal that active insulation and down jackets do not have

Standard left and right hand warmer zip pockets and an inner chest pocket

Packable for easy portability

Summary: A piece that will sympathize with my life as I move between the field and my everyday life = an eternal classic

The patterning around the shoulders and elbows has been improved, and fine adjustments have been made to the length, collar, cuffs, and other small details. After testing the latest 2025 model, which incorporates these revisions that are difficult to see in the specs, we were convinced that it has achieved a higher level of perfection with even more refined comfort and ease of movement, while still retaining its overwhelming ease of use

In situations where a specific, outstanding function is required, Nano Puff may not be able to compete with insulation that specializes in specific functions such as breathability or lightness. However, in outdoor activities where the environment changes rapidly, it is also true that Nano Puff, which excels in this "good overall balance," is ultimately more reliable than anything else

As always, this model is recommended for anyone looking for just the right amount of cold weather gear for mountain climbing in the snow-free season, or for anyone looking for versatile, easy-to-use synthetic insulation that can be used all year round, such as "emergency cold weather gear for three seasons, outerwear for autumn mountain climbing, or outer and mid-layer for winter mountain climbing and backcountry skiing." At the same time, if you've found previous models to be a little too tight, we highly recommend giving this latest model a try

The Nano Puff can be tucked into your backpack and quickly put on for any situation you encounter on a mountain trip, making it a great companion for all mountain climbers

Recommended points of the Nano Puff Jacket

  • A comfortable fit without feeling too tight, and natural ease of movement thanks to the well-calculated three-dimensional cut
  • Stylish design that matches any occasion
  • Warm yet packs compactly
  • Heat retention that won't fall even when wet with sweat or rain
  • Smooth outer fabric that is easy to layer
  • Excellent durability
  • Despite its high performance, thorough consideration for sustainability
  • The ultimate versatility that matches any occasion moving in the cold

What I liked about the Nano Puff Jacket

  • Compared to insulation that specializes in specific functions such as "breathability" or "heat retention," it does not have outstanding functionality
  • The jacket does not provide enough warmth to be used solely for keeping out the cold in midwinter

Nano Puff Jacket specifications and reviews

itemPatagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Actual measured weight324g (S size)
colorMarlow Brown / Dried Vanilla / Old Growth Green / Sizzle Red / Black
sizeXS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
Women's modelcan be
VariationsJackets, hoodies, vests, high loft
Shell and lining
  • Shell: 1.4-oz 20-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, manufactured without intentionally added PFAS
  • Lining: 1.3-oz 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a DWR finish, manufactured without intentionally added PFAS
Insulation
  • 60-gram PrimaLoft Gold insulation made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester with PURE (Produced Using Reduced Emissions) technology. Bluesign certified. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory
pocket
  • 2 hand warmer pockets
  • Inner zip pocket (packable design that allows you to store the main unit by turning it over)
Outdoor Gearzine Rating
Comfort★★★★★
Thermal insulation★★★☆☆
It's not stuffy★★★☆☆
Ease of movement★★★★☆
Functionality★★★★☆
weight★★★★☆
Durability★★★★☆
Storageability★★★★★
Versatility★★★★★