Why Patagonia's "Nano Puff Jacket & Down Sweater Hoodie" remains an eternal classic, and how to interact with and utilize each of them [Practical Review]
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Among outdoor products, new materials and designs appear every year, and one of the genres that are currently the most popular in the market is "insulation jackets," a mid-layer (middle-wear/cold-weather clothing) for autumn and winter.
For example, the current trend of active insulation, the wide variety of high-tech synthetic fiber padding that is light and heat-insulating, and the water-repellent down that is water-repellent and resistant to moisture, with water-repellent finishing, and the speed of evolution and diversification will never stop.
Among these rapidly changing genres, there is a cold-weather jacket that has remained popular all the way to the present, despite its specifications that have remained almost the same for over a dozen years.
That's what we'll be introducing this time: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket & Down Sweater Hoodie .
rivals are appearing one after another, it is no exaggeration to say that it is still a representative of insulation jackets. Actually, when I first got it about five years ago, I didn't have any particular high expectations for this jacket, which was not particularly good in terms of performance. However, before I knew it, this jacket has become an indispensable item in my lineup of winter wear throughout the four seasons.
Meanwhile down sweaters are currently full of down products, from performance to casual, and continue to be popular and highly praised by experts around the world.
So this time, I would like to review the actual performances of using these two insulation, the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket & Down Sweater Hoodie, on the field, as well as the activities and scenes that each one suits, while writing about why these two pieces continue to attract many enthusiasts, and how I use them differently.
table of contents
Nano Puff Jacket & Down Sweater Hoodie Detailed Review - 3 Reasons for Eternal Classics -
It fits comfortably as if it were part of your body
Thinking about it again, the biggest reason why these two pieces can't be left out no matter how long they go, is that they are "comfortable."
The lining is supple and smooth, and has a fine texture that is comfortable even on bare skin. When you put the sleeves in, the three-dimensional lines of the body gently and evenly snuggle up, with no extra space. It's like wearing another piece of skin. Both are not simply "putting on" as clothing that prevents the cold, but rather are the most useful winter clothing in an activity or an active lifestyle.
The Nano Puff, which was particularly intended as a mid-layer, has a slim silhouette with firmer sides and waistlines, but at the same time, there is no stiffness or stress that you can feel when moving your body, and the stunning three-dimensional cutting is effective.
Wearing size S at 176cm/64kg.
On the other hand, the down sweaters are box-shaped with a similarly slim silhouette, yet have a slightly more roomy look.
Wearing size S at 176cm/64kg.
At 177cm, I'm the perfect size S. The overall length is short, but the back is slightly longer.
The skillful three-dimensional cutting, including shoulders and elbows that take into consideration joint movement, and the three-dimensionally designed side panels under the armpits, fit comfortably into the body lines. The smooth outer material is smooth and easy to layer when layering.
Three-dimensional cutting that takes into consideration the movement of the shoulders and arms, including the side panels in the sides of the abdomen, reduces the stress of movement.
Even if you raise your arms high or bend your elbows, the hem is hardly pulled, and you can rotate your shoulders smoothly. This jacket can be worn all day long without any stress.
The joints of the elbows are also firmly cut, so you don't feel a sense of stiffness when bent and stretched.
It is versatile yet has an exquisite weight and warmth that can be used in each field
The padding used in the nano puff and down sweaters
Nano Puffs can be used widely as emergency cold weather wear during snow-free seasons and as mid-layers during activities in autumn and winter.
When hiking up on backcountry skis, it has a moderate balance of heat retention, breathability and windproof, making it perfect as an outerwear.
Nano Puff uses Primaloft Gold, which boasts the highest level of warmth per weight among many synthetic fiber padding. What's more, the current model is an eco-version made from 100% recycled materials. By using this highly insulating padding material, it is quite thin and lightweight for winter wear. It is packable so you can roll it up in the inner zip pocket on the lining, so it will be this small when stored (photo below).
If you roll it up in an inner pocket and store it, it can be packed to the size of your palm.
Because of this "easyness", you'll want to keep Nano Puff quietly in your backpack, even during the three seasons of spring, summer, autumn.
However, on the other hand, it cannot be said that it has a reliable heat retention enough to survive the full-scale autumn and winter season. So is it a jacket that can't be used in winter? That's what makes this guy so reliable is that he's never that.
In autumn and winter, when the cold weather is getting deeper, it's perfect for wearing as a mid-layer between the base layer and the shell layer. Thankfully, this synthetic filling is "warm even when wet," so when you start walking, it will keep you trembling and even if you sweat after a while, it will keep you from getting cold and keep you from sweating. Of course, it does not have the high breathability or quick drying properties of cutting-edge active insulation, but it is not so much of a concern when it comes to traditional trekking or mountain climbing.
For serious winter activities, it is best to use it as a middle-wear jacket under a shell.
A down sweater with a high quality down with an exquisite volume that gives you peace of mind even in the high season
On the other hand the down sweater is enclosed with high insulation per weight down, as well as high-quality 800 FP (fill power) down. This provides enough insulation to keep you comfortable even on chilly days when the temperature is below freezing, despite its not a fluffy, bulging jacket (as you often see in the city).
It can shut out the extremely cold air with windproof and water-repellent nylon ripstop material, a relatively high collar that reaches the lower lip, a flap on the back of the zipper, a drawstring-enclosed hem, and an adjustable balaclava-type hood that fits perfectly on the head. However, the cuffs may be slightly looser, so you may find yourself in a different way (though it's not a concern if you wear gloves).
A relatively high collar that reaches the lower lip
The front zipper is easy to pull even when wearing gloves, and has a flap on the back for added protection against the cold.
The balaclava-type hood, which can be adjusted with the cord lock on the back, still has excellent fit and warmth.
The loose stretch cuffs are made of gentle fit
Packable type that can be folded inside out and stored in an inner pocket
The wider baffles on the front and back make it easier to warm your core, while the narrower baffles on the sides make them breathable and easy to move around, and the baffles are cleverly sized to suit the parts is also very well thought out.
Change the size of the baffle on the front and back and sides to skillfully adjust the balance between heat retention and breathability.
As I mentioned in the fit section, the jacket itself is just a medium fit between slim and loose, so you can wear it over or under the hardshell jacket. It can be used as an intermediate wear when worn loosely on skis on slopes, and when climbing, it can be worn over a shell or in a tent or sleeping bag when taking a break while doing so. It can be said to be a versatile jacket.
It can also be worn over a hard shell as a winter wear.
"Good balance on a high level" that can be used anywhere, from serious activities to everyday life
Among the ever-changing trends, new products using new materials and styles are of course wonderful, but it can also be said that what ultimately ends up returning to this point is the overall "good balance."
Neither the nano puff or the down sweater However, I think it's truly spectacular to see how weight, insulation, comfort, weather resistance, durability, design, and overall careful construction is and how it doesn't stand out anywhere, but it delivers higher than average performance and quality on all items. There is no doubt that this is one of the reasons why it continues to be loved by so many outdoor enthusiasts around the world.
Instead of focusing on specific activities, the pockets are deliberately kept to minimal storage, with both the orthodox hand warmer zip pockets and inner chest pockets. However, there is no need to worry about it, such as placing it slightly higher to prevent it from getting into the backpack's waist belt.
Simple storage with hand warmer pockets on both sides and inner zip pockets.
What kind of situations should you wear each one?
Nano Puffs generally reasonably heat-retaining, but they are compact and warm when wet, and are windproof and easy to move in. I often use them as "an emergency winter clothing for three seasons, outerwear for autumn mountain climbing, outerwear for winter mountain climbing and backcountry skiing."
On the other hand, as the cold weather begins to get deeper, Nano Puffs become somewhat less satisfying as winter wear, so the role of warming clothing will become down sweaters Taking advantage of its compact yet highly insulating properties and easy to move in, this product is often worn as a "mid-layer for three seasons of high altitudes, fall/winter low mountains, or as an outerwear for everyday use in winter, camping, or relaxed outdoor activities."
Summary: A piece that will sympathize with my life as I move between the field and my everyday life = an eternal classic
As I wrote in the main text, the second one introduced this time will deliver satisfactory performance as a mid-layer if possible in the field, but also serve as a functional and sophisticated outerwear for everyday use, making it a truly versatile jacket with a terrifyingly wide range of defensive options. Of course, on the other hand, it is also true that there are now models that are best suited for each season or activity.
However, if someone asks me, "What if I was the first time buying a mid-layer for the mountains?" or "What if I only bought one down jacket?", I would probably recommend the two of them. I once again realized how "the high level of perfection is so high that you won't be dissatisfied with whoever wears it no matter when." It's understandable that it has been featured many times in many media, blogs, and reviews.
Completed as casual wear or as a go-to companion for tough adventures, this two "Hall of Fame" jackets are still one of the best options, with so many high-performance products packed with.
Disclosure: The author received the product in this review and the articles have been created with full independence in accordance with editorial policy.
Reference: Summary of Nano Puff Jackets & Down Sweaters & Hoodies
Main features of the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is a lightweight synthetic insulation jacket that is perfect for winter wear when you are active in chilly weather, especially in autumn and winter. The light, durable, windproof, 100% recycled polyester ripstop outer material (DWR processed) is packed with 60 grams of Primaloft Gold Insulation Eco, made from 100% recycled polyester, which is extremely insulating against weight. Thin and lightweight yet provides excellent cold protection. The fabric fits perfectly along the lines of your body, but does not feel cramped, and has a comfortable softness and smoothness that makes it easy to layer, making it useful as an outer layer or as a mid-layer depending on the environment and situation. The inner zip pocket is turned over and rolled up, making it extremely compact and easy to store in a small backpack, making it extremely portable. No need to worry about wind, cold or worry, the ultimate all-rounder is the perfect all-rounder from town to mountain peaks, spring to winter, and is a versatile insulation wear that can be used for any occasion, from everyday life to travel, trekking and backcountry.
Recommended points
- A stylish and comfortable design that stands out in the mountains and in the city
- Highly packable (in viewing warmth) high compressibility and storage
- 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
Points that interest me
- Compared to new products specializing in activities and scenes, there are no outstanding performance areas (especially at least breathability)
- In winter, it does not have enough heat retention for cold weather wear when not in the mood.
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket |
|---|---|
| Actual measured weight | 337g (S size) |
| color | Burnished Red / Lagom Blue / Black / Endless Blue / Raptor Brown / Torrey Pine Green |
| size | XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL |
| Women's model | can be |
| Variations | Jacket Hoodie Vest |
| Shell and lining |
|
| Insulation |
|
| |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★☆☆ |
| It's not stuffy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
Main features of Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie is a highly functional and sophisticated down jacket that combines excellent heat retention, lightweight, protection and style that can be used in a variety of ways, from backcountry to the city. Made from recycled fishing nets, the ripstop outer material is made from 100% Netplus Post Consumer Recycled Nylon material, lightweight and durable. The padding is filled with high quality down that has RDS certified with 800 fill power, with excellent insulation per weight. A skillful three-dimensional cutting design that combines comfort, ease of movement, and a sophisticated silhouette. It has an adjustable hood that fits your head, and the packable design allows you to roll up the inner pocket and store it in a compact storage space, allowing you to keep it in your backpack at all times.
Recommended points
- Combines a comfortable fit with no extra gaps and a sophisticated style
- Excellent warmth and weight ratio
- High wind resistance and durability
- Packable design that can be stored in the inner chest pocket (with carabiner)
- Adjustable hood for excellent fit
- The quality of the construction is carefully crafted in detail regarding comfort
- Unparalleled versatility, from city to trails, rocky areas to commute all year round
- Despite its high performance, thorough consideration for sustainability
Points that interest me
- Highly insulating, but not easily wet
- It's not particularly light among down products specializing in the outdoors.
- The space around the chin is slightly narrow
- It would be even better if the back was a little longer so that the waist area would not be exposed even when bent down.
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie |
|---|---|
| Actual measured weight | 420g (S size) |
| color | Redtail Rust / Black / Pine Needle Green / Raptor Brown / Endless Blue |
| size | XS/S/M/L/XL |
| Women's model | can be |
| Variations | Jacket Hoodie Vest |
| Shell and lining | Rip-stop, 1.2oz, 20 denier Netplus, post-consumer recycled 100% nylon down, which uses recycled fishing nets to help reduce marine plastic pollution. DWR (durable water repellent) treatment without organic fluorine compounds (PFC/PFAS) |
| Insulation | 100% 800 fill power down, responsible down standard (RDS) certified (880272 certified by Control Union). The fabric is certified by Blue Sign |
| |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★☆ |
| It's not stuffy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
