#4 on this list
Nano Puff
Patagonia
The Patagonia Nano Puff is arguably the most ubiquitous synthetic jacket ever made, functioning equally well as a reliable midlayer for chilly camp evenings, an emergency booster inside a daypack, or a durable everyday jacket around town. It appeals to users who want a low-maintenance, wind-blocking layer that handles light precipitation, resists abrasions, and cleans easily without special down washes. The jacket utilizes 60-gram PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation wrapped in a 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell treated with a durable water repellent finish. Its classic brick-pattern quilting keeps the sheet insulation anchored while minimizing bulk, giving it a trim profile that slides smoothly under a waterproof hardshell. Reviewers regularly praise its wind-blocking capabilities; the tight weave of the exterior shell stops cold gusts much better than porous, active-insulation garments, making it warm for its relatively trim thickness. However, that wind-blocking shell acts as a vapor barrier during high-output travel. If you try to climb steep switchbacks or skin uphill with the Nano Puff zipped shut, moisture builds up quickly inside. Additionally, the countless horizontal and vertical quilt lines expose miles of stitching that can snag and pull on abrasive tree branches or gear Velcro over years of use. **Highlights** - 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco with 100% postconsumer recycled content - Highly wind-resistant 20-denier recycled polyester shell - Low-profile brick quilting pattern with horizontal side baffles - Self-stuffs cleanly into internal zippered chest pocket with carabiner clip-in loop - Adjustable drop-tail hem with drawcord seal **Watch-outs** - Poor air permeability leads to rapid overheating during active exertion - Quilting stitches are prone to snagging on gear or rock edges - Boxy fit across the midsection does not fit all athletic body types cleanly
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#5 on this list
Nano-Air Hoody
Patagonia
The Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody revolutionized the active insulation category when it debuted, and it remains the benchmark for cold-weather mountain athletes. Tailored for climbers, backcountry skiers, and mountain runners engaged in high-output stop-and-go pursuits, the Nano-Air eliminates the frustrating cycle of constantly stripping off and putting back on layers as output changes. Its secret lies in mechanical stretch and high air permeability. Patagonia combines 60-gram FullRange synthetic insulation with an elastic, highly porous shell and liner fabric. Instead of trapping air inside like a conventional windproof puffy, the entire garment breathes continuously, allowing excess body heat and perspiration to vent as you work. When you stop at a belay or windblown ridge, throwing a light windshirt or hardshell over the top traps the air within the FullRange fibers, instantly transforming the piece into an effective heat-trapping furnace. The trade-off is that the Nano-Air offers almost no resistance to biting winds on its own. A stiff cold breeze cuts right through the permeable face fabric, meaning it cannot serve as a stand-alone windbreak in blustery conditions. Furthermore, the soft-touch exterior fabric is less abrasion-resistant than standard slick nylon shells and will show cosmetic pilling over seasons of heavy pack wear. **Highlights** - 60g FullRange synthetic polyester stretch insulation - Highly air-permeable shell fabric vents body heat and sweat - Mechanical four-way stretch construction allows unhindered reach - Minimalist elasticized hood fits neatly under or over helmets - Low-profile stretch-knit cuffs sit comfortably beneath gloves **Watch-outs** - Open-weave shell fabric offers little defense against strong wind - Exterior face fabric is prone to pilling and snagging over time - Provides minimal static warmth when worn as an outer layer in freezing breezes
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Nano Puff | Nano-Air Hoody |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation Type | 60g PrimaLoft Gold Eco (100% recycled polyester) | 60g FullRange 100% polyester stretch |
| Total Weight | 11.9 oz (337 g, men's medium) | — |
| Shell Material | 20-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop | — |
| Finish | PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) | — |
| Stow System | Packs into zippered internal chest pocket | — |
| Fit Profile | Regular fit with drop-tail hem | Slim, athletic cut |
| Weight (Men's) | — | 12.2 oz (346 g) |
| Weight (Women's) | — | 10.2 oz (289 g) |
| Garment Type | — | Active synthetic midlayer |
| Face Fabric | — | 100% recycled polyester plain weave |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Nano Puff
- Excellent wind resistance stops drafts far better than active insulation midlayers
- PrimaLoft Gold Eco fill retains warmth and loft even when subjected to damp conditions
- Compresses neatly into an internal zippered chest pocket with a clip-in loop
- Low-profile silhouette fits cleanly under technical rain shells without binding
- Low air permeability causes rapid internal overheating during steep ascents
- Extensive surface quilting stitches are vulnerable to snags and abrasion
- Boxier torso cut can fit loosely on slender, athletic body shapes
Nano-Air Hoody
- Exceptional air permeability prevents overheating during high exertion
- Four-way mechanical stretch allows completely unhindered movement
- Soft, quiet fabric feels comfortable directly against skin or base layers
- Minimalist hood fits seamlessly under climbing helmets
- Open face fabric allows cold wind to strip warmth easily
- Textured shell is prone to snagging and pilling under heavy abrasion
- Modest static warmth requires an outer shell in freezing conditions
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.