Opinions on Patagonia Nano Air Jacket/hoody as part of a UL sleep system?

[Lawrence Crowley]

So let me start by saying that I don’t actually own a Nano Air anything… however I have fondled them in the stores, which got me thinking. I’d love to hear from people that own a Nano Air piece as to their opinion on my hypothesis below.

 

As a stand-alone insulation piece I wouldn’t necessarily head into the backcountry with the Nano Air as my primary bit of warm gear. I have read a lot of good stuff about the Nano Air but I understand them to not be very windproof. Perhaps when coupled with an Outer shell they could be quite effective. However where I think the Nano Air could really shine would be as a booster to an UL sleeping bag. For example the Nano Air is soft, stretchy and quite (as opposed to crinkly) plus breathable (so I have herd). Those characteristics make me think that it would be a very comfortable jacket to sleep in. So in the light of that information I could save weight, warmth and space from my sleeping bag choice. Or it could just make a good back up option…

 

How’s my thinking here??

 

Thanks

Lawrie

[Justin Baker]

If you are looking for a warm jacket for camp/sleeping, down would be a better choice as it has a better warmth to weight ratio. For about the same cost and weight, you could get a montbell mirage down jacket which is warmer. I wear my montbel mirage and borah gear down pants in my western mountaineering summerlite when sleeping at temps near freezing. The nano air is good as an active insulation layer as it’s very air permeable (not windproof) which sweat to freely evaporate and helps you avoid overheating. With air permeable insulation you can stay at a more comfortable body temperature through varying levels of activity. It is still wind resistant and would provide the right balance of wind resistance and breathability that you want while active unless it’s really windy and cold.

[[ Drew ]]

I’ve had a Nano Air hoody for about a year and a half and I’ve used it on a few trips now.  As Justin said, it’s definitely heavier than a comparable-warmth down jacket, even one with ‘only’ 700-800 fill.

I’ve used the hoody to sleep in for just the reasons you stated – it’s the most comfortable jacket I’ve owned and it is stretchy so it’s not restrictive.  It’s really really nice to sleep in.

I have used with a Houdini to boost the warmth when it’s cold and/or windy.  The Nano Air was made to be really really breathable for fairly intense stop-go activities (for climbers; this is a patagonia product after all), so it’s not windproof or even close to it.

I think it comes down to being more comfortable vs. a lighter weight option.  I wouldn’t get a lighter weight/higher temp quilt or bag and plan on using a Nano Air to make up for the warmth.  You’ll save much more weight with more down fill in the quilt/bag.

[Lawrence Crowley]

Hmmmmm, interesting. Thanks fellas.

 

Lawrie

[Nico .]

I have a Nano Air vest that I occasionally bring with me as part of my insulation strategy.  I like the flexibility it provides when paired with something like a Cap 4 hoody (for additional warmth) and/or a windshirt.  I like that it isn’t as vulnerable to moisture and breathes reasonably well on its own for wearing during aerobic activity in cold temps without overheating.  It’s also just plain old comfortable.

Paired with a Cap 4 hoody and houdini, it keeps me very comfortable down into the low 40s/high 30s around camp.  Haven’t pushed it any lower yet.

As for negatives, it’s not as light, nor does it pack down as small as a comparable down vest would.

[Lawrence Crowley]

In the vein of a piece of kit wearing many different hats…. Would the Nano Air be more versatile then a down jacket even if a little heavier?? Being more breathable and more comfortable to sleep in than a down jacket??

I’m just really trying to tease this idea out prior to making a purchase…or not.

Thx.

[Rick M]

I rock a similar Westcomb Tango (500g in large) for scrambling and winter mountaineering. Ideal piece when messing about with layers is not practical or desirable on route. Would not even consider bringing it for general hiking or as part of a planned sleep system. In these scenarios an R2 or a down jacket are better choices I feel. Spent several cold windy nights bundled up in a EX Light and rain jacket under my quilt.

[Richard Nisley]

Lawerence,

Short version response – bad idea; the people who responded to you provided sound advice. It is an active insulation layer with slightly less warmth than a Polartec 200 weight fleece.

Long version response – read the BPL forum thread entitled PATAGONIA NANO AIR™ REVIEW – A NEW GENRE. It has a link to a detailed pdf report I created to support the conclusions I listed in the forum thread.

[Link .]

A  hyper  link Richards Thread( as usual ) fantastic forum post

[James holden]

one thing these fleece/synth jackets are great for is to protect your down bag from condensation

when they get a bit damp you arent bringing em into that nice down bag anyways …

so simply put it over the foot of the bag, which is the most likely to get damp from condensation rubbing against the walls, as well as dampness from internal moisture

one other trick when its cold is to put it over the top of the front of your bag (which is also likely to rub against the walls) … that way its over yr head and the warm breath forms a warm air pocket over your face … the jacket will get a bit damp but the bag should be fine

on cold nights this prevent the face and head from getting cold

if you want a “booster” … either a down jacket or a synth overquilt (best for moisture management) will be more weight efficient

;)

[Lawrence Crowley]

Done and Done. Thanks Richard, all questions answered in full. I’m going to hang onto my $300 bucks.

 

Thanks everybody, great and helpful information.

 

Lawrie

[jared h]

for $220 you can get a Montbell Ex Light Anorak…my go to jacket for boosting my sleeping bag rating or for hanging around camp. warmth to weight is ridiculous, hood, kangaroo pocket, super low bulk.

 

[Ralph Burgess]

eric and others have already laid out the primary reasons for using a down jacket worn inside the primary bag, and/or a synthetic overquilt outside the bag – warmth vs weight advantage of down;  moisture management advantage from having the synthetic as the outermost layer.

And I’ll add one more reason to do things this way:  the lack of durability of synthetics.   You can squash a down jacket under your body as much as you want, and it will bounce back.   But I think you’re going to shorten the useful life of any synthetic jacket by sleeping with your body weight on it regularly.   Using a synth overquilt, or just laying an unzipped jacket across the top of your bag or wrapping it around the foot, you avoid this problem.

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