I have worn Patagonia’s Nano Puff jackets for years – I think that I am on my third one (purchased in 2020) and, judging by my photo timeline, purchased my first one back around 2008. It is hard to quantify “days in the field” because I have worn this jacket in so many situations and activities in the last nearly 20 years: international travel, thru hiking, backpacking, canoeing, generally around town. I’d say that I’ve worn this jacket for at least 500 days in the field and another 600 days or more of daily use around town and day hiking use over the last 18+ years. Really, the only trips I haven’t used it on were ones that I expected more cold, dry conditions, like in the Pasayten and the North Cascades of the Pacific Northwest Trail, on the Wonderland and Timberline Trails, or for late fall trips in Minnesota, where I bring a warmer, hooded down puffy in its place.
What I like: Versatility is important to me in gear. This jacket works well in many conditions. In cool weather I’ll wear it as an outer layer and in cold weather it becomes an additional inner layer under a shell. I don’t get worried about it if it gets a bit damp and I don’t feel like I have to baby it like I do my down gear. My current version of the jacket is wearing a bit better than the older versions: the zipper is still working well, I haven’t worn through the elbows yet, and it has many less snagged stitches. I also like Patagonia’s repair and recycle options.
What I don’t like: The cut of my current version is a little more boxy than I would prefer to get the length that I need, but this does allow for layering underneath. However, even with layering, I find that I need to use the bungee at the bottom to keep out drafts because it is a bit wide for me, and the material by the bungee is a spot that wears through faster than the rest of the jacket.
I do find this fit challenge to be the case for many brands and not just Patagonia, so I’d say that the fit will probably work fine for most others. I tend to be too small for many men’s versions but my height and athletic build make it a challenge to find women’s sizes that fit me well too. In all I have been very happy with this jacket and it has played a supporting role in many of my best adventures.
Disclosures
Obtained independently: I paid for this product or received it as a personal gift from someone not affiliated with the brand.
Backpacking Light affiliation: I work for Backpacking Light in a paid or official capacity (owner/shareholder, employee, contractor, or paid contributor), but I am posting this review as an independent user and its content was not reviewed or directed by others at Backpacking Light.
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