Overview

The Nano Air Light is the lightest and most breathable synthetic insulated jacket we tested. Its objective is to provide adequate warmth for high exertion pursuits in cold weather. To this end, it performs exceptionally well. The whisper-thin, stretchy insulation combined with soft, supple, and stretchy fabrics combined with minimalist features (no handwarmer pockets or any adjustment cords) make this the most comfortable synthetic insulated jacket we have ever used. It is the Ferrari of active insulation jackets; very high performance and very specialized.

For some background on this jacket, read Ryan Jordan's recent First Looks review of this jacket. From that review, Ryan's video commentary:

The Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody is our favorite all-purpose synthetic insulated jacket. Though not as light or as comfortable, it's more durable, warmer, and more versatile than the Nano Air Light.

Three of us wore Patagonia Nano Air Light jackets on an attempt to traverse over the world's largest mountain. Mt. Logan, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory. Credit: Max Neale

Features & Specifications

• 10.4 oz (295 g) in men’s medium
• 1.4 oz/yd (47 g/m) FullRange stretch insulation
• 1.6 oz/yd (54 g/m) 30-denier fabric with exceptional breathability
• Hooded anorak

Review Context

We tested this jacket as part of our Synthetic Insulated Jacket State of the Market Report (to be published on March 25, 2018), which sought to answer the following questions:

1. What’s the best all-purpose synthetic insulated jacket?
2. What’s the best lightweight windproof synthetic insulated jacket?
3. What’s the best active insulation jacket?
4. What’s the best synthetic insulated parka?

Dan Sandberg in the Patagonia Nano Air Light, Denali National Park, Alaska. Credit: Max Neale

Description of Field Testing

We tested this jacket for 18 months! Hiking, climbing, mountaineering, skiing--we used it for all high exertion cold weather activities where saving weight was a top priority.

Where to Buy

Buy Online: Click this link to visit Patagonia.com to learn more or buy this product: Patagonia Men's Nano Air Light Hoody.

Similar To: If you are looking for the slightly heavier full-zip version of this jacket, try the highly-rated Patagonia Nano Air Hoody, available from REI.com or Patagonia.com.

This version would be more suitable for colder winter conditions, as a primary insulation piece for three-season conditions in the mountains, or for hikers who run colder and have a more difficult time staying warm.

Related Content

This review is part of a comprehensive State of the Market survey of synthetic insulated jackets that has been ongoing for the past two years. Included in this survey:

• Arc'teryx Kappa Hoody Review
• Patagonia Nano Air Hoody Review
• Outdoor Research Uberlayer Review
• Rab Xenon X Review
• Montbell Thermawrap Guide Review
• Rab Nimbus Review
• Patagonia Nano Air Light Review
• LLBean Primaloft Packaway Review
• Arc'teryx Proton LT Review
• Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review
• Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review
• Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review
• Nunatak Skaha Apex Review
• Montane Spitfire Parka Review
• Arc'teryx Nuclei AR Parka Review
• Patagonia DAS Parka Review (TBA March 25)
• Synthetic Insulated Jackets State of the Market Report (TBA March 25)

Disclosure

The manufacturer provided a sample of this product to the author with no agreement, requirement, or obligation for media coverage of any kind. Thinking about buying this gear? You can support Backpacking Light in the process: if you click on the link to this product and make a purchase at the retailer website, the retailer will contribute a portion of the sale to help support Backpacking Light. It doesn’t increase your cost, and it helps us maintain our site, fund content development, and grow member services! Thanks!