Gear Review: Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
MSRP: $299
Description:
The Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody features a 100% nylon ripstop shell with a DWR finish, allowing for breathability and water protection.
Specs:
- 11.8 oz
- Insulation: 60-g FullRange 100% polyester stretch insulation
Circumstances of Review:
Throughout the summer months I hiked with this versatile, stretchy, breathable jacket filled with Full Range Insulation. This jacket is a must-have on all my backpacking checklists, optimized for aerobic outdoor activities in cool climates thanks to its breathability.
Roses
Packable: The jacket fits into its pocket and the fabric’s insulation is highly breathable, wicking away moisture during aerobic activities. The Nano Air is my favorite jacket for outdoor aerobic activities in mild to cold conditions; I have literally been able to wear it anywhere and everywhere with the right layers.
Lightweight: The Patagonia Nano Air Hoodie weighs in at 11.8 oz, filled with synthetic insulation. That synthetic insulation makes it easier to wash and care for in the longterm, and if it gets wet, the material will stay warm; whereas with down loses its warming properties when saturated.
Breathable: During winter hikes and at night in the summer on the Appalachian Trail, I was comfortable (but not sweating). It was idea both for active hikes and warm while resting at camp. The Nano Air’s 60-g FullRange fabric provided warmth without overheating and dumps heat allowing me to stay warm and dry.
Have you ever experienced a jacket thats hood doesn’t stay on your head?
Well, look no more the Nano-Air Hoody is stretchy and binds to your head/forehead. The hood looks a little weird when I go on trail runs, hikes, or walks… but it keeps my head and neck warm. Furthermore, it stays on in windy conditions and is very easy to take on and off. With the stretchability of the fabric, I’m pretty sure it could fit over a helmet but I haven’t tested that one out yet.
Thorns
Alright, this one’s my own fault- I own the jacket in a grey and found that it gets dirty quite easily. I would recommend purchasing a color besides grey/white if you care about little details such as this. Overall, I love the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody for trail running and summer backpacking as my insulating layer.
My main thorn with the Nano-Air was the DWR finish which stopped working after a week, plus how much wind permeated the fabric. I’ve worn a comparable Arc’tyrex and found it to hold up better in windy climates. However, it is heavier and bulkier than the Nano Air. The DWR finish on the Patagonia Nano-Air is not designed to withstand hiking in the rain for days at a time, so it’s important to pair the jacket with a shell depending on the temperatures / time of year. My personal gear setup for summer hiking on the AT includes a Frog Togg jacket as a shell over the Nano-Air in wet, cold, inclement weather.
Value
The price of the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody ranges from $150-$299 which is certainly an expensive jacket. On the trail, the jacket worked as my insulating layer for cool summer nights, and I believe with the right layers would be suitable for colder climates. If you’re looking to save a few dollars, consider the Nano Air Jacket which is cheaper without the hood or buy used.
Before this jacket, I struggled find a mid/insulating layer that didn’t cause me to overheat in cool-weather aerobic activities. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it if you’re active outside!
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Comments 4
I got the hood less version for my AT hike coming up. I really like the jacket. The DWR finish has worked well for me but I also have some frog togs to go over it. In the jackets defense it is water resistant so expecting it to hold up for days hiking in the rain may be a stretch. I have had the same issues with wind so if it gets bad I may get one of those wind shirts but I had it out in wind and 30F temps and I was a little cold from the wind but once i started hiking the jacket trapped body heat warmth and worked great. I washed mine several times so far and water still beads on the fabric which I find cool for a fabric jacket in general. REI had the hoodless version 50% for others that want to try it. Thanks for the review nice to know the jackets holds up well over a long hike!
Hey Chris, so awesome to hear about your AT hike coming up! The Nano Air is amazing and I think getting the hoodless version for 50% off was the way to go, given that carry a beanie, hat or buff to keep you warm during cold nights. In terms of the wind, I’d throw a frog tog over and leave it open for some ventilation but for the most part I was fine in the wind with the Nano Air. If you have any questions about the AT please ask away! Excited to follow your adventures.
You forgot to mention that, once you put on the Nano Air, all your cares and worries float away. Well, maybe that’s a bit hyperbolic but, man, is it a comfortable piece…once I have a hard time taking off. I especially love that it lets me leave the heavier fleece at home. In fact, a base layer, Nano Air and Helium II pretty much have covered it all for me. I have a puffy but use it much less since I got the Nano.
Excellent review on a product that I just think is a gem.
Pando- this is so totally true! The jacket can go anywhere and everywhere and it feels like you’r able to float away. I was amazed at how comfortable and breathable the piece was, whether running on the trail or hanging out at camp I was warm the entire time. I too used the puffy before the Nano Air but with a warm base layer I’m ready to go. Thanks for the comment and keep adventuring the your Nano-Air!