Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody - Women's Review

Likes

The women's Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody is a long-time staple for many people, offering dependable insulation for everything from chilly fall hikes to everyday winter wear. It's a versatile jacket that comes in a broad range of sizes and colors, though we found that the fit runs slightly small. Patagonia puts an emphasis on sustainability, using recycled materials throughout the construction, and backing the jacket with its “Ironclad Guarantee” and repair program. We appreciate that it's designed to last, with options to repair worn or damaged materials rather than replacing the jacket altogether.

Weather resistance is one of the Nano Puff's greatest strengths. The outer material does an excellent job of shedding light precipitation, making it a reliable choice for damp climates and unpredictable weather. During our spray and rub test, water collected on the surface without penetrating the fabric. We were similarly impressed by its ability to repel moisture during light rain and wet snowfall when we were on a late fall hike. While it isn't intended to replace a waterproof hardshell or rain jacket, it provides plenty of protection for unexpected cloudbursts. And our favorite part about any synthetically insulated jacket is that they will continue to keep you warm even when they get wet, unlike down.

Dislikes

Although the Nano Puff performs reasonably well in most categories, it doesn't excel in any particular area outside of weather resistance. The same protective exterior that helps block wind and moisture also limits breathability, making it less comfortable during sustained physical activity. We also found the recycled fabric has a somewhat slick, plasticky feel that isn't especially pleasant against bare skin, and we prefered to wear it with long sleeves underneath. For casual use or lower-output activities, this isn't a major concern, but we'd prefer something with better ventilation for hiking uphill, climbing, or ski touring.

We found the lack of comfort to be the primary drawback of the Nano Puff. The fit runs a little small, leaving less room for bulky layers underneath, and the relatively short hem doesn't provide as much coverage as we'd like. When we raised our arms overhead, it left our midsection exposed to the chilly breeze.

The fabric also lacks any integrated stretch, giving it a somewhat stiff feel compared to more comfortable options. We particularly noticed the limitations of its design when reaching overhead. Without articulated shoulders, raising your arms can cause the bottom of the jacket to ride up, which isn't ideal for climbing or mountaineering, or even just reaching the top shelf at the grocery store. The hood also has a small, non-adjustable design that doesn't fit over a bulky beanie without squishing your head. While none of these features make the jacket uncomfortable enough to avoid, they do limit its appeal, and we simply found ourselves reaching for other jackets more often.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Nano Puff?

The Patagonia Nano Puff won't do you wrong, but it won't keep you covered as well as other options. We like the fact that Patagonia uses recycled materials and has an excellent repair program for shoppers who prioritize sustainability and long-term use. It's a pretty versatile design for everyday use, but even then there are casual options that we like just as much for everyday use, and they will cost you a lot less too.

What Other Women's Insulated Jackets Should You Consider?

Of Patagonia's synthetic insulated jackets, we particularly love the DAS Light for its superior warmth and more accommodating fit. Its generous cut, raglan sleeves and longer drop hem make it easier to layer. For something closer in weight and price to the Nano Puff, we'd recommend the Arc'teryx Atom Hoody. Its stretchy fleece side panels offer greater freedom of movement and improved breathability, making it a better choice for hiking and climbing, while still looking casual (dare we say stylish) enough to wear in town.