Review Patagonia Nanopuff Vest
Light and packable piece of synthetic isolation that works very well as a layering piece for all kinds of outdoor activities - and not too technical looking for an everyday item as well.
How I use it
This vest is almost always in my pack if it might get even a little chilly. I wear it either as a layer for the whole day out in winter, to take the edge off on early morning starts or to stay warm during breaks on start / stop activities.
- Climbing: Both for single and multi pitch climbing the Nanopuff works well to keep you warm on belays. It keeps heat in, wind out and does not get in the way. Add on a long sleeved and hooded windproof layer and you are good to go even on windy cold climbs. The vest plus a windproof fits a 3 liter dry bag and can be clipped on a harness without being noticed (thanks to Julia for the dry bag on the harness idea).
- Hiking and mountaineering: Same as with climbing but in these cases I combine the vest with a waterproof outer shell. On colder mountaineering outings the vest might stay on the whole day as a mid layer and on other days I might take it on and off a few times.
- Out about town and van life: During camping and van travels I find myself using this item almost every morning and evening over a mid layer or fleece jacket. On city trips or moving about town it stays in a backpack or dangling open on my shoulders. All that’s of course only true if you do not mind the occasional look by somebody who associates a Patagonia puffy vest with finance district jerks.
Construction and Quality
Like the Nanopuff jacket the vest has a waffle stitching pattern that keeps the Primaloft isolation in place. It weighs about 240g in a size medium and is cut less athletic than other Patagonia items. I wear a size medium (182cm and 66kg) which is a bit too loose for my liking but works well over thicker layers this way.
There are two side pockets (perfect for a buff and a beanie) and a fairly small breast pocket (big enough for a wallet or a pair of sunglasses). Another small note is the fairly high number of mundane (black etc.) and more striking colors that are available.
The build quality is excellent, as expected with Patagonia stuff, and I have not seen almost any wear or tear after several years of hard use. I try to keep it away from really sharp rock and the worst of thorny brush however.
Price (and is it worth it)
The list price is 170 Euro / 180 USD but I have seen (and bought) it for a touch under 100 Euro. Still a stiff price compared to similar products from other brands. For me the price is fair considering the long life and many uses I get out of a high quality product.