Patagonia built the Nano Puff Hoody for climbers, but like many of the brand’s best designs, it has escaped its original niche. What started life as a lightweight, weather-resistant synthetic insulation layer for vertical environments has become one of those jackets I reach for almost without thinking whenever I step outside.
Over the past few months, I’ve worn the Nano Puff across a mix of winter walking, coastal rambles and damp woodland hikes. Forest of Dean in January. Misty, drizzly Cheddar in November. Windy North Somerseta and cold, wet South Wales in December, and it never once felt out of place. In fact, it rarely felt noticeable at all, which is exactly what a good midlayer should do.
