Patagonia Down Sweater vs Patagonia Nano Puff

Hello, winter! When you’re looking for a new cold-weather jacket to use on your next hiking or camping trip, think Patagonia.

Patagonia has a bunch of great options for you to choose from, but two of their most popular items are the Down Sweater and the Nano Puff. We’re here to help you decide which jacket is best for you…

What to consider

When comparing the infamous Patagonia Down Sweater and the Patagonia Nano Puff you have to think about the climate and weather of where you will be using each jacket. Both of these are great options for campers, hikers, and backpackers because they are packable, lightweight and serve as a warming layer during your adventures. Here are the top three things you should consider before purchasing one of these jackets:

Weight

The weight of your jacket is important because it can help tell you how warm your jacket will be compared to other jackets. It is also important to know how much your jacket weighs when you’re hiking.  Depending on where you’re hiking and what the weather will be like, you won’t want to sacrifice warmth for something lightweight, but if you’re hiking in warmer climates, I recommend choosing the lighter jacket. The Patagonia Down Sweater is 1.2 ounces heavier than the Nano Puff. So, the Nano Puff will be the best option for those camping and hiking in warmer weather.

Water Resistance

This is another extremely important feature of any mid-layer jacket that you will be using while hiking or camping. This is extremely important if you’re going to be hiking in rainy or wet conditions. In relation to the two jackets we’re discussing, the Nano Puff’s synthetic outer material is definitely more water-resistant. So, if you’re going to be out in the rain, we recommend the Nano Puff.

Warmth

You’ll want to get a jacket that will help keep you warm. If you’re going to be doing some snowy weather hikes or camping trips, you’ll need the warmest clothes you can find. If you’re going to be in rain or water, the nano puff seems to be the best option as it is more water-resistant but, the Patagonia Down Sweater is the warmer option, it is a great option to wear under your snow gear for your winter trips.

What do they both have?

Both the Nano Puff and Down Sweater have some of the same details. They both have zippered pockets, interior storm flap on the central zipper, adjustable waist strap and a cover for the zipper so that the metal doesn’t rub against your skin. These may seem like little things but they definitely make a difference.

Patagonia Down Sweater

Men’s Down Sweater, available in eleven colors

Women’s Down Sweater, available in eight colors

This sweater is a little bit warmer than the Nano Puff but isn’t as waterproof. The Down Sweater is 13.1 ounces compared to the Nano Puff that is 11.9 ounces, while this seems like it isn’t much of a difference this is extremely important to take into consideration, especially if you’re going to be hiking. Another pro that the Down Sweater has over the Nano Puff is the outer layer, while it isn’t as water-resistant it does seem to tear less easily than the Nano Puff. This is great because the jacket can handle some rougher hikes.

Pros

• Warmer than the Nano Puff
• More breathable than the Nano Puff
• Outer layer less likely to tear

Cons

• Not as water-resistant as the Nano Puff
• Heavier

Patagonia Nano Puff®

Men’s Nano Puff®, available in eight colors

Women’s Nano Puff®, available in nine colors

To me, the Nano Puff seems to be a more versatile option. If you’re going to be hiking, I’d recommend this jacket over the Down Sweater. Since it isn’t as warm as the Down Sweater, it’s more lightweight and can serve as both a top layer (since it’s water-resistant) or a mid-layer for colder climates. This jacket is great to be used in rainy spring temperatures when camping or hiking, while the Down Sweater is great for snowy conditions (under your snow gear, of course). I also recommend the Nano Puff over the Down Sweater because it is more water-resistant than the Down Sweater, this is important if you are going to be hiking in wet conditions. Also, because of the quilting on the outside layer of this mid-layer, the Nano Puff does better in windy conditions, as it doesn’t let in as much of a breeze. Unfortunately, some costumers have a problem with how easily the Nano Puff wears out or tears.

Pros

• Cheaper than the Down Sweater
• Lighter than the Down Sweater
• More water-resistant than the Down Sweater

Cons

• Not as warm as the Down Sweater
• The fabric on the outside of Nano Puff may tear easily

Conclusion

Overall, both of these jackets are packable, lightweight, and warm. The main differences between the Patagonia Down Sweater and the Patagonia Nano Puff are that the Down Sweater is warmer and weighs more, while the Nano Puff is cheaper and more water-resistant. If you’re going to be skiing and doing mainly snow activities, I’d recommend getting the Down Sweater as a mid-layer jacket. If not, I think the Nano Puff is a great jacket that can easily be used as an outer layer in warmer climates but as a mid-layer for more extreme climates. If you’re someone who hikes a lot and are looking for something more versatile that can be used in a ton of different weather conditions, then I’d invest in the Patagonia Nano Puff.