Last Updated on June 30, 2022 by Ecorf
When backpacking, you need the right gear that can keep you comfortable against weather elements that may spoil your expedition. The weather is unpredictable, hence the need to carry a lightweight jacket that can make your life easy when backpacking.
If you are looking for a lightweight jacket that can keep you warm at night, you have an option of Patagonia Nano Puff vs Down Sweater. These two types of jackets share a lot of similarities but they are somehow different. Therefore, this post outlines the major features that can help you make an informed decision when you decide to buy any of these two jackets.
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Patagonia Nano Puff vs Down Sweater
Both Nano Puff and Down Sweater are outdoor jackets and they come in women’s and men’s styles. These two jackets are lightweight, functional and they are also packable. However, these two types of jackets are different somehow and you should be aware of such differences so that you can be able to make the right choice that can satisfy your needs.
Breathability
In terms of breathability, neither of the two jackets is a high performer but Down Sweater seems to outperform Nano Puff in this feature. The main issue with Nano Puff jacket is that it has excellent features designed for protection against weather elements. Nano Puff has a solid liner, windproof face fabric but these features affect the jacket’s ability to allow hot air to escape.
On the other hand, the Down Sweater has waterproof-breathable face fabric which allows movement of air. The three-part layering systems of the jacket make it ideal for cold weather hiking when temperatures significantly decline but the element of breathability is not 100 % perfect.
Both jackets are good for providing insulation against weather elements such as wind and are also water-resistant when used as outer garments. However, in terms of breathability, none of the two can be viewed as perfect in this regard.
Rip-Stop Threading
The other element that you should check is that The Patagonia Down Sweater consists of ripstop threading while the Nano Puff does not. The threading is meant to stop the stitching on the jacket to unravel when its threads unravel. A rip on Nano Puff jacket means you will lose more threading compared to the Down Sweater.
If the threading on the Down Sweater comes off, you can easily notice it. On the Nano Puff, the insulation can get lumped up when the threads rip off. The ripstop threading is helpful when you are hiking in rough terrain.
Insulation
Both the Patagonia Down Sweater and the Nano Puff consist of excellent insulating fabrics. Essentially, they consist of lightly insulated mid-layers for winter use or other demanding activities. Since the Down Sweater has beefier insulation, it is ideal for colder temperatures and other activities like skiing or mountaineering. It can be worn as an outer or you can put it under a waterproof layer.
The Nano Puff has limited insulation but it is lightweight which means that its versatility is limited. The jacket is ideal for backpacking, hiking or just wearing at night around the camp to keep you comfortable. However, one thing you should know is that this particular jacket is unlikely to offer you sufficient warmth in the event that temperatures significantly dip.
Who Should Buy Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket?
If you are looking for a jacket with a warm layer base that you can use while sitting around your camp or hiking, then Nano Puff is a great jacket for you. The jacket is pretty thin such that you may not solely rely on it during biting winter conditions.
However, it is lightweight and versatile such that you can use it for different occasions which makes it ideal for backpacking. Besides being thin, Nano Puff is a warm jacket that can make you comfortable in different weather conditions. When the temperatures are biting, you can add extra layers to the jacket or you can also use it for general hiking purposes.
Even when Nano Puff jacket is wet, it has a significant advantage over the Down Sweater in that it can continue to insulate. In other words, you can continue to enjoy the comfort of the jacket even if its outer surface is wet.
Who Should Get the Patagonia Down Sweater?
The Down Sweater is designed for more warmth since it is beefier compared to the Nano Puff jacket. If you are planning a trip during cold weather, then this jacket should be your best pick. However, this jacket can be problematic if it gets wet since it takes time to dry. There is no issue with the jacket during periods with dry snow but getting wet is the main challenge.
The fabric in the Down Sweater can lose its insulating capacity when it is wet which can spoil your adventure. The jacket also becomes heavy and difficult to use once it gets wet. The jacket does not easily dry once it gets wet. Therefore, you should make sure that you have an outer layer that is waterproof in case of rain or snow. This makes Nano Puff a better option if you are hiking in places with bad weather conditions.
Conclusion
Both Nano Puff and Down Sweater are great outdoor jackets that you can rely on when backpacking. Choosing the ideal jacket is a matter of personal preference in relation to satisfying your needs. The Nano Puff is ideal for everyday use since it is lightweight, easy to pack and offers protection against different weather elements. The jacket is good for backpacking but it does not offer sufficient ventilation during summer when temperatures are high.
The Down Sweater, on the other hand, is ideal for colder climates and activities like alpine hikes and skiing. The jacket is not packable as Nano Puff but it can keep you warm during freezing temperatures. Thus, Nano Puff seems to be ideal for most backpackers compared to Down Sweater. I hope you have enjoyed reading this informative article. You can leave your comments below.
