Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Hoody is not a million miles away from a fleece. But Kirsty Pallas recommends you consider it for your next insulated jacket.
The Nano Air Light Hybrid from Patagonia sits within the insulated jacket category but only just. With their own R1 Air fleece panels across the back, sides, and underarms it’s not a million miles away from a fleece. I mostly used it as a bulked up midlayer while testing, putting it on straight over a thermal for climbing once I’d finished the approach. It’s too warm for walking uphill, with the insulated panels on the front, upper arms and hood. Both the shell fabric and fleece panels are made from 100% recycled materials and are very breathable and stretchy.
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_12925597
- Stars: 4.5/5
- Price: £270
- Weight: 284g
- Pros: Low profile fit, asymmetrical cuffs longer on top of hand, close fitting hood
- Cons: Not as warm due to being a hybrid model
Fill: 40gram FullRange insulation on front of torso, tops of arms and top of hood, R1 Air fleece panels on back, underarms, and side | Shell: Polyester shadow ripstop with PFC free DWR treatment | Hood: elasticated | Cuffs: elasticated | Hem: No adjustment | Pockets: 2 sipped handwarmer | Sizes: XS-XXL | Men’s version: Yes
I’m a big fan of the hood, it’s very neat with elastic in the right places for a good fit that flexes with your head, while keeping out the drafts. Another great feature is the cuffs, part elasticated with a longer cut on the top of your hand for an extra cosy feeling, although they wouldn’t fit over a glove particularly well. The pockets are low profile with the zips hidden in the seams, and just sit above a hip belt or harness. It is the only model without a chest pocket, and one would have been a nice addition. It’s also the only jacket without a hem drawcord, but it feels like the fleece panels keep that tight around your hips.
With the underarm fleece panels, and very snug fit, the Nano Air Light Hybrid Hoody is not an out and out insulated jacket like the other models, and it doesn’t slide over a mid-layer as easily. I would default to using it as a mid-layer through winter, and a lighter extra layer through the summer months, maybe for throwing on straight over a base layer while stopped or setting up camp.
Compare the Nano Air Light Hybrid Hoody with more of the best insulated jackets as reviewed by our expert gear testers.
