Picking a coat for cold weather and difficult climates can be a hard choice if the to make. Especially with so many well-known and vouched-for brands out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which is best for you, Patagonia Nano Puff vs Micro Puff.
Below is a guide that will completely break down the differences between the Patagonia Nano Puff vs Micro Puff Jackets. We break it down for you, by examining key features and explaining which version is better for which situation.
Let’s say you’ve checked out a number of down jackets either in stores or online, and narrowed your choices down to either the Patagonia Nano Puff or the similar but different Patagonia Micro Puff.
Table of contents
Patagonia is a fantastic brand with a history of creating incredible outdoor clothing that is both durable and fit for purpose.
The company has grown a long way since its earliest beginnings in Ventura, California, and they have expanded to be a global brand that creates clothing perfect for all kinds of people.
But choosing between Patagonia Nano Puff vs Micro Puff products can be tough! If you find yourself wondering about which version to pick, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve also included an extensive FAQ section that has been written to help answer any additional questions you might have.
Nano Puff vs Micro Puff Comparison Table
| Patagonia Nano Puff | Patagonia Micro Puff | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 337 g (11.9 oz) | 560 g (19.75 oz) |
| Fill Insulation Material | 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold | 90-g PlumaFill |
| Hood? | No | Helmet compatible hood. Adjustable drawstring in front and back |
| Fit & Style | Smooth interior Regular fit, runs small Just below waist length | Interior baffling. Regular fit, runs large Hip length |
| Compresses to | Rectangle | |
| # of Pockets | Two zippered handwarmer pockets 1 interior chest zipper pocket | Two zippered handwarmer pockets Two interior, drop-in mesh pockets |
| Temperature rating | best for 35-50 degrees | best for 35-50 degrees |
| Material | Shell 1.4-oz 20-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop Lining: 1.3-oz 22-denier 100% recycled polyester | Shell: Performance Standard shell: 2-layer, 1.3-oz 100% recycled nylon ripstop Lining: 0.8-oz Pertex® Quantum 100% nylon ripstop |
| Waterproof? | Ripstop shell with a DWR | 100% recycled waterproof shell |
| Weather | Lightweight protection | Lightweight |
| Design | Brick quilting pattern with horizontal quilt lines exterior shell Zip front with drawstring hem | Smooth exterior shell Zip up front with drawstring hem |
| Use for | Casual Wear, Fishing, Hiking | Casual Wear, Hiking, climbing, skiing |
Brief Summary
In this first section, we will give you a brief overview of the key differences between the two jackets before we dive into more detail a little later.
The first thing that is important to know is the Micro Puff and Patagonia Nano Puff are very similar jackets.
These down fill jackets for hiking are made for similar climates, offering a stylish but simple look, optimum breathability, and protection from cold weather.
The Nano Puff is slightly slimmer and offers similar resistance from the weather vs Patagonia Micro Puff runs large, is denser, and offers slightly more warmth.
The differences between the two are small, but if you want a total breakdown between these two jackets, continue to read below.
Shared Features
First, it’s worth explaining the similarities between the two jackets so that you can understand what you’ll be getting no matter the choice you pick!
Insulation
Both jackets feature synthetic insulation that is perfect for helping protect you against cool temperatures.
Wind Resistance
Both of these jackets have been designed to be wind and water-resistant. That means fabrics that are weaved tightly together, so tightly that it is difficult for air to pass through at great speed.
If you’ve ever worn a non-windproof jacket on a particularly windy day, you’ll notice the difference right away.
Design
Both jackets are different in look and share zero similarities.
Micro Puff: Smooth exterior shell with square baffling on the inside. The micro puffs are designed to trap body heat and keep you warm on the coldest days. Both are lightweight and thin, which makes them great for layering.
- Drawstring hem
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Zip front
- Elastic velcro cuffs
- Smooth exterior shell
- Regular fit and runs large
Nano Puff: Quilted and baffle exterior shell with smooth interior lining. Nano Puff jackets are designed to be casual and stylish, so you can wear them in any situation. As a result, the fit of the jacket is slim, but not too tight. Additionally, the length of the jacket hits right below your waist. It also has a stand-up collar, so it’s great for cold or rainy days
- Drawstring hem
- Length hits just below the waist
- No hood
- Zip up with garage collar
- Slim fit
- Cuffs are elastic
Unless you deeply care about the intricacies of fashion when it comes to color, design, and the weight of the jacket, it’s not likely you’ll see much difference between them.
Durability
If you know anything about Patagonia, it probably goes without saying that their products are uniquely durable. That’s probably the reason you picked them in the first place.
But let’s just say that with both of these jackets you get what you pay for. Providing you take care of them and don’t take them on too crazy adventures, they will last you for years!
Comparing The Two: Patagonia Nano Puff vs Micro Puff
Now that we’ve gone over the absolute basics of what each jacket has in common, let’s look a little closer into how they differ. We’ve split this up into multiple different categories that will compare the finer details of each.
Style
Let’s get the aesthetics out of the way first. How different do these two jackets look when you put them side by side, and which one looks better?
An important thing to notice here about the Nano Puff has a quilted pattern that looks resembles a grid on the exterior shell. In comparison, the Micro Puff jacket has a smooth shell exterior.
Well, they come in similar colors and have similar designs, but there are a few subtle differences that could affect which you would rather buy.
Outdoor adventures aren’t necessarily the place where you’ll want to look good, but a good jacket is also versatile. You should be able to wear it out in town on a cold night, or out on a hike!
Fit
If you are considering either the Nano Puff vs Micro Puff, these jacket descriptions show a regular fit. However, the reviews of the Micro Puff indicate it runs large. So if you like a looser fit, order a size up from what you normally wear. The sleeves on this jacket have elastic cuffs to keep heat in and cold air out as well
The Nano Puff is slightly slimmer, hits just below the waist, and fits true to size. Also, it has a collar. Its sleeves measure all the way down to your wrists and it is all in all a much shorter and slimmer fit.
This doesn’t mean you will sacrifice too much warmth (we’ll get to that in a later category), but it does look different than the Micro Puff.
You’ll see this often when it comes to outdoor-wear jackets, as this pattern is as much for insulation as it is for design.
The Micro Puff is larger, sits a bit longer than the Nano puff, and has a hood. It looks a little more like a traditional hiking shell jacket than the Nano Puff does, which is both a good and a bad thing.
It’s also a lot puffier around the shoulders, which gives a more straight-line look. It has a quilted pattern inside the jacket, which pattern is similar to the Nano Puff.
Both the Nano Puff and Down Sweater offer a casual, sporty style that’s versatile for both city and trail. They both have a regular fit, making them suitable for a wide range of body types.
To summarize this, which one you like comes down to subjective taste. Depending on your age, size, and own personal tastes, you will like one more than the other. Our pick would be the Nano Puff for everyday casual wear.
Hood
As for the Micro Puff hood, it’s helmet-compatible. The hood on this jacket has elastic drawstrings and a toggle at the back to keep both cold air out and keep the heat in. These adjustable features allow you to custom-fit your climbing helmet. Also, the insulation in the hood will keep your head warm as well.
The Nano Puff lacks a hood and instead, has a stand-up collar, so it’s great for cold or rainy days.
Size/Compressibility
If you’re looking for a coat to take with you on your adventures (whatever they may be), then it’s likely you want it to pack down into a small size.
Thankfully this is something Patagonia likes to consider when making their jackets, and both jackets are able to pack down.
How compact a jacket is once it’s packed down depends on a few external factors. Generally, it’s a combination of the material and down fill. Depending on how thin or thick the fabric is, you will find a vast difference in how easy it is to pack down.
This is one of the truly amazing features of Patagonia jackets and something that has been improved over the years.
Both the Nano Puff and Micro Puff pack down small enough to fit in the bottom of a backpack. Additionally, they both zip up into small packages that you can carry around with you.
All in all, the Micro Puff is slightly smaller and compresses down into a small, cylinder. In contrast, the Nano Puff creates a slightly larger square package.
Weight
However, there is a slight difference in weight between the two. It’s generally worth noting that the thinner the fabric, the easier it is to pack down.
Patagonia has a history of creating jackets that pack down easily without losing any of their quality or insulation.
Micropuff weighs in a 19.75 oz (560g) while the Nano Puff weighs 11.9 oz (337 g).
The difference between these two probably won’t be a big deal for you, but if you find yourself counting every ounce of weight on a climbing trip or long trek, you might want to keep an eye on this.
The Nano Puff is the lighter of the two, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize weight in their outdoor space gear. The Down Sweater, while heavier, offers more warmth, making it a trade-off depending on your needs.
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Insulation And Warmth
So we’ve already covered how the two jackets are very similar in terms of insulation, but let’s dive a little deeper and get into the finer details to see if we can find any differences.
Before we can do this we need to learn a little bit more about how modern jackets such as these insulate you from the cold.
If you look at the small squares within a coat, you’ll see that they are filled with either down or synthetic material. This filling helps to insulate you from the cold.
| Patagonia Nano Puff Insulation | Patagonia Micro Puff Insulation |
|---|---|
| Shell: 20-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop Lining: 1.3-oz 22-denier 100% recycled polyester | Shell: Performance Standard shell: 2-layer, 1.3-oz 100% recycled nylon ripstop Lining: 0.8-oz Pertex® Quantum 100% nylon ripstop |
| 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold | 60 gram Pluma Fill |
| Synthetic insulation | Synthetic insulation |
| Best in 35-50 degree weather | Best in 35-50 degree weather |
When it comes to Patagonia Nano Puff vests and jackets, they’re filled with polyester Primaloft material.
Micro Puff: We found that the synthetic hiking jacket offers slightly better insulation due to its filling -90 grams of PlumaFill. Also, the front of this jacket has a storm flap to keep out wind and rain as well. The front of this jacket has zipper closures as well as Velcro closures to keep the front securely closed.
Nano Puff: The Nano Puff is slightly thicker in terms of external fabric, but inside its polyester filling is slightly less insulating.
But the difference between the two in regards to warmth isn’t really noticeable. Both will give you the same kind of protection from the elements.
Breathability
The Down Sweater takes the lead in breathability, thanks to its down insulation.
The Nano Puff offers moderate breathability, which is sufficient for most outdoor activities.
Design
The Nano Puff features a quilted design, while the Down Sweater uses a baffled design. Both designs are effective at trapping heat, but the baffled design of the Down Sweater allows for better distribution of down, enhancing its warmth.
Other Factors
Both jackets feature a DWR finish for water resistance. The Nano Puff has zippered handwarmer pockets, while the Down Sweater includes an internal zippered chest pocket for added storage.
Quick Buyers’ Guide
In this section, we list a few overall tips to help you when deciding on the general features that you’ll want to look out for when purchasing an outdoor jacket.
Insulation
Both of these jackets seem to be best for 35-50 degrees weather. This is the obvious one that we’ve already covered in some length. The insulation of a jacket is going to matter in relation to where you wish to take it.
If you’re going somewhere with snow and extremely low temperatures, you will want something with a downfill or more layers.
Similarly, if you want a jacket to go hiking somewhere a lot warmer, you don’t want a heavy-down jacket that’s going to make you overheat. Consider the climates you’ll be experiencing before committing to a jacket.
Pockets/accessories
Are you looking for something with a lot of pockets? They might not seem like much, but even a pocket can mean a great deal in terms of how compact and insulated a jacket is.
If you need lots of room to store things, it’s important to consider this before you buy. It’s also worth considering if the jacket has zips.
Let’s say you’re going climbing and want somewhere to store your phone – you will want something that can zip up and protect it from falling!
Color
While color might not seem that important, it’s a factor that influences what you buy, depending on the activity you’re involved in.
For example, if you’re looking to take a jacket on a hunting trip, then you’re won’t want bright colors because it will make you stick out in the woods or mountains. Consider color a little before deciding on a product.
Fit
Certainly, you need to really consider how well the jacket will fits. Insulation is partly due to the internal fabrics and materials used to make up the jacket, but also how well it covers you and fits to your body.
If you’re buying a Micro Puff jacket, then you might want to size down. However, Patagnia Nano puff seems to run true to size.
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Final Thoughts on Patagonia Nano Puff vs Micro Puff
So there you have it. Both the Nano Puff and Micro Puff are very similar jackets, with the Micro Puff offering slightly more warmth.
If you’re not buying one of these for a very specific reason (I.E a climbing expedition), you probably want to pick the jacket that you like the look of the most.
We hope that this article has given you some insight into how similar the two jackets are, as well as the small differences that could change which one you end up picking.
When it comes to deciding on the perfect jacket for your next outdoor adventure, remember to keep your individual wants and needs into the equation, and you’re sure to be able to find something!
Where to Buy Patagonia Micro Puff Jackets
| Shop Women’s Micro Puff Jackets | Men’s Patagonia Micro Puff Jackets |
|---|---|
| Patagonia | Patagonia.com |
| Feathered Friends | Backcountry.com |
| REI.com | REI.com |
| Backcountry.com | AppOutdoors.com |
Where to Buy Patagonia Nano Puff Jackets
| Shop Women’s Nano Puff Jackets | Men’s Patagonia Nano Puff Jackets |
|---|---|
| Patagonia | Patagonia |
| Feathered Friends | Backcountry.com |
| AppOutdoors | Jans |
| Backcountry.com | REI |
FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions
These Patagonia Micro Puff or Nano Puff jackets are made for adventures no matter what the weather. For their size and thickness, they’re surprisingly warm. Both will give you as much insulation as you’ll need in most common, mild weather conditions.
However, it is important to note that this is not a jacket for the most extreme climates in the world, and you’ll have to have additional layers and accessories if you’re going someplace extremely cold.
Which Is The Warmest Patagonia Jacket?
If you’re looking for the warmest Patagonia Jacket around to wear in some of the more difficult climates our great planet has to offer, then you should take a look at Grade VII Down Parka.
This is a jacket that has some of the highest insulation available with 2 layers of filling. It’s worth noting here that a single parka jacket is not enough to keep you completely insulated.
You’re going to need multiple layers of clothing and vigorous systems to keep you warm.
How Long Does A Patagonia Jacket Last?
The answer to this question depends on a few different factors, all of which you directly control. Many climbers and other outdoor sportspeople would call it what is known as a three-season item of clothing.
This means that it is something you’ll be able to take with you on three separate seasons without any noticeable changes in durability. The thing is, whether this happens or not depends entirely on the kind of things you’re doing on your adventures.
The more difficult climates and terrains you take your jacket through, the more likely it is to sustain damages and general wear and tear.
Patagonia jackets are built to last and can span across multiple years if you’re lucky, and if you make sure you properly look after them.
How Do You Wash A Patagonia Jacket?
The first thing you need to do here is to check the instructions on the label of your jacket, on any packaging that might have come with it, or online.
Depending on the jacket you’ve bought there will be different ways in which you need to wash and take care of it. If you’re not sure, however, washing it in cold water with non-toxic detergent is a safe bet!
Can I Use A Dryer For My Patagonia Jacket?
You have to be careful using a dryer. Generally, you can use the dryer for either your Patagonia Micro Puff or Nano PUff Patagonia jacket, providing you set it to its absolute lowest setting.
Patagonia or Northface?
This is becoming an age-old question, because of the similarities between the two brands. Both make different kinds of clothing that are for specific outdoor activities.
Generally, it’s better to pick an individual product, over deciding based on brand.
When comparing them to other brands you might want to have a bias, but with two brands that are so well made, it might come down to the specifics of design vs what you are looking for.
What Temperature Range Is Patagonia Micro Puff For?
We would generally say that the Patagonia micro puff is perfect for the 35-50 degree range, because of its good insulation.
Any less or more and you might find yourself cold or overheating. It’s generally a good jacket with mid-range insulation.
See more Women’s Patagonia Jackets and Men’s Patagonia Jackets.
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
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Last update on 2025-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API