Patagonia Stretch Nano Storm vs Nano-Air

Patagonia Nano Storm vs Nano-Air, which is the best jacket for you? Both are legit active insulation layers. But one has a WPB shell and is made to handle snow.

Patagonia Nano Storm vs Nano-Air Comparison 

Both jackets feature 60 grams of active insulation.  In the Nano Storm, it is the Full Range insulation.  For the Nano-Air it is now called the THERMOLITE insulation. I have been using each generation of both the Nano Storm as well as the Nano-Air since they both came out.

I have detailed reviews and videos on both the Nano Storm and the Nano-Air.

Patagonia Nano Storm

Patagonia Nano-Air (new version)

Here is the breakdown of what I believe are the best uses of each of these jackets.

Patagonia Stretch Nano Storm – The best for backcountry skiing and splitboarding

The 30D ECONYL H2No Performance Shell is a great WPB shell that can handle all the snow and weather you can throw at it.  If the shell was available on it’s own, I would buy it.  It is quite, soft, stretchy and has great features that I will go over below. Bonus – the shell is made of recycled fish nets.  That is just awesome!

The pocket layout on the Stretch Nano Storm is perfect.  There are 2 zippered pockets up higher for phone and cameras. The 2 zippered hand pockets are placed strategically for use with a backpack.  This is very helpful for backcountry skiing and splitboarding.

 


Stretch Nano Storm Insulated Jacket - Men's $399.00

 

There are 2 great drop pockets on the inside of the jacket as well.  This is very helpful for stashing skins on multiple lap days and for holding onto gloves or a beanie as well.  Heck, I keep sandwiches in there when I take our nieces out for a jaunt in the snow!

The hood is as good as any hood I have used on a touring shell. I love that you can adjust it by tightening in the back as well as on the sides.  Very useful over a hat on the way up or even over a helmet. All these features are just what you need to have a great time in the backcountry.

I think the minimal $100 difference and under 10 ounces of weight are worth it for all these features.  But, perhaps you already have your favorite shell and all you need is some legit active insulation.  If that is the case, lets jump into the Nano-Air!

Patagonia Nano-Air – The best active insulation layer

The Nano-Air is probably the most breathable insulated jacket I have ever used.  I have each version of the Nano-Air since they came out 4 years ago.  And all are still going strong!  I wear them all the time.  In fact, I often forget that I am wearing them as they are so comfortable.  Heck, I am wearing it, inside, as I type this review!  LOL.  It has replaced my favorite fleece hoody as my indoor comfy layer.


Nano-Air Insulated Hooded Jacket - Men's $299.00

 

 

On the paper breathability for the Nano-Air is nuts.  40CFM of breathability.  That is kind of hard to wrap your head around.  So, I took it outside to tour in, over a 100 times.  It just dumps heat like it is it’s business.  The only draw back to such good breathability, is lack of wind resistance.  So, dont go thinking this is the perfect layer to do it all.

The material they use to make this jacket are very soft against the skin and has plenty of stretch.  I like how the insulation is in sheets, keeping it from clumping after washing.  And believe me, you will want to wash these jackets after using them for high output activities!

Patagonia Micro Puff vs Nano Puff vs Nano-Air

Just to add to the comparison, here is a video of the similarities and differences of the Micro Puff, Nano Puff and Nano-Air.