Article by Sam Winebaum
Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Full Zip Hoody ($249)
The Nano-Air Ultralight is. just as its name implies ,a superlight insulating jacket designed for high exertion activities in cool to cold conditions. Of course, it is very light in my men’s medium sample, very breathable, quick drying and easily stuffed into its single chest zip pocket this jacket is an ideal companion for colder seasons runs, nordic skis and hikes. I have also found it an ideal post workout and warm up jacket.
Features
The Full Range insulation in the Nano-Air is a tried and true proprietary blend of hydrophobic fibers originally developed with Toray of Japan in 2014. It is similar to Polartec’s Alpha insulation but with a smoother drape and easier stretch and recovery from stretch.
Here we have 20g square meter weight which is Patagonia’s lightest weight Full Range insulation. Other Nano-Air jackets have heavier 40g and 60g meter square weight insulation and thus will be warmer but less breathable than the Ultralight.
The shell and lining is made of 1.6-oz 30-denier 100% recycled polyester air-permeable shadow stretch ripstop with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish made without intentionally added PFAS. The lower inner sleeves have 2.3-oz 100% recycled polyester double knit with a wicking finish.
The design intent is air permeability, breathability, quick drying and warmth on the go so don’t come here expecting strong wind resistance. But as always with more wind and water resistance comes less breathability, more moisture build-up and eventually chill. In heavy winds, snow or rain, I will wear a light shell over the Nano-Air. More on the Nano-Air’s performance below.
The stretch hood has some elastic and completely and effectively covers the sides and back of the head.
Given its packability, it can be carried in a run face vest or stuffed into a mesh short rear waistband as I was able to do in Chance Running AROW Ultra Short which, it must be said, has very deep mesh pockets.
In terms of missing features I would like to see more reflectivity. There is none that I could find or listed in the specs.
Fit
I am 5’9” ( 176 cm) and 158 lbs ( 71 kg) with my sample medium. Fit is generous and quite long but not sloppy here. The Ultralight does not have a snug “Euro” fit. A mid and thin base layer can be accommodated as in addition to generous fit the jacket has some stretch. The generous fit also allows air to circulate and moisture to move through the insulation.
I like that I can easily roll up the sleeves, something I often do instead of taking of a jacket. I do find the sleeve cuffs a bit long and loose and would prefer a bit more elastic hold there, maybe along the edge of the light gray mesh. I can’t stand loose cuffs. but do want the option to roll sleeves up.
Performance
It has been warm, very warm even into October in both New Hampshire and Utah. I was able to briefly test at the Col du Grand St Bernard during our August trek in chilly foggy conditions and was amazed at the easy fitting subtle warmth
Here in Park City with the temperatures suddenly just over 40 F I went gravel running on a hilly course for 7 miles on a damp breezy day wearing the Nano-Air over a perfect match, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Short Sleeve (RTR Review).
I run very warm and in temps such as during my run above often run in short sleeves. I was expecting, even at 40F, and at my brisk pace , it would come off at some point and was surprised that all I needed to do was un-zip for a few climbs. I also liked that the slightly fuzzy soft interior did not stick to my arms and that I was never clammy or overheated. A key test passed!
Conclusions
I have found my new go to for fall and winter runs and nordic skis and on the side when a light warm jacket is needed for travel, hikes/treks and around town. The light weight, easy fit and comfort are outstanding. The performance has been as promised: warmth with breathability and quick drying.
The simple styling and dark green makes the Nano-Air also nicely suitable for more casual wear.
At $249, its pricing is quite steep but such performance and quality construction does come at a price making the Nano-Air a decent value nonetheless.
A final note.. I still have Patagonia’s original trail running jacket from the 1980’s. It follows a similar design with a somewhat windproof outer shell and a light fuzzy inner lining. I am away from NH where it is and will update with a pic when I get home.
Tester Profile
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:43 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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