Nano Air (2024) vs Nano Puff: I’ve got both (temp ratings & more)

I own both jackets. 

They're both great jackets as long as you use them in accordance with their best uses, which are quite different. 

If you're trying to decide which Patagonia jacket to get, start with our Best Patagonia Jackets article.

Overview

I like and wear Nano Air more. But that's because I do lots of sports. 

Nano Puff is more of a casual piece. It doesn't breath that much. It feels somewhat tougher. It's like a nylon shell. 

Nano Air, on the other hand, is an active wear item. It's more technical. 

Much more breathable than the Nano Puff and also feels more stretchy, comfy and smooth. 

• Air is MUCH MORE breathable and a little more versatile & easier to layer
• Puff is more wind resistant and a little more water resistant & durable

Their warmth are comparable. 

Warmth

FullRange is used in very few items. Nano Air and Nano Air Light Hybrid are the only two jackets equipped with it. Kinda makes me feel special, lol. 

It's more of a breathable insulator. 

PrimaLoft Gold of Nano Puff is less breathable. That's why it's used in DAS, which is a belay jacket that offers literally zero breathability. 

Breathability

Neither one of these jackets offer truly mechanical venting (mesh panels or two way zipper). So you're left with air permeable face fabrics. 

Nano Air absolutely destroys the Nano Puff in this regard. I'd never think about getting a Nano Puff when I'm going to go cycling or running. Or anything active for that matter. 

Fit

Nano Puff fits a bit looser. But the difference is small. 

Nano Air offers long sleeves. A bit too long for my taste. The reason they do this is because since Nano Air is for high output activities, it's supposed to cover your arms when your arms are up. Otherwise they would be prone to sliding down. 

• Fit

Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines. 

• Arc'teryx's 2024 men's fit revision

Here's what Arc'teryx says about its most recent fit revision: 

Source: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/help/sizing/mens/tops/new

Not all jackets come with the revised fit - only the ones with following statement: 

Weather resistance

Nano Puff is better in this regard. 

Nano Puff beads the water more effectively. It slips better on its nylon surface. The Nano Air tends to soak it more. But the difference isn't big and is only evident when you're stuck under the rain for a long time. 

Nano Puff also better resists against abrasion and wind. 

Packed sizes

Packed sizes:

It's easier to pack the Nano Air. Because Nano Puff's zipper pulls are small. 

Both are packed into the external zippered chest pocket. That's why they have two zippers there: one internal and one external. 

Cuffs

I'm not a huge fan of Nano Air's cuffs. They're not as tight as I like. That's more of a personal preference though. 

Hoods

Both come with standard hoods. 

Alternatives

Nano Air's alternative is Nano Air Light Hybrid. 

Nano Puff's alternative is Micro Puff. 

FullRange vs PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco

FullRange insulator (takes place 60 grams inside the Nano-Air) is intended to make the insulator both breathable and fairly warm & water resistant. 

It's a lightweight synthetic insulation (40% recycled) with an innovative combination of stretch and breathability, allowing it to be functional across a "full range" of conditions - e.g during the activities that requires a lot of physical movement. It maintains 96% of its warmth when wet. 

PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco insulator (which, by the way, Nano Puff is equipped with 60 grams of) is intended to make the insulator highly weather resistant by sacrificing breathability a lot. 

It's equipped with more thermally efficient 100% polyester (55% postconsumer recycled) insulation that is hydrophobic, highly compressible and maintains 96% of its warmth when wet. 

90% of the differences between these jackets caused by using different insulators and overall structure. 

60 grams of Air's Full Range is going to be much more breathable, whereas 60 grams of Puff's Primaloft is going to be much more wind resistant and a little warmer & more water resistant. 

If you're going to be physically active, absolutely get the Nano-Air. For a stationary use, absolutely get the Nano Puff. 

My chat with Patagonia rep

I talked to the Patagonia Customer Service myself for this before I made any purchases.