The Patagonia Nano Puff and Micro Puff jackets, hooded jackets and vests have been staples in Patagonia's insulated apparel line for years - and for good reason. Both are lightweight, windproof, and easily packable layers that offer surprisingly good warmth for their minimalist feel. And because they both use synthetic insulation, they don't lose their insulating properties when wet (unlike down insulation).
Yes, the Nano Puff and Micro Puff have a lot in common. But it's their differences that will determine which is the better purchase for your needs.
Some background: We own the recent hooded versions of both jackets as well as the vest versions, and we've worn all of them extensively year-round.
Here's how Patagonia compares the two, and we've included the Nano-Air as well, which is absolutely worth considering for high-output activities: https://www.patagonia.com/compare/micro-puff/nano-puff/nano-air
REI often has last year's Nano Puff colorways on clearance, with savings up of to 30% on MSRP
Side-by-side comparison
MSRP | $279 | $239 |
Insulation | 65g PlumaFill recycled synthetic insulation | 60g PrimaLoft Gold Eco recycled synthetic insulation |
Warmth value (1-100) | 29 | 26 |
Warm when wet | Yes | Yes |
Weight | 295g (10.4oz) | 337g (11.9oz) |
Outer | 10-denier recycled nylon ripstop | 20-denier recycled polyster ripstop |
Waterproof | No | No |
Windproof | Yes | Yes |
DWR finish | Yes | Yes |
Packable | Yes | Yes |
Pockets | 2 zippered handwarmer pockets (left pocket serves as stuffsack); 2 internal drop-in pockets | 2 zippered handwarmer pockets; 1 internal zippered chest pocket (doubles as stuffsack) |
Hem adjustment | Yes | Yes |
Hooded version | Yes | Yes |
Vest version | Yes | Yes |
Women's version | Yes | Yes |
Compare costs and availability |
Summary
- The warmth of the Nano Puff and Micro Puff are very comparable. In fact, we'll go as far as to say there's likely no noticeable difference to the average user. But when we dive into the details, we think the Nano Puff is ever-so-slightly slightly warmer (we explain why below).
- The 20-denier face fabric of the Nano Puff is burlier, which makes it more durable and abrasion resistant. The 10-denier face fabric of the Micro Puff is smoother, which makes it slightly more comfortable to wear and offers a bit more stretch.
- Largely because of its lighter nylon face fabric, the Micro Puff is a bit more breathable than the Nano Puff.
- Both are regular fit and true to size for Patagonia jackets. However, we have found the Micro Puff to fit slightly looser and run about an inch longer than the Nano Puff.
- Both jackets have two zippered handwarmer pockets. The Micro Puff also has two internal drop-in pockets; the Nano Puff has a single internal zippered chest pocket.
- Packed sizes are the same. But the tiny zipper pulls on the Nano Puff are a bit less convenient for stuffing and unstuffing, especially with gloves on. The Nano Puff stuffs into its internal zippered chest pocket, whereas the Micro Puff stuffs into its left handwarmer pocket.
If you're interested in a comparison of the Nano Puff vs. Nano Air, our review is here: https://outdoorcrunch.com/nano-air-vs-nano-puff/
Why you should get the Nano Puff
- Weight savings aren't a deal-breaker for you
- You like the additional abrasion resistance offered by the 20d face fabric of the Nano Puff, and the fact it will help keep you a little warmer (even at the expense of a bit of breathability)
- A zippered internal chest pocket is important
- You like both the Nano Puff and the Micro Puff, but you like the idea of saving $40 even more
Why you should get the Micro Puff
- You want an ultralight insulated layer, and the 1.5-ounce (42 grams) weight savings offered by the Micro Puff is worth it
- High-output activities are part of your routine, and the bit of added breathability from the lighter 10d face fabric will come in handy
- You value the extra space to stash gear and accessories provided by the two internal drop-in pockets
Just for kicks, here's a fascinating article from Patagonia on the making of the Micro Puff
Links:
- Nano Puff:
- Men's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Men's Hoody on rei.com
- Women's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Women's Hoody on rei.com
- Men's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Men's Jacket on rei.com
- Women's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Women's Jacket on rei.com
- Micro Puff:
- Men's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Men's Hoody on backcountry.com
- Men's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Men's Jacket on backcountry.com
- Women's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Women's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Women's Jacket on backcountry.com
Overview
Here's how these differences play out in practice:
- If you're not planning to perform any high-output activities whatsoever with these jackets ...
Then we'd get the Micro Puff. If you're almost always going to be using the jacket in dry areas, then maybe also consider the Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's - read how it compares to Nano & Micro Puff).
- If you're planning to perform high-output activities less than, say, once every two weeks with these jackets ...
Then you're safe with either one. If abrasion resistance is more important to you (lots of bouldering, climbing, backpacking, etc.), get the Nano Puff because of its burlier face fabric.
At the end of the day, both the Micro Puff and Nano Puff offer only mediocre breathability. But once every two weeks shouldn't pose much of a concern.
- If you're planning to perform high-output activities more than once every two weeks with these jackets ...
Then forget about them because neither would cut it. Instead, I recommend a DAS Light Hoody (Men's - Women's) or a Nano Air (Men's - Women's) instead.
Warmth
Their warmth is comparable: 65 grams of PlumaFill recycled synthetic insulation in the Micro Puff and 60 grams of PrimaLoft Gold recycled synthetic insulation in the Nano Puff roughly add up to same range.
The warmth the insulators in these jackets (PlumaFill for the Micro Puff and PrimaLoft Gold for the Nano Puff) provide is measured by a parameter called CLO. Check out the CLO values of PlumaFill and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco in this article.
Pound for pound, it's approximately equivalent to 0.85 and 0.92, respectively. Or in other words, 550 fill-power down and 600 fill-power down.
Although the Nano Puff comes with a higher CLO value, it's equipped with less insulation (65 vs 60 grams), which is another primary factor that determines the ultimate warmth of a garment.
As explained in this Working Principles of Insulated Jackets guide, the warmth the insulation will provide is estimated by multiplying the corresponding fill power (FP) with the amount (weight) of insulation.
- Nano Puff: 60g x 600 FP = 36,000
- Micro Puff: 65g x 550 FP = 35,750
The difference is less than 0.7% - basically non-existent. This means that besides the insulation itself, other factors that impact the end warmth of a jacket such as center back length, seams and face fabrics become decisive.
In the end, the Nano Puff generally feels a bit warmer than the Micro Puff because of its burlier face fabric.
Weather & Abrasion Resistance
The Nano Puff is slightly superior to the Micro Puff in terms of abrasion resistance (e.g. durability) because of its 20-denier polyester ripstop face fabric. The jackets are the same in terms of water and wind resistance. Neither is waterproof; both have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to help shed light amounts of moisture. Both the Nano Puff and Micro Puff are considered windproof.
You can feel the difference in the face fabrics just by touching the surfaces of both jackets. The Nano Puff is noticeably burlier. That might be a double edged sword though, because it's generally less comfortable as compared to the Micro Puff.
Pocket dimensions
In addition to the two zippered handwarmer pockets (identical dimensions in both jackets: 10.6 in (or 27 cm) x 6.7 in (or 17 cm) for each pocket), the Micro Puff offers two internal dump, or drop-in, pockets (11 in (or 28 cm) height x 6.3 in (or 16 cm) width. The Nano Puff offers an internal zippered chest pocket (9.9 in (or 25 cm) x 7.1 in (or 18 cm)).
If you're like me and don't have anything against dump pockets (e.g. you don't necessarily need zippers in your internal pockets), then this is a plus. You get more storage. I love the dump pockets in my Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (read review) and Proton Heavyweight (read review).
One thing I particularly find helpful with dump pockets is that when you have too many things to bring with you, there are no zippers limiting you.
Packability
A quick recap here: If you don't know how or where to stuff a Patagonia puffy, look for the pocket that has zippers on each side (see image). That's the pocket the jacket is stuffed into.
The zipper in the inside (the "hidden" zipper) is the zipper that is pulled when the stuffing is complete.
When packed, both the Micro Puff and Nano Puff offer a reinforced loop (see packed sizes image).
Links:
- Nano Puff:
- Men's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Men's Hoody on rei.com
- Women's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Women's Hoody on rei.com
- Men's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Men's Jacket on rei.com
- Women's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Women's Jacket on rei.com
- Micro Puff:
- Men's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Men's Hoody on backcountry.com
- Men's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Men's Jacket on backcountry.com
- Women's Hoody on patagonia.com
- Women's Jacket on patagonia.com
- Women's Jacket on backcountry.com
Read more at:
- Working principles of insulated jackets: https://outdoorcrunch.com/jackets/
- CLO Values: https://outdoorcrunch.com/clo-values/
- Best Patagonia jackets: https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-patagonia-jackets/
Historical revisions
For Fall 2022 - Winter 2023 season, the Micro Puff was updated.
The main highlight was in the number of internal drop-in pockets, which has been increased from 1 to 2.
Chat screenshots
These kinda got old but can still be helpful.
- Poll results: Giant Arc'teryx & Patagoina survey (Gore-Tex, pockets, hoods, fit, & more) [1000+ participated]
- Pics from outrageous discounts I ran into at Arc'teryx Parndorf Outlet
- I bought Gamma Lightweight (aka SL), Gamma (aka LT) and Gamma MX
- Patera Parka (one year update): Ain't worth the price...
- Alpha vs Beta: I bought all 4 Beta's and both Alpha's. Settling this for good
- Proton Hybrid: A "hidden" way to stuff it in itself!?
- Best Insulated Jackets: A hands-on Arc'teryx & Patagonia face-off
- 2024 Nano Air is in! Bought it immediately...
- I bought all 7 of Winter '24 Atom and Proton jackets
- Best Arc'teryx Ski Jackets: Rush is ideal, Sabre SV is overkill
- Arc’teryx colors: Most and least liked (poll results)
- Took my Nuclei SV to the Alps near Pfander, Austria
- Arc'teryx Alpha Parka Review: The most impressive jacket of all time
- Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
- Beta Insulated Jacket is in: Pit zips AND two way zipper
- DropHood vs StormHood: Pros/cons and best uses
- 7 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
Check out our other content on jackets:
Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets
Start here:
Also see:
Karrington E Mohr says
This was an incredibly helpful article that thoroughly answered every single one of my questions. Thank you so much for this!
Canberk Koksal says
Glad to hear it was helpful for you Karrington 🙂
Phil says
Best comparison of two similar clothing products I have seen. Great job! Just found your page and bookmarked it for future use. Thanks for all the work.
Canberk says
Thanks a lot for the kind words, and glad you found it helpful Phil!
I’d really appreciate if you could spread the word when you have the chance 🙂
Peter says
Hi, very good article. I am very interested on the topic of long term insulation durability which I believe you didn’t cover. Do you have any idea/understanding which of the two jackets, basically which of the two insulations, can be compressed and decompressed more times while retaining a given level of warmth? My experience with the Nano puff regarding this aspect has been terrible. Is the Plumafill better on this than Primaloft Gold Insulation Eco? Thanks!
Danny says
I don’t know. Style wise, I kinda like the Micro a little bit more. Looks more rugged or something like that. Just my taste I guess. They’re both good looking.
Steve says
There is one other metric where the Nano outperforms the Micro: breathability or MVTR. From my lab measurements, vapor transmission is 39% better for the Nano. This is a good reason to prefer the Nano over the Micro. I agree with everything else you have written. The clo or thermal resistance of the two is so close one will never notice the difference but the Micro is slightly warmer (10%). Air permeability for the Nano is 1.2 CFM/ft2, compared with 2.7 CFM/Ft2 for the Micro. Again, insignificant.
Nick says
I have a question. I notice you don’t put the Jackson glacier parka only the jacket, which would you recommend the City Storm parka or the Jackson Glacier parka for warmth