Back a couple weeks, Oklahoma had some record breaking winter calamity. We saw the coldest temperature in Oklahoma history (-31) with record breaking snowfall in a 24 hour period (24″). For a southern mid-west state, that’s about as brutal as it can get. Being a Minnesota native, it wasn’t a big deal for me; however I was fortunate to have our pals at Patagonia hook us up with one of their Nano Puff Vests to layer myself with. Shoveling wasn’t an issue and getting in and out of the weather was livable because my core was warm, so was the rest of me.

Patagonia’s Nano Puff® Vest is windproof, warm, lightweight and highly compressible for easy stowing or packing. It can be worn as a warm layer in cold conditions or as a wind protection layer during high-output activities.

Most familiar with Patagonia know of their commitment to the environment. Patagonia recycles used soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments into polyester fibers to produce many of their clothes such as the Nano. It’s a part of their Common Threads Recycling Program. Patagonia’s proprietary durable water repellent fabric finish, Deluge DWR, lasts substantially longer than standard DWRs. Garments with the Deluge DWR finish have like-new repellency after years of hard use.

Official Deets:

  • Ultralight ripstop recycled polyester shell fabric treated with a Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finish
  • Lightweight 60-g PrimaLoft One polyester insulation provides excellent warmth and compressibility
  • Stuffs into a zippered, secure internal left chest pocket that has a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop
  • Two zippered hand pockets
  • Drawcord hem
  • Shell and lining: 1-oz 15-denier 100% recycled polyester with a Deluge® DWR finish. Insulation: 60-g PrimaLoft® One polyester. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
  • 243 g (8.6 oz)
  • Made in Vietnam.

My Thoughts: The Nano Puff Vest retails for $129.00. With the quality and environmental impact reduction, as well as Patagonia’s great track record in stuff that just lasts, I say grab one. I truly am enjoying mine.