Lightweight efficient insulation is a key to any adventure in the California backcountry.  Whether it is the unpredictable weather in the Anza-Borrego Desert, or or the chilly evenings in the Sierra Nevadas, it is essential to have a way to keep warm.  Jackets do not come more efficient than the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover.

I received a Nano Puff several months ago, and it did not take long for it to become one of my utmost favorite insulation pieces.  I am a huge fan of down insulation,  but have become a fan of the thin, warm (even when wet) properties of the PrimaLoft One polyester insulation that fills the Nanpuff.  I was very skeptical at first look at this piece as it appeared much too thin to possibly provide any sort of warmth,  but I was sold after backpacking into Little Harbors on the western shore of Catalina, and using the Nano Puff to ward off the cold winds blowing off the vast Pacific Ocean. This jacket is almost magically warm for its bulk.

The Nano Puff was purposely designed to be a minimalist piece.  the front zipper only comes down half-length,  and the only pocket is the zippered chest pocket that also serves as it’s stuff sack.  the cuffs and hem are finished with a narrow strip of elastic, and do not have any adjusters (nor do they need it).  The cut is generous,  and the jacket almost feels like you have nothing extra on except for the additional warmth.  The “traffic cone” orange color of the jacket I was sent is interesting, but it does come in a range of other  less  (and more) conspicuous colors. the minimalist design gives the Nano Puff an average weight of 10.2 oz, although my XL sized piece hit the scales at 11.3 oz.

I am really jazzed about this jacket.  In a place like San Diego where you most often do not need a jacket,  but it is critical that you have one for the times when Mother Nature throws a curveball,  a light, minimalist, high performing piece is the ideal companion.  The Patagonia Nano Puff comes really close to being the perfect jacket for exploring Outside San Diego.