This stretchy Patagonia jacket, a rare 50% off, beats the iconic Nano Puff
I first put on a Patagonia jacket over a decade ago. It was the iconic Better Sweater, with my employer's logo embroidered on the chest. Very "man in finance" (No, I'm not 6'5", but I do have blue eyes). I liked it, but at heart, I was still devoted to The North Face. That changed when I went on a trip to Antarctica. Disheartened by my last few North Face jackets, I decided to outfit myself in Patagonia gear, including what has since become my all-time favorite jacket: the Nano-Air Hoody, which is up to 50% off right now.
Much like most quality outdoor gear, this jacket normally commands a premium. But thanks to end-of-season sales at Patagonia, REI and a handful of other retailers, it and a few of its variants are up to 50% off. If you want to invest in a quality piece without quite as much sticker shock, this is a compelling deal.
The Patagonia Nano-Air is a synthetic mid-layer jacket with active insulation. Unlike the brand's iconic Nano Puff, it's incredibly breathable, meaning you won't overheat when moving and won't feel sweaty when you stop to take a rest. The stretchy fabric is soft, making it way more comfortable for activities like hiking, climbing or skiing. Don't get me wrong: the Nano Puff is great, but it feels more like a traditional down puffer — great for warmth but, compared to the Nano-Air, nowhere near as versatile when you're on the move.
If that's not enough, the outer material (made from 100% recycled polyester) features a durable water-repellent finish, so that light drizzle? It can handle it with no problem. (Don't expect it to fend off downpours or gusts of wind though.) For that, you'll want a shell, which the Nano-Air will fit comfortably underneath.
I've worn my Nano-Air every day this past week — and have already thrown it on today for my mid-day walk — including while hitting the slopes when it was a bone-chilling 5°F (though I have to admit that was the lower range of this jacket's effectiveness).
Clearly, I'm a fan, but so are plenty of other outdoorsy souls.
"I upgraded from a previous version and I am really happy with my purchase," said an REI shopper. "I prefer the quilted look as opposed to puffer jackets. It is light and blocks the wind well. Keeps me warm and dry when I'm out shoveling snow."
Another REI shopper raved about everything from the fit to the pockets. "Couldn't be more pleased with this versatile jacket. Lightweight, warm and comfortable, this unit checks off some important boxes. Built for motion, the generous shoulders and sleeves allow the jacket to stay in place while active. Its breathability is exceptional, controlling overheating during strenuous exertion. When weather has gotten spicy it has made for an excellent layer under a shell. The hood slips easily on and off regardless of headwear. Excellent zippered outer pockets, two big hand warmers and two breast pockets."
A final REI fan praised how well the Nano-Air breathes when you're moving (or walking). "This is the best low loft jacket that I have ever owned! It dumps heat to reduce the swamp factor of perspiring while you are active and is a great thermal layer when at rest. I have three of these jackets and wear them religiously! Highly recommend if you are the active outdoors type! Fit is athletic and true to size."
When it comes to negatives, a few customers didn't like the fit. "The size medium in the new version seems more like the size large in the older version, it's not a subtle difference," cautioned a Patagonia customer.
Another Patagonia shopper echoed the fit comments. "I tried to size down to small, which almost worked — the fit of the small was much better, but the bottom hem was too tight for me. I understand there are a variety of customers and it's impossible to please everyone, but I hope they go back to an active/slim fit in this piece."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Los Angeles Times
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CNET
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- CNET
iPhone 17 Rumors: Latest News and Leaks
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
REI Has Unbeatable Father's Day Gifts Starting at $4—Shop the 40 Best Picks From Vuori, Patagonia, and More
Father's Day is just weeks away, and if you're struggling to find the perfect gift for your dad or father figure, REI is a great place to start. As usual, the site is well stocked with travel gear and outdoor essentials at any price point, so whether you're shopping on a budget or in a position to splurge, rest assured, there's something for everyone. In need of a little inspiration? As someone with a notoriously hard-to-shop-for dad, I've done the digging for you, scouring the depths of REI to uncover the 40 best gifts worth snagging for your loved one. Here, you'll find a wide array of options across price points, with standout picks under $100, $50, $25, and even $10. I won't divulge which ones I'm getting for my dad (that's for him to find out!), but with prices starting at just $4, you'll have no trouble finding something that suits your dad's interests. Brands like Vuori, Merrell, and Patagonia all have plenty of gear for $100 and under that your outdoorsy dad will love, whether he needs a fresh pair of hiking boots or a few trail-ready essentials. At $68, the Vuori Men's Kore Shorts are sure to be a hit for both vacation wear and everyday adventures, and they'll pair perfectly with the $55 Patagonia Men's Capilene Cool Daily Graphic T-shirt, which is super soft and made for travel. Looking for something more functional? You can't go wrong with the $65 Osprey Daylite Pack—it's just the right size for trail days and sightseeing excursions alike. 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Birkenstock Men's Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals, $50 Cotopaxi Cubos Del Dia Packing Cubes Set of 3, $50 Sherpani Rio Passport Wallet, $40 Osprey Transporter Powerhouse Travel Pouch, $30 (originally $45) Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveler Pillow, $50 Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid, $35 Thule Subterra Powershuttle, $32 Cocoon Ultralight AirCore Pack Pillow, $35 Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Phone Pouch, $35 CTR Boonie Hat, $25 (originally $32) REI is bursting with affordable gifts under $25 for your favorite traveler, and from organizational hacks to comfort essentials, these are the travel must-haves he wouldn't buy for himself but will be happy to have. The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Waist Pack is a handy accessory for sightseeing and long travel days, and at $23, it leaves wiggle room in your budget to snag him something else on the list. The Matador Blackout Sleep Mask and Earplugs will help him actually get some rest on his next long-haul flight—plus, they pack away neatly when not in use. Even the ultra-handy Swiss Army Classic Knife clocks in at just $24 and makes for a timeless, practical gift. Osprey Ultralight Stuff Waist Pack, $23 (originally $30) Matador Blackout Sleep Mask and Earplugs, $25 Osprey Luggage Customization Kit, $23 (originally $30) Chums Bandit Bi-fold Wallet, $17 Gerber Driver Keychain Tool, $16 Nite Ize Hitch Phone Anchor + Tether, $15 Hydroflask Outdoor Tumbler, $25 Matador Pill Canister, $20 Chrome Kadet Organizer, $25 Swiss Army Classic Knife, $24 If you're shopping on a budget for Father's Day this year, REI's under-$10 travel essentials are nothing to turn your nose up at. Cautious travelers will relish the Sherpani RFID Credit Card Sleeve Set, which keeps cards and IDs safe from digital theft, but if you're shopping for a boat-loving dad, don't overlook the Sea to Summit Dry Bag Sling—it's a steal at just $10. Even the smallest, most easily overlooked items can make for surprisingly great gifts: the Humangear GoTubb Small Containers, for example, are excellent for organizing toiletries and just $9. Sherpani RFID Credit Card Sleeve Set, $7 Sea to Summit Dry Bag Sling, $10 The Landmark Project Keychain, $8 Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes, $10 Matador BetaLock Accessory Cable, $10 Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Laundry Wash, $6 Natrapel Lemon Eucalypus Pump Spray Insect Repellent, $9 Humangear GoTubb Small Containers, $9 Cinch-a-lot Stretch Strap, $7 Nite Ize S-biner SlideLock Stainless Steel Dual Carabiner, $4 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
