UKC

Ideal for a wide array of activities, seasons and conditions, this ultralight and highly breathable insulated layer takes packability and versatility to new levels, write Penny Orr and Rob Greenwood.

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I've got one (standard weight) from about 6-7 years ago too. It's very well made and very comfortable but it tends to get more casual than active/hill use as I find it has quite niche set of conditions were it works well. If it's cold and windy it tends to need a shell over it and (unless it's Baltic is) is too warm, without a shell too much wind gets through, if it's milder it tends to be too warm and doesn't dry as fast as fleece. Great for moderate output in cold not too windy days though. 

Although this lightweight version looks much more versatile and easier to stash etc.

Whilst the write up makes a good read, £220? It's getting a bit silly.

I've just received back a repaired (new zip) 8 year old Patagonia jacket. Patagonia sent me a free postage label to send it off for repair and didn't charge for the repair or return postage.

I'm happy to give them my money when I need new gear - which probably won't be any time soon if they're willing to keep repairing my old stuff!

The other day we went camping in Eskdale. Years ago this would probably have cost £2-3 per person. We stayed on a farmer’s field which was pretty basic (ie it had some portaloos, but no showers) and it cost £10 per person. Fisherground, which is just up the road, is £20 per person and you have to pay an additional £5 for the privilege of parking your car there.

In short, stuff costs more than it used to; however, within the stuff that we buy there’s scope to spend more and spend less. Patagonia is a premium brand - hence costs more. The aftercare is amazing and I doubt that’s cheap for them to maintain. If you want to spend less you can.

Very much this . As far as I know , and I’m happy to be corrected, none of the premium brands offer anything like as good aftercare . Also I’ve no idea how many bits of Patagonia kit I’ve had over the years(  but it’s a lot ) and have only ever paid full price ( minus 10 % obvs ) a couple of times . Usually you can get stuff for 30% off retail in sales using that there  internet and often half price. My new Patagonia salopettes were half price , still spendy but add in they probably last 10 years ,,well worth it . I fancy one of these and will just wait until next year or one of the big stockists to have a sale.

. 

Patagonia repaired a failed seam on my fifteen year old jacket for free - hope fully now good for another fifteen years (assuming I am!)

Thermarest have also proved their value, to me.

Another dimension is ethical production, which you have to pay money for.

Even so, despite all the arguments, I can't help but wonder if a thin/medium woollen jumper would have comparable performance?

I have one of the original nano airs and while the colour has faded it's now doing duty as a winter midlyaer.  I doubt even 2 light woolen sweaters would offer comparable warmth, rapid drying and no sagging or itching

Still using a Nano Air Light hoodie I`ve had since at least 2018. Best piece of clothing I`ve ever owned.

Fleece is generally much more suited to hill/outdoor use in terms of durability, ease of care etc than wool

I provide my own sagging and itching nowadays! It's just a thought experiment: yes the nano and related items are fantastic products and tech, but are they 15 times better than the £15 lambswool M&S jumper you can buy on ebay? (which may have even better sustainability credentials, btw, if that matters)

At last! Someone else who thinks the price of some gear is ridiculous. It's not just me after all.

Si.

So, quite taken with the positivity of the reviews, and Patagonia's environmental rep and approach to repairs, I had a look at the Nano Air Ultralight on their website. The men's comes in three colours - Smolder Blue (which looks rather greyish but is ok), Wetland Blue (Teal?), and Pollinator Orange (coolio!); the womens' comes in the Smolder Blue and Abundant Blue (powder blue, it seems).

Disappointed that a) the men have more choice and b) we women don't get something nice and bright but instead are pushed a gender stereotyped colour.

Meh.

How does it compare to Patagonia Micropuff? Patagonia claim or used to claim that the Micropuff was the warmest for weight garment they had ever made.  

The nano-air ultralight is not meant to be a contender in the warmth/weight category.  

It's designed more for having a very broad range of comfort.  Breathable enough to not overheat when you're moving uphill, but with enough warmth and wind resistance that you can stay comfortable in moderate cold and wind.

It's aimed at activities where you're on the move.  It it gets really cold, you will need to throw something (like a Micropuff) on over it.