Patagonia  Nano-Air Light Hybrid Insulated Jacket - Men's

I purchased this after a review in Men's Journal (think it was from there) declaring it would be the best jacket ever. That review was spot on! This is super-light, fits great with elastic and stretch material where needed, keeps the wind out but will vent when necessary as you increase activity. Barely feels like I have anything on compared to the fleeces I've worn. I don't normally spend this much on articles of clothing but this if it holds up, will be worth it!

On cold mornings of backpacking I would wear a fleece as I warmed up, but the wind would just cut through it and chill me to the bone. This jacket has replaced my fleece by solving that problem, it provides warmth all around and the front does a great job of blocking wind, while the back has some breathability which is great to have when backpacking. I was hesitant on purchasing this due to the price, but I've really gotten a lot of use out of this jacket where it is worth it.

This jacket is awesome. The breathability is much better than the traditional Nano Air. It is great for high aerobic activity. For me, that is hiking the national and state parks. This jacket also makes a great piece to layer underneath another insulating piece, like the Proton AR and it goes well under a shell, like the Beta AR. It is as warm as a lightweight fleece and it is lighter, so it travels easier. The Nano Air Light Hybrid is definitely a part of my kit for Acadia National Park in October. I'll provide an update then.

I typically run hot when active and cold when stopped. The original nano air was too warm for me while active. I have also owned a 40 gram primaloft gold jacket with fleece side panels (ala Atom LT) and found it didn't breath well enough on the back panel when active. The nano air light is a great piece for me in that it's a medium boost of insulation when worn over other layers, or much warmer under a wind breaker. Since I typically am wearing a pack less insulation on the back is appreciated. I consider it to be a much more versatile fleece (can't get much out of a fleece over a windshirt). Some examples of use: *Ice climbing WI4-5 pitches with a thin t shirt and grid fleece around -10 to -5F. Used a thin windshirt over the top during windy approach and on easier approach pitches. *Ski touring with no base layer at 27-30 degrees. Just to test breathability. Would sweat a bit in the front with zip down. Threw a hard shell over the top only and the whole jacket was dry and warm to the skin by the base of the run. *Hiking and cragging in 40-50 degrees. It offers a boost of warmth on the flatter portions of approaches, if it's a steep uphill I would still strip down to a t-shirt. While climbing moderate rock with cooler temps and some light wind I left the nano on, did not overheat climbing and was just comfy while belaying. I see myself bringing this along for alpine climbing in the summer. On the descent of routes I think it will be a perfect boost of warmth over a windshirt. Since I can pull it on and off quickly it's much more versatile than taking a windshirt on/off to get a fleece underneath. My only gripe about the piece may be specific to my build, but it's shared with a lot of climbers. I have relatively low body fat and "popeye" forearms, lots of veins close to the skin. My elbows and underarms have been cold when I wear just the nano light or have it over a windshirt. I wish they would have the waffle fabric cover the back, sides, and armpits only. I could use a little bit more warmth under the forearms. Minor gripe.

light, well tailored slim fit, perfect weight. My favorite everyday jacket.

I think this is great concept, material and cut and I really want it to work for me; unfortunately sizing just off. Im a standard large, no issues, for the other dozen patagonia jackets I have. For whatever reason the large for this one is a little too tight and is too short. The XL is just too long, even though Inseam says its the same as the large. I am standard biuld, 6'1", 200 pounds.

Great mid-layer when skiing in frigid weather. Skiing in 6 degrees Fahrenheit and felt great.

I've only been able to wear this a few times on a long weekend up into the mountains, but I can easily tell this will become my new favorite jacket. It's amazingly comfortable, lightweight, highly-breathable and it looks great. Highly recommend.