Product Testing - Paddling and Camping in the New Nano

We test our gear on a variety of levels. Our athletes and ambassadors are responsible for putting the latest designs and fabrics through the paces before we'll add a new product to our lineup. But just because something reaches our shelves doesn't mean testing is over. Once a new item shows up in our catalogs, our Customer Service staff gets busy ground-truthing the latest offerings. They know the questions our customers will be asking, and turn that attention to our gear.  

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Product Report: Nano Puff, Wool 2 T-shirt, Capilene 1, Gi II Pants

Activity: Paddling and camping in the Colorado Rockies 

Tested by: Peter H., Patagonia Customer Service and resident gear tech-spert

I went on a trip with Mary out to the Salida/ Buena Vista area last week for some kayaking fun and a chance to breath before the August sale. Weather was low 50s to mid 70's so really a great temp but we did have rain and thunderstorms most days. Not ideal weather maybe but great for product testing.

I took a few items, some old and some new to play with and test. The most useful pieces I had were an old Supercell/ Rainshadow Jacket, and the new Nano Puff. The Supercell is  

7 years old and still going strong and with the pit zips and all I was able to stay pretty comfortable, though it may be time to Nikwax it as the shoulders felt a little damp during one heavy rain. I wore the Nano both with the Supercell and by itself and think it is a great camp weight pullover. I was comfortable in a Wool 2 T-shirt (this item now available as the Merino 2 T-Shirt) and the Nano on most mornings and only had to throw on an additional fleece once while waiting for the sun to crest the hill. I would say the  Nano is great for sitting around to the low 50's and should work with minimal layering down into the mid 40's with just a little activity. Certainly it was not as warm as a Down Sweater but also less bulk.

I also took a Wool 2 T-shirt that was a great post- paddle shirt and held up well and was super comfortable. Gi II Pants are my standard camp pants as they dry fast and clean up well from  camp spills. I took a few Capilene 1 tops to paddle in as I really like them under my dry tops. I have been using the Cap 1 Crew under my "shorty" to keep the sun off of my arms to keep them from burning. I like them when paddling but they seem to seriously hold stink and they become pretty toxic after a few days.

[Pete taking advantage of the camp chill to enjoy the new Nano Puff. Bottom - A fine finish to a week of lovely - if not cool and wet - paddling in Colorado. Photo, Mary Osbourne.]