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Watch Out, Nano Puff: This Ultralight Jacket Is Taking Aim at Patagonia

You’ll never guess what Paka Apparel’s ultralight insulated jacket uses to keep you warm.

Person wearing a blue helmet, black quilted jacket, and digital watch adjusting red climbing gear outdoors with mountains in background.Paka

By Hayley Helms

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Launched in 2009 as a lightweight synthetic insulated layer designed for alpine environments, the Nano Puff has transcended its original intent to become a universally loved layering piece.

Explorers from frequent flyers to car campers know and love the Nano Puff, thanks to its streamlined design, packability and knack for staying warm in wet conditions. 

Man wearing a gray beanie, black puffer jacket, and tan pants holding hiking poles outdoors in a mountainous area.
With the Mayu, Paka set out to build the lightest ethical outerwear on the planet.
Paka

But like all icons, its place at the top of the ultralight, insulated podium is being challenged by a capable newcomer.

This time, it’s the brand-new Paka Mayu Ultralight Jacket.

Will this unique alternative be enough to unseat the Nano Puff after nearly two decades of dominance? 

More warmth, less bulk

At 9.2 ounces, the Mayu Ultralight Jacket is Paka’s lightest insulated outerwear ever — and nearly four ounces lighter than the Nano Puff.

The Mayu’s minimal weight is an obvious bonus, but what about the features that aren’t visible to the eye? There are improvements over the Nano Puff there, as well.

Two hikers wearing backpacks and jackets standing near a lake with rocky hills in the background.
The Mayu is designed to be versatile, packable and warm: exactly the qualities alpine environments demand.
Paka

The brand uses proprietary Pakafill insulation in the Mayu, which if you didn’t pick up from the name, is made from natural alpaca fiber.

Alpaca fiber has a pretty impressive list of benefits. It’s naturally thermoregulating, and at half the volume of down, it’s got one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratios on the market.

(The Mayu’s alpaca fiber comes in at an 1.6 thermal CLO value, tested by Intertek, for those interested.) Pakafill is warmer overall when compared to synthetic insulation.

Man wearing a black quilted zip-up jacket with a hood and brown pants.
Alpaca fiber has less volume than down, and stays warmer than synthetic — even when wet.
Paka

As a bonus, the fiber that Paka uses is completely traceable to a small farm in the Andes, so you know where your insulation is coming from.

Finally, Pakafill keeps you warm while wet, similar to synthetic insulation and unlike down, which can be life-threatening on the mountain if it gets damp.

Additional features

The water- and wind-resistant shell and lining are made with Downproof recycled nylon, which prevents fiber leaks and is made without any intentionally added PFAS.

The shell features an eco durable water repellant finish, one that gives it a soft feel unlike traditional DWR treatments.

Hands holding open the inside of a black quilted jacket showing a red zippered inner pocket.
The Mayu packs down into its interior chest pocket, so you can use it as a pillow if you’d like to travel light.
Paka

In terms of its design, there are a few additional upgrades the Mayu offers that you won’t find on the Nano Puff. The tall collar is designed to provide extra protection against the elements, while the set-in sleeves increase mobility.

Like the Nano Puff, the Mayu features an interior cinch system at the hem that traps body heat, as well as the ability to pack into its own pocket for easy transport (and to use as a pillow in a pinch.)

Availability and pricing

The Mayu has plenty to love over the Nano Puff, but does not cost less; while the Nano Puff retails for $229 on Patagonia’s website, the brand-new Mayu will cost you $249.

While the traceability of its materials, its mobility-centered construction and its higher warmth-to-weight ratio can justify the higher price tag, some customers may want to stick with what’s familiar (and cheaper.)

If you like the Paka but want something a little more streamlined and affordable, the brand also offers an ultralight vest for $189.

About the Author:

Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in all things outdoors. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie, and Shape. Whether it’s tuning us into the joys of hiking and camping, or rigorously testing head-to-toe outdoor apparel, she leaves no stone unturned (though she always Leaves No Trace).

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