July/August 2025

Read more from

July/August 2025

Price:

$600

Our Rating:

220g (m) 200g (w)

Overview 

This jacket is super light and slim fitting for agility. It is filled with 850 fill-power ExpeDRY down paired with synthetic PrimaLoft Gold in high moisture areas. The recycled Pertex Quantum 10D ripstop outer fabric is PFC-free and DWR treated. Additional water repellency comes from gold particles bonded to the down, which accelerate evaporation. It has two large hand pockets, elasticated cuffs and hem, and a hood. A stuff sack is included.

Performance

Although this jacket has a lean 60g of down fill, its close-fitting hood and air-trapping fit maximise warmth. It packs such effective insulation and windproofing for its scant 220g that it quickly became the jacket I reached for on fast and light days in the hills as well as for cold morning walks. Overall, it’s best suited to gram-conscious mild-weather trips, alpine rock climbing, bikepacking and mountain running, but care should be taken with the light outer fabric. Mobility is very good, and the form-fitting shape negates the need for hood or hem adjustment, which saves weight. The slim profile also means it fits well under a shell jacket. Its water resistance was proven when it dried quickly after I doused the jacket with water to wash off blood following a climbing injury.  

What we liked: Very light and packable, excellent mobility, slim fit for layering under a shell.

Limitations: Limited warmth for the price, delicacy of 10D outer fabric and zip. 

Best for: High-paced or weight-conscious activity in the warmer months

Why buy the Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie? 

Gram-counters looking for packable insulation and just-in-case warmth will love this comfortable, performance-oriented jacket, but it’s not cheap. 

Mark Watson

About the author

Mark Watson

Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.

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