Product Testing: Paddling and Camping in the New Nano
We test our gear on avariety of levels. Our athletes and ambassadors are responsible for putting thelatest designs and fabrics through the paces before we'll add a new product toour lineup. But just because something reaches our shelves doesn't mean testingis over. Once a new item shows up in our catalogs, our Customer Service staffgets busy ground-truthing the latest offerings. They know the questions ourcustomers will be asking, and turn that attention to our gear.
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Product Report: 
Tested by: Peter H., Patagonia Customer Service and resident gear tech-spert
I went on a trip with Mary out to the Salida/ BuenaVista area last week for some kayaking fun and a chance to breath before the Augustsale. Weather was low 50s to mid 70's so really a great temp but we did have rain andthunderstorms most days. Not ideal weather maybe but great for product testing.
I took a few items, some old and some new to play withand 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 withthe pit zips and all I was able to stay pretty comfortable, though it may be time to Nikwax it as theshoulders 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 fleeceonce while waiting for the sun to crest the hill. I would say the Nano is great for sitting around to the low 50's andshould work with minimal layering down into the mid 40's withjust a little activity. Certainlyit 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 shirtand held up well and was super comfortable. Gi II Pants are my standard camp pants as they dry fast and clean upwell from 
camp spills. I took a few Capilene 1 tops to paddle in as I really like them under my dry tops. Ihave been using the Cap 1 Crew under my "shorty" to keep the sun offof 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.]