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I have a Marmot DriClime Jacket that has served me well as a warm weather jacket (when static) or a cold weather jacket (when active). I have also used it as a cold weather mid-layer (when static); though this is where it falls short. I am considering getting a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, but wondering if this would be too similar to the DriClime. I know they are fairly different jackets, but from what I've read, the Nano Puff seems well suited for the same criteria I've stated above for the DriClime. However, I would think the Nano might be warmer and therefore a better mid-layer when static. Anyone own both and see a significant difference? Thanks.

I have a Marmot DriClime Windshirt and it is one of my most versatile pieces. I also have a Patagonia Micropuff which I believe has been replaced by the Nanopuff in Patagonia's line. I don't see these two as being analagous pieces of clothing. I most often bring both pieces on alpine climbs and backcountry and ski mountaineering.

I use the windshirt for the same functions you mention: throw it on when I get cold standing around or as an outer layer in cold conditions when moving. The Micropuff/Nanopuff functions as a belay jacket. I wear it over everything (including my shell layer) when stopped at belays or when climbing in very cold/windy/stormy conditions. The Micropuff/Nanopuff are significantly warmer than the DriClime. Only in warmer weather the DriClime comes with me my sole outer layer and only then on day climbs. My suggestion is buy the hooded Nanopuff for use as a belay parka.

I have owned both pieces, and essentially agree with exitableboy. My only caveat is that the nano is NOT as warm as the micropuff, and therefore serves less well as a 'belay jacket' as the micropuff (or down, or DAS, etc) will. It is, however, light as shit, which makes it very appealing. The nano is very windproof, but not as breathable as your driclime, so as a midlayer I think it really would best function only when static. Do you have a 'puff coat' that you carry as well? If so, the nano may be reduntant, or more useful than your 'puff coat' only if the weather ain't too cold. Hope that helps. I found the nano to be a superb little piece of work, but I tried to use it as a replacement for a warmer puff coat and found that didn't work. So I now use the driclime with a light but warmer down jacket (Western Mountaineering Flash Hooded- lighter than the nano, more compressable, and MUCH warmer).

Hope that was at least a little helpful!

Yeah, I actually have the hooded Micro Puff that I use as my belay parka and I love it. The Nano Puff is a bit lighter than the Micro Puff (60-g vs 100-g Primaloft) You're right, it looks like the Micro Puff is no longer on Patagonia's website.

As a side note, I recently bought a new Driclime Catalyst Jacket since I loved my old one (2007/2008) and I had a gift card that needed spending. After trying it out, I decided to return it. Basically the jacket just wasn't warm enough. The new stretch panels, though nice and stretchy, were not very wind proof, and in general the jacket just felt cold against my skin/baselayer. Not sure if the new recyclable material is to blame or the stretch panels or both. I threw on my old DriClime for comparison and noticed it was significantly warmer. The new model could be nice for high aerobic activities, but that's not what I was looking for. Hence, I was thinking of exchanging it for a Nano Puff.

gregor ..

the dri clime isnt really supposed to be warm

its supposed to wick away moisture from your body while providing some wind and light rain protection ... ie an active layer

the trick is to put a puffy over it when stopped ... or put a something like a light puffy, fleece, or some other mid layer over it when moving if you are too cold to move with it on only

you want to keep cool when moving ...

bearbreeder wrote:gregor ..

the dri clime isnt really supposed to be warm

its supposed to wick away moisture from your body while providing some wind and light rain protection ... ie an active layer

the trick is to put a puffy over it when stopped ... or put a something like a light puffy, fleece, or some other mid layer over it when moving if you are too cold to move with it on only

you want to keep cool when moving ...

+1
I second what Bear says. Sure, I've used my Driclme for some warmth, during the right conditions, but those conditions are usually moderate, ie, bit of wind, and/or light rain. Great for hiking when not too cold, as well as for biking, as it breathes and wicks pretty well. But, I've never really looked at it nor compared to a midweight puffy or fleece. Decent, yeah, and great for what it is; one of my favorite pieces, but, not really a very warm layer.

Hi, I have both the Patagonia Micro Puff (hooded jacket) and a Marmot Catalyst Driclime jacket.

They are totally different pieces of clothing that can be combined for very cold conditions. I really like the Catalyst jacket. It works great as a hiking outer layer when moving if cool to cold (30-40F) and good enough for standing around in 40-50F windy weather (tested this at the top of Pikes Peak with just a t-shirt under).

The Micro Puff is good down to 0F easy with a Capilene 3 and 200wt fleece under. Might be a tad too warm to hike/climb steep grades unless its close to 0F but I was comfy in low angle stuff with temps around 20F (but very windy). It stops the wind but doesnt breathe as much so its best to use with a light baselayer and midlayer to wick sweat when working.

The Micro Puff is available, on sale, in certain size color combinations http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/pat ... 3974-1-384