Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket vs Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket

The Nano Puff is the better pick for wet, cold, active days: synthetic PrimaLoft keeps some warmth when damp and the recycled ripstop shell handles abrasion well. The Fuego is warmer for its weight thanks to 800-fill down and packs smaller, but down loses loft when wet and needs more care. Owners of both praise the fit and packability; the Nano Puff is the more durable everyday layer, the Fuego the warmer, lighter one for dry cold.

• Choose the Patagonia Nano Puff if you want a synthetic layer that stays warm when damp, shrugs off abrasion, and works as a belay or ski-tour jacket.
• Choose the Cotopaxi Fuego if you want more warmth per ounce, a hood, and a jacket that stuffs into its own pocket for dry cold trips.