Performance
On the subject of warmth, having a warm jacket was my first priority this winter. In the time leading up to the winter months in Kathmandu, I was really worried about how cold I would be after hearing everyone’s dramatic warnings of how there is no escape from the bitter cold. I started wearing the Nangpala just as it started to get chilly in December. What I soon learned was that it did not actually get that cold, at least compared to Northeast winters I grew up with, but there is no insulation or heating, and my cement home and office act similar to an ice box. The days could be around 45-50°F, but night after night of 30-35°F in my house was a bit brutal.
I pretty much ended up living in the Nangpala. I wore the jacket while typing at my computer at work, commuting on my bike, sleeping, and pretty much everything in between. And I am happy to report that the Nangpala provided a good deal of warmth for a mid-weight puffy. I see something like the Patagonia Nano Puff or Nano Air on the lighter side of insulated jackets, while the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Parka with 800-fill is a much heavier puffy than the Nangpala.
When sedentary, the Nangpala kept me plenty warm when worn over the Patagonia Nano Air and a regular shirt down to 40°F or so. Any colder, and I would opt for the slightly warmer Stio Hometown Down Jacket (review coming soon). When active, though, the Nangpala is a great insulative layer. It feels relatively thin considering how warm it is, and was perfect for chilly mornings and evenings hanging around camp.
While I didn’t get the chance to ski in it, it is a bit warmer than the Helly Hansen Verglas Down Hooded Insulator, and I imagine that I would only use it for skiing the resort on colder days 15°F and below or touring days around 20-25°F where it’s helpful to have a warmer layer during breaks and descents. I predict that back in Colorado it will be my go-to layer for any backpacking trips that will drop below 50°F at night, and on any other chilly days around town.
The jacket packs down pretty small for its size – it fits into a small bag that comes with it, and takes up way less room than the Stio Hometown Down Jacket. The Nangpala has sewn-through stitching, although I didn’t notice a huge difference in the jacket’s wind or water permeability despite this construction.
Bottom Line
The Sherpa Nangpala surpassed my expectations for an all-around mid-weight down puffy. It quickly became my favorite for outdoor activities in cold weather, as well as the jacket I lived in day in and day out during the last few winter months in Kathmandu.
If you’ve been looking for a warm and durable down puffy that supports a good Nepali company, be sure to consider the Sherpa Nangpala Jacket.