Light on
Weight, but not on Performance, the STORMR NANO Foul Weather Gear
Date: |
11/18/16 |
Tackle type: |
Apparel |
Manufacturer: |
STORMR |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.51 -
GREAT
Introduction:
STORMR, the garment company that is best known for their neoprene based foul
weather has expanded their offerings with new garments that are both more
lightweight and packable, yet are still designed to be an effective shield from
the elements. The new Nano shell jacket and pants are designed to be a lighter
more affordable option for anglers looking for protection from elements in
warmer and even tropical conditions. We put the complete set to the test from
the California coast to the mountains to see how the garments would perform in a
range of climates and conditions.
STORMR
NANO Jacket
Specifications |
Material |
100% Nylon |
Sizes |
MD, L, XL, XXL
|
Colors |
2 |
Features |
20k waterproof
and breathable,
fully seam
sealed, YKK
Aquaguard
zippers,
drawcord
adjustable
waist, attached
two-way
adjustable hood |
Origin |
China |
MSRP |
$149.95 |
Break out the coffee its time to
go fishing with STORMR's new lightweight NANO foul weather gear
STORMR
NANO Pant
Specifications |
Material |
100% Nylon |
Sizes |
MD, L, XL, XXL
(Plus Long
Options) |
Colors |
1 |
Features |
20k waterproof
and breathable,
fully seam
sealed, elastic
waist, gusseted
knee-high
zippers |
Origin |
China |
MSRP |
$99.95 |
Impressions: It has been three years to the day
when we published
our review of the
very first STORMR
offerings, the
STRYKR Jacket and
Bib. Those garments
made use of neoprene
to create a complete
suit of armor from
the elements for
anglers. These
garments proved to
be extremely durable
and have found a
strong following
among not only bass
anglers but Pacific
Northwest Guides
looking to stay warm
and dry in extremely
unpredictable cold
and damp
environments.
I found the NANO jacket was big
enough to layer up which is necessary in cooler conditions like on Lake Tahoe
where temperatures in the morning were close to zero
While the STORMR STRYKR garments did a great job protecting anglers from the
elements they also came at a price. Not only were they nearly 600 dollars for a
complete set they also were among the heaviest foul weather garments we tested,
making them difficult to recommend for destination fishing where luggage space
and weight come at a premium.
Hunting for fish. I found that the
NANO was so light that I forgot it was there. This is one garment that is
comfortable to wear all day long
Over the last three years STORMR has expanded their line and while the STRYKR
Series continues to be the company’s flagship offering newer designs like the
Fusion and Aero Series do a better job catering to the bass angler who are
looking for a better balance of light weight, greater freedom of movement, and
the ability to pack their gear into smaller boat compartments. The new NANO
Series takes this a step further, and while they may not be as feature rich as
the other STORMR lines these garments are designed for ultimate flexibility,
especially for the angler on the go.
Fighting fish the NANO jacket
offered free range of motion where it counts
Quality/Construction: You won’t find any neoprene on the NANO Jacket or
Bib, the NANO is constructed out of 100% nylon. These garments look and feel
more like traditional shells, and are designed to be 20k waterproof and also
highly breathable. From the outside they look more like traditional rain gear
versus fishing garments, but inside they are all business and are fully seam
sealed for reliability. I found the construction on both the NANO Jacket and
Pants to be very good, and our test garments did not exhibit any loose threading
throughout.
Quality Ratings for STORMR NANO Jacket and
Pants |
Thread Work
(1-5) |
Outer Material
(1-5) |
Lining
(1-5) |
Fasteners
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos* 10) |
5 |
5 |
N/A |
4 |
14 |
15 |
9.33 |
Success! Good thing fish slime
comes off the NANO easily
Performance: During the field tests I
fished for everything from Largemouth Bass in the California Delta to deep water
Mackinaw in the clear water of Lake Tahoe. I encountered only two days of rain
during the field tests but did get to experience a wide swing in temperatures on
different trips.
Testing the NANO on a warm day for
breathability while fishing on the California Delta
Designed to be used in warmer environments the NANO garments proved to be quite
comfortable to wear all day long during the Fall months, but in Tahoe I did find
myself longing for a little more protection from the cold when the sun wasn’t
overhead and the wind was blowing.
The hood is big and comfortable
but lacks structure. Wear a hat or visor to keep it comfortably in place
Water beads on these garments and easily slides or shakes off. The pants do a
good job shielding your base layer pants or shorts from the rain, especially
when the jacket is zipped up as it is cut long and will overlap the waist
section. The waist on the pants is elastic, no belt required if sized right. If
you’re expecting these pants to offer as much protection as a bib you will be
disappointed, as these pants are designed to offer freedom of movement but will
only protect you up to your waist so keeping your jacket zipped up is a must in
rainy and conditions where you are likely to get splashed.
A Velcro adjustable cuff help
keeps the water out
The NANO Jacket and Bib got the job done when it came to keeping me dry and in
warm conditions I never felt like I was overheating, as the fabric does a good
job remaining breathable. The only performance related issue I did notice during
testing was range of motion on the pants. While the garments have a modern cut
the nylon fabric is not as flexible as some materials, including the company’s
own neoprene based options. While there is some give in the material I noticed
when stretching out to lip fish I felt somewhat restricted from fully extending,
and I was even worried at first that I was going to stress the pants so much
they would simply rip apart at the seams, but my fears proved to be unwarranted
as the garment held together just fine.
Performance Ratings for
STORMR NANO Jacket and Pants |
Wind
Block (1-5) |
Water
Repellant (1-5) |
Mobility(1-5) |
Breathability
(1-5) |
Adjustability of fit
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating
(=Tot/Pos *10) |
3 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
19 |
25 |
7.6 |
Next Section:
Great on the go...
|