Tucano’s tiny pack-a-way Nano waterproofs have been a stalwart of their range for many years with few updates. Nano by name, tiny by nature. Perfect for stowing on a scooter in emergencies, but do they work? Yes, amazingly, they do.
My contribution to an ‘RLC Jolly Boys Trip’ on smallframes to Greece and Albania in November a few years ago was to get each of us a Tucano Nano jacket and trousers. I chose black trousers and red jackets, although now the colour choice is limited to black or fluro yellow.
Each part compresses in to its own bag, little more than the size of a clenched fist, so it was easy to store, even on a Vega. The Nano products are made from waterproof but highly breathable Nylon and unlined to aid compressibility.
Windproof
With sunny conditions on the first part of our tour, we didn’t need the Nanos until we climbed high into the mountains of the Pindus National Park. There the jackets could be added in seconds to significantly reduce wind-chill.
The jacket is well tailored for riding, with a longer back to stop it riding up. Fastening is by zip and popper, and most usefully there is even a hood stowed in the collar.
Waterproof
On the last day of our tour we encountered conditions fit to test any waterproofs. We suffered hours of riding in sometimes torrential rain.
The guys were amazed that they all remained 100% dry under the Nanos. Everyone except me, that is. I attached the legs of the Nano trousers – which have a useful flare for quick fitting – to my boot laces to stop them riding up in the wind, but what that did was to stretch the waterproof membrane enough for them to leak a little at the crutch.
All the breathable waterproof materials have micro-pores which allow water vapour out but stop water droplets coming in. However if you stretch the membrane then the holes become bigger and they can leak. Lesson learned the hard way.
Usability
I used the Nanos many times afterwards and always completely effectively if the material wasn’t stretched. Their small pack size and built-in hood makes them perfect to throw in a bag for any outdoors occasion where the weather might not play ball.
For me, the Nanos are one of the best items in the Tucano range and anyone who has owned a set will usually give you a wholehearted recommendation.
Price: Top & bottoms £49.99 each
Sticky
Lab Score: 9/10
An alternative for every day use
Despite being fantastic and lightweight, Tucano bill the Nano as more of an emergency set of waterproofs, rather than for everyday use. If you want something that you can use everyday the Diluvio is a bit heavier duty and costs just £69.99 for top and bottoms.
Buy your Tucano Urbano products from the SLUK Shop
Tucano Urbano are one of our SLUK tested and rated brands. We’ve been using various Tucano items for years and not only do they work, but they also look stylish. Perfect for the scooterist who likes to look smarter than the average rider.
You can find the Nano waterproofs and selected Tucano Urbano products in the SLUK Shop. More items will be added and if there’s something you want from the Tucano range just email us and we’ll order it.
Postage on Tucano items under £50 is £6.95, it’s free on Tucano items over £50. We can only supply Tucano to the UK though. Overseas will have to visit their local shop or online retailer.
