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Puffy Jackets

Bowtie747

Bowtie747

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2021
Messages
1,821
Location
Ohio
Anyone use these? Looking into buying one and I’m curious if they are worth it. They have a lot of hype and was just curious people think they are worth it. Holding one it doesn’t seem like it would do much.

I figure, base layer, puffy jacket, then outer shell would get me through a good part of the year. Also like the fact they condense down into nothing to bury into a pack for the few times I’d need one. Thanks! Feel free to let me know which one you’re using too.
 
I have 2XL puffy for sale for cheap right now if u wanna jump on head first
 
Man I saw the great deal, thanks anyways! 2xl is a too big for me. I’m largeish/extra large slim lol Thanks again!
 
In all seriousness though a puffy is a good insurance policy as a mid layer and if u ain’t moving a lot or don’t need close quarters they work as an outer layer also
 
Bowtie747 said:
Anyone use these? Looking into buying one and I’m curious if they are worth it. They have a lot of hype and was just curious people think they are worth it. Holding one it doesn’t seem like it would do much.

I figure, base layer, puffy jacket, then outer shell would get me through a good part of the year. Also like the fact they condense down into nothing to bury into a pack for the few times I’d need one. Thanks! Feel free to let me know which one you’re using too.
Click to expand...

Puffys are great but they are one of those things that you get what you pay for. If you are looking at a down puffy or a synthetic I recommend doing some research on fill power of down or the type of synthetic insulation. I have a 700 fill power down coat and a 900 fill power vest. There is a singificant difference between the two. I personally wouldn't consider anything less than 700 fill power if your looking for down. If they don't list the fill power or the synthetic insulation type I would stay away.
 
Puffys are made to be worn on the outside. If u put it under layers it compresses the insulation and takes away what makes it a "puffy" . I have a cheaper down puffy that I love for hikes but don't use it hunting. Too much bulk to draw my bow. I like first lite sanctuary jacket because it has a shooters cut they call it on your sleeves for bow hunting.I do not like the bulk of the collar around neck when I get to find my anchor its in the way. Have to tuck it in.If I layer right under that I'm good.
 
I use one and I think it’s a very important part of my cold weather system. It packs down to the size of a softball and weighs close to nothing. And it’s not camo. Doesn’t need to be because I only wear it under a coat in the tree It’s Eddie Bauer and it’s black. They put them on sale for around $65 sometimes. I carry it in my backpacking kit too. I like it so much I just bought another one at Christmas for just hanging out in since they were on sale.
 
GCTerpfan said:
Puffys are great but they are one of those things that you get what you pay for. If you are looking at a down puffy or a synthetic I recommend doing some research on fill power of down or the type of synthetic insulation. I have a 700 fill power down coat and a 900 fill power vest. There is a singificant difference between the two. I personally wouldn't consider anything less than 700 fill power if your looking for down. If they don't list the fill power or the synthetic insulation type I would stay away.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up! Do you wear them like I mentioned or as an outter piece?
 
I have a Eddie Bauer I wear as a mid layer. It’s solid black so I dont wear it as an outer layer. Compresses nice and is a nice piece to carry just in case I need it. Packs well and is light

some puffy jackets don’t compress nice for packability
 
I love my puffy, for warmth to weight ratio it's hard to beat. but as @Shed84 said, it's like a down sleeping bag, if you compress it, it loses it's warmth qualities. I love how a down puffy will compact into the size of a pocket. I usually pack it and add it as an extra layer under a shell of some sort and it keeps some good warmth in. More of an insurance layer for me. If worn on the outside, it is warmer, but would get torn to shreds walking through briars, and could be an issue bowhunting (string slap).
 
For sure! In the past I tried to wear as many layers as possible. This season I used a merino base, 800 fill down vest, and an outer later and was very comfortable all the way down into the 20s. I think wearing less layers let’s the down do it’s job properly. You don’t want the outer layer too tight.

I have a down vest from midway, it was really cheap and packs down light.
 
Bowtie747 said:
Anyone use these? Looking into buying one and I’m curious if they are worth it. They have a lot of hype and was just curious people think they are worth it. Holding one it doesn’t seem like it would do much.

I figure, base layer, puffy jacket, then outer shell would get me through a good part of the year. Also like the fact they condense down into nothing to bury into a pack for the few times I’d need one. Thanks! Feel free to let me know which one you’re using too.
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mid weight puffy goose down jacket, vests, and pants are the core of my insulation

they are the warmest thing out there by weight and packed down volume...aerogel is warmer but way heavier

i really like my eddie bauer down jacket and vest and my kuiu down pants.....they all stuff down to a little over a football in a compression sack

edit: i didn't mention the last piece in my compression sack...a charles river brand v neck windshirt (off amazon)....it is a windproof layer that when over the down acts like a tyvek vapor barrier.....for the thinness it adds a lot of warmth.....i don't like windproof layers built into my outer wear because that tends to make me sweat too much on the walk in
 
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It is true that many insulations suffer when compressed, but this isn't solely a puffy problem. Many puffy jackets and cold weather parkas share the same primary insulators.

Puffy's typically lack wind and waterproofing membranes. Nevertheless, they may effectively serve as interior or outer layers depending on scenarios. DWR is a popular treatment for them.

An oversized puffy is often used for glassing sessions.

A sized to fit puffy can make a good mid-layer under a shell.
 
Shed84 said:
Puffys are made to be worn on the outside. If u put it under layers it compresses the insulation and takes away what makes it a "puffy" . I have a cheaper down puffy that I love for hikes but don't use it hunting. Too much bulk to draw my bow. I like first lite sanctuary jacket because it has a shooters cut they call it on your sleeves for bow hunting.I do not like the bulk of the collar around neck when I get to find my anchor its in the way. Have to tuck it in.If I layer right under that I'm good.
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true they work best on the outside but can be loud

i find that under a jacket that isn't super tight that they still puff up enough to be the warmest thing out there...way better than a fleece....most of the compression for me is on the sleeves....less important than the core

i wear a down vest and then a down jacket over that on really cold days
 
Plebe said:
It is true that many insulations suffer when compressed, but this isn't solely a puffy problem. Many puffy jackets and cold weather parkas share the same primary insulators.

Puffy's typically lack wind and waterproofing membranes. Nevertheless, they may effectively serve as interior or outer layers depending on scenarios. DWR is a popular treatment for them.

An oversized puffy is often used for glassing sessions.

A sized to fit puffy can make a good mid-layer under a shell.
Click to expand...

try one of these

Charles River Apparel Mens Legend Windshirt (Regular & Big-Tall Sizes), Black/Light Khaki, L at Amazon Men’s Clothing store: Windbreaker Jackets

Buy Charles River Apparel Mens Legend Windshirt (Regular & Big-Tall Sizes), Black/Light Khaki, L and other Windbreakers at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns.
www.amazon.com

carry it in with the puffy and then put it on over the puffy but under your outer jacket
 
NimbleTimbo said:
I love my puffy, for warmth to weight ratio it's hard to beat. but as @Shed84 said, it's like a down sleeping bag, if you compress it, it loses it's warmth qualities. I love how a down puffy will compact into the size of a pocket. I usually pack it and add it as an extra layer under a shell of some sort and it keeps some good warmth in. More of an insurance layer for me. If worn on the outside, it is warmer, but would get torn to shreds walking through briars, and could be an issue bowhunting (string slap).
Click to expand...

Exactly, sleeping bags.

You can't help but compress them when you lay, yet they keep you warm. A pad is used as an insulator from the cold ground, at the moment of compression. Simple but important truths.
 
raisins said:
but can be loud
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This has been my main hang up on puffys, i kind of write them off years ago. But now that I'm packing layers in and dressing at the tree i see great advantages to their compressability. Might have to do some experimenting
 
Bowtie747 said:
Anyone use these? Looking into buying one and I’m curious if they are worth it. They have a lot of hype and was just curious people think they are worth it. Holding one it doesn’t seem like it would do much.

I figure, base layer, puffy jacket, then outer shell would get me through a good part of the year. Also like the fact they condense down into nothing to bury into a pack for the few times I’d need one. Thanks! Feel free to let me know which one you’re using too.
Click to expand...
Check out RAB. I have one I have been using for several years now. quality product
 
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