Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting puffer recommendations

Looking for recommendations on a packable puffer jacket for layering.

Thanks.

Whatever is on sale. I picked up a Northface 50% off and used it a lot this year.

Hood is nice to have. I have the montbell jacket and parka (hooded) and use them a lot. Also have REI UL vest and use it a lot as well.

None were bought at full price.

Really like my first lite puffy. Very light as you would expect.
Quality zippers, warm, and water resistant. Stores in it's own pocket.

My number 1 go to jacket.

Lefty C

I've been in a gear buying/testing mode for the past year and tried some puffer jackets. I really like the Mountain Hardware Nitrous. They can be had on fleabay for much less than retail and are less expensive than correlative jackets from Sitka, Kuiu, and First Lite.

I also bought a cheapie to throw in my day hike pack and have been pleasantly surprised - Hawke & Co. Think this is the one I have.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Hawke-Co-Mens-Packable-Quilted-THERMAL-CORE-Insulated-Jacket-Black-M-/191490756075?hash=item2c95bd0deb:g:5dgAAOSwxYxUwYky

I've worn it early spring trout fishing when the mornings are cool, deer hunting as an extra layer, and hiking when the temps dip or the wind starts to blow. It also packs into a very small package and takes up no space in the pack.

I also bought a Browning Primaloft jacket. It has 130 gr/sq m of Primaloft (can't recall which version). It isn't as svelte as the Hawke & Co but it is like a furnace. It packs down reasonably small but I don't wear it unless its very cold or I'm standing still for hours in the cold.

My only issue with puffer jackets is that most of them don't breathe at all. I wore the Hawke & Co 2 weeks ago on a 12 mile hike with temps in the 30's. I wore a base layer, light fleece, and the puffer. I hiked most of the AM with the jacket wide open. I can't see them being used when active hiking/hunting is involved unless its really cold. But for an insulating layer when you get where you are going, they are hard to beat.

Most of the newer puffers are good quality but I'd question paying $2-300 for a jacket than can get a hole poked in it from a thorn/branch. I have a hole in one of mine from a thorn. A dab of superglue fixed the hole but I'd be more than a bit irritated if I put a rip in it. Hence why I've been buying/using the less expensive versions. I can be a bit hard on things........

Montbell jacket

Outdoor Research Transcendent vest

happy with both (neither would be a good outer layer)

bought when on sale

X2

I have the cabelas one, a patagonia das parka, which is really too heavy for layering, kuiu, and kryptek.

They all work, thicker ones are of course warmer but less versatile. I usually carry the kuiu and a patagonia primaloft vest sheep hunting. I can mix and match based on conditions and still fit them under a shell for wind/rain/snow protection.

You won't be climbing with any puffy jacket unless you enjoy the sauna.

I like the puffers that fit into a gallon ziplock. Nice piece of mind to know you aren't going to soak it on the hike up.

Yep.

I have a woolrich that serves beautifully, but if I were to do it over instead of the vest I'd get the First Lite Uncompahgre jacket.

The vest I have is amazingly pack able and WARM (-er than down even). If the jacket is nearly as awesome as the vest I'd be hard pressed to imagine a better one.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/32...ntrol-uncompahgre-puffy-insulated-jacket

I generally stuff puffy pants (yeah, I'm a wimp - I like my insulation), jacket, vest, etc into a lightweight stuff sack. As much to reduce bulk as anything, but they do a good job on water too.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/15...ntrol-uncompahgre-puffy-insulated-jacket

Good deal here if your size is in stock.

REI revelcloud is a favorite, but I have to agree on the whatever is on sale opinion.

I have one from Costco that has lasted me a lot longer than I would have ever thought. I recently bought a down vest from Costco that looks promising too.

Check Cabelas Bargain Cave for their Primaloft jackets or vests.

Are the Costco items down?

The entire family each got one of those Kirkland down sweaters. They are surprisingly warm and have held up well.

They vests we got a few months ago and are phenominal for the $17 price tag!

You looking for down or synthetic?
For synthetic, I l Iike the Mont-Bell Thermawrap,
For down the Patagonia Fitzroy is amazing, especially if you can get one and a discounted outlet price,

Yes they are down.
The down sweaters and the $17 vests are a screaming deal.

First Lite Uncompahgre jacket kicks ass.

Just got one and gave it the trial run this afternoon. Low 20's,wind 25-30 at the range today. Layered up it was toasty. I love that thing.It will go to Wyoming and Kansas next year.

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll keep my eye open for sales plus I want to try on some of your recommendations for fit.

I have this one and it's fantastic-- very light, very warm, and very thin. I stumbled on it and after reading the Field and Stream review, where it was awarded Best of the Best, I bought it. It's on sale now.

EB Storm

I have owned both the First Lite Uncompahgre and the KUIU Kenai, here is my take on both. The Uncompahgre has the more durable shell, it is more water resistant, and is definitaly more wind resistant. The Kenai is quieter (bow hunting quiet), breathes a lot better, and the pit zips are a big plus for dumping heat when you are working up a sweat. I had zipper snagging issues on the 2 older Uncompahgre's that I owned, my arms would also get colder quicker than my core due to less insulation on the arms. The Kenai will be less durable in thick brush/branches/thorns, etc. The Kenai is so breathable you will need to wear a shell if there is a cold wind blowing or if it is sprinkling. I think the Uncompahgre is the warmer of the 2 if a cold wind is blowing. I think the Kenai is the warmer of the 2 if worn under a shell. I am 5'8", 180 lbs,and 44" chest. The large Uncompahgre allowed me to wear an additional light fleece layer underneath (I use a Patagonia R2 if it is really cold and I need more warmth), I need an x-large to do the same with the Kenai and it still fits a tad smaller than the Umcompahgre. They are both good choices, for my type of hiking/hunting I prefer the Kenai, your needs may be different.

LkHntr: Good description! I have both and they are new to me,but have been wearing them in temps to low 20's here the past week or so.

The Kenai is light enough, and the Unc is cut full enough, that I use them both and layer the Kenai under the Unc. Managed to stay plenty warm goofing off at the range and shooting.

What I like is both are light enough to tote about anywhere.They are like wearing nothing they are so lightweight.

I used my Unc.this year first season elk in Colorado and last season in Montana. Temperatures ranged from the 50's to below zero. When it was really cold a fleece hoody under the puffy kept me nice and tosty. On warmer days some times a T shirt or long sleeved shirt.

A really versatile jacket.

Lefty C

BobinNH,

Yes they are both good choices. I switched form my Filson wool liner because they are a lot lighter, and pack a lot smaller. Add a light fleece under, and/or a waterproof shell over, and you have some serious flexibility.

Love mine. Always in the pack for sitting/glassing between walks, or if the temp drops. Very lightweight and packable, but is seriously warm for its bulk.

I've made 4 trips to The CO high country with my Marmot Zeuss. It is one of my very favorite pieces of gear. Warmth to weight is fantastic.

I know this is not considered a puffer jacket but want to see if in your opinions this jacket would be worth listing in the classifieds here.

Back in the early 1980's I bought an original Eddie Bauer 100% prime northern goose down Aviation jacket for a dall sheep hunt in Alaska. Also splurged and got an Eddie Bauer goose down Dickie at the same time. Some of you may remember these items and I could post photos. Both of these items have had minimal use and look new...size extra large. Anyhow, my August-September dall sheep, moose, caribou hunt took place during an unusually warm fall and they did not see any field use. These are quality items that you would not find in E.B.'s today.

I've just turned 74 and my use for these items is nil. I've been a long time lurker on this web site and am thinking about "thinning the vault" of some guns and equipment. I was thinking about ebay (but I hate that company)and a local SLC gun website.

Would appreciate any suggestions or opinions. TIA