View Full Version : Best Puffy???
What are good puffy choices for an AT through hike? I know I want a hood, but I’m undecided about the rest.
fastfoxengineering
08-23-2018, 06:27
Synthetic insulated jackets are ideal for the wet conditions on the AT.
Something like a Montbell thermawrap, EE Torrid, or RAB xenon works very well on the wet AT.
You may or may not use your jacket alot. I see some people wearing their's all the time. Haven't touched mine since April.
A hood is nice. A
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Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer.
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soumodeler
08-23-2018, 07:12
Really like my Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka.
Do you want low weight, or do you want to be warm? I use an Sierra Designs Super Stratus jacket for three season hiking, or if it's going to warmer, a hoodless Eddie Bauer synthetic puffy. In the Winter, I combine the two with a hooded fleece. I like layers
DownYonder
08-23-2018, 09:15
Do you want low weight, or do you want to be warm? I use an Sierra Designs Super Stratus jacket for three season hiking, or if it's going to warmer, a hoodless Eddie Bauer synthetic puffy. In the Winter, I combine the two with a hooded fleece. I like layers
The Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket is on sale for under $80 but I can't find the weight. Which EB do you have and do you know the weight?
HooKooDooKu
08-23-2018, 09:20
Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer.
That's what I use... love it's warmth to weight ratio (but it feels like you have to baby the material, it is very thin). You can often find them on sale for about 50% the full retail price of somewhere around $320 (i.e. you should be able to eventually find one for about $150).
That's what I use... love it's warmth to weight ratio (but it feels like you have to baby the material, it is very thin). You can often find them on sale for about 50% the full retail price of somewhere around $320 (i.e. you should be able to eventually find one for about $150).
Yes. Backcountry & Mountain Hardware usually have sales this time of year.
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Crushed Grapes
08-23-2018, 09:23
That's what I use... love it's warmth to weight ratio (but it feels like you have to baby the material, it is very thin). You can often find them on sale for about 50% the full retail price of somewhere around $320 (i.e. you should be able to eventually find one for about $150).
Yep. My wife set up a shopping alert and I grabbed one in July for $170.
The Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket is on sale for under $80 but I can't find the weight. Which EB do you have and do you know the weight?
Ignitelite reversable. It's primaloft. 12.2 oz total weight in size large tall. My Sierra Designs down puffy is packed for an upcoming semi-Pemi/section hike/peakbagging/bushwack starting Saturday, otherwise I'd weigh that too.
Enlightened Equipment makes a synthetic puffy now. Not sure what the leadtimes are on it, but it's something to consider.
https://www.bigagnes.com/Mens-Hole-in-the-Wall-Jacket-700-Downtek
On sale, bought two for my trip...I'll report when finished. Not the lightest, but they feel amazing
Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer.
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My favorite as well.
On my thru this year, REI magma worked great. $90 on sale. However, most times I was hiding it from wet weather whilst watching my buddy wear his Patagonia nano-puff constantly. I'm going synthetic on AT from now on. YMMV.
Two Tents
08-25-2018, 15:03
Nunatak. They offer many options. Longer torso, longer sleeve lengths, whatever you could ever think ofof they can make it.
This is what I go with: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83561?page=ultralight-850-down-sweater&bc=&feat=down sweater-SR0&csp=a&searchTerm=down%20sweater
It may not be for everyone but I like it. I can stuff the jacket into its own pocket and use it as a pillow as well. As of today (Friday, 8/31) LL Bean is having a Labor Day sale so you can get it for less than what's advertised.
That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.
snapper
Forgot to add...I don't know what the garments other folks have mentioned weigh but my down sweater comes in at 10 oz. on my postal scale. Having this one garment has allowed me to leave other upper layers home. I also like the fact that they use their Dry-Tech down in it. I haven't had it out in a downpour but some long lasting drizzles in the Adirondacks haven't negatively effected it at all.
Until next time....be well.
snapper
This is what I go with: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83561?page=ultralight-850-down-sweater&bc=&feat=down sweater-SR0&csp=a&searchTerm=down%20sweater
It may not be for everyone but I like it. I can stuff the jacket into its own pocket and use it as a pillow as well. As of today (Friday, 8/31) LL Bean is having a Labor Day sale so you can get it for less than what's advertised.
That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.
snapper
I bought mine last year. I like it.
My size Large weighs 12 ounces. The catalog said 10 ounces. That might be for a Medium.
The Large is cut full to allow layering under the down sweater. I can wear fleece, wool or down garments comfortably under the Bean Down Sweater. The shell is wind proof! A big PLUS in my estimation.
I was also able to replace clothes in my pack with this one garment for shoulder season in the Rockies.
Money well spent!
Wayne
DuneElliot
08-31-2018, 11:31
Enlightened Equipment makes a synthetic puffy now. Not sure what the leadtimes are on it, but it's something to consider.
I want one of these so badly, but don't have the money right now. Might have to go on the Christmas list...need a good synthetic for the UK
Just Bill
08-31-2018, 14:45
Enlightened Equipment makes a synthetic puffy now. Not sure what the leadtimes are on it, but it's something to consider.
I want one of these so badly, but don't have the money right now. Might have to go on the Christmas list...need a good synthetic for the UK
Plenty of them in the warehouse- ready to ship and discounted (overstock)
https://enlightenedequipment.com/mens-torrid-apex-jacket-hood-small-coyote-coyote/
Worth remembering though... this is 2 ounce apex. About a 50-55* quilt's worth when brand new.
60g Primaloft is a pretty solid 50*
100g is 40-45*
Primaloft Gold will hold up longer and is warmer when wet.
For the OP- synthetic puffy all day on the AT. Especially if you have a down bag.
https://www.patagonia.com/shop/web-specials?prefn1=fabric&prefv1=primaloft&start=0&sz=24#tile-5
Sale time at patagonia (my favorite)
The micro puff is a classic beater.
The Nano Air is awesome, especially if you plan to sleep in it. But needs a windshell to pair with it as it is very breathable.
I have the micro puff now (REI dividend) but have not had a chance to use it as I got it during the early summer sale.
Checked the fit and put it back in the closet. It's REI... so it can go back if it sucks.
I would personally not buy an apex jacket... but EE does use lighter shell material and it's generally good enough shell material to serve as it's own windshell. So for what it is (light puffy) it's not a bad piece.
Plenty of them in the warehouse- ready to ship and discounted (overstock)
https://enlightenedequipment.com/mens-torrid-apex-jacket-hood-small-coyote-coyote/
Worth remembering though... this is 2 ounce apex. About a 50-55* quilt's worth when brand new.
60g Primaloft is a pretty solid 50*
100g is 40-45*
Primaloft Gold will hold up longer and is warmer when wet.
For the OP- synthetic puffy all day on the AT. Especially if you have a down bag.
https://www.patagonia.com/shop/web-specials?prefn1=fabric&prefv1=primaloft&start=0&sz=24#tile-5
Sale time at patagonia (my favorite)
The micro puff is a classic beater.
The Nano Air is awesome, especially if you plan to sleep in it. But needs a windshell to pair with it as it is very breathable.
I have the micro puff now (REI dividend) but have not had a chance to use it as I got it during the early summer sale.
Checked the fit and put it back in the closet. It's REI... so it can go back if it sucks.
I would personally not buy an apex jacket... but EE does use lighter shell material and it's generally good enough shell material to serve as it's own windshell. So for what it is (light puffy) it's not a bad piece.
So your saying that the EE Torrid Apex jackets, insulation is really the equivalent of a 50 degree quilt? I have only tried mine on but it kept me warm outside in a t shirt at 40 degrees. Not just warm, but hot.
I just got one for my birthday and its synthetic which i like and light, though doesn't pack super small. I was going to bring this for my AT hike but it sounds like its not all that warm, compared to a Ghost Whisperer?
Gambit McCrae
10-29-2018, 13:16
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Just Bill
10-29-2018, 14:37
So your saying that the EE Torrid Apex jackets, insulation is really the equivalent of a 50 degree quilt? I have only tried mine on but it kept me warm outside in a t shirt at 40 degrees. Not just warm, but hot.
I just got one for my birthday and its synthetic which i like and light, though doesn't pack super small. I was going to bring this for my AT hike but it sounds like its not all that warm, compared to a Ghost Whisperer?
Yes- insulation is insulation... so you can compare it easily to sleeping gear as a decent way to compare different items. https://1drv.ms/b/s!Apygyt54yYPwg40vo1VSor5A3Tm47w
You'd have to know the loft of the MHGW... but as a 'light puffy' it's likely in the 3/4-1" range. So same weight as the EE jacket really if talking a temp rating.
It would clearly pack better, but the issue with really low loft down is that humidity (especially in clothing) can knock them out easier. The advantage with synthetics is if you may desire to wear it for real, you don't have to worry about it. Lots of folks think they are only wearing their stuff at camp but in reality that may not mean completely moisture free. If you keep it in a drybag... you do cut out the chance of ambient air humidity losses... but then again you also cut out any chance of it drying out unless you sun it. If you are sweaty and in need of a camp puffy to stay warm right after you stopped... you either have to have the discipline to wait until you cool down completely, then toss on the puffy and try to rewarm or put it on too early and dump moisture vapor into it while you cool down more gradually.
Personally- If I have a down bag, I want a synthetic puffy as a counterbalance- especially out east.
Due to pack size issues with APEX... I prefer Primaloft Gold however as a premium synthetic it is more expensive and usually only sold by expensive brands like Patagonia.
Apex has the advantage of easier construction and lower end cost as a result. So I wouldn't call it cheap, but it is economical but comes with some dings.
As to being hot in the jacket... sleeping gear is rated for how warm it will be when your metabolic rate is low (sleep). You are a light bulb putting out heat and insulation traps it.
The formula for insulation uses Watts/square meter.
Wherein your light bulb is on a dimmer switch expressed in watts of output over the surface area of your body (that's why women's ratings are lower- they get a smaller surface area to output heat).
When sleeping you put out about 40w, rest(awake) 60w, and slow walking is 120w.
So your 50* insulation piece is 150% more effective simply because you are awake when you're wearing it.
But since it can be hard to compare things... it's handy to be able to dump any insulation back to sleeping gear equivalent ratings and go from there.
Roughly... folks ballpark puffy jackets into Light (50*) Medium (40*) and Heavy (30*), with lofts in roughly 1", 1.5" and 2" respectively. Polar weight puffies will have actual baffles and no sewn through construction in around 2" of loft or more. Though as clothing you are usually getting 10-15* more than that when sitting around or farting with some camp chores. Though eating food can drop your metabolism as your body works hard on digestion which is one reason some like to eat dinner and hike on for an hour or more afterwards.
Depending on your hiking style... you could find that puffy on (and exposed) more than you might think to moisture. So your individual habits and style of hiking (along with what else you have) should factor in when picking a puffy.
A little pack size can be a good thing, and one advantage in a light kit Apex might have is that it's a good volume eater if packed loosely. A full pack carries best so as you eat down your food the apex isn't a bad way to maintain fill.
Bill - any chance I can side track the discussion (slightly), since we're in the ballpark? I've been staring at a Columbia parka and trying to figure out its capabilities:
https://www.columbia.com/mens-heatzone-1000-turbodown-hooded-jacket-1619811.html
I know Columbia claims 900fp down plus a layer of 100g -something-. Unfortunately, they don't seem to publish the quantity of fill used or total item weight. Any idea where to get that info or some other way to make a semi-educated guess?
Normally I'd skip over Columbia but I'm prepping for New Hampshire in February and trying to add a hooded parka to the mix for standing around camp. At $100 (lightly used) for what was originally a $450 piece, it caught my eye.
Just Bill
10-29-2018, 17:17
Bill - any chance I can side track the discussion (slightly), since we're in the ballpark? I've been staring at a Columbia parka and trying to figure out its capabilities:
https://www.columbia.com/mens-heatzone-1000-turbodown-hooded-jacket-1619811.html
I know Columbia claims 900fp down plus a layer of 100g -something-. Unfortunately, they don't seem to publish the quantity of fill used or total item weight. Any idea where to get that info or some other way to make a semi-educated guess?
Normally I'd skip over Columbia but I'm prepping for New Hampshire in February and trying to add a hooded parka to the mix for standing around camp. At $100 (lightly used) for what was originally a $450 piece, it caught my eye.
Strange jacket... judging by one video of 'turbodown' https://youtu.be/-pmNhXUHh0Q
The concept seems built backwards... the synthetic layer is to the inside rather than outside where it would protect the down better. Though I suppose if you were highly active that could be the thinking there... but regardless any moisture you're pumping into the jacket ends up pumping through the down and condensing in the down layer.
The omni heat reflective stuff is a perforated mylar coating with mixed results... but the theory is sound.
The 100g Omni heat insulation is likely their own version of Primaloft Silver or an Apex produced under their own name. 100G is short for 100GSM or grams per square meter. (about 3 ounces a yard ish).
This off brand stuff usually has a lower CLO value in the .6 or .7 CLO/oz range... but with the quilting it could be a higher end. Either way- 45-55* insulation in a bag.
The quilt you have from me is 100G Primaloft Gold for comparison, that's the highest warmth to weight synthetic I am aware of at .92 CLO (Apex is .82 per ounce)
With synthetic you take the weight times the CLO and that gives you total CLO value... which you still need to convert to temp.
You'd probably have to check one in person to get the loft, then back off the 1/2" or so of synthetic and try to apply a value to it.
The turbodown video shows sewn through construction, but the product claims 'wavebaffles' of some kind. The pictures do show what appears to be a welded seam so it could be a hybrid baffled jacket of some sort... baffles sewn through the synthetic, but welded to the shell with down in between.
Overall- Pick a lane, lol. There's a lot of crap dumped in this thing. Columbia is a decent product and on par with many housebrands... so I wouldn't automatically write it off for $100. But without putting hands on it or being more familiar with Columbia's line it's hard to say what you're getting. At worst- you've got a light puffy. At best a good medium weight.
The bigger issue I see is that it appears to be intended to be your shell. Not bad for a dayhike or ski day, but it won't recover well if you sweat it on a multi-day trip.
Looks like the intended audience with the ski-pass pocket and likely a very nice jacket for one and done use or with a shot at drying it for a bit at a warming hut.
These all in one super combos never quite work out right and have limited use in a clothing system unfortunately and appears marketed to my buddy who works at Goldman who asks me what cool expensive thing he can buy to go on a corporate retreat so he doesn't look like a newb.
I prefer a separate WBP shell for winter conditions and stacking other layers. If you've got something like that to pair it with your $100 would be better spent
https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-air-jacket/84251.html?dwvar_84251_color=PBH&cgid=web-specials-mens-jackets-vests#tile-5=&start=1&sz=24
A nano air layers in at about the same as my quilt but is stretchy and breaths well. Too well for a standalone shell but that's why it pairs so well IMO. If you're overheating it vents easily by slipping the shell. (or you can just wear the WPB shell while hiking and layer this in. Goes really well with a baselayer, 100wt fleece/gridfleece mid, and then this as your insulation piece.
Screaming orange in L, XL at patagonia clearance side for $150 (not the worst color to have as I like at least one screaming bright thing just in case)
There are some XL and XXl in blue at REI which is a nicer color for $125 with no hassle returns if it's a bust.
I wear an XL in my no longer speed hiking current shape but it drapes really well so it's not really a sloppy jacket either when I'm not wearing it with layers.
I'd stick with something trusted personally... but I understand the appeal of bargain hunting bingo. Playing that game when I was younger was a big part of how I learned to eyeball review stuff but doing it in person is hard to do these days since there is so much online.
Appreciate the help. I think I am gonna keep the Torrid Apex.
Strange jacket... judging by one video of 'turbodown' https://youtu.be/-pmNhXUHh0Q
The concept seems built backwards... the synthetic layer is to the inside rather than outside where it would protect the down better. Though I suppose if you were highly active that could be the thinking there... but regardless any moisture you're pumping into the jacket ends up pumping through the down and condensing in the down layer.
Bill - thanks for taking the time to reply. I reached out to you directly so we don't derail this any further. I really appreciate the help.
fiddlehead
10-30-2018, 19:09
Love the Ghost Whisperer.
Mine is 7.5 oz and quite warm. (with hood)
GankenBerry
12-06-2018, 18:14
i really love the Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket. i tried a few different "puffy" jackets before it and for me it's waaaay better.
...60g Primaloft is a pretty solid 50*
100g is 40-45*
Primaloft Gold will hold up longer and is warmer when wet.
https://www.patagonia.com/shop/web-specials?prefn1=fabric&prefv1=primaloft&start=0&sz=24#tile-5
Sale time at patagonia (my favorite)
The micro puff is a classic beater.
The Nano Air is awesome, especially if you plan to sleep in it. But needs a windshield to pair with it as it is very breathable...
Yeah, but you shouldn't be letting your main insulation piece get wet..regardless. How often does that really happen anyway? Insulation being compromised a little so that it doesn't become all encompassing shouldn't be that demanding a user application given the situation by the OP.
The puffy is being used for an AT thru with assumed expected desire to be used often and extensively. Under such a scenario breathability is a good thing. Windproofness comfort of a Pat Nano Puff surely doesn't require addition of a Windshirt/wind jacket for typical AT NOBO timeframes. :rolleyes: A Pat Nano Puff jacket or vest will be layered over apparel. It's rare to never a jacket or vest being used by itself. Stepping back looking at the bigger apparel picture CUMULATIVELY is a far better approach than constantly reviewing apparel pieces in usage as stand alone pieces. This sounds so commonsense duh but I see it constantly with all types of gear..myopically focusing on one piece outside of a larger system or approach(es) where it's typically incorporated in real world use into what can be described as a system. :confused:
Yes- insulation is insulation... so you can compare it easily to sleeping gear as a decent way to compare different items.
Not necessarily because, for one thing, as stated later, metabolic rates are different in the same insulation used in apparel compared to a sleeping bag.
And for another significant reason, as also stated well later, "...individual habits and style of hiking (along with what else you have) should factor in when picking a puffy."
Some other important factors in choosing an appropriate puffy are AT hiking timeframes, direction, anticipated weather, and knowledge of apparel layering approaches. For example, and which could have been asked, are the puffy options offered for consideration going to be expected to be worn often on the move or as primarily as an at rest piece?
- If I have a down bag, I want a synthetic puffy as a counterbalance- especially out east.
Safety Margin? Do you expect in YOUR usage on an AT NOBO during normal NOBO timeframes performance being irreparably compromised in at least one of these pieces at some stage? Why might that have happened if it does? Paved road access that leads to a dryer or laundromat is common on the overall AT.
... to being hot in the jacket... sleeping gear is rated for how warm it will be when your metabolic rate is low (sleep). You are a light bulb putting out heat and insulation traps it.
Yeah, good pts...that can be used to one's advantage...in sleep systems for one. But, now reverse that IF a puffy or insulting layer is intended to be worn ALSO as often as possible WHEN ON THE MOVE TOO. You're no longer a lightbulb but a wood burning fireplace that St Nick would singe his tooshie on...much more metabolically active...generating heat through consistent movement. As stated, that affects choice of insulation and that includes face fabrics w/ their treatments and level of warmth required in a piece. It may also be based, at least partially, on an overwhelming reliance on just one main insulation piece rather than having several thinner lighter less overall voluminous multiple layers. This can offer greater flexibility in apparel in mixed or daily changing weather patterns. When weather patterns become more stabilized apparel can be deleted from the kit. It's no longer an overwhelming reliance on one main all or nothing insulating apparel piece. It's also shweet to pick pieces that can simply be used in a wider range of conditions and approaches from the get go.
A lot of backpackers take the heavier main insulation apparel approach to thermoregulation on backpacking trips. I tend not to be one of them. In observations and researching different approaches and sites where kit's are fully detailed with a high info readership format most highly experienced LD hikers don't either. As far as a hood on a puffy I see it more useful when colder in the earlier stages typically encountered on AT NOBOs or early start date NOBO's and more useful when stopped if habituated to stop durations of being chilled. I see it as added wt and lacking diversity in thermoregulating that is non compartmentalized as temps warm. If considering a puffy the entire AT thru or used extensively I suggest hoodless and bring along a beanie OR choose a puffy with a removable hood.
Nathan428
01-29-2019, 17:07
Ghost Whisperer always seems to come up. I eventually pulled the trigger earlier this year when I saw my size on sale at steep and cheap. I personally think the jacket is...ok. It's certainly light, and I like the cut. But all told I'd rather a jacket that's 4-5 oz heavier and much warmer.
This is a helpful article: https://andrewskurka.com/2015/backpacking-clothing-stop-insulated-jacket-pants/
Uncle Joe
01-29-2019, 20:19
Had I been FP I would have said "Diddy!"
Linesman
01-30-2019, 11:27
Western mountaineering flash might be the “best puffy”. Expensive but has some hyper technical features that more mainstream jackets lack like a full draft tube and really snug elasticized gaskets. The warmth to weight of it is just insane.
How puffy does it need to be? I'll be relying on this one next week.
I love my ghost whisperer... but i got too relaxed with it. About a month ago i was on a trip in my camper and discovered id burned a whole on my shoulder that went all the way through. All i can imagine is ash got to it. This weekend did a backpacking trip witb a fire again. Much smaller due to no cut wood. Sunday morning i discovered 3 new holes.... no more fires with out wearing a shell.
Its delicate. Very very delicate.
Uncle Joe
01-30-2019, 22:05
Yeah I think it was Shug who mentioned always wear like wool or something when around a fire. These nylon jackets don't fare well with floating embers.
Any decent down jacket is going to work, I think.
I used the (now discontinued) Patagonia UL down hoody and loved it. It never got wet and it was so warm.
I tried the patty Micro Puff this year on the PCT and really liked it, though it wasn’t warm enough for me. The down jacket was good over a shirt to low 30s for me, and the micro was more of a low 40s jacket.
Still, I loved having a synthetic puffy. It essentially was both a puffy and mid layer for me in the desert - I’d hike in it when it was cold in the mornings. I climbed big passes in the Sierra in it. And then I tossed it in the laundry with the rest of my nasty clothes. Awesome.
That said, there are warmer options. You can get some great (down) stuff from Montbell, Borah Gear, feathered friends and so on. The Arcteryx Cerium LT is a good option, and if you’re an REI member you can use a 20% off coupon for on (those coupons go live on the 15th - REI staff member here)
I think the Best Buy right now for a backpacking puffy is probably the EE Torrid. It’s warmer than the micropuff, and cheaper. For me it’s that sweet spot of price to performance. Buy it and expect a Thru hike out of it (maybe more). For what it’s worth, my micro puff crapped out in Oregon (zipper died), and now its being repaired by Patagonia (perhaps something to consider)
There are really cool alternatives, from nunatak and others, but at a bigger cost.
Love the Ghost Whisperer.
Mine is 7.5 oz and quite warm. (with hood)
Me too, so warm and barely know you have it on so light. Like wearing warm air.
Elaikases
11-22-2019, 12:58
Love the Ghost Whisperer.
Mine is 7.5 oz and quite warm. (with hood)
My wife loves hers (REI garage sale purchase). From March To October on the AT.
Part of the use of a puffy is that you aren’t wearing it while hiking.
I use an REI puffy I got for $49.99. It should last me through my last 756 miles on the AT.
The Ghost Whisperer is the consensus favorite. For the AT. Other trails or hiking conditions, other gear.
We both have Patagonia puffs. But we don’t use them on the AT.
Few do.
That said, I’m not sure what we would have bought at full price. There is a lot of stuff out there in the same ball park that will work.
sorry I’m so terse, but this is a reoccurring topic subject to a lot of overthinking. There is s huge range of what will work and an even wider range of what is overkill. Second best is usually close enough it doesn’t really matter.
Hope that makes sense.
Tipi Walter
11-22-2019, 14:00
How puffy does it need to be? I'll be relying on this one next week.
45885
Man, I hear ya brother. I have the FF Icefall parka and it's the Daddy to the newer Khumbu parka.
Here I am in my Icefall during a cold trip on the BMT---
45886
When you need some real goose down---like 15 ozs of down by weight---don't bother with puffy jackets---get the real thing. And if you really want to spend all winter backpacking and living outdoors in the mountains of TN/VA/NC---get the Rock and Ice parka---with 20 ozs of down inside. I call it The Sleeping Bag with Arms. You will never ever actually backpack in the thing as it's just too hot but it's a camp gift when you're sitting in a camp for 4 or 5 days during a series of blizzards. My Icefall parka is part of my winter standard load and it's packed for every trip.
45887
I actually sold the Frontpoint a few weeks ago. It was a great piece of gear, but the XL was too big for me. Ended up with a Mammut Ambler. Not quite as much down (something like 8 ounces instead of 10?) but very similar overall. Still very adequate for any trip I might do in the near future.
Linesman
11-22-2019, 15:51
Not impressed with my Feathered Friends Volant a few years ago. No draft tube, or insulation in the chin area of the hood? No YKK zip? Basic stuff...
Isn't the Volant one of their lightweight products? It makes sense to strip off some of those features in that case. Not sure on the zipper brand, but I've never had a seconds trouble on my FF jackets or sleeping bag with zippers.
Linesman
11-22-2019, 16:09
Volant is a baffled jacket, so pretty heavy duty.
Yeah, I was mixing it up with the Helios. Looking into it now.
Nothing beats Feathered Friends Rock and Ice Parka. I have never been even chilly in it. Aways toasty warm
Tipi Walter
11-22-2019, 18:02
Nothing beats Feathered Friends Rock and Ice Parka. I have never been even chilly in it. Aways toasty warm
My Icefall is one step below the Rock and Ice---with 15.3 ozs of down vs 20 ozs---but very few backpackers will carry such jackets---as they are way beyond puffy jackets in warmth---but if you really want to tackle winter backpacking and stay out for the "duration"---weeks at a time---they're a great investment.
The parka is needed for winter camping and above treelike in the White Mountains of NH. Gets very cold out there.
A lot of good choices listed here. AT is typically wetter than most, but the real killer to down puffy jackets is humidity, the inability to dry quickly, and the utter lack of insulating ability when wet (not that synthetics are good, but they are better than down).
For down, FF is pretty great if pricey. I utterly love my Westcomb Cayoosh hoodie (as does my XC running daughter, I can't keep her from stealing it). The Ghost Whisperer is highly rated, people love 'em, I think they are good (many older ones that I have seen are patched which leads me to believe they can be a bit fragile but well loved) but ultimately eclipsed by the Westcomb Cayoosh. The Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody is highly thought of my its owners, I've no experience with it, but I've liked their other equipment although their customer service and warranty service is reported to have declined over the past couple of years. But down really does benefit from being able to fully dehumidify when used as an active layer and the AT is not well known for easy or quick drying of gear like hikes out West. Down is by far the most warm for the weight, but you gotta keep it dry. Keep it dry and you will love it.
For synthetics, Nunatak was mentioned once, I've not seen any outside of mine in the east. However, I believe that the Nunatak PCT offers the best possible solution to puffy needs. Customize as needed, long hem, check, long sleeves, check, custom insulation choices, check, price, well check that too. So for ultimate synthetic puffy, Nunatak is it IMHO. Their quality and customer service is top notch as well. The EE Torrid is very nice too, a step down from Nunatak and it will never be as warm but about 40-50% less expensive but for really cold nights it will require layering (EE's customer service is top notch). Patagonia nano puff is another option, but spend the other $50-100 on the Nunatak if you are paying retail. Montbell has options that are on the less pricey side with good quality in the items I have owned of theirs. There is also the Arc'teryx Atom AR, some people love it, but I've never even tried one on.
Lots of choices. I'd go synthetic and Nunatak if money were not a primary issue, EE Torrid if price was a consideration and getting really cold was not a huge issue, Montbell if money was tight (they often part with stuff in their outlet section).
BAontheTrail
01-15-2020, 23:18
What are good puffy choices for an AT through hike? I know I want a hood, but I’m undecided about the rest.
I didn't read through ALL the comments (but hopefully you did). However, all the comments/endorsements from posters won't really matter until you get any particular jacket out on the trail. I mean no harm towards the Ghost Whisper puffy, but I heard amazing things about the jacket and then had a chance to try it on in a store. I immediately knew (standing in a temperature controlled store) that it would not work for me and my body type and my nature to get cold easily.
TL/DR I know everyone on the forum means well, but they don't know what you need. Only you do.
I didn't read through ALL the comments (but hopefully you did). However, all the comments/endorsements from posters won't really matter until you get any particular jacket out on the trail. I mean no harm towards the Ghost Whisper puffy, but I heard amazing things about the jacket and then had a chance to try it on in a store. I immediately knew (standing in a temperature controlled store) that it would not work for me and my body type and my nature to get cold easily.
TL/DR I know everyone on the forum means well, but they don't know what you need. Only you do.
I get this... years ago I bought a somewhat ugly coat because it was the only one I had to take off rather quickly as I started to get hot and sweaty in the store. My boyfriend didn’t like it- he said it made me look fat... kept the coat years longer than the fellow. Lived near Montreal at the time. Beautiful country but cold winters.
Traffic Jam
01-16-2020, 22:50
he said it made me look fat... kept the coat years longer than the fellow.
lol, made my day! :banana
4eyedbuzzard
01-17-2020, 20:24
I get this... years ago I bought a somewhat ugly coat because it was the only one I had to take off rather quickly as I started to get hot and sweaty in the store. My boyfriend didn’t like it- he said it made me look fat... kept the coat years longer than the fellow. Lived near Montreal at the time. Beautiful country but cold winters.There's a lesson here: If I'm with my wife the next time she tries on a winter coat and asks how it looks, the correct answer is, "It makes you look so hot."