Hooded vs non-hooded active insulation

[Macintosh]

Im out of date on active insulation in particular, and shopping to update a few items ahead of a tag I hope to draw this fall. I am replacing a 1st generation polartec alpha zip-up that is 10ish years old in this case.

As Im looking at active insulation pieces…sitka ambient 100 and 75, firstlite navigator, dynafit free alpha direct, gohunt atmosphere, the new outdoor vitals piece, etc… all of them have a hood. For going on 40 years I have been firmly in the camp that too many hoods is a mess, so I have intentionally avoided hooded midlayers. Sun shirt, sure, a hood is great. Rain jacket or another outer layer, a heavier puffy, yes I want a hood. But a jacket that will be worn under that stuff a lot, I DONT want a hood because Im not going to wear 3 hoods, and if Im not wearing it…its in the way. If I want insulation or a “draft collar” around my neck I carry a merino buff just for that, which I find much more versatile.

So what are folks thoughts on hoods specifically on active insulation pieces? Im clearly missing something…what am I missing that I cant find a single option in this category that DOESNT have a hood?

 

[missjordan]

Kuiu has insulated layers that offer both hood and hoodness options

I like the hoods on my mid layers because usually i wear them all if i need to. But i can see why someone might find multiple hoods excessively bulky if every layer has one. If you wear the puffy as a stand alone piece like for glassing then a hood is really nice to have on a insulated layer


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[Macintosh]

@missjordan does kuiu have an active insulation piece like those I mentioned? I’ll check them out as well.

 

[Bump79]

I like no hood for something like an ambient. I like no more than 2 hoods as more than that gets kind of weird and loses it's point.

 

[Truck24hr]

I usually sleep in my puffy, and prefer no hood for that reason

 

[BuckRut]

I prefer my midlayer with a hood since it is my outer most layer quite often.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I prefer my midlayer with a hood since it is my outer most layer quite often.

Same here.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

The Final Ascent Acuta is a Primaloft Evolve piece with no hood. Size up from your typical size.

Acuta Set-Up Active Insulator Jacket

Great for outerwear and layering, the Acuta Set-Up Active Insulator Jacket is perfect for your active mornings. Buy the Final Approach Acuta Set-Up Active Insulator Jacket and other great Final Approach products at Rogers Sporting Goods!

rogerssportinggoods.com

 

[missjordan]

@missjordan does kuiu have an active insulation piece like those I mentioned? I’ll check them out as well.

Yes they do. I have both the down and the Kenai and i love them both for different reasons

Kenai Jacket | Valo

Best Use: Lightweight, Packable WarmthThe Kenai Jacket is redefined and upgraded with added water resistance and a streamlined fit. The DWR 3DeFX+ active insulation now features siliconized fibers that resist saturation to maintain insulation in wet conditions. Whether it's from rain, snow, or...

www.kuiu.com

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[woods89]

I want a hood on this layer because it adds so much versatility in warming up/cooling off.

Mine is an OR Ascendant, which sadly is discontinued. Alpha direct is pretty amazing stuff.

 

[croben]

I prefer my midlayer with a hood since it is my outer most layer quite often.

I do the same. In the early season I spend the majority of time in a hooded sun shirt. As it gets colder I go to a mid layer with a hood and a base layer with no hood.

 

[P Carter]

I prefer hoods, but here's one without. (You'd need a windshirt since it doesn't have a face fabric.)

Backcountry Highliner PrimaLoft Air-Perm Fleece 1/4-Zip - Men's - Clothing

Buy the Backcountry Highliner PrimaLoft Air-Perm Fleece 1/4-Zip - Men's online or shop all Clothing from Backcountry.com.

www.backcountry.com

 

[thegrouse]

I have a Senchi active with a hood and an R1 I use as an active piece without a hood. I like to mix and match as conditions dictate

 

[patagonialuke]

I have the Sitka Ambient 75 Hoodie and don't mind the bit of bulk of the hood since it's so thin for a midlayer, and I appreciate the added warmth during cold pre-dawn and post-dusk walks in particular. As long as I get the hood of my baselayer and the Ambient 75 Hoodie situated right (and pulled above my pack), they don't bother me. I've also got long hair, though, so I might just be used to always having some bulk behind my neck.

Prefer no hood for heavier / bulkier midlayers (e.g., regular 60-g Patagonia Nano-Air or 100+ g versions of Polartec Alpha and similar high-loft fleece insulations).