Hooded vs non-hooded active insulation

[GunsAreFun]

try a vest with no hood over an hooded insulated ...

I don’t get vest with a backpack (and often Bino harness). My core isn’t cold. It’s my arms. Sometimes I just want warm sleeves lol.

 

[fngTony]

I don’t get vest with a backpack (and often Bino harness). My core isn’t cold. It’s my arms. Sometimes I just want warm sleeves lol.

Sun sleeves in the cycling world, maybe there’s a fleece version?

 

[GunsAreFun]

Sun sleeves in the cycling world, maybe there’s a fleece version?

I’ve looked into those. They do make warmer versions.

There’s another trick I’ve been working on by modifying another piece of clothing so it can be used both for static and dynamic activity. But I’m hush on that right now as I may make them for sale one day.

 

[rogerdoger]

I like a hood on most of my layers except my heavy puffy. Base layer hood does not bother me with any layer as it is fairly thin. Hood on light puffy is similar, this is usually a hooded puffy vest as I can layer and keep the bulk off my arms for layering. I do like to wear a gator or stocking cap while hiking, I get hot and have to deal with, usually loose it anyway. Hoods I can pop on and off in a second. If I have a heavy puffy that usually means I am not moving and have all other layers in.

 

[IW17]

I'm in the camp of all jackets should have the option of removing the hood. I'll generally wear a hoodie as my mid layer, so the hood on it plus a beanie is sufficient for 99% of the temps I'll be in. Most of the time my jacket is my outer layer and the hood will only be in the way or catching on things. In the event that the weather conditions call for the added layer for my head I can attach it if I feel like I need it. This has kept me from purchasing quite a few jackets over the years.

 

[EdP]

I'm in the camp of all jackets should have the option of removing the hood.

This is the answer. A hood adds so much more warmth than a hat that I want one on mid and outer layers because I don't always wear both at the same time. But then sometimes I do, and then, like the OP said, they are a mess and in the way. Listen up manufacturers. Don't do like Kuiu and make a Kenai with and without, make one version with a removable hood. One step further, a vest with zip off sleeves and hood, would be a gem.

 

[Macintosh]

To be fair, removable hoods add complexity, cost, bulk and weight, and reduce durability. Tons of removable hoods also just suck as hoods. Im in the “reduce hoods and just make a version without” camp.

 

[woods89]

I don’t get vest with a backpack (and often Bino harness). My core isn’t cold. It’s my arms. Sometimes I just want warm sleeves lol.

This!

Make me a windshirt with polartech alpha in the sleeves and hood, nowhere else!

 

[Marbles]

I rarely use mid layer hoods, but like having them. A mid layer hood moves with my head better and doesn't block sound as much as a puffy or rain coat hood.

It really depends on conditions. As it gets colder, having a fleece hood to pull over my neck gator and beany is great when really active and allows one more adjustment.

For high level output, the Patagonia R1 is the best mid layer I have tried. If moving, paired with a wind jacket, it works from 5 to 40 degrees well.

I have two R1s (regular R1 and R1 Air) without hoods, and I grab the hooded R1 more often than both of the unhooded.

Preference is a huge part, both hooded and hoodless work.

 

[Macintosh]

Preference is a huge part, both hooded and hoodless work

Sir. This is not the thread for rational discourse. This is the thread to claim your own preference is objectively superior, and convince the non-believers they are incorrect.

One hood is functional. Two hoods is acceptable in some cases and may provide function in specific situations. Three hoods is at least one too many and is morally and spiritually wrong, and those who follow this devil’s way must be destroyed.

 

[Poser]

If you haven't worn 3 hoods at once, you haven't been properly cold.

 

[Macintosh]

False. I live in an arctic maritime climate and Im on a first-name basis with the screaming barfies. I know my cold wx. Hoods on midlayers still suck.

 

[Marbles]

Sir. This is not the thread for rational discourse. This is the thread to claim your own preference is objectively superior, and convince the non-believers they are incorrect.

One hood is functional. Two hoods is acceptable in some cases and may provide function in specific situations. Three hoods is at least one too many and is morally and spiritually wrong, and those who follow this devil’s way must be destroyed.

I can add one more thing to why I'm a bad person. Mid layer hood, wind jacket hood, puffy hood, and hard shell hood.... Perhaps I'll go find a hooded base layer and be able to start my own cartel.

 

[Marbles]

To be fair, removable hoods add complexity, cost, bulk and weight, and reduce durability. Tons of removable hoods also just suck as hoods. Im in the “reduce hoods and just make a version without” camp.

Agree, removable hoods are stupid. Hats, neck gators, and scarfs are all better options. Removable hoods are from the Good Idea Fairy, and that thing should be strangled like a.... Never mind, I don't want to get banned.

 

[medvedyt]

False. I live in an arctic maritime climate and Im on a first-name basis with the screaming barfies. I know my cold wx. Hoods on midlayers still suck.

living in non maritime arctic weather and i survived well with two hooded on me by -40c and -40f and below ...

 

[EdP]

Agree, removable hoods are stupid.

You two are infidels!

 

[4th_point]

I'd rather have no hood, or at least removeable hood. Only exception being a sun shirt or extreme cold weather parka where a hood is helpful.

 

[ethan.s.miles]

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?

I usually run a hood on everything. Definitely get your point though. I use the same layers year round. So my thoughts are if I only need my mid layer say in early september and nothing heavier, then I want a hood for sun protection/wind etc.

 

[medvedyt]

I'd rather have no hood, or at least removeable hood. Only exception being a sun shirt or extreme cold weather parka where a hood is helpful.

more than once in cold weather with wind i was glad to have a double hoods ... never tried removable hood too fragile in my opinion ... cannot break a bushnell scope but already destroyed a few leupolds lol so i should be rockslidish enough lol