Hunting brand puffy vs Military gear?

[Adam0321/0306]

So I am in the market for a good puffy. It will be mainly used for NE Oregon and hopefully Montana next year. I have the USMC Happy suit, but am wondering how much warmer something like the Kifaru LPP is?

Thanks and god luck this year.

 

[Pilsner]

not enough difference between them to justify a $395 purchase. I assume the happy suit is the ECWS puffy system?

 

[Adam0321/0306]

not enough difference between them to justify a $395 purchase. I assume the happy suit is the ECWS puffy system?

Yes. That is correct. The one that use to be made by wild things tactical. I just don’t find it that warm. Perhaps we will see when I head to Oregon. I am kind of between the Kifaru LPP and the Kuiu Super Down Pro. I know one is down and the other is synthetic. But just can’t make up my mind.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I use the happy suit my unit didn’t want me to give back.

 

[Adam0321/0306]

I use the happy suit my unit didn’t want me to give back.

And you find it warm enough?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

And you find it warm enough?

I do. I even used it with just a wooby a couple of times. But, in fairness, it was only 15 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

 

[Pilsner]

Yes. That is correct. The one that use to be made by wild things tactical. I just don’t find it that warm. Perhaps we will see when I head to Oregon. I am kind of between the Kifaru LPP and the Kuiu Super Down Pro. I know one is down and the other is synthetic. But just can’t make up my mind.

going somewhere dry = down.
Alaska, PNW, etc = synthetic.
The down will weigh less and pack down better.
Treated down is a good compromise especially if you have a rain shell to wear over it.

 

[dball82]

take a look outside the traditional hunting and military stuff - lots of outdoor brands with good stuff and frequently less expensive

 

[Dust Rider]

Gear Lab has some of the best reviews of puffy jackets and everything else outdoors

 

[Adam0321/0306]

T

I do. I even used it with just a wooby a couple of times. But, in fairness, it was only 15 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

hats pretty cold.

 

[Adam0321/0306]

take a look outside the traditional hunting and military stuff - lots of outdoor brands with good stuff and frequently less expensive

I have a few pieces from Mountain hard wear and arcteryx. But I like to support hunting companies.

 

[RWT]

The hunting companies are overcharging and turned it into a fashion show. Unless bow hunting or bird hunting camo is over rated. I chose to go with a low end puffy under $100 and am happy with it as I normally throw a wind proof shell over it. It’s what has worked for me. Maybe consider the one you have and a goretex windproof top cover.

 

[justinspicher]

I’d rock my mil issued goods but I didn’t get to keep it. The only issue I had was that it didn’t pack well.

 

[Adam0321/0306]

The hunting companies are overcharging and turned it into a fashion show. Unless bow hunting or bird hunting camo is over rated. I chose to go with a low end puffy under $100 and am happy with it as I normally throw a wind proof shell over it. It’s what has worked for me. Maybe consider the one you have and a goretex windproof top cover.

Thank you. I have a pretty good rain set.

 

[Adam0321/0306]

I’d rock my mil issued goods but I didn’t get to keep it. The only issue I had was that it didn’t pack well.

No, they do not. But this will be mostly driving from spot to spot. So I am not too worried about that factor.

 

[Marbles]

Down is fine, I use it almost exclusively and live in Alaska. Treated down is likely a wast of money and worse than untreated, but it sells.

Personally, I don't waste money on synthetic. Between the bulk and short useful life I regret the synthetic pieces I have bought in the past.

 

[Rock’N Tacos]

Down is fine, I use it almost exclusively and live in Alaska. Treated down is likely a wast of money and worse than untreated, but it sells.

Personally, I don't waste money on synthetic. Between the bulk and short useful life I regret the synthetic pieces I have bought in the past.

Why is treated down worse? My only experience is with a hydrophbic down sleeping bag I own and have used in AK for maybe 40 nights, but have never had any issues?

 

[Marbles]

Why is treated down worse? My only experience is with a hydrophbic down sleeping bag I own and have used in AK for maybe 40 nights, but have never had any issues?

Treating it strips the natural oils and appears to shorten useful life without actually making it more water resistant.

Note the word 'likely' in my first post and 'appears' in this one. I'm not aware of any definitive long term testing. Western Mountaineering doesn't use treated as it hasn't impressed them.

That said, most of what I own is treated because that is what sells. I just no longer look at it being treated as a requirement when shopping.

 

[LongWayAround]

Treating it strips the natural oils and appears to shorten useful life without actually making it more water resistant.

Note the word 'likely' in my first post and 'appears' in this one. I'm not aware of any definitive long term testing. Western Mountaineering doesn't use treated as it hasn't impressed them.

That said, most of what I own is treated because that is what sells. I just no longer look at it being treated as a requirement when shopping.

After watching Argali Brad's down test video, I will not worry about treated or not anymore.