Puffy vs Wind?

[UnckleBob]

I lost so much weight, I had to get rid of my winter coat. Now that I live in N Texas, I don't really need something for everyday wear. With that in mind, I have considered adding a puffy as a replacement.

My main problem with cold weather is wind. It's always windy in N Texas. When I am really cold, it's because there is a cold wind blowing 20+ mph

Assuming I was wearing appropriate layers underneath it, how windproof are puffy's?

 

[fngTony]

A traditional puffy is very wind resistant. Don’t expect it from an “active” insulation though.

 

[Bump79]

I lost so much weight, I had to get rid of my winter coat. Now that I live in N Texas, I don't really need something for everyday wear. With that in mind, I have considered adding a puffy as a replacement.

My main problem with cold weather is wind. It's always windy in N Texas. When I am really cold, it's because there is a cold wind blowing 20+ mph

Assuming I was wearing appropriate layers underneath it, how windproof are puffy's?

They aren't "windproof" but they are really wind resistant. Very much. The insulation makes up for it though. A solid down or synthetic puffy is a must

The First Lite Primer is extremely wind resistant, warm and quiet. Which is rare. It does get some picks/pulls in the fabric though. That would be my first choice. It's not the lightest but it's very versatile

 

[anonymous22]

Depends on the puffy jackets shell for wind resistance.

Technically, if it was freezing with that much wind a down parka would probably be the better way to go. It’s like a puffy but with a Gortex wind stopper type shell.

 

[medvedyt]

it is maybe time to think in manner of layers and not the puffy as the last one. i do not don a down parka with wind protection before -25c but of course it is really depending on your cold tolerance.

 

[Macintosh]

I assume you mean down?
Down requires a very tight weave fabric, or else the little feathers start poking thru. That makes the fabric pretty darn wind resistant. But it still has to be breatheable or else your body moisture will condense on the inside of the outer fabric, and wet-out the down—thats why you rarely see waterproof jackets insulated with regular down, most are synthetic to help deal with that moisture. If its really super windy pulling your shell or a windshirt over a puffy is extra warm and will do better. But for normal wind the puffy alone is fine most of the time.

 

[Fred@Exterra]

I’m always cold… probably a sign of weakness according to my hunting partners.

If I need to stay warm in the wind, I’ll generally wear a puffy layer & a gore-tex shell. Any down coat works (Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, even the cheap one from Costco) and a Sitka gore-tex shell. I have both a green optifade shell & the delta wading jacket… the duck hunting shell is tougher, but it’s a little short and my delicate waist gets cold.


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[Firehawk]

I have found my Outdoor Vitals Zulu to be quite wind resistant. Really comfortable jacket. Haven't used in a downpour, but light rain and snow haven't been an issue at all. With that said, like fngTony said, it is not an "active" insulation. If you are way active, you will sweat inside of it. But I love it.

 

[kcm2]

My Montbell down jackets do quite well in the wind. I've used one down to -33 degrees F in the wind and kept reasonably comfortable doing so. YMMV.

 

[180ls1]

I feel they are not that windproof.

Adding a rain jacket (or similar) over-top helps significantly.

 

[SloppyJ]

You'll look like a goon in Texas wearing two jackets. What's it get down to there? I can't tell if you're specifically talking about hunting or not but something with a windstopper layer is great, at least for me. I don't want to hike in it but for stationary type stuff they work the best IMO. I really enjoy my Stratus jacket but the Jetstream could be a better fit depending on what you're looking for. Layering under it is easy and can take you down pretty low.

 

[UnckleBob]

You'll look like a goon in Texas wearing two jackets. What's it get down to there? I can't tell if you're specifically talking about hunting or not but something with a windstopper layer is great, at least for me. I don't want to hike in it but for stationary type stuff they work the best IMO. I really enjoy my Stratus jacket but the Jetstream could be a better fit depending on what you're looking for. Layering under it is easy and can take you down pretty low.

It can get into the teens where I live and hunt, but the worst days are probably in the 20-30's with a strong wind out of the north.

Without a wind, I could get by with a base layer and a hoody.