Two puffys, or one?

[TheViking]

I have two different down puffys - both from Kuiu.

One is lightweight, one is heavyweight. The lightweight one is pretty delicate, would like it to be more durable. The heavy one is nice, but it is pretty heavy, nothing crazy.

After having these for two years, having a hard time justifying owning two separate ones. I think a good 'do-all' puffy would be best.

What do you guys recommend? Normally a Kuiu fan boy, but have been trying out different pieces from other brands lately. So brand doesn't matter.

I was looking at the FirstLite Brooks Down Sweater, thoughts?

 

[mtnwrunner]

My puffy is a heavier western mountaineering puffy with hood.
I ALWAYS have it with me and also view it as a "survival" item. I feel it's better to have something that is warmer and you can always regulate your heat instead of something lighter weight and trying to get warm.

Randy

 

[WeiserBucks]

I was looking at the FirstLite Brooks Down Sweater, thoughts?

This is nothing more than a glorified, really expensive sweatshirt.

 

[svivian]

I like a light weight but very warm puffy. If I'm worried about it getting snagged, I layer a Jetstream(or similar jacket) over the top.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Keep the Pro and sell the Ultra. It is warmer, more durable fabric and about 6 ounces heavier.

I have both and if I could do it again, I'd go with the Pro (lots of options out there for comparable or better).

 

[TheViking]

My puffy is a heavier western mountaineering puffy with hood.
I ALWAYS have it with me and also view it as a "survival" item. I feel it's better to have something that is warmer and you can always regulate your heat instead of something lighter weight and trying to get warm.

Randy

I like this perspective, and I agree.

Was definitely leaning towards just keeping the heavier one.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

I run both.
Usually merino wool base with a lightweight puffy (FL Cirrus).
If cold, I add a heavier SITKA puffy (can't remember name). The LW or LW + HW is the ticket 90% of the time.
If it's windy or still cold I'll add SITKA Jetstream

 

[mlgc20]

I have the Ultra and the Pro. I like them both. But, I get far more use out of the Pro. I mostly use the Ultra during the early season if I’m out later than expected and the temp drops. My Pro gets plenty of use. The FL Brooks is not an upgrade IMO.

 

[justinspicher]

I have a layering system of three puffy pullover jackets, all in blaze orange. Two are from patagonia and one is from Enlightened Equipment. Generally I’ve never had to use all three, but I got the opportunity in South Dakota this past weekend hunting for birds.

 

[kowboy]

Agree with others on using the 'puffy' as a survival item (or when I need to not get to the point of being cold in the first place). Much easier to shed heat then to try and gather it. Sitka's puffy works well for me and is always in my pack.

 

[Pdzoller]

I also use two different puffys. One is synthetic and the other down. I definitely use them both. I would recommend having one of each.

 

[topher89]

3rd season in Colorado is usually a two puffy season. I have First Lite Brooks, a Stone Glacier Grumman vest and jacket and a Patagonia hi loft. Depending on the forecast, I will bring some combo of those pieces

 

[S.Clancy]

I have 3 different puffies......I have taken them all on some hunts.

 

[SonnyDay]

I also have both the ultra and the pro… and both always come along for late season. I often wear them both when it’s cold and I am stationary…

 

[540-Virginian]

For everyone on this thread and the OP - im intrigued by both the questions and answers. Now, hood or no hood? What does everyone prefer?

 

[SonnyDay]

Always get the hood. It’s like having an extra layer for minimal extra weight…

 

[Keith Stone]

Men's Ultralight Down Hood 2.0 Dk Grey | Stellar Equipment

Designed to be worn under a shell jacket or as a standalone, this down jacket is built to keep you warm during fast-and-light missions in extremely cold conditions.

www.stellarequipment.com

Outside material is super thin so you have to wear something over it if your busting brush but it’s a great lightweight warm piece

 

[TheViking]

For everyone on this thread and the OP - im intrigued by both the questions and answers. Now, hood or no hood? What does everyone prefer?

100% always a hood. Keeps the wind from going down your neck and just overall keeps your warmer IMO.

 

[*zap*]

A hood on a jacket is nice to have but not having one is not a deal breaker....just get a good down balaclava. Those are great for very cold sleeping also.

Sitka kelvin down ws = warmest outer jacket I own and I own wm down and marmot down. One does not cut it for me because the temps can vary so much....

 

[sndmn11]

The Santa brought me a third down puffy this year. Such a nice guy.