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Puffy vs. Fleece

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Discussion starter · #21 ·
Adam634 said:
Kifaru lost park parka and don’t look back. Not as expensive as down a tad on the heavy side but about as bombproof as you can get. Mine is always in my pack, super durable and super warm
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Thank you, it looks really nice. However, in AZ it’s not a constant use item. So weight is more of a concern for me. It’s kinda like rain gear, silly to spend a bunch of money on something that’ll get used once a season. I’ll just spend $20 for a poncho that can cover my pack as well. If I start heading north on my hunts to B.C. and other locals, I’ll definitely look at the Kifaru though. Thanks for the suggestion as I didn’t even realize they sold jackets. Lol.


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#24 ·
Just started using puffy this year and it was much warmer when the mornings were below 30.
 
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#26 ·
Boonerbrad said:
That may be correct but the weight or amount of fill makes all the difference as well. 30 grams of 900 vs 100 grams or 650 will not be warmer. What one do you wear?
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If you have 90 grams of 650 and 30 grams or 900
The garment with 90 grams of 650 won’t be 3x as warm.
I understand the amount of down matters, but...all things being equal, 900 fill garments are the warmest money can by ounce for ounce.

What fill power in jackets do I use?
Well, I have a Goose Feet Gear puffy I use in the backcountry. It’s around 9 ounces and I believe 850 or 900 fill.
I also have a Western Mountaineering Flash jacket that’s warmer, and I believe it’s 850 fill, but heavier.
For bags I have a 10* Zpacks 900 fill quilt and a 20* Hammock Gear Burrow quilt that probably 850 fill.
I also use a Sierra Design Cloud 15* that 900 fill.

If you were to open up a 650 or 700 fill item, you’d find all kinds of feathers.
Some with quills, some from ducks, some from geese.
You open up a 900 fill item, and you’ll find the smallest little pure down fluffy feathers.
Its absolutely amazing how those ittly bitty feathers trap heat, and the reason those feathers are right against the skin of birds.
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
BroMontana said:
Going to have to check those out. Just looking for a midlayer under my Wooltimate jacket. Have a Wish.com electric vest on the way. But probably won't see that for a month.
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Stopped by Walmart to try on those Swiss puffies and didn’t care for them at all. As soon as I put my arms in front of me, the sleeves rode up 5-6” from my wrist. The back on these is so tight, no movement allowed at all. Just an FYI in case you have broad shoulders or back.


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#28 ·
In AZ layering is likely the way to go. A puffy might be overkill and $$$. I use an ever changing combo of merino wool base layer, 1/4 zip micro fleece shirt, EB micro fleece thermal zip hoody with a EB zip (quite) stretchy hooded windbreaker, Kuiu camouflage pattern over the top.
 
#29 ·
SilentHero said:
Stopped by Walmart to try on those Swiss puffies and didn’t care for them at all. As soon as I put my arms in front of me, the sleeves rode up 5-6” from my wrist. The back on these is so tight, no movement allowed at all. Just an FYI in case you have broad shoulders or back.


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Maybe you tried on the wrong size?
 
#30 ·
spike camp said:
If you have 90 grams of 650 and 30 grams or 900
The garment with 90 grams of 650 won’t be 3x as warm.
I understand the amount of down matters, but...all things being equal, 900 fill garments are the warmest money can by ounce for ounce.

What fill power in jackets do I use?
Well, I have a Goose Feet Gear puffy I use in the backcountry. It’s around 9 ounces and I believe 850 or 900 fill.
I also have a Western Mountaineering Flash jacket that’s warmer, and I believe it’s 850 fill, but heavier.
For bags I have a 10* Zpacks 900 fill quilt and a 20* Hammock Gear Burrow quilt that probably 850 fill.
I also use a Sierra Design Cloud 15* that 900 fill.

If you were to open up a 650 or 700 fill item, you’d find all kinds of feathers.
Some with quills, some from ducks, some from geese.
You open up a 900 fill item, and you’ll find the smallest little pure down fluffy feathers.
Its absolutely amazing how those ittly bitty feathers trap heat, and the reason those feathers are right against the skin of birds.
Click to expand...
You forget this isn't backpacking light forum and most hunters dont care about warmth to weight ratios and spending $500 on a custom goose feet gear jacket to get the best. These people here would be completely happy with an eddie bauer down jacket or vest to use as a midlayer. 1 thing I've noticed with my 900 fill down is that the baffles loose loft quickly when you sweat compared to lower fill power and that's because theres less plums per baffle that absorb the sweat and they collapse.

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#32 ·
I have a Mountain Hardwear 600 fill -15 bag that is great....for car camping or short pack in camping. Very warm and re-lofts well. Same bag from WM costs $600+ more than the $125 I paid for that bag on ebay in July........a lot depends on your application and how much you want to budget for gear that suits that application. Obviously, the best gear is usually made very well and is lighter/less bulk but the juice may not always be worth the squeeze.
 
#33 ·
SilentHero said:
Stopped by Walmart to try on those Swiss puffies and didn’t care for them at all. As soon as I put my arms in front of me, the sleeves rode up 5-6” from my wrist. The back on these is so tight, no movement allowed at all. Just an FYI in case you have broad shoulders or back.


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Thanks for the feedback. I think a vest may be better for layering.
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
Jhfabian1 said:
Maybe you tried on the wrong size?
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That’s a funny question. Of course I tried on different sizes. I’m normally an XL, so I tried on L, XL, XLT, and XXL. Reality is it’s a $25 jacket and it fits like a $25 jacket, which is ok. Just not what I’m looking for as I want to be comfortable for a decent cost. Now someone who is built differently, this could work for them. Obviously it works for some.


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Discussion starter · #35 ·
ccdog said:
In AZ layering is likely the way to go. A puffy might be overkill and $$$. I use an ever changing combo of merino wool base layer, 1/4 zip micro fleece shirt, EB micro fleece thermal zip hoody with a EB zip (quite) stretchy hooded windbreaker, Kuiu camouflage pattern over the top.
Click to expand...
Possibly, that’s why I posed the question. But with temperatures in Dec and Jan dipping down below 20 and doing a five day back country, I don’t want to take the chance. I’m actually more thinking of what I would wear at night in my bag. I have the merino base layers of varying weight and a Sitka Mountain Jacket and Vest. So during the day, I’ll be good to go. Thanks for the input.


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Discussion starter · #37 ·
Wolfey said:
You forget this isn't backpacking light forum and most hunters dont care about warmth to weight ratios and spending $500 on a custom goose feet gear jacket to get the best. These people here would be completely happy with an eddie bauer down jacket or vest to use as a midlayer. 1 thing I've noticed with my 900 fill down is that the baffles loose loft quickly when you sweat compared to lower fill power and that's because theres less plums per baffle that absorb the sweat and they collapse.

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Click to expand...
I agree with Wolfey, I can’t spend $500 on a jacket that is a rarely worn layer. That’s why I’m using a poncho instead of actual rain gear, just isn’t worth the cost here in AZ. However, when insulation IS needed, I darn well better have it. The expertise of everyone is appreciated though as I’m learning a lot. Definitely helps as you weigh the pros and cons, cost vs. weight, packability, etc. I’m concerned with weight to a point as this will be used for long treks in the woods/desert.


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