Insulated Puff Layer Options

[NorthCountry]

I'm looking for a new insulation puffy layer to add to my mix for cold weather, late-season hunting. Something I can take on and off as needed when stopped for a while etc. Weight isn't a huge factor but ability to keep me warm is. I want to try to stay around the $200 mark... here's what I'm considering:

Patagonia Micopuff (Synthetic)
Patagonia Down Sweater (Down)
Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket (Down)
KUIU Superdown (Down)
LL Bean Ultralight 850 Down Jacket (Down)
First Lite Uncomphahgre (Synthetic)
Marmot Zeus Jacket (Down)

I really like First Lite and KUIU gear but don't know if these would be my best options for what I'm looking for. I think DOWN would be warmer than synthetic but would consider either as I have good outer shells.

Any advice? Thanks!

 

[archer8524]

I have been overly pleased with my firstlite uncomphahgre jacket! I used that along with the firstlite stormtight jacket and base layers on a late season hunt in Kansas last year. The temps were in the teens with a strong wind and I was able to stay comfortable while sitting still. I still want to try a down jacket for those Really frigid days.


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[Fink]

I can only speak for the Micropuff/Nanopuff.. It's totally awesome, I love mine. It's excellent for hunting, and it's actually practical for non hunting situations. I wore a light base layer, the nanopuff and an uninsulated shell jacket this spring, skiing in Breck, I stayed really warm, and it was bitter cold.

Get the full zip puff, and not the 3/4, as it's a little difficult to get on/off

 

[kesand72]

I really like my Marmot down vest ( the 650 fill). Very warm versatile layer that compresses nicely into a stuff sack.

 

[tim]

barneys in alaska has a great puffy jacket that is good for hunting, but can also be used the rest of the year. they have an online store.

 

[tim]

http://barneyssports.com/clothing/mensclothing/insulation-layer.html

 

[hoshour]

I got the Alpine Light from Mont Bell but I might have gotten the Uncompaghre if it had been out.

I don't know how well the Uncompaghre holds up to brush. Mine is strictly to use as a middle, insulating layer so I don't worry about the lack of camo or the light shell. The lightness of it for the warmth is unbelievable. When I got it in the mail it felt like an empty box and it packed down to practically nothing.

 

[NorthCountry]

Thanks for the good information. I opted for a 100gr primaloft full zip jacket this year. Not the heaviest insulation layer one can get, but not the lightest either. I thought it was a good place to start. I would love to check out the FL Uncompaghre but nobody I know has one. I also would really like to add a thick down jacket to the closet but am still researching my options there.

 

[ScottR]

Ha, didn't catch it. I have one of their jackets. High quality puffy jacket.


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[Mark]

The Sitka Down Hoody is amazing. Core 4 Element also makes 2 nice jackets one is DownTek and one is Primaloft definitely worth a look and good price points. Also Sierra Trading post has a 1 day sale now with and additional 35% off one item. Might be something good there as well.

 

[Mark]

I had the FirstLite jacket and sold it. I didn't find it warm enough for me but it wasn't a bad jacket.