Comments on: Puffies 101

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 13 May 2019 20:08:38 +0000

In reply to James.

My systems FWIW:
https://pmags.com/the-quiver-a-plethora-of-puffies
https://pmags.com/gear-review-paradox-drirelease-thermals-from-costco

Paired with a $15 Polartec fleece from Costco.

By: James

James — Mon, 13 May 2019 14:15:08 +0000

In cooler colder temps late fall, I use Patagonia r1 over smart wool 250 weight when moving and then add synthetic Patagonia micro puff hoody at backpacking camp. If it gets down into teens and 20s will add Western Mountaineering Flight jacket.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 23:07:57 +0000

In reply to Duke. I have a Nano puff from Patagonia so I am familiar with the modern synthetics. The problem is when you stop, you are going to chill because you are damp. Fleece is breathes better when moving, is less expensive and dries out quicker. And when my puffy layer absolutely has to be dry on overnight trips, I definitely would not wear it while moving. Fleece, again, works better for that reason in my opinion. The fibers do not collapse like any lofty insulation. A good rule of thumb: Fleece when moving. Lofty insulation when stationary.

By: Duke

Duke — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 23:01:38 +0000

I live in the Front Range as well and hike/camp/ski/snowshoe a large chunk of Colorado. I haven’t had any issues with wearing my North Face Thermoball hoodie or vest doing high exertion activity in cold weather. It’s not warm enough on its own when stationary, but even when soaking wet, I’m warm in it when doing even a minimal amount of exertion. I’ve used it as a mid-layer under an Arc’teryx shell for skiing/snowshoeing. Synthetics have come a long way. I’ve only used the Thermoball line for two seasons, so I have no idea how long it’ll hold up, but so far… even wet it’s fine.

By: James Fetig

James Fetig — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 21:32:46 +0000

Good stuff.
For reasons of bulk and flexibility in varied conditions, the combo I eventually settled on for my AT thru hike (first 1,000 miles in winter) was two puffies and a polar tec 100 fleece. This grouping is consistent with the loose layers theory. The inner puffie was a Mountain Hardware medium while the outer was a large Columbia Omni Heat. I supplemented with down pants and booties for sleep. All together, this ensemble took up less space than a heavier fleece and single jacket.