first lite puffy jacket

[larry f]

Anyone have a first lite puffy jacket, I am wondering if it is quiet enough and warm enough.  I need a new jacket that is packable and warm. Heading on a moose hunt and I think the coldest it will get is upper 20's to low 30's.

[slowbowjoe]

I don't have a first lite. but I do have, and have long had, a puffy or two. Mors than warm enough for your temps ( Ionly wear them when it's closer to single digit's or 0F).Wide comfort range due to the qualities of insulation, light,highly compressible, non-restrictive. With a wind shell (maybe water repellant), it'll be comfortable well below 20F.

Will take a look at the first lite and see what it is.

[slowbowjoe]

So I did take a look. probably much warmer than what you're looking for. I'd personally suggest (and use) a two layer (down and light shell if needed)system. Down "sweater", not a full on jacket or coat. Curious that they don't mention what is used for the insulation itself.

[snakebit40]

I don't own the Puffy, but all my gear comes from FL. I decided to buy the North Branch and love how it fits, feels, and looks. I just got it a couple weeks ago so I can't comment on how it performs. BUT I did hunt in nothing but FL last year, and everything else performed great.

Anyways, I have seen and touched the Puffy. It was very light weight and very packable. I think the noise would be no problem, but some guys are very critical on noise. Would I hunt in it, yes. I had a couple conversations with some ppl at FL and we came to the conclusion that the North Branch would better fit my style of hunting. Sorry for the long winded and not helping much. I just love all my FL, and like to talk about it      

[longbow fanatic 1]

I have a puffy jacket, but this will be the first fall I've had to use it. Most of FirstLite's offerings are for the active hunter. With the temps you've indicated, 20 degrees, the puffy should work great. I would recommend emailing or calling the fine folks at FirstLite.

[longbow fanatic 1]

double post.    

[bbell]

I love mine! I seemed to have a good comfort range in mine when on an elk rifle hunt last year. The jacket seems to breathe very well. The last morning was 2*F and it was fine if I was moving but was maxed out when glassing

[PistolPete]

I'm sure it's nice, but you can get a lot more jacket for a lot less money if you shop sales on the mountaineering brands like Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, etc. Their quality is as good or better than any of the luxury hunting names, but you can find their stuff half off without much trouble.

Also, if you're backpacking, that 19 oz jacket is VERY heavy. I have a Stoic down puffy that weighs under 8 oz and packs to the size of a baseball, that is probably just as warm. Down vs synthetic is another thread, though...

Good luck!

[pdk25]

I have one. I will be using it Elk hunting this year and think it will do the trick.  Unfortunately, you brands like Patagonia seldom offer products in a decent color for hunting, and I prefer a synthetic in case it gets wet from sweat or rain.  This is heavier, bit warmer than kuiu superdown, and has a hood, which may be a plus or minus, based on personal preference. The jacket breathes well and has a shooters cut, but I haven't found a puffy that is very quiet in the late season when it is still and silent and for close range shots.  I think it would likely excel for the hunting that you mention.  Also, the first lite site does mention the type of insulation, if anyone is curious.

[tracker12]

Puffy tops are nice but I never wear them as outerwear while hunting.  I have a Patagonia one that is used as a layer under my Sitka 90% Jacket.  I may put it on at times if I stop to glass on top but that's it.  I classify the puff as a layering item.

[KSdan]

Puffy jackets are always noisy, but they are primarily insulation in layering systems.  Thus said- you can save a lot of $$ by not buying top brands. Check out the big auction and other discount clothes sites.  I picked up a primaloft vest for $20 yesterday (nice camo even), and my son grabbed a primaloft jacket for $45.  Outlayers are a different story for me- but when it comes to base and mid layers there are a lot of merino and primaloft out there for a fraction of the cost.  Feel free to PM me for info.

On edit here, I should add- I too really like my First Lite outer layers. ASAT and merino is hard to beat.  

Dan in KS

[ProAlpine]

My suggestion would be to layer up rather than rely on one thicker jacket to keep you warm at those temps. A puffy would be great if you were sitting in a blind all day, but if you're moving I would suggest starting with the Llano QZ base layer, then maybe the Chama Hoody, then something like the North Branch soft shell. If you are active, these layers should keep you warm in those temps. I'm a fan of FL - I think they are making some good quality stuff and their customer service has been very good. I personally wish they'd make a lighter weight soft shell jacket. Best of luck on your Moose Hunt!

[Jesse Minish]

I love my FL puffy. FL is a system but I would still recommend it on its own as a packable warm piece to wear when sitting and calling, glassing or all the time if temps drop. Puffy jackets are not the quietest but mine did get more silent as it wore. I have wore mine in some pretty good rain and stayed dry and warm.

[sneakybow]

FL puffy has a poly fill, body mapped. I wear mine all the time, great piece of gear.

[pdk25]

Just got back from some hiking in Colorado.  Jacket worked great.  I actually slept in it during the colder nights, using a Kifaru arctic woobie instead of a sleeping bag.  Nice to have the hood since I have a shaved head.  I don't know what type of hunting you will be doing.  I think this is going to be great for when you are being active wearing base layers of merino wool, then stop at the top of the mountain to glass while your body temp comes down some, and to cut the wind.  I would be hard pressed to use this at close quarters for hunting myself, but that is not what I got this jacket for.  I was using a columbia omnitherm last year, but it was slate colored, and stood out like a sore thumb on the mountain.

[larry f]

Thanks for all the reply's I have decided that the Puffy will be too noisy for my situation.