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While on a multi-day trip recently, myself and some of the other hikers began discussing puffy jackets, and the difference between hoods and no hoods. I myself, prefer my sweaters to have no hood, as they will be under my jacket and the hood gets in the way of the jacket and my backpack. But my puffy jacket is mainly used at camp while hanging around the campsite, cooking and eating. A hood is very useful on those colder evenings. Let's take a look at a few pointers from the guys at Section Hiker.
Should you get an insulated backpacking jacket with a hood or without one?
When purchasing an insulated jacket for backpacking, should you buy one with a hood or without?
I think it really depends on how you plan to use it with the other clothing you carry. In three-season weather, I bring a hoodless insulated jacket on all of my trips which layers easily under a hooded rain jacket when I am active and hiking. The nice thing about a hoodless jacket is that the hood doesn’t bunch up under a rain jacket so you look and feel like a hunchback. If my head is cold I simply put on a fleece beanie.
In cooler weather like early spring or autumn, I’ll bring an insulated jacket with a hood since I always use it as an outer insulation layer when I’m not active, either resting or in camp.
In addition to insulating your head, a hood insulates your neck, something that most hats don’t do, unless you wear a balaclava. The downside of a hood is that it can restrict movement, block out sound and your peripheral vision, but these things are less important when you’re inactive.
Perhaps a clearer way to state the difference is that a hoodless jacket is more like a mid-layer that you’d wear when hiking and that a hooded one is more like an outer layer for when you’re not moving. They have different functions although they have many similar attributes.
Written by Philip Werner for Section Hiker, published on January 15, 2015N.A.C News
(Sunday, October 9, 2022)
Good Morning,
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and then we move on to Halloween and only a few days later, we will start to see Christmas decorations. I know, I know, I don't like it anymore than you do, but it is what it is. I hope everyone had a wonderful time with their families and friends during this Thanksgiving weekend. Personally, I have much to be thankful for. I have a amazing and supportive family, a good job with great co-workers, and a life in the greatest country in the world. And of course, all of you. I am very thankful for all the friends I have made while running this club. Over the past 15 years, I have made so many great friends and acquaintances. I have made life long friends and shared in so many experiences and memories with them. I have over 20000 photos worth of memories. I started this club to find people to hike with, I had no idea of the incredible people I would meet. Thank you all for helping make NAC such an incredible endeavor and a huge part of my life. There are no events this weekend, being it a holiday and all, but we will continue with some climbing next Friday. The following Friday, I plan to have the first Friday Guided Day Hike. This is a test to see how many people can actually make a Friday, and if it is something I can continue on with for the upcoming season. I also plan to work with our Hike Leaders to plan a few Non-Guided Day Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays.
That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club