Insulated jackets – with or without hoods?
Q Is it important to have a hood on my down jacket, or is it a matter of style preference? Can I get away with paying less for a hoodless down jacket and just wear a hat instead? Sammi Howes, via emai●
GT says A hood on an insulated jacket is not essential, but some sort of warm headwear certainly is for winter hillwalking, otherwise you will have a warm body and cold head. In terms of price, though not always true, often the nonhooded version of a jacket is cheaper than the hooded. Don’t forget, however, you need to factor in the price of a hat if you get a non-hooded jacket!
A hooded jacket will protect the neck area better than a hat will. For protection without a hood you would need a hat along with some neck cover, such as a neck tube. While this is a very flexible option that can be adapted for a range of conditions, a down or wellinsulated synthetic hood will be warmer than a basic fleece hat or neck tube. If you primarily walk in milder conditions you may not need a hood on your insulated jacket, which can potentially save some money, weight and bulk when it’s packed. And ultimately, some people just prefer the style of hats over hoods.
Overall you can get away with paying less for a jacket without a hood but as temperatures drop a well-insulated hooded jacket will be warmer and, if the price and weight difference is small, perhaps a better option for those regularly heading out in colder conditions.