Quick answer

Choose the W's Piney Mountain UL Jacket if you prefer a hoodless mid-layer for layering under a shell; pick the W's Bearsley UL Jacket when you want an ultralight hooded jacket that can serve as your outer layer on cold, dry days.

Hood vs. no hood: the main trade-off

Both jackets share the same premium 850 Fill Power DownTek PFC-free water-repellent down and Signature Diamond Quilting, but the Piney Mountain UL is hoodless while the Bearsley UL includes a hood. That single difference changes how you use each jacket.

The hoodless Piney Mountain UL is designed to be a performance mid-layer for stop-and-go cold-weather sports, slipping easily under a hardshell or windbreaker. The Bearsley UL, with its hood, offers standalone warmth for bluebird days or as a puffy layer when you want extra head coverage without a separate hat.

Weight and packability

Both jackets are built for ultralight minimalists and disappear into your pack. The Piney Mountain UL is slightly lighter because it lacks a hood, making it the better choice for weight-conscious backpackers who always carry a shell. The Bearsley UL adds a few ounces for the hood but still packs down very small.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Hoodless design (Piney Mountain UL): Lighter and easier to layer under a shell; best for high-output activities like skiing or winter running where a hood gets in the way.
  • Hooded design (Bearsley UL): Adds warmth and coverage for your head; perfect for casual wear, camp use, or as a standalone puffy on cold, dry days.
  • Insulation performance: Both jackets use the same 850-fill DownTek down, so warmth per ounce is identical. The Bearsley UL's hood provides extra warmth for your head. If you always wear a hat, the hoodless Piney Mountain UL saves weight.

Product facts

  • W's Piney Mountain UL Jacket: Designed with Signature Diamond Quilting, made with Pertex fabric, and insulated with 850 Fill Power DownTek PFC-free water-repellent down. This hoodless jacket is ideal as a mid-layer for active cold-weather sports where you need to regulate temperature without extra bulk.

    W's Piney Mountain UL Jacket

    W's Piney Mountain UL Jacket

  • W's Bearsley UL Jacket: Built with Signature Diamond Quilting and 850 Fill Power DownTek PFC-free water-repellent down, and includes a hood. The hood adds warmth and weather protection for times when you want a standalone outer layer, not just a mid-layer.

    W's Bearsley UL Jacket

    W's Bearsley UL Jacket

Which jacket fits you?

Best for

  • Layering under a shell for cold-weather sports (Piney Mountain UL)
  • Standalone warmth with head coverage on dry, cold days (Bearsley UL)

Not for

  • Wet conditions without an outer shell (both jackets use water-repellent down but lack a waterproof face fabric)