Insulated jacket

[xwizard50]

Thinking about buying a Kuiu super-down-pro-hooded-jacket, anybody want to share pros and or cons. Mainly will use it hunting and scouting. I turkey hunt in the northeast corner, elk and deer on the west side. Any input will be appreciated.

[trophyhunt]

 I just watched a video today on that jacket mostly on goose down treated with DWR. Interesting video, it’s sold me on the jacket which I haven’t bought yet but plan to in the future. I don’t see you being disappointed at all with any kuiu product but especially that jacket. I don’t have it so take It for what it’s worth but I’d be willing to bet you’re going to love it.

[Mtnwalker]

They’re kind of loud compared to some other down puffys. Also you will definitely need a shell over it to elk hunt the west side or you will rip it (or any other lightweight down jacket). Lots of other brands make as good or better jackets with hydrophobic down now. I personally would not pay 400 bucks for one but if you’re set on Kuiu then sure

[hiway_99]

I prefer my skre hooded ptarmagin over my original kuiu super down non hooded.   I would sell the kuiu one if your interested.

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[xwizard50]

I’ve got the kuiu yukon rain gear for a outer wear, along with other kuiu stuff. Took a look at the skre, what else can you tell me about the skre? Pockets Camo pattern?

[MtnMuley]

Do you plan on hiking much in it or mostly to pull out to glass and other lesser activity type uses?

[xwizard50]

Probably both, for instance this year for archery I would sit and glass, find them then go after them, miles of up and down terrain.

[trophyhunt]

So, not to jack your thread, but what is better synthetic or down?

[Magnum_Willys]

I can’t imagine hiking in one.  Worked great on quads tho.   Getting one for son for a glassing jacket.   

[xwizard50]

It sounds like both are really packable, when hiking probably would put in backpack. As far as down vs synthetic, no idea, this will be my first insulated jacket purchase, after experienceing some cold temps this year, in need to upgrade.

[Mtnwalker]

So, not to jack your thread, but what is better synthetic or down?

If you're a westside hunter I'd definitely go with synthetic. Yes down jackets will tolerate some moisture now that most are made with hydrophobic down but they still don't perform well in wet climates, and you still have to take extra precautions to keep them dry or there is no point in having one. After all DWR coating wears off over time.  Synthetic jackets have come a long ways in the last couple years, and many companies now manufacture some variation of high loft, packable synthetics that mimic the performance and light weight of down with better moisture tolerance. You might gain an ounce or two in weight and maybe they don't pack down quite as small, but they're still pretty dang good.

[trophyhunt]

So, not to jack your thread, but what is better synthetic or down?

If you're a westside hunter I'd definitely go with synthetic. Yes down jackets will tolerate some moisture now that most are made with hydrophobic down but they still don't perform well in wet climates, and you still have to take extra precautions to keep them dry or there is no point in having one. After all DWR coating wears off over time.  Synthetic jackets have come a long ways in the last couple years, and many companies now manufacture some variation of high loft, packable synthetics that mimic the performance and light weight of down with better moisture tolerance. You might gain an ounce or two in weight and maybe they don't pack down quite as small, but they're still pretty dang good.

any piticular brand for synthetic ? I’m partial to outdoor research, they have a few choices. I was worried about the weight and warmth, thanks for the info!

[Mtnwalker]

[/quote]any piticular brand for synthetic ? I’m partial to outdoor research, they have a few choices. I was worried about the weight and warmth, thanks for the info!
[/quote]

I've heard good things about OR but I don't own any. I'm not a huge "hunting brand" guy but this year I ran the Sitka Kelvin lite hoody and was pretty happy with it. It was warmer than expected. I added an Arc Teryx down vest underneath when it got really cold and that combo took me all the way through east side late archery backpack hunts. I liked the athletic fit and was happy with how well it did in super wet snow. Fits snug enough to shoot my bow with it on and is nice and quiet.

[Karl Blanchard]

I consider a puffy layer as a multi purpose/ possible life saving tool.  No down for me.  Only takes a down coat going flat on you one time and you'll know why synthetics are a superior option.  In my personal opinion anyways.

[Stein]

Down coats for me are limited to really cold stuff, like 10 degree highs where I can manage sweat and keep it dry.  I use down sleeping bags in far greater ranges and conditions, but coats can get wet from both sides.

That said, modern shell fabrics and down treatments are amazing.