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.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[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.

[actionshooter]

I made the mistake of taking down to Alaska 1 time... I love down but wet = synthetic. That Kuiu jacket looks great for the right environment, but I have been using the Kelvin Jacket and have been pretty happy.

[trophyhunt]

As far as ratings go, how do you know the rating in synthetic as compared to the fill rating in down?  IE, 850 fill for down seems to be the highest, what is it called for synthetic ?

[Mtnwalker]

As far as ratings go, how do you know the rating in synthetic as compared to the fill rating in down?  IE, 850 fill for down seems to be the highest, what is it called for synthetic ?

https://backpackers.com/outdoor-guides/backpackers-guide-to-synthetic-insulated-jackets/

[trophyhunt]

As far as ratings go, how do you know the rating in synthetic as compared to the fill rating in down?  IE, 850 fill for down seems to be the highest, what is it called for synthetic ?

https://backpackers.com/outdoor-guides/backpackers-guide-to-synthetic-insulated-jackets/

great read, mic drop, no more questions!    thank you !

[MtnMuley]

Synthetic for me if I'm active and down if I'm planning on using it for warmth while glassing.  I consistently use them both and wouldn't want to get rid of either.

[Tjv28]

Down is lighter, warmer, and more packable. The kuiu pro jacket weighs 13.4 oz. Hunting deer and elk on the west side you are going to need a rain jacket regardless of what kind of insulation you are using. A good option might be the kuiu ultra down jacket underneath a chugach nx jacket if wet.

[irish52084]

Have you looked into the first lite uncompaghre? It's a puffy and it packs away really nicely and even doubles as a pillow for afternoon glassing naps.
I've used on for the last 2 November's in eastern Montana and it insulates nicely for its weight and size.

[Karl Blanchard]

I've gone through 4 uncompagrhe puffys in the last 4 years.  Every one has blown out seams and they keep replacing them.  Each one is less and less warm.  Not sure what they are trying to accomplish with that jacket at this point.  I carry it in September and that's it.  A cheap rei down puffy will get you better warmth. I would not recommend them.  First gen, now that was a great puffy minus the fact FL can't stitch a seam to save their life

[irish52084]

The problem with the seams is crazy. I use mine a ton and haven't had any issues. But, I really on use mine when glassing or if it's really cold and I'm still hunting a few draws. I avoid taking it through brushy and saggy areas because the fabric is definitely thin.
Well one huge issue when my daughter decided to take the scissors to it in 4 or 5 places! I about disowned her, but some tenacious tape over the cuts and its held up really well.

[Karl Blanchard]

My puffy coats are strictly glassing/camp use.  I've had massive seam failures on pretty much everything FL I have owned.  5 different pairs of pants and all my jackets.  Chama quarter zip hoody is still going strong though

[boneaddict]

I have it

Kuiu super-down-pro-hooded-jacket

. Its basically my survival jacket in case stuff hits the fan in the mountains.  When you go really lite in the deep woods, you kind of want an ace in the hole.  Thats what I use it for.  Its very light and very packable.   I wouldn't hunt in it.

[Karl Blanchard]

Has anyone tried the enlightened equipment puffy?  I've been very pleased with my quilt from EE.  Great price point on them if the fit and function is solid

[addicted]

Has anyone tried the enlightened equipment puffy?  I've been very pleased with my quilt from EE.  Great price point on them if the fit and function is solid

My EE puffy arrived last night

[Karl Blanchard]

Has anyone tried the enlightened equipment puffy?  I've been very pleased with my quilt from EE.  Great price point on them if the fit and function is solid

My EE puffy arrived last night

what's your initial impressions?

[trophyhunt]

My puffy coats are strictly glassing/camp use.  I've had massive seam failures on pretty much everything FL I have owned.  5 different pairs of pants and all my jackets.  Chama quarter zip hoody is still going strong though

that seam issue is exactly why I stay away from first lite outer wear, both my new rain pant and coat from them fell apart.  I just ordered a synthetic jacket from OR last night.  I’ll have to check out that EE, i like my quilt.

[BULLBLASTER]

I used to have a Sitka kelvin lite and thought it was ok until temps his single digits.

Last year I got a Sitka kelvin down ws ans absolutey love it. Warm as can be. And the wind stopper layer helps a ton That combined with the kelvin pants and I just don’t get cold.

It’s a bit heavier than most tho.

[Sliverslinger]

I just got the Stone Glaciers puffy  and posted a review on here yesterday. I don’t wear insulation layers unless I’m sitting glassing or around camp so I like down for being lightweight and packable. I feel like the perfect setup is a lightweight and a mid weight Merino shirt followed by a thin fleece, followed by a down puffy and a waterproof shell.
I used the Kuiu Merino shirts/ followed by a Peloton 240 zip/ now the stone glacier Grumman puffy, and a Kuiu Chugach jacket. That system has worked perfectly for me from the nastiness of November in western wa to the dry cold of Idaho.

[xwizard50]

Thanks for all the info. Went out in the woods yesterday wearing my Yukon rain gear, that with some merino mid layers will be perfect for hunting. I will go with the Kuiu kenai synthetic for glassing, still hunting and at camp. Thank all of you.

[Mtnwalker]

Thanks for all the info. Went out in the woods yesterday wearing my Yukon rain gear, that with some merino mid layers will be perfect for hunting. I will go with the Kuiu kenai synthetic for glassing, still hunting and at camp. Thank all of you.

That sounds like a solid setup for the wetside.