Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Hunter mike on August 28, 2013, 12:01:37 PM

Title: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: Hunter mike on August 28, 2013, 12:01:37 PM: I'm thinking about getting a good insulation layer jacket - possibly to hunt in during cold seasons, but just for hanging out in camp in the early season (for the occasional colder mornings and evenings in the high-country).

What is everyone using? I'm feeling like Primaloft might be the way to go due to still getting some insulation when wet. I try to have gear that's as foolproof as possible and in Western WA, you know that sooner or later your going to get the constant deluge for an entire hunt... Also I think it could save my butt if I end up out in temps that dip too low for my sleeping bag or have to spend a night away from camp - could be cheap insurance (both price and weight wise).

I'm looking at options from Cabela's or LL Bean right now. Most seem to weigh about 22-24oz that I've come across, a bit heavier than I was hoping for. I've heard of lighter down jackets, so not sure what to do. My current down vest weighs 15.6oz and is very packable (I usually put it in a small ziplock to keep dry).
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: MtnMuley on August 28, 2013, 12:05:23 PM: KUIU Super Down hooded jacket is very nice. Much lighter as well. Weighs 10oz, yet is as warm as I could possibly need. :twocents:
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: 7mag. on August 28, 2013, 12:39:34 PM: Quote from: MtnMuley on August 28, 2013, 12:05:23 PM
KUIU Super Down hooded jacket is very nice. Much lighter as well. Weighs 10oz, yet is as warm as I could possibly need. :twocents:

:yeah: They also come without the hood, and in pullover 1/4 zip.
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: Hunter mike on August 28, 2013, 12:44:01 PM: Love the looks of that jacket - hard to spend double or more what I can find a similar jacket from a hiking brand though...

Just spent $200 in the last 2 days upgrading/buying other stuff...
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 28, 2013, 01:02:42 PM: Neither. Get a Woolrich Alaskan shirt #6140
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: alecvg on August 28, 2013, 01:10:27 PM: I have the kuiu spindrift right now, which it primaloft. Way to bulky for me. I plan on getting kuiu superdown.
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: MtnMuley on August 28, 2013, 03:58:36 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on August 28, 2013, 01:02:42 PM
Neither. Get a Woolrich Alaskan shirt #6140

I think this guy actually gets out of the truck, lol
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: fillthefreezer on August 28, 2013, 04:14:00 PM: Quote from: Hunter mike on August 28, 2013, 12:44:01 PM
Love the looks of that jacket - hard to spend double or more what I can find a similar jacket from a hiking brand though...

Just spent $200 in the last 2 days upgrading/buying other stuff...
patagonia nanopuff has been a proven performer for years
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: jackelope on August 28, 2013, 04:27:00 PM: I've got an Eddie Bauer First Ascent down jacket and a primaloft and I prefer the down, although the idea of at least a little insulation even when wet keeps me taking the primaloft if there's a chance for foul weather.
The down is incredibly warm for it's weight.
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 28, 2013, 04:37:46 PM: Quote from: MtnMuley on August 28, 2013, 03:58:36 PM
Quote from: CAMPMEAT on August 28, 2013, 01:02:42 PM
Neither. Get a Woolrich Alaskan shirt #6140

I think this guy actually gets out of the truck, lol

That is a perfect shirt. It's actually a jacket. Works great in the cold and just admiring your campfire at -10.
Title: Re: Down or Primaloft Jacket
Post by: RadSav on August 28, 2013, 04:46:38 PM: I actually like Primaloft quite a bit. But I agree with others that is can be a little bulky in the pack. I like that I can throw it in the washer and dryer if I wish. And if I forget it compressed during the off season there are no worries of it being ruined. I also like that I don't get the little feathers popping out constantly. Plus, I don't have to have a special water proof bag for it in the pack.

If I were hunting a lot of high country these days it might be a hard decision probably based upon the amount of moisture I was expecting to use it in. I recently switched to one of the new dry down sleeping bags for the back country. So far I am impressed with it. Also impressed that I haven't ruined it yet :chuckle: I don't have the best track record when it comes to keeping down bags in good shape >:(