Post by: Slimdog350 on December 16, 2013, 10:19:05 AM
I'm trying to figure out what jacket I want so I thought I'd get some opinions. Weight and pack ability are definitely important. The super down seems to fit the bill but I get a great discount on Sitka gear. I plan to also use it to up the degree of my sleeping bag because I sleep cold. The kelvin lite looks ok I'm just not sure it will be warm enough. I also want the hooded jackets. Any opinions is much appreciated! Jason
Post by: stagnw on December 27, 2013, 07:07:17 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on December 27, 2013, 10:47:51 AM
Post by: haugenna on December 27, 2013, 11:06:01 AM
Check out the video of the down they are using.
KUIU Super Down Demonstration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgH7HSvla9k#ws)
Post by: splitshot on December 27, 2013, 09:41:28 PM
Post by: haugenna on December 27, 2013, 09:52:20 PM
I can pack 3-5 super down zip t's to 1 fleece coat. The idea behind some of these products is to do more with less. Less weight, less space and more performance. With that comes a price.
Post by: fair-chase on December 27, 2013, 09:53:18 PM
Post by: JLS on December 27, 2013, 10:11:55 PM
I cant believe the price they are getting for Sitka stuff. I don't get cold with polar fleece. someone is raking in the money with big prices. I cant pay that much money that I would pay for a gun. hey put on another layer and buy more ammo and shooters. mike w
A lot of folks out there aren't really using their gear in a way that they get the full benefit of clothing like Sitka or Kuiu. When I used to horsepack and set up a wall tent, I just wore wool and it was fine. Now that I need/want lighter weight and quicker drying materials for backpack type hunting, I find that Sitka is a very good option.
It is expensive, and it isn't necessarily warmer. However, it's lighter, dries quicker, fits better for layering, and is very weather resistant.
Post by: Slimdog350 on December 29, 2013, 10:58:48 AM
Post by: Sliverslinger on December 29, 2013, 11:19:36 AM
Post by: Slimdog350 on March 28, 2014, 04:46:40 PM
Post by: jackelope on March 28, 2014, 05:20:48 PM
Thought I would update this post. I received the kuiu super down jacket the other day. I also ordered the guide beanie, bino buddy and a few dry bags. I'm excited to test everything out. I did try on the coat and it was incredibly warm! I've also been kicking around about buying the new ultra 6000 pack that was just released. I watched their release video on their website and it looks like they addressed the frame issues from the icon packs. I like the setup and it's very light....although my wife isn't keen on me buying another pack. I might think about selling my MR Longbow even though I love it. The ultra pack is 4 lbs lighter :yike:
I saw on Rokslide where Kuiu declined allowing the Rokslide guys to test their packs like they test the Kifaru and Stone Glacier packs. I don't really have a solid opinion on that....can't decide whether it will affect my decision on a new pack. The price point is awesome and I probably don't punish my packs the way a lot of guys do. It's come down to the Ultra or the new EXO Mountain Gear pack for me, pretty much solely based on what I can afford. Just kind of in a wait and see point right now. I want to see how they perform for folks before I pull the trigger.
Post by: haugenna on March 28, 2014, 05:39:08 PM
I sent you a pm Slimdog but will say it on here as well. Kuiu may have gotten it right with the new frame but the jury is still out. Kuiu makes a lot of great products like the down jacket, guide jacket, and pants but I wouldn't put them as a top manufacturer of packs. They could get there with Jason's drive for innovation but after 4 frames in 4 years, I am not willing to be a field tester. I held both the stone glacier 5100 and the new Icon bag at the SCI show a while back and decided to go with the Stone Glacier. I have exchanged a bunch of emails with Kurt the owner and he is a stand up guy. Nothing against Kuiu as I think they are great people from what I gathered at the show.
Post by: jackelope on March 28, 2014, 05:42:15 PM
Thanks Haug...
Post by: ellensburgpo on March 28, 2014, 06:21:28 PM
Post by: 7mag. on March 28, 2014, 10:32:04 PM
Kuiu has posted two videos on their blog in the last two days on the durability of the ultra. They ran a frame over in various ways yesterday with a Toyota tundra and it survived. Today they threw it off a hill and all things considered it did well. Mine is on preorder and I'm excited for it to arrive. The whole rockslide vs kuiu thing is stupid and hopefully will go away soon.
I have a fair amount of Kuiu gear, and I love it all. I don't own any of their packs, I have been pretty leery due to the problems they've had with the earlier Icons, but the new Ultra looks pretty good so far. The testing they have shown is impressive.
As far as the original post, I haven't worn a Kelvin, but I do have a Superdown. I am very happy with it. It is far warmer than I expected, weighs almost nothing, and packs down very small. It has been a great addition to my pack.
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 29, 2014, 09:25:55 AM
if youre not in a hurry, id wait and see how the kryptek aquillo turns out. word is around june. looks like a SWEET piece :tup:
Post by: Slimdog350 on March 29, 2014, 09:35:34 AM