Here are some of the jackets I own:
KUIU Super Down (3) - Hooded, 1/4 Zip and Hoodless.
KUIU SPin Drift
KUIU Kenai
Sitka Kelvin (4) - Kelvin Down, Kelvin Lite, Kelvin, and have pre-ordered the new Kelvin Ultra which is Down and Primaloft combined.
First Lite Uncompahgre
Krpytek Kratos
Kryptek Aquillo
Kryptek Borelais
North Face Thermoball
Cabelas Primaloft
Mountain Hardware Down (2)
As soon as I have some time I will put together some thoughts on each one of these jackets and any others I may come across in my gear totes! Stay tuned...
Lol
I NEW you'd be on here quick Nick. You shouldn't laugh, I've seen your gear room.
First decision one needs to make is Down vs. Synthetic. For me this decision is easy based on whether you are going to be active or stationary while wearing the jacket. I cannot wear a down jacket while hiking in ANY temperature. Down jackets generally don't breath real well. Synthetics (primaloft, 3DeFX, etc) are GREAT at moisture management. Generally speaking the down jackets are warmer and more packable/compressable.
*KUIU Superdown - I have all three versions of this jacket. 1/4 Zip, Hoodless and Hooded. Prices range from $200-$250. The "quixsdown" is a water repellent treated down. Jacket is filled with 850 fill goose down. Each of the jackets have a little different fill weight with the quarter zip being the lightest (7 oz)and the hooded being the most (10 oz). The two way stretch fabric on these jackets is very comfortable. Super Down is my "go to" jacket on mountain hunts as it compresses very well and has a warmth to weight ratio second to none. The only downsides to this jacket are 1. - The fabric is very light and not real durable. In fact, I don't recommend wearing this as a outer layer. 2. The jacket doesn't breath real well. No matter how cold it is, I can't wear this one hiking or I'm sorry. While it may not be my favorite "all around puffy", it is my main "go to" insulation layer on mountain hunts. AS far as fit goes, I think most would agree, this jacket has an extremely athletic cut and many size up on this one. Mine are all XXL without a lot of room to spare. The Super Down pants also go with me on every mountain hunt.
*KUIU Spin Drift - This was KUIU's first shot at a "puffy". It is a synthetic layered jacket that is fairly lightweight and compresses about as good as a synthetic jacket can compress. I actually continue to carry this jacket as a second jacket for over the top of Super Down on late season hunts. I think this jacket was about $150 new. For KUIU, it does have a more generous fit. Mine is an XL. This one does a great job of managing moisture. The fill is a little light and KUIU had some issues with the fill coming out the seams. Mine is still very functional.
*KUIU Kenai - My latest puffy purchase and probably one of two of my favorite all around puffy jackets. This one uses 3DeFX synthetic insulation. The jacket breaths EXTREMELY well thus moisture management is A+++ on this one. The outer is 2 way stretch similar to the Super Down but just a little heavier. You need to "size up" on this one. I originally ordered a XXL, but returned it for a XXXL as I plan on wearing it a lot as an outer layer. I think it runs ridiculously small. Price point on this one is pretty good at $179 for hoodless and $199 for hooded. A stiff wind will blow through this jacket and if I was going to use it for my main puffy on mountain hunts, I would use in conjuction with a softshell or rain jacket. I could easily wear this jacket as my outer layer on a late season active hunt. The one downside to this jacket is that it isn't as compressable as some. Especially the hooded version. This one is tough to beat for active wear. I wear mine snow shoeing and coyote hunting and it has become a favorite of mine. The jacket is soft, comfortable and fairly quiet for this type of jacket.
That covers the KUIU jackets. KUIU technology in hunting clothing is second to none IMO. I'll work on Sitka next...
I use the RAB Plasma Hoodie as my insulating layer, I don't know if that qualifies as a "puffy".
*Sitka Kelvin Down - This is a serious puffy coat. The '15 version of this jacket is a little different than the one I have. The new version combines down and primaloft. I believe mine is just down. The jacket is incredibly warm with a TON of down fill. The downside to this much fill is that it is not nearly as light or packable as the Super Down. Mine has never been on a hunt but has seen plenty of daily casual wear in below zero temps. I really don't have a place for this one in my mountain kit as it is just too much jacket. I'd rather take two lighter weight jackets in my pack over this one. Jacket retails for about $350 and runs pretty true to size as mine is a XL.
*Kelvin Lite -This is a primaloft filled puffy that packs extremely well for a synthetic. Has great moisture management and warmth to weight ratio is as good as any synthetic I've used. I've used this one on a number of mountain hunts and it is a winner. This one retails for $199 and runs pretty true to size for me as mine is a XL.
*Sitka Kelvin - Big brother to the Kelvin lite, this one has over twice as much primaloft fill (170 g. vs. 60). This one does not compress nearly as well as the Lite but is obviously warmer. I don't travel with this one but have used a ton snow shoeing and it performs like a champ. Price is $229 and fit is again pretty true to size as I have an XL.
*Sitka Kelvin Ultra - I can wait to get my hands on this one. Sitka has combined the best of both worlds by filling the jacket with Primalofts Down Blend. If this one breaths, it could very well move its way to the top of the "Puffy Heap" for me. I think retail is around $299 and I did size up on this one to a XXL. More to come later on this one...
The Sitka stuff is quality. Prices are generally at the top of the food chain though.
*Kryptek Kratos - The Kratos is a thinner synthetic (primaloft) puffy similar to the Spindrift. I'm not a huge Kryptek fan in general. The quality of some of their original stuff is lacking. (appears to be improved on the newer stuff though) This jacket compresses pretty well for a synthetic in part because of how thin it is. To me the Kryptek stuff should be a lower price point than it is. I mean it is good stuff, just not in the same tier as KUIU or Sitka. This one retails for $179 and though functional, not a favorite of mine. Sizing is pretty decent as mine is a XL.
*Kryptek Borealis - This puffy is different than any other. The front is a quilted, primaloft lined front and the rest of the jacket is merino wool. The design was for comfort/breathability while wearing a pack. This jacket was actually a favorite of mine for mountain hunting until a ground squirrel ate holes in it on an AK sheep hunt. The gs got his due. Again, the price point on this one is plenty for what it is - $199. Fit is true to size as mine WAS a XL. Very unique concept from Kryptek. I don't know if it is catching on or not, but I really liked mine.
*Kryptek Aquillo - This is a down (800 fill water proof down) puffy similar to the KUIU Super Down Hooded jacket. Though I prefer the stunner stretch on the KUIU jacket, this one gives it a run for the money. I am very impressed with this puffy. Quality is good, warmth to weight ratio is excellent and I don't seem to sweat as much as the KUIU while active in this one. Price point is $239 and I did size up on this one to XXL as I wear it primarily as an outer layer coyote hunting. This one ranks right up there.
I think some of the quality issues have been addressed at Kryptek and they should be a player in the market. Whether they get to the level of KUIU or Sitka is yet to be seen.
I think I know which one comes out on or near the top anyway. =D
*First Lite Uncompahgre - One of my favorite, most used all around puffy's. This one is synthetic using 37.5 Cocona Active Particle TEchnology. - Whatever it is I like it. You can use this one sitting or on the move. Manages moisture like no other and very warm. Compresses fairly well, but a little on the big compressed size due to the hood. I have worn this one everywhere from NWT to BC to the back yard snow shoeing and it impresses me everytime I wear it. $200 for solids, $225 for camo is a bargain for this coat. Size is generous, in fact many size down on this one. Mine is a XL and plenty generous in fit for an outer layer. This one has been a lifesaver for me on a couple late sheep hunts. Over the top of Super Down, you can endure just about any temperature. I was on a wind swept mountain in a blizzard sheep hunting in BC and this coat kept me warm and comfortable while my guide and Wrangler froze.
I continue to be impressed by First Lite. I've wore their base layers for years and as they move into the more technical clothing I am impressed. Great company.
*Cabelas Trail Hybrid - I was cruising around the Cabelas store one day and came across this puffy jacket for $29.99 (original $109) and decided to give it a try. The jacket is 100 g Primaloft lined with a polyester ripstop shell. For $30, you absolutely cannot go wrong here. The shell might not be a fancy stunner stretch or have a dwr coating, but for practical use, this one works. Breaths well, compresses good enough. I believe they are still $30 on Cabelas website. If you don't need Vias or Optifade camo this one works. And even if you don't like it, what have you lost? Not much...
North Face Thermoball - I didn't own this one long. Though there was nothing wrong with it, it just didn't fit me right. I started with a XXL and it was huge. Went down to a XL and it fit funny. From a performance standpoint, it seemed to work fine. It didn't compress all that well for as thin as it is. At $199, I thought it was grossly overprice, but what isn't with the NF logo. I wouldn't buy this one again. (Unless it was $30 in CAbelas) :)
Mountain Hardware Phanthom - The Phantom is a treated down goose down jacket that gets most of my "casual" wear. For a down jacket, it doesn't compress as well as some others, but is extemely warm for what it is. I wouldn't hesitate to take this one on a mountain hunt but it is heavier and doesn't pack as well as Super Down. Price point is $229, but I've bought both of mine for around $100 on clearance. Fit is pretty good as a XL fits like it was made for me.
There you have it. PM me for specific questions or fire away right here.
There are a couple of "puffy's" out there I'd still like to try. The new Kifaru Puffy intriques me as do a couple of the "Go Lite" brand puffys.
Appreciate the review, thanks
As a point of clarification on my previous post, When I ordered my RAB Plasma through Barneys of Alaska it was largely due to the FL Uncompahgre being out of stock. With that said, the RAB performed well down to -17 in Tajikistan and was worth the $$$. RAB is a UK company that manufactures technical clothing for the climbing community.
bradbear...yes, I believe go lite is out of business. Too bad. great company for the mountain Hunter . Their tents and tarps are great.
Dry creek...Have you SEEN my boot review? ;). My wife calls me a "gear whore"..
Z Barebow's Link
--Jim
orion - I'm a "Bunny Boot" guy. My feet rarely get cold in the big, white bunny boots.
Ike..If you like the Kelvin, wait till you see the "Kelvin Ultra"...
Note: the Uncompahgre stuffed into it's own pocket, as well as a few other puffies I'm sure, make a pretty decent pillow at night... gotta love multifunctional gear....
Guess I like saying "puffy" too....
Oh yeah...Waiting patiently!
Based on the above I am thinking super down or Kelvin down.
If clearance was a problem would this impact on that choice?
I opt for either my Sitka Incinerator or First Lite Sanctuary as an outerlayer in cold weather treestand situations. These are both toasty warm with just a thin layer underneath. When it gets REALLY cold, I add a Gerbing Heated Vest.
Tim...I guess if we all stuck to Carmen Island, Texas and Louisiana none of us would need anything but T's, shorts and some sort of Kevlar arm covering for the Cat Claw! :)
I've bowhunted in all of these jackets, and "clearance" isn't an issue with any of them for me.
I will second that the Sitka Kelvin Down is a LOT of coat. I bought mine primarily for winter climbing and snowshoeing. This is a really warm coat, and I couldn't see using it for bow hunting unless you were hunting in November/December. Mine will double for late November rifle hunts.
Also, there are some very good deals on non-hunting brands if you watch. I bought a North Face primaloft coat (can't remember the model) for $70 on sale at REI. It has served me very well for about four years now.
Good point on the non-hunting brands. Hollywood found one the works great. I try to support companies that support hunting. KUIU is a hunting company, Sitka is a hunting company, First Lite is a hunting company. I will lean towards giving my money to these companies even if it does cost a little more. But if you are looking for a deal and you don't want to dish out the $$$ to the hunting companies, there can be some great deals had at REI, Sierra Trading Post, Moose Jaw etc.
May I suggest a new review topic? . . .
Mid weight active layers.
I struggle with a mid hiking layer for those cold morning hikes in elk season. I haven't found that good layer to wear over merino. I get hot easily, so a vest or something with pit zips maybe??
Bake
1. If there's a a very small risk of rain instead of snow and you'd like to avoid bringing an extra rain layer or would like to bring one layer instead of the poofy to stay warm in the rain, what would you bring? I find myself ending up with too much gear for the nice weather I hunt in due to "just in case."
2. Of all those that you reviewed, what has the best pack space:warmth ratio irrespective of price?
2. KUIU Super Down
They fit me BETTER than the kuiu or sitka as I got them in tall- which is not even an option in the High $$$ jackets. If the high dollar versions were any better- I could see it but essentially they are identical...except 4x the $$$. I like that I can beat them up a little and not worry about it.
Kuiu sizes theirs as a mid layer so the sleeves are cut shorter to fit under a shell- a double no go for me.
I love it!
Mark
You are the superhero of gear!
keep the reports coming, they are awesome!
thanks
michael
I'm kinda anti hoods because it cuts down my peripheral vision, but I could see where it would be nice while sitting glassing and helping cut the wind.
The other hood option is a mid layer with a hood. I am really starting to like my First Lite Charma w/hood and my Sitka Traverse w/hood.
Gear whore would be a gross understatement here Cory, but you do well justifying it! :-).
Thanks for reviewing these products. It makes narrowing down choices a lot easier.
Julius
Thanks for your hard work on these review threads. I've always felt that most reviews are worthless because they compare one piece of gear to itself, there's maybe one other head to head product. Yours generally take the top tier of all products and compare them through real experience as opposed to walking around the block wearing different jackets.
Please keep it up. I've already made several purchase decisions because of your threads.
Trying to decide between the Kenai and Uncompahgre. Looking for a versatile piece that breathes well for extreme cold active hunting but double as mid-layer insulation piece or quiet outer layer when still or stand hunting. I have the SD hooded jacket, & vest, and a Montbell frost line parka (6.7 oz. 800 fill) that I layer under a Kuiu Yukon. Yes, it still lofts pretty well :) So I have the stationary part down but obviously don't wear the down pieces while moving. Currently wearing the Cabela's berber fleece for insulating layer while moving...works good but heavier and bulkier than I like. That FL sactuary sound intriguing but fear it may be too warm on the move. Any recommendation would be much appreciated. Thank You for all you do on this site!
pointerguy - You definately DON'T want the Santuary. Too warm for any type of movement.
Between the Kenai and Uncompaghre it really is a toss up. IF it was me and I was not going to wear it primarily as an outer layer, I would go with the Kenai. The Kenai is less bulky, quieter and IMO breathes better. The Kenai is a great outer layer, or great for layering. That is not a knock on the First Lite jacket, it is great as well, but if I was buying one for your uses, it would be the Kenai.
I have a hooded Ghost Whisperer that I bought for hunting/general use and I couldn't be happpy. Very warm and very lightweight. I found it online for $100.
I use the Kelvin Down jacket when snow camo is needed in January. I have a shell layer of the old Skyline snow came I wear on top. Also a great around town Jacket.
Would love to see a picture of your "gear" room and how you store all this stuff.
Ironbow...I'll see what I can do tommorow about that pic.
Charlie...You are the "poster child" for Sitka gear.
I am slow to the whole layering idea and have only recently started filling out my wardrobe. I got a Core4Element puffy off camofire last spring and was amazed at how warm it was for how small it packs down. Unfortunately it fits pretty snug and gets too tight in the armpits with a pack on. I was feeling too guilty about getting a different one (loved the look of the Uncompahgre), but after hearing about how many coats you have I don't feel so guilty now, lol.
The blended insulation is a winner for me. Kind of a "best of all worlds". The outer ripstop shell feels more durable to me than the KUIU SD shell and the insulation keeps me as warm. Until something better comes along, this one is my "go to" insulation layer.
Disregard if it's The Kelvin "Ultra-light" I have that and it layers well under my Fanatic Lite which I'm still wearing in late November. C
1. Sitka Kelvin Down Ultralight 2. First Lite Uncompagre
The Kenai is actually in a little different class IMO. The Kenai is one of the only jackets I can actively hike in comfortably, but not as warm or wind resistant as any of the others. It also doesn't compress as well as most.
Will likely use my Scheels gift cards to get a Sitka Kelvin Ultra.
I have a Kuiu black superdown with hood (I got it on ebay for a decent price as most wouldn't want black) and I use it for my all around winter jacket around town and then as a underlayer for hunting.
I wore it yesterday and put my first lite Chugah ASAT over it for camo to quiet it down. I got snowed on about 3 inches and stayed warm in pretty wet snow.
I agree with the durability issue. I caught the jacket on a little screw in my folks screen door and tore a hole in it pretty good. That goat tuff tape works great though for repairs.
I then played in the snow with my 11 year old and did some shoveling with it and I was drenched inside afterwards like you said from the lack of breathability if you really move with it on.
Sounds like the First light Uncompagre would be another good addition one day.
I most certainly appreciate your comprehensive, unbiased equipment reviews Cory!
Is there any outer layer that works well with the Superdown to quiet it down? Late season whitetails around here don't tolerate any noise what-so-ever. I might be able to get away with it on a windy day, but as the wind lays down toward dusk I don't think this will work.
I like the idea of a packable puffy, but I need something that is quiet under an outer layer. This one might have to go back.
As far as the pants go, same issue. My KUIU SD pants were shredded after an Ak sheep hunt and I only used them glassing a couple times and around the tent.. I'm still torn on puffy pants as the SD pants are super light, very packable and warm. The Sitka Kelvin pant is more durable, primaloft instead of down, but heavier and not as packable. Where weight is at a premium, the SD are great. Otherwise, I'd pick the Sitka pant. I should also mention these are the only two puffy pants I've ever used.
Cory's advice about going one size larger than normal was spot on for this jacket. I'm 6'-0" and 210lbs. Normally wear an XL jacket, but the Kenai in 2XL is just right.
Gotta love Bowsite!
It arrived in a self contained stuff sack. It was about the size of a large grapefruit. I was like what? I pulled it out of the sack and that thing blew up like a balloon. It is DANG warm fellas. Real nice fit too. It did need sizing up as the cut was fitted. So, I got the XXL.
I have problem with sizing through my shoulders and it worked great. I put it on with a layer of medium weight minus 33 Wool against the skin, a Polar tec medium weight shirt pull over, A wool button up, a down vest and the jacket as the outer layer. Glad I did size up but, still had good room. It actually fit very nicely with all this under it and was snug cut enough to not droop. it holds tight but not restricting. I got room for my Gore Tex Shell over top too. In other words, I'm pretty dang pleased here guys.
So, how does this Browning "Puffy" jacket rate against these really high dollar ones. I was looking on line for the First Lite when I came across this one. Being I'm tired of packing heavy, bulky clothes lashed to my pack 8-10 miles a day, I'm GOING to go the tech route to get the weight down and, still have the warmth.
So, am I missing out here. Are the Sitka's, First Lite, KUIU stuff really that much better? Are the worth the money to a whitetail hunter that hunts wilderness areas on daily walk in, walk out affairs? Or should I stick with the Hell's Canyon versions? Honestly, I really don't know. But, I really like this PrimaLoft jacket and, will say if the rest of their system is this good, how can the others be that much better?
All comments appreciated. I sure hope there is another frugal guy out there that has done this too and can advise me. God Bless men
On the flip side for walking style hunting some of the other high end brands have great stuff!
I bought the jacket at Sierra Trading Post. Had it on Clearance. I just left their site before coming here and, I didn't check to see if they still had them. You might ought to go and check if you are interested as I am EXTREMELY pleased with this little jacket.
I hope you don't mind Kota but, here is a little review of the Browning "Puffy".
We went for a 3/4 day hunt in the wilderness area today. I didn't go in real deep due to my dad having to leave by 2:30. So, I hunted the mountain above the parking area. I climbed steadily for about 800 yards this A.M. before daylight to get into the benches. Steep terrain. Strenuous. But, that little jacket breathed so well.
I wore a mid weight wool, a heavy wool Button up from Cabela's, and that puffy jacket during the climb. When I stopped to await daylight, I was warm but, not sweating. Best thing is, I never had to break out the down vest on my sets. I was on a North east Aspect. So, very little sun exposure. No direct sunlight.
It was 22 degrees when I left the truck. It was 49 when I started it to leave at 2:30 this afternoon. Several miles mountain goating steep, thick, gullied terrain, back off and a 1.5 mile walk back up the forest service road to the truck. I never got hot enough to remove the jacket but, never even thought of getting cold. I set for an hour plus on several stops. Comfy cozy the whole time. I did get some sweat going when coming off the mountain but, my body stayed dry with the exception of where my pack had rode on my lower back.
When removing it at the truck, we went over it real good to see if vapor had built up on the inside. None. I rolled it up, put it in the little bag and dropped it in the pack for next time.
It is a little loud as an outside layer. Not bad but, in still cold air while bowhunting at close range, you'll want a fleece shell over it. But, it is a lot quieter than my Windshear stuff so, all in all, it isn't bad at all. Just a great little jacket for my uses.
God Bless
I doubt that many would have 2 Kenai jackets to compare outer shells, but if so anyone notice a change?
The material seemed very quiet for a puffy. Mine is the gray. It should make a great mid-layer for hunting or to wear to town.
I recently bought a Core 4 Element Elevation down puffy jacket, 700 fill power off Camofire. I was wondering if you ever had a chance to review that jacket?
I also recently bought a Kryptek Aquillo off of Camofire based on your comments here and Aron's review on Rokslide. When it arrived I was disappointed to see that it is 700 fill power rather than the 800 fill power as indicated here and in Aron's review. Do you know if there were two models of the Aquillo?
I haven't tested either jacket yet but the Core 4 Element jacket is quite a bit puffier than the Kryptek and I think I like it better although it does not have a hood whereas the Kryptek does.
Apparently there are two versions of the Aquillo...
My morning "coffee read!"
Mark
Aubs8's Link
I have been looking for deals on the FL Uncompahgre for a couple of weeks and hadn't pulled the trigger.
Today, I found the Sitka Kelvin Ultra Lite (Med, Lg) for $144.50 shipped. Please see the attached link.
Have at it. :)
Kota, have you or are you going to do a pants review for the newer offerings. I'm sorting clothing and ditching some of the older stuff. I'll keep my old Sitka bibs, vest and 90% jacket and pants. But I'm looking for some pants for early mid season mountain hunting in northern BC. The Kuiu Chinook pants have waterproof knee patches which would be a big bonus. Seems the ground is always quite damp here.
Or are there other options you'd care to suggest?
I picked one up for cheap years back. Wondering how it would compare to the Sitka ultralight
However, I was able to cancel my Camofire order and order at the above link. Saved me $30 because free shipping!
Aubs8's Link
Black $115 Camo $136
Free shipping
Cirrus in L fits much more comfortably and a bit roomier...I can actually comfortably wear KDUL under the Cirrus.
The Kuiu is ~3/4 oz. lighter even with the hood. The Sitka's exterior material is quite a bit louder but feels like it would be more durable.
I got my jacket on Friday. Usually I wear a Medium, but I'm 6'1 so stuff can be slightly short at the waist. That being said, the Sitka coat was like a teeny-bopper midriff shirt on me! Sent it back for the Large immediately...
When a product is better, rest assured he will post his official evaluation of the product. Until then we must assume that his latest evaluation is the greatest product.
I bought a simple Cabelas down puffy because it was on sale. It compresses down very nicely and serves it’s purpose very well. It’s the only one I’ve ever bought and I’m good.
With those things in mind I decided to try a Sitka Fanatic vest. It's tough to beat berber for quiet. The fanatic also has windstopper plus primloft and a very nice selection of pockets plus a handwarmer pouch. If you are a bowhunter and prefer not to wear gloves you will likely appreciate the pouch. I'm looking forward to trying it out!
I like my 3 or 4 yr old Superdown hooded Puffy and the 8 year old Spindrift jacket that was later replaced by the Kenai. I even layer the two for super cold weather on occasion. The Superdown is excellent for glassing and the Spindrift for more active wear. Add in a Peloton 240 hoody and you can deal with a huge variety of conditions from July/August sheep hunts to late season hunting by wearing one, two or three of the pieces over a base layer, plus adding Chugach rain gear as required or for a top layer wind break.
Sitka Kelvin: 23 oz
Sitka Kelvin WS: 30 oz
Sitka Kelvin Lite: 20 oz.
Sitka Kelvin Down Ultra: 12 oz.
Sitka Kelvin Original: 14 oz.
Kryptek Aquillo: 16 oz.
Mountain Hardware: 18 oz.
Kifaru Lost Parka 1/4 Zip: 25 oz.
First Lite Uncompagre: 22 oz.
First Lite Cirrus: 15 oz.
Most of the KUIU SD/Ultra's come in at under 10 oz. For sheep/mountain hunting I like my Puffy to be 12 oz. or less. Granted, when you go up in weight, you are going up in warmth. For me the key is finding the best weight to warm ratio. Of the one's I own, the Kelvin Down Ultra fits that well as do the KUIU jackets. Three pieces are critical for me on an August sheep hunt: Sitka Kelvin Down Ultra, Sitka Heavyweight Hoodie and the Sitka Dewpoint Rain jacket. I can handle about any early season conditions with these three pieces. (In a KUIU set up it would be the Ultra, Peloton 97 Hoodie and the Chugach)
If you put a puffy on under a rain shell and hike you may burst into flames!
Pretty much all my jackets have pitzips in them. Depending upon the conditions...if it's too cold for a vest while hiking I'll often open my pitzips so I don't get wet from the inside out. Another thing I do to prevent getting wet while hiking is to untuck my shirts from my pants for better ventilation. Sometimes it's just a matter of changing things up and thinking outside the box from the "norm! "
Nothing is really set in stone....so yes there are great ways to use puffies while hiking! The trick is to figure out the best scenerio for your particular weather conditions, body chemistry, and hunting style. The more layers you have available the better chance you'll figure out what is most comfortable.
Noticed the other day that on my last 3 mountain hunts (2 sheep, mountain goat) I was wearing only my 1/4 zip base layer top when all three animals were taken.
Once I get to a glassing spot I will pull the puffy out of the pack.
This morning, sitting in the bush in a blind, I got the Cyber Monday deal on the Kuiu Ultra Down hooded jacket. The regular price in Canadian dollars is $465. On sale for $375 on Friday, but not the solid colours, so I didn’t buy one. This morning, $278.
Watching for deer and shopping at the same time. I’m sixty five years old and if even ten years ago you’d a told me this would happen, I would have laughed and said “don’t think so”.
