Vest - 1st Lite, Sitka or Kuiu ?

Old Bear

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Oct 25, 2015
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12
I want to add an insulated vest to my system. I would like it to be quiet, warming, wind and water resistant.
What would you recommend, Sitka (Kelvin or Kelvin lite), 1st Lite (Uncompraghe), or Kuiu (super down) ?
Your recommendation from experience please.
Thanks
 

rm06

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Sep 2, 2013
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CO
*edit* - bad reading comprehenison

I've owned the Kelvin Lite and it was tremendously warm. I sold it because the armholes were too tight

I'm on the fence about vests in general, I like the idea but I really never use one in the field.
 
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warrior80

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Jun 24, 2014
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I own both the Sitka Kelvin Lite and the Kuiu SD. They are both nice. The Kuiu is lighter. The cut on them is pretty much the same. The Kelvin model I have has the stretch side panels so there is not insulation in that section, just a fleece material. The older model was insulation all around. Neither would be considered quiet, so if that's a concern, wear it under another layer. Can't go wrong with either.

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IdahoBeav

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If you wear XL, the Kelvin Lite is currently on Camofire for $76.

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Dobermann

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Can't speak to the other brands, but I'm happy with the FL Uncomphmummmble vest. Their merino Springer vest has a place too, for me.
 
Joined
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it hinges on how much insulation you want and if the vest will always be a inner layer vs outer layer

some vest are quieter than others...the first lite vest is plenty warm but slightly loud as a outerlayer. the sitka vest maybe slightly quieter
 
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jm1607

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I think the only ones out of those brands that are super "quiet" would be the Sitka Stratus or FL Springer.. The Springer is rather heavy if I remember correctly..

I'm planning no running the Stratus this year
 
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I think the only ones out of those brands that are super "quiet" would be the Sitka Stratus or FL Springer.. The Springer is rather heavy if I remember correctly..

I'm planning no running the Stratus this year

the fanatic is super quiet and there is quiet a few pockets


the stratus is superlight weight and quiet

if you need sitka help just let us know...we are running some great sitka specials now
 
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May 16, 2015
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Oregon
KUIU SD owner, went with it because best fit along with weight and pack size. The FL was too baggy/loose fitting for my taste. I did not try sitka. For reference I'm 6'2 190. I would def recommend trying them on and layered how you'll use it. Just order the KUIU if you don't like the fit of FL or Sitka
 

jeffpg

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Mar 6, 2015
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I prefer the Sitka Jetstream. I have a brand new in size medium that's a bit tight for me. Let me know if you'd like to have it. I'll replace it with a large.

Jeff
 
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