HPG windcheater vs Red Kettle M20 wind shell

[Elmer J. Fudd]

I am wondering if anyone has used both. I’m looking for layer that will cut the wind but still be pretty breathable as I plan to use this piece while being very active. My family does a lot of deer drives and sometimes a guy goes from being a driver to having to post in the same drive. So you may have to stay stationary for an hour or so and you will not have any insulating layers with you. I just looking for something that would do a good job blocking the wind in this scenario that would also not cause me to sweat like I’m in a sauna. And maybe this piece doesn’t exist yet given that if you are keeping wind out it could be tough for heat to escape. That’s where I’m wondering if the pit zips of the windcheater offer an advantage for the m20

 

[WyldGoose]

I’ve got no experience with the Red Kettle but I’ve been using the HPG Windcheater for many years. Love it. That ambush fabric they use is extremely breathable and beyond durable. I tend to run warm when moving so pit zips are a must.
It’s pretty much my year round mid layer, worn over my base, rarely comes off. If cold, puffy goes over the top.

 

[BBob]

I’m the opposite, no experience with the HPG but I do have the Red Kettle wind shirt. I use it a lot over the top of an Arrowhead MDWi hoody. Breathes really well and plenty warm. The hand pockets are large and roomy. I can put things in them and still have lots of room for gloved hands. Thinking about it I haven’t missed having pit zips. I’m sure they’d be useful but I’ve never thought about it or missed them on this jacket.

After looking over the Windcheater, if wearing it with a pack with a hip belt I might opt for it with the high pockets. It also has a hood where the RK doesn’t.

 

[n816kc]

Love the HPG Windcheater, always seem to have it on when things work out. Not lightweight but it’s bombproof.

 

[fwafwow]

I’ve got two Red Kettles and am looking for an alternative. I love the pocket layout (2 “normal” near the waste, 2 chest and 2 more between the shoulder and elbow), and that I can wear it hunting or around town. But I wish it had pit zips, because to me it doesn’t breathe well. I always feel clammy. I’m therefore looking for an alternative - both in design and maybe that Ventile isn’t for me. I will check out the HPG. But maybe even a similar Ventile with pit zips might solve my primary complaint.

 

[jeedo]

Haven't tried the Red Kettle, but I switched from the HPG to an OR Ferrosi and have been very happy. I like the simplicity of it, the layout, and the fit. Breathable enough for me and i find i don't need the pit zips if i just pull down the main zipper. ymmv.

 

[Formidilosus]

I’ve got two Red Kettles and am looking for an alternative. I love the pocket layout (2 “normal” near the waste, 2 chest and 2 more between the shoulder and elbow), and that I can wear it hunting or around town. But I wish it had pit zips, because to me it doesn’t breathe well. I always feel clammy. I’m therefore looking for an alternative - both in design and maybe that Ventile isn’t for me. I will check out the HPG. But maybe even a similar Ventile with pit zips might solve my primary complaint.

@cubdriver84d had one of these that we played with, and @Tommyhaak got a pullover afterwards. They have a thinner/lighter weight version than the Red Kettle.

Shop by material - Double Ventile® - Page 1 - Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing

hilltrek.co.uk

 

[cubdriver84d]

@cubdriver84d had one of these that we played with, and @Tommyhaak got a pullover afterwards. They have a thinner/lighter weight version than the Red Kettle.

This is the one I have. Big fan. I got it in the spring and wore it bc skiing a few times and a bunch this fall in a range of conditions. The L35 ventile is the lightest, but the color options are limited. L34 is slightly heavier with more color options (e.g., olive). The moon color isn't terrible in the field though. Hilltrek will do some customization too, and seems like they'll make any of their single ventile pieces with whichever weight ventile you want (they would at least do the Bealach in either L35 or L34, and they added a chest pocket for me).

Bealach Lightweight Ventile Smock

A classic lightweight over-the-head smock designed for windproof and showerproof use and giving excellent breathability.

hilltrek.co.uk

 

[Formidilosus]

This is the one I have. Big fan. I got it in the spring and wore it bc skiing a few times and a bunch this fall in a range of conditions. The L35 ventile is the lightest, but the color options are limited. L34 is slightly heavier with more color options (e.g., olive). The moon color isn't terrible in the field though. Hilltrek will do some customization too, and seems like they'll make any of their single ventile pieces with whichever weight ventile you want (they would at least do the Bealach in either L35 or L34, and they added a chest pocket for me).

Bealach Lightweight Ventile Smock

A classic lightweight over-the-head smock designed for windproof and showerproof use and giving excellent breathability.

hilltrek.co.uk

That seemed fantastic and is where I will go next.

 

[tony]

Red Kettle looks to be no more.

 

[BBob]

Red Kettle looks to be no more.

Nope. He quit (at least the clothing) quite awhile ago. He was working on going a different direction. I got an email but don’t remember what that was at the moment.