Need some help choosing a new "puffy" jacket

[jpratt]

Hey gang, I want to purchase a new puffy jacket and would like some advice on which one you would buy and why. I am considering the new jacket from first lite but would like to hear some options. I would use it for backcountry hunting both in the west and a up coming trip to alaska. Thanks in advance for your help! Jerry.

 

[crumy]

I am interested in this topic too. Found a Patagonia sweater at REI along with a REI Kimtah shell that looked really nice to go along with it. think that combo would work. But then of course there is the Kryptek, kuiu, insert brand here.

 

[tstowater]

Give Hells Canyon or BitterRoot Bulls or both a P.M. They might have some pretty good working knowledge with the First Lite.

 

[Nick Muche]

The First Lite puffy is a great jacket and I think you'd be very happy with it. Blocks the wind great and it keeps you very warm. I would not feel any remorse in purchasing it.

 

[Nick Muche]

This may help you out some...


http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?6402-Tried-out-First-Lite-Uncompahgre-Puffy

 

[Ryan Avery]

I agree with Nick. Its going to be the warmest out of the hunting line of puffys but its also the heaviest. It's perfect for throwing over your jacket and glassing.

 

[jpratt]

Heavy? Compared too others of similar build or to down? Are you talking a couple of oz or lbs? Thanks for the replies guys!


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I agree with Nick. Its going to be the warmest out of the hunting line of puffys but its also the heaviest. It's perfect for throwing over your jacket and glassing.

 

[dryflyguy]

I am going with the super down hoodie from KUIU. My reasons are weight, compressibility, loft retention in wet weather, drying time, and I like the solid color option for year round wear.

 

[sk1]

i just got my superdown from kuiu a few months ago, pretty impressed with the warmth, especially considering the weight

 

[jherald]

My fav puffy over any is the Patagonia Nano-Puff pullover in grey. Ultra light, warm for layering or standalone, packs down tiny, weighs ounces.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Jpratt, the First Lite puffy is 19.1 OZ in size large. The Super down pullover I have is 7.5 ounces. The superdown is warm but it's not as windproof as the FL. I am still not sold on any down for the wet ass weather(brush) we have here in North Idaho. I will pack the SD in the summer and through the archery season. But from mid October on I will use the FL Puffy. It's warmer and wind proof. I haven't used the Kryptec puffy. I tried Aron's on and it seems very well built, but I still think overall the FL will be the warmest out of those three.

 

[todd kelly]

Jpratt, the First Lite puffy is 19.1 OZ in size large. The Super down pullover I have is 7.5 ounces. The superdown is warm but it's not as windproof as the FL. I am still not sold on any down for the wet ass weather(brush) we have here in North Idaho. I will pack the SD in the summer and through the archery season. But from mid October on I will use the FL Puffy. It's warmer and wind proof. I haven't used the Kryptec puffy. I tried Aron's on and it seems very well built, but I still think overall the FL will be the warmest out of those three.

I'm new to the "puffy" option this year. I have always been a heavy weight wool guy for insulation. I went with the Super Down because of the weight to warmth ratio and it's ability to pack down to nothing. I would have bought it even if it did not have the DWR finish on the down.

One thing I don't get is when guys comment on not wanting down because of it getting wet..... In all my time in the bush I can't think of a time when my wool sweaters got wet. If it was raining I put my rain jacket on. If I was hiking I took the wool off because it was too warm and did not want to get it wet with sweat. Not as big of a deal as I think everyone is making down out to be. Or maybe I'll learn the hard way this fall!

 

[Ryan Avery]

Todd I have been soaked more than once from head to toe with rain gear on. I guess it's all on how you hunt. I'm not saying SD isn't a great product. I just like to roll with synthetic insulators during the shitty parts of the year.

 

[aaron14]

I'm looking for a puffy for next season too. Considering the FL Uncompahgre, KUIU Spindrift and Super Down, among others. I think Core 4 Element is coming out with one this year as well.

 

[huntinrod]

I have a Mont Bell Ultralight Down Inner "Parka" (hooded). They make a "jacket" too (non-hooded, but same jacket). It weighs around nine ounces, is extremely warm, and super windproof. Best jacket for ultralight hunting I have ever owned...takes a little care to use (light material) but I wear it as a layer and only outer when sitting so it doesnt get snagged etc. Ebay all day long....or backcountrygear.com...great jacket!

 

[KMD]

I found a 1/2 zip Primaloft pullover in Cabelas Bargain Cave. Gonna carry & use it exclusively as a mid layer, between a merino wool 1st layer and my camo outer shell. Weighs nothing, super warm, and packs down into the chest zip pocket. Can't be beat for $60...

 

[Eagle]

I have a Mont Bell Ultralight Down Inner "Parka" (hooded). They make a "jacket" too (non-hooded, but same jacket). It weighs around nine ounces, is extremely warm, and super windproof. Best jacket for ultralight hunting I have ever owned...takes a little care to use (light material) but I wear it as a layer and only outer when sitting so it doesnt get snagged etc. Ebay all day long....or backcountrygear.com...great jacket!

I've got the jacket version and agree 100%, it's 7oz's and I don't think it can be beat for price/weight/warmth.

 

[jpratt]

Well just got off the phone with KUIU. I ordered the hooded super down in verde camo. It's warmth to weight ratio and it's ability to pack very small made it a reasonable choice for me. I usually hunt the archery season in CO so I should be good there. If I do end up hunting a wet weather climate I may have to purchase a synthetic. Or maybe not, time will tell? Thanks for all the replys! I really appreciate the feed back!

 

[mtswampfox]

have sitka kelvin jacket with the primaloft fill , just wondering how it would compare with the sd from kuiu or new puffy from first lite, any ideas?????

 

[Leopard]

Well just got off the phone with KUIU. I ordered the hooded super down in verde camo. It's warmth to weight ratio and it's ability to pack very small made it a reasonable choice for me. I usually hunt the archery season in CO so I should be good there. If I do end up hunting a wet weather climate I may have to purchase a synthetic. Or maybe not, time will tell? Thanks for all the replys! I really appreciate the feed back!

You won't be disappointed. It's a great jacket!

Absolutely love mine.

For interest, I wrote a review of it a few months ago: http://adventurousbowhunter.com/2013/03/20/kuiu-super-down-hooded-jacket-review/