Cold-Weather Gear Upgrade - Neutrino Pro vs Stretchdown

[ElMuercielago]

Currently have a Firstlite Uncompahgre 2.0 and Sitka diagonal zip (that I forget the name) which alternate with me on most hunts. Unfortunately, both run a bit cold for me during mid-winter, especially when doing anything less than a full-on hike. Looking for something durable enough to hunt in while warm enough for when temps drop below 32F/0C.

At the moment, debating between the Rab Neutrino Pro or the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Jacket/Parka (as I have discounts with both). Anyone have experience with either of those?

 

[Whaledriver]

I have an older Neutrino that I have ran 7+ years in later CO rifle seasons. Never been cold in it. Really nice jacket. I bought a Positron recently on a deal, but have not tested it yet. It seems to have a little more down than my Neutrino. In my opinion the Rab down jackets are hard to beat value and performance wise

 

[Maverick1]

Currently have a Firstlite Uncompahgre 2.0 and Sitka diagonal zip (that I forget the name) which alternate with me on most hunts. Unfortunately, both run a bit cold for me during mid-winter, especially when doing anything less than a full-on hike. Looking for something durable enough to hunt in while warm enough for when temps drop below 32F/0C.

At the moment, debating between the Rab Neutrino Pro or the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Jacket/Parka (as I have discounts with both). Anyone have experience with either of those?

I have the Rab neutrino pro jacket, purchased on Black Friday. So, my experience is limited to the last couple of months, mostly walking and sitting stationary. So far it has been great. Good amount of insulation, nice hood. I like it quite a bit. About the only thing that I don't care for is the velcro closures on the sleeve/arm cuffs. (They have not been an issue whatsoever on this specific jacket that I have owned for only a couple of months - I'm just not a fan of that particular design on any type of jacket. While they are nice for being able to adjust for different wrist sizes and wearing layers or gloves underneath - IME velcro cuffs tend to gum up and become loose over many years of use. Again, I haven't had this issue on the Rab jacket - other jackets I have after owning them for many years.)

The Rab jacket has a Pertex Quantum outer material (think: nylon) - so it is not going to be quite in the colder conditions you asked about. It will be warmer than the Sitka Fanatic, and lighter to carry and pack, but not nearly as quiet. (The outer material on the Rab jacket will be somewhat closer to the First Lite Uncompahgre's material). The Rab jacket is in an entirely different class than the Uncompahgre - it is significantly warmer.

with 7.5 oz of 800fp down, the Rab jacket is warmer than several of the other insulating jackets I own: Stone Glacier Grumman, Black Ovis Anchor Point, First Lite Uncompahgre, Kuiu Kenai, Kuiu Superdown Pro, First Lite Source; Outdoor Research Tradecraft. It is fairly close to the Feathered Friends Helios.

I am not certain what you mean by "durable enough to hunt in" - most down jackets have outer shell materials that are not suitable for "brush busting" or walking through any type of terrain that will catch on the jacket. It will be fine for stationary / sitting - but I wouldn't walk through the woods or mountains in it, unless the terrain was relatively open and there was little to no change of getting a snag. If you wear it while hiking uphill wearing a backpack, you are going to sweat, it's just too warm.

 

[neil.hansford]

I have the Rab Neitrino pro. I can't imagine ever needing anything any warmer. Its likely warmer than the Mountain Hardwear, as it uses 800 fill vs 700 on the MH. I'm surprised Rab doesn't get more attention on here. They've got lots of good gear with much better pricing than the hunting brands.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[dan25]

I also have a Rab Neutrino Pro. I used it last year on a 3rd Colorado Mule deer Hunt. I love it. I feel it is the perfect balance of plenty of warmth and not too heavy. I would say it is definitely warmer than like a stone grumman. I sized up to XXL, I'm normally an XL. I love the jacket and would put it up against the best. I ordered from Bob Leisure and saved a lot of money.