Help me find a puffy jacket

[Elkoholic87]

So, I'm looking at getting a puffy jacket and want something that won't burn me up into a sweat. I want something I can hike in that's not bulky, loud and helps against the wind and also fairly durable. I've been looking at First Lite and Kuiu. Let me know, thanks.


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[ianpadron]

I have the FL Uncompaghre, KUIU Kenai, REI Stratocloud, and a Sitka Kelvin.

For what you're looking for I'd say get the Kenai. It isn't windproof but it is easily the quietest of the bunch and breathes the best. It has pit zips and a non-coated face fabric, which is noticeable when really moving. The thing dries crazy fast too if it gets wet for the same reasons it breathes exceptionally well.

 

[Elkoholic87]

The First Lite Cirrus has my attention.


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[fngTony]

Kenai probably the best of the brands mentioned. It does have dwr too so you won't need the rain shell for a sprinkle.

Are you open to other brands?

 

[Elkoholic87]

Kenai probably the best of the brands mentioned. It does have dwr too so you won't need the rain shell for a sprinkle.

Are you open to other brands?

Yes. I'm all ears.


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[fngTony]

The fit of the kenai can be hit or miss depending on your body type. Patagonia nano air is the same insulation and breathes well. The one I tried one is a more relaxed but not bulky fit. It doesn't have pit zips either. Comes in a grey very similar to grey kenai.

 

[FreeRange]

Kenai and the patagonia nano air are basically the same jacket and both are great for wearing while hiking. As much as some don't like Kuiu, nobody probably would say to support Patagonia over them due to their stance on some hunting issues, i.e. wolf reintroduction. I still buy some Patagonia stuff that's unique and no one else makes anything comparable, not the case here and Kuiu's probably cheaper.

Both the Kenai and Nano air are very quiet due to the light fabric they're able to use as a result of the unique insulation. Neither are durable or recommended as an outer shell busting brush or in any weather.

I think the kenai is great for late season hunts, early season I use only lightweight down jacket because I'll never be hiking in it. I add the lightweight down jacket back on top of the kenai while stationary in very cold temps. It's a versatile light weight system. I use the Montbell UL down parka, weighs 9oz and compares to the Kuiu superdown jacket but is cheaper than Kuiu.

 

[belly-deep]

Patagonia Nano Puff. Hands down for what you are describing.

 

[camping1601]

The Kenai is a nice jacket for what your looking for. I'm not super thrilled with the fit as it's a little roomy around the middle.

Two elk trips and two whitetail seasons and the only wear is on the back from sitting against trees while stand hunting.

And the outer material is super quiet.

 

[belly-deep]

Seriously. If want a jacket you can hike in and blocks the wind, Nano Puff.

I can't repeat it enough.

 

[Xringer07]

I have a North Face thermoball puffy that has worked very well and cuts the wind incredibly well. It's the hooded version and still only weighs 13 oz I believe. Breathes very well in my experience. I actually switched to a First Lite puffy and if you're interested I can make you a heck of a deal on the North Face

 

[Laker]

Having just spent 3 weeks on the mountain and wearing my first lite puffy everyday in winds as high as 100mph. I can honestly say it is the best piece of clothing I have ever worn. I tried not to wear it when a strenuous walk was going on, but did a couple times working up a bit of a lather. It dried out so fast though that I did not notice any cooling effects. Unbelievable piece of clothing. I recommend it 110%.

 

[Chris Sloan]

Based on your demands, id suggest two pieces a FL uncomp and a soft shell jacket( i have a kyrptek cadog).The FL is ALWAYS in my pack. Warmer hunts a merino and grid fleece tops work good for active hunting, only using the FL uncomp glassing. Then run the soft shell mid to late season, if i need another layer to stay warm still hunting. Glassing late season, the soft shell is on under the FL puffy, maybe with a extra merino layer. I have the Kenai puffy pant, only used a few times, warm, but im still leary on durability of this fabric for a active outer layer that will get snagged by branches. The FL Uncomp really is a awesome piece, they were just selling for a little over $100 during the FL sale, a few sales still going if you look. Local place here has 30% off all FL now..

 

[bojangles808]

kuius teton puffy is on sale for 89$ Teton Insulated Jacket - Discount Hunting Jacket | KUIU

 

[LASTINLINE]

im waiting to try out this jacket. cant hurt for the price lol...https://www.walmart.com/ip/52837349

 

[fngTony]

im waiting to try out this jacket. cant hurt for the price lol...https://www.walmart.com/ip/52837349

Better constructed than the 32 degrees brand. They're on Amazon regularly for $20-30.

 

[tracker12]

I picked up a RAB puffy last year and it has turned out to be one of the best garment purchases I have made in long time along with my Marmot Scree pants. I have finally figure out that I do not need to buy camo to be effective.

 

[NVCHUKAR]

No doubt the nano puff is the best I have tried, just picked up the hooded version cuz I liked the first so much. It helps to be in Reno and have friends that work at Patagonia because their shit is pricey. I have the Sitka kelvin lite, kryptek puffy, Colombia puffy, Sitka jet stream. Th nano puff is great because it's stretch and breathable. If you want a waterproof version of the nano puff get the Patagonia stretch nano storm.