keep kenai or diff jacket

[skindaddy]

so i received my kuiu kenai jacket and seems pretty nice except for the stubby arm length , and the joe dirt let your belly shine length

it is nice though , but my concerns are wearing this as an outer layer dont seem like it will last long. but i dont know what other options are out there to where for coat.
seems like alot have the guide dcs but dont use it?and the other say not needed
i see the chinook which looks tougher but no insulation, looks like alot of good products but it seem almost everyone is lacking something so you need to add something else to go with it!(not just in kuiu either)

 

[IdahoElk]

What time of year and temps will you be using this jacket in? Archery or rifle?

 

[jm1607]

I'd look at both the Kifaru and First Lite puffys, they''re my favs

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Like has been said, a good recommendation for you will depend on what you plan on using it for. If you like the concept of the Kenai but hate the fit, get a Patagonia nano puff, it's the same exact insulation (albeit a little less in the body portion) but with a much better fit.
If you're looking at the kuiu guide jacket I do believe that fits longer in the tail like their hard shells, but all the kuiu stuff is pretty much at the waist in the front.


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[warrior80]

Like has been said, a good recommendation for you will depend on what you plan on using it for. If you like the concept of the Kenai but hate the fit, get a Patagonia nano puff, it's the same exact insulation (albeit a little less in the body portion) but with a much better fit.
If you're looking at the kuiu guide jacket I do believe that fits longer in the tail like their hard shells, but all the kuiu stuff is pretty much at the waist in the front.


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It's actually the Patagonia Nano Air that is like the Kenai but has more of a boxy fit and is longer in the torso. The Nano Puff is a different type.
The Guide jacket is longer in the back and short in the front. It is a much tougher jacket compared to the insulation pieces and even compared to the Chinook.

I should add that I really like the Kenai jacket but rarely use it as an outer layer because I don't want to tear it up.
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[skindaddy]

it will be used mid oct. in north west WY, dont know temps never been there, but will also be used when its cold enough.
i think a puffy would net the same results,
i dont know its a different ball game then im used to, but all these soft as butter layers, seem like you would at least want something tougher for brush etc. being that any of these clothes are over $100 a piece
heres what i got already, a down vest, pelton 240, ultra merino 210, first lite chama hoody, kenai jacket

warrior what do you use for your outer then?

 

[IdahoElk]

If it were me I think I'd be leaning towards a hooded guide.

 

[warrior80]

it will be used mid oct. in north west WY, dont know temps never been there, but will also be used when its cold enough.
i think a puffy would net the same results,
i dont know its a different ball game then im used to, but all these soft as butter layers, seem like you would at least want something tougher for brush etc. being that any of these clothes are over $100 a piece
heres what i got already, a down vest, pelton 240, ultra merino 210, first lite chama hoody, kenai jacket

warrior what do you use for your outer then?

Depending on what the weather is expected to be. Most of the time I run base layers, Peloton or merino, with a vest over them. Guide vest. In cold weather I'll use the Kenai with the Guide jacket over it. If I was only going to get one, I would do the Guide vest over the jacket. I use that thing a lot more than the jacket. Most of the time the weather just doesn't call for the Guide jacket (northern Utah). I used my Peloton 240 quite a bit as well as an outer, but the material does snag quite a bit, so is not nearly as durable or water resistant like the Guide. If you're backpacking and really need to save weight, you could just have a rain jacket as an outer with the Kenai as insulation. I would still do a guide vest in that situation because it is so versatile.

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[Aventus]

I am kind of in the same boat. Ordered my first set of hunting gear and chose some KUIU gear over First Lite, this time around. Thinking about returning a couple pieces and using that money to by some FL gear.

This is what I purchase:
1. KUIU Guide Jacket
2. KUIU Giude Pant
3. KUIU Attack Pant
4. KUIU Kenai hoodless Jacket.
5. KUIU long sleeve wool x2

This is what I already have in addition
1. prAna stretch zion pant
2. First Lite Llano short sleeve
3. First Lite Llano Long sleeve

I haven't used any of this out in the field of course. My big hunt trip this year is in November up in Colorado. The whole reason I purchased the Kenai was for it to be an insulation layer underneath my Guide jacket, over my 2 or so layers of First Lite wool. The Kenai fits under the Guide, but it is snub. However, the complaints about how the Kenai is slim and tight fitting is what I prefer it to be since I will be wearing it underneath the guide. The kenai is not an outer layer. At least it should not be worn as one. It is very delicate. Don't get me wrong, it feels like great quality and I am sure it is durable through continuous wear, but it is delicate in the sense that it will get shredded by the very first branch and graze. So, it definitely shouldn't be worn as an outer layer.

However, I am just thinking about returning it, possible the attack pant too. Not because I have anything against them, but more so I don't think I'd use them as much. The plan is for me prAna to be my backup to my Guide pant and to also be my warmer weather pant for now. But, still thinking about just keeping the attack as a backup. But, as for the Kenai, I am rethinking whether I need it. My hunting trips will involve a lot of hiking, and very little standing still except for glassing. So, when stopping, having to take off my guide, put on my Kenai and then put my guide back on seems pretty inefficient. But, doable. I don't think having a couple first lite wools on along with the kenai and guide jacket would be wearable while trekking several miles. Seems like I'd overheat, even in the colorado winter. Or am I wrong?

 

[Dos Perros]

I've got the Teton insulated jacket and the Patagonia Nano Air at home right now. I didn't like the fit of the Teton so I ordered the Nano Air to check out. IMO, the Nano Air is about an inch or two longer, slightly slimmer around the chest/waist, and the sleeves are cut a little slimmer. It is also about 2oz heavier. But, in my hands they feel like nearly identical jackets. I will choose one to keep. I decided on this jacket/insulation because unless the forecast is extremely wet, I'm going to forgo a rain jacket for early season. I'm essentially shedding a 16oz Sitka Cloudburst Lite jacket for a warmer and less weight jacket which still performs when it gets wet. For later season stuff I'd pack a down puffy and the Cloudburst Lite as a shell.

 

[operator449]

Aventus, keep the attacks you will like them the more you wear them. The vents are awesome.

How queit would You say the kenai is, i have heard mixed reviews of it being quiet. Would be interesting to hear from guys who have used their kenai as an outer layer how durable has it been?

 

[warrior80]

Seems like I'd overheat, even in the colorado winter. Or am I wrong?

I agree you could overheat, but you'll want it in your pack. If you stop at all in cold weather with just the guide jacket and wool layers, you will freeze. The nice thing about the Kenai is it has pit zips. It's not ideal, but there were a couple times where I had the Kenai on under the Guide and needed to get moving. Being able to open up the pit zips on the Guide and Kenai allowed me to hike and stay comfortable. Although as I mentioned previously, I really prefer just a base layer or two under the Guide vest if I'm doing some real hiking and pushing it. Even in cold temps, teens and 20's and sometimes even single digits.

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[warrior80]

Aventus, keep the attacks you will like them the more you wear them. The vents are awesome.

How queit would You say the kenai is, i have heard mixed reviews of it being quiet. Would be interesting to hear from guys who have used their kenai as an outer layer how durable has it been?

Operator, the Kenai is very quiet. It is a soft, untreated material. I threw it on as an outer a couple times, but I am really hesitant to do that because it seems like it would tear pretty easily on branches, scrub oak, etc. Although I did not get any tears in mine.

Aventus, you should consider the Alpines as well. I love those pants and they have been very durable for me busting through brush, scrub oak, etc. They are good from warm weather and even later in the year with layers under.

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[Aventus]

Operator, the Kenai is very quiet. It is a soft, untreated material. I threw it on as an outer a couple times, but I am really hesitant to do that because it seems like it would tear pretty easily on branches, scrub oak, etc. Although I did not get any tears in mine.

Aventus, you should consider the Alpines as well. I love those pants and they have been very durable for me busting through brush, scrub oak, etc. They are good from warm weather and even later in the year with layers under.

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Probably not in the market for a pant this year. I just purchased the Kuiu Guide Pants, Kuiu Attack Pants and prAna Zion Stretch. I am covered on the lover body. Just looking to possibly return the Kenai and banking that my FL layers underneath my guide jacket will be enough for November in Colorado. If I return the Kenai, I am thinking about putting that money towards a FL jacket, like the Uncompahgre, as well as a Chama hoddie/zip up.

 

[warrior80]

Probably not in the market for a pant this year. I just purchased the Kuiu Guide Pants, Kuiu Attack Pants and prAna Zion Stretch. I am covered on the lover body. Just looking to possibly return the Kenai and banking that my FL layers underneath my guide jacket will be enough for November in Colorado. If I return the Kenai, I am thinking about putting that money towards a FL jacket, like the Uncompahgre, as well as a Chama hoddie/zip up.

You will definitely want an insulation piece whether that's the Kenai or the Uncompahgre. I have not used the Uncompahgre but have seen it and tried it on. I would assume it would not be as quiet as the Kenai or breath, but could be used more for an outer layer. Another option for insulation would be to go with a vest. I have the Sitka Kelvin lite and the Kuiu superdown. This would help to keep your core warm when not moving and would take up less room/weight in your pack.

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[skindaddy]

I was also looking at the ll bean big game Windstopper soft shell jacket also , maybe to put over top of kenai when really cold , although I would prob wear that more often as it should be way more durable. Then I wouldn't need the kenai I guess oh my head is spinning out of control
Anyone have exp with this jacket
I have had good luck with Windstopper products keeping me warm

 

[ianpadron]

First Lite Uncompaghre. That jacket is the best all around puffy on the market hands down.

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[skindaddy]

how durable is the kifaru lost parka? as far as brush and snags?
i assume most puffy's are wore when you stop?
do you think the kenai will be to warm to walk around in? wouldnt seem like i would need the kenai and a lost parka!
i still looking for some sort of outer jacket that can take scrub brush abuse

 

[fngTony]

You can walk around in the kenai, up to about 50 degrees or so. For an outer jacket to take scrub brush abuse that is where a soft shell comes in, the teton is somewhat inexpensive and would layer with the kenai. I may be wrong but when I tried on the kifaru LPP I swear it had cordura on the elbows?
As much as I love being minimal and saving weight, I love the versatility of my guide and teton insulated (very similar to the kenai) jackets. Sure its not the warmest,lightest or most weather resistant set up but for early to mid season in most of the mountain west it does what I need 90% of the time and it breathes, takes abuse and is quieter than a down puffy rain shell set up.

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[Aventus]

I returned my Kenai. Just wasn't want I expected. The quality looks and feels great and seems like a great insulator, but it feels like a swipe of a pine needle would shred it. So, it is definitely something you have to wear underneath a shell. I feel like my FL layers underneath my Kuiu Guide jacket will do just fine in cold weather. I also have a patagona nano puff vest to put underneath the guide when the layers + guide jacket just isn't enough.