For example. Of the hunting brands I think the SG Grumman is the best bang for your buck and I think it weights 12 ounces so lighter than both kelvins. And it’s going to be A LOT warmer and pack down smaller.
Also, the kelvin WS hoody is going to be a lot warmer than the kelvin and it’s 9 ounces heavier.
The FL chamberlin is also going to be a furnace and it’s the same weight as the kelvin hoody.
My personal fave is the Montbell mirage, 5.3 oz of 900 FP down, and 13 oz total weight. It’s on their closeout site for $250.
I also have a Montbell permafrost. Same weight as the kelvin, but it’s the warmest jacket I own, and it has a gore windproof layer. Bulky and loud though.
But I’m a puffy slut and if I’m going to rank my puffies by warmth id go Montbell permafrost > Montbell mirage > Sitka kelvin lite = kifaru LPP > FL uncompahgre.
Or those puffies, I wouldn’t part with the Montbell permafrost in case I do an extremely cold hunt. I wouldn’t part with the chamberlin because I do an annual turkey hunt that’s drops into the teens and my chamberlin is in camo. My Montbell mirage is my favorite piece, and I love my kelvin life for early to mid. I would have no problem ditching my kifaru LPP or my do uncompahgre as I don’t think they offer anything special.
If you’re set on synthetic the kifaru LPP is another option, it’s going to be warmer than both kelvin’s. It’s 3 oz lighter than the kelvin and it’s going to be a lot warmer and weather resistance. It’s very bulky, loud, and doesn’t pack down very small though so keep that in mind. It’s also really tough and you can abuse the hell out of it.
Otherwise you’ll have to look at mountaineering companies, which isn’t a bad idea because they tend to be a lot better products for cheaper and lighter. But they’re not going to be as robust and a lot of them are anti hunting, and therefore aren’t designed for hunting. So keep that in mind.
That’s a lot of info to unpack so if you want dm me feel free.
And other than having a greater warmth to ratio, down is superior to synthetic because synthetic degrades and has a shorter lifespan, whereas down will be good forever as long as you don’t tear the face fabric and lose feathers. Although most companies will repair it for free or a small fee.
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