kelvin jacket

[mattstanton]

give me your take on the sitka kelvin jacket vs other insulation layers. Im looking at adding a few pieces to my sitka setup and this is on the list

 

[JPD350]

I just ordered one from Camofire, I have had the Kelvin lite for a few years now and have been thoroughly impressed, enough to where I don't really care about down filled layers, I want something that is light, packs small and will stay warm if it gets wet. The Kelvin lite has been my only insulating jacket and have only felt a chill a couple times when temps were in the teens and the wind was blowing 20+ mph, I figure the Kelvin will handle any temps I throw at it.

 

[Ponderosa]

I've had the jacket for about a month and haven't packed it yet, but can say it's really warm. I have the vest as well and it never leaves my pack. Good stuff.

 

[kodiakfly]

I have the lite and the standard and I'm a fan of both. I'm a synthetic insulation guy anyway, so I guess they're "heavy" compared to down but they're warm and they do pack well. The lite packs small as heck, and the standard is ultra warm.

 

[land cruiser]

My go to down jacket. I have several, while this one is the heaviest, it is also the warmest. Miles away from the nearest store when I am cold, it is exactly what I need. Love it.

 

[castandblast]

give me your take on the sitka kelvin jacket vs other insulation layers. Im looking at adding a few pieces to my sitka setup and this is on the list

Matt-
I picked one up for late season elk last year, which was pretty cold. I found it to be heavy, bulky, and not very warm. The cut through the mid-section was big and sloppy yet the sleeves were a touch short. Perhaps if they used a higher grade of Primaloft and gave it a more efficient cut it would be warmer, but it didn't cut it for me for where and how I hunt.

 

[geriggs]

I love my kelvin lite. It's my go to above 20. I have a kelvin and it's super warm. Not very pack able but I won't wear it in the woods unless I'm sitting in stand. Bulky but very very warm.

 

[geriggs]

I might go below 20 on my kelvin lite. Not for too long though. Looking forward to new kelvin pieces from sitka this year

 

[Matt W.]

For 2015 Sitka is releasing an Ultra Lite version of the Kelvin jacket. It will feature Primaloft's Gold Blend. A mix of down and synthetic insulation. I've been running a demo / sample or a while now. Its ~9ozs for a size Large! If you are looking for a light weight jacket its worth waiting for Sitka's new product catalog to launch so you can check it out.

Its warmer and lighter than my Kelvin Lite, not as warm as the Uncompaghre. Have not used the standard Kelvin. I'm finishing up a few things before I wrap up my final thoughts.

 

[actionshooter]

I tried a couple of other primaloft coats and the Kelvin has been my favorite, then my wife got me the Kelvin Hoody for Christmas. I have a feeling that there is a new favorite coat in the closet.

 

[WestDan]

For 2015 Sitka is releasing an Ultra Lite version of the Kelvin jacket. It will feature Primaloft's Gold Blend. A mix of down and synthetic insulation. I've been running a demo / sample or a while now. Its ~9ozs for a size Large! If you are looking for a light weight jacket its worth waiting for Sitka's new product catalog to launch so you can check it out.

Its warmer and lighter than my Kelvin Lite, not as warm as the Uncompaghre. Have not used the standard Kelvin. I'm finishing up a few things before I wrap up my final thoughts.

Do you know when they are releasing their new stuff Matt?

 

[Matt W.]

I think May, but am not sure.

 

[kodiakfly]

Do you know when they are releasing their new stuff Matt?

May/June timeframe. Last year they had the stuff on their site maybe April or May, but wasn't for sale for another few weeks.

 

[WestDan]

Thanks guys

 

[DenRuyter]

I just talked with them yesterday and they told me it will probably be the first week of June.

 

[Phillip Hathaway]

I had the kelvin jacket that thing was super warm for still hunting whitetails. I was able to allow wear a fanatic jacket all the way into december and didn't need a late season jacket. I think the changed the lineup somewhat this year for insulation. Yes the new stuff will come out in June.

 

[Kevin Dill]

I had a regular Kelvin jacket a couple years ago. It was brand new and I took it to Alaska for a 10 day hunt. Three days in I noticed the sleeve seam was separating in the wrist/forearm area, and some insulation had escaped. I had little choice except to repair it as I could (ugly) and get on through the hunt. I contacted Sitka and they had me send it in for evaluation. I was sent a new Kelvin which I then sold and upgraded (for me) to a 900 fill down jacket. I really liked the feel and comfort of the Kelvin. It was warm enough and roomy. I didn't think mine packed small (enough) for automatic inclusion in my daypack, so it got left in camp when possible. Not sure what they cost now, but definitely a good jacket.

 

[DWinVA]

I know you are asking about jackets but I went with the regular kelvin vest and it's one of my favorite pieces. It may be a good compromise if you like vests.

God Bless.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I have all the Kelvin items and they are ideal for sitting but too warm to be moving around in and the material is noisy and needs a shell layer over it when hunting. The Kelvin is considerably warmer than the Kuiu Superdown and retains its insulative properties even when wet.

 

[jack88]

I cant walk in the Kelvin, period. Even if it's -20 I just start overheating. It's a great sitting jacket like others have said.