Kifaru and Stone Glacier puffy pants

CodyB

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 28, 2013
Messages
197
Location
Great Basin
I am looking to purchase a pair of either the Kifaru or Stone Glacier puffy pants for a few late season trips that will be coming up. I had been waiting for the Kifaru pants to be released and in the meantime the Stone Glaciers came out and now I am not too sure which direction to go. Without seeing either in person it appears the Kifaru pants are a more durable construction. Any comments from those who have used/seen both would be appreciated.
 
I have not used either, but kifaru using Apex synthetic insulation and SG uses 850 fill treated goose down insulation. SG will be much lighter and potentially warmer, but not as durable. Also, if you plan to be in wet conditions synthetic performs much better in wet conditions. Even though SG uses treated down it still can wet out.
 
After busting holes and rips in a couple pairs of down pants I bought the First Light synthetic puffy pants. Ripped those too (I’m a dumbass with puffy pants) but it wasn’t nearly as big of a fiasco because the insulation is a continuous sheet. Much easier to deal with until you can get around to taping the hole and it doesn’t look like you plucked a goose.

I’ve since bought the Kifaru pants and they are built like a tank and the insulation is thick. The cordura butt and knees will make a huge difference. Add a pair of gaiters and you are unstoppable if you want to hike a short ways to a different glassing perspective. They are crazy warm. The only actual cold experience I’ve had with them is a fly fishing trip where I was waist deep using them as insulation under my waders in 45-50F water and I was totally comfortable. If they hold up to the Lost Park parka warmth, they are the warmest puffy pants out there.

The down side is packability and weight. Being as warm and durable as they are, they come with some bulk.


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I refuse to pack any of the synthetic puffy pants. (Sitka, FL or Kifaru) They are just too bulky compared to the down. Yes, there are trade offs, but for what I want them for down works. One of the few KUIU items in my kit are their down puffy pants.
 
I refuse to pack any of the synthetic puffy pants. (Sitka, FL or Kifaru) They are just too bulky compared to the down. Yes, there are trade offs, but for what I want them for down works. One of the few KUIU items in my kit are their down puffy pants.

If you think the First Lite puffy pants are bulky, the Kifaru pants are probably twice as bulky. I don’t see myself packing them very deep into the woods if that’s my plan. They are twice as substantial in every regard though. Montbell also makes a pretty good looking pair of synthetic puffy pants but I haven’t laid my hands on them.


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Rab Photon pants are synthetic with reinforced seat and knees and kick patches. Primaloft insulation.

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