Kuiu Kenai hoodie — review in the making

[prm]

Kuiu sent it Rokslide for evaluation; something got mucked up (not sure what) when I did the shootout.

I got a large. That’s what I normally wear; every so often I have to go XL.

If anyone is familiar with the Arcteryx Atom LT, it’s definitely comparable.

It’s not fleece quiet, but has a pretty soft hand on the outer fabric, so relatively quiet. If you need fleece quiet for your tree stand, then this might not work. But that goes for pretty much all the nylon faced midlayers.

If comparable to an Atom LT, it’s a fine piece! I have two Atoms (one is the former Arcteryx LEAF version) but they are getting a bit worn and tattered.

 

[AOberti]

I have both the Kuiu and SG Lite and its a tough call. Think I like the fit of the SG better, but both are two of my favorite pieces from the two companies.

 

[WormSportsman]

Any new thoughts on the Kenai? They have the non hooded version on their Memorial Day sale now so it’s very tempting!

 

[7mm-08]

Any new thoughts on the Kenai? They have the non hooded version on their Memorial Day sale now so it’s very tempting!

I have a non hooded version that is one of my favorite jackets, especially for fall early to mid fall adventures and spring wolf and bear hunting after the temperatures have turned the corner. The current sale price is pretty darned reasonable considering the very good to excellent market on these is $15 or $20 less.

 

[WormSportsman]

Thanks for the info!

 

[mtnbound]

I have been using one for a few years and really like it. When this one needs to be replaced, I will buy another one.

 

[Cb750]

If comparable to an Atom LT, it’s a fine piece! I have two Atoms (one is the former Arcteryx LEAF version) but they are getting a bit worn and tattered.

That is exactly the comparison I was looking for. Sale on right now at Kuiu and I ordered the jacket. Likely won't get to test it now till the fall.

 

[mtwarden]

I'm a hood guy all the way, so would only consider one with a hood—that's just me. I see using this piece on the move in very cold temps where a hood would be handy, but also as a puffy in warmer conditions—again where I would find a hoody handy.

The fit and finish of this garment is on par with any top outdoor garments I've used and/or tested.

The Kenai also comes with a very full nature set than many jackets don't ie. adjustable hood, zippered pit vents, zipped hand pockets, adjustable hem cinch and one of my favorites—interior drop pockets, sized to handle big puffy mittens/gloves, Nalgene bottle so it doesn't freeze, etc.

Very few midweight jackets have this full of a feature set.

 

[dreamingWest]

The Kenai jacket is one of the early pieces that had me coming back to Kuiu for other gear. I wore it on my 2018 mountain goat hunt and rarely had to change layers. I was very impressed with its breathability and warmth. This was well before Sitka active layers and I don't remember the jacket having much competition then except maybe the Arcteryx Atom Lt.

After 7+ years it's worn in nicely. It's definitely bowhunting quiet now (if not when it was new). It's one of the only insulating pieces I'll say that about.

 

[TXCO]

I love mine. Pit zips, quiet, compressable. Its a great layering piece. I use it or a sitka ambient for my mid layers. I wear the kenai when I dont want a hood under a rain jacket or something. Been my favorite for a while especially stand hunting deer

It compares well to SG Cirque


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[Cb750]

I just got mine in. I noticed @mtwarden said he got a large. I should have paid closer attention. I am 5'11 and 207lbs at the moment with a 46inch chest. So using the guide I was at the low end of the XL or high end of the L. I have often read that Kuiu tends to run small on almost everything. So I went with the XL. Trying it on now I think a Large would have been the better bet. It's not a bad fit, just looser than I would like. In the just as the OP said the sizes seem to run true at least for this and the Peloton 97.

 

[tracker12]

I just got mine in. I noticed @mtwarden said he got a large. I should have paid closer attention. I am 5'11 and 207lbs at the moment with a 46inch chest. So using the guide I was at the low end of the XL or high end of the L. I have often read that Kuiu tends to run small on almost everything. So I went with the XL. Trying it on now I think a Large would have been the better bet. It's not a bad fit, just looser than I would like. In the just as the OP said the sizes seem to run true at least for this and the Peloton 97.

I found this piece to run larger. I am normally an XL but need L here.

 

[Lowg08]

I’m 6’2” 225# and had to get the xxl. I will
Also add I transition the kenai from an early to mid season outer layer to a mid layer under bibs and jacket. I wear mine over a base, mid layer grid fleece then under a fanatic jacket late in the season.

 

[Untamed]

I have owned the XL gen 1 since 2015. its been excellent! It does not have the DWR on it but I just ordered a new one to test out. It breaths well and has the pit zips. Great fit on the hood also. Unlike the SG cirque lite. Hood was a deal breaker.

 

[paulgibbs01]

Really looking forward to your upcoming input! Seems like a really intriguing layer at first glance.