Kuiu Kenai Hoodie Review

[mtwarden]

I tried to get one of these when I did my mid-layer shootout review, but it didn't happen. Now I've got one

Early impressions. Very well made and feature rich— full zip (my preference), zippered hand and chest pockets, adjustable hem closure, adjustable hood, two large inner pockets and pit zips. Uses Torray 3DeFX insulation. This is a pretty warm jacket; probably the warmest I've tested.

Anywho, will continue testing. If you have questions, I'll try to answer them.

***Update 8/23/25***

Kuiu Kenai vs Outdoor Vitals Vario Hooded Jacket Review

 

[WormSportsman]

Looking forward to this review and greatly appreciated your other mid layer shootout review!

 

[Stache Attack]

Super interested, I thought I’d like the vest and I am not a fan. Jacket fit seemed better than vest. Did you go xl? Material is amazing though.

June outdoor vitals said new mid layer should be out I will donate to your testing if they wont

 

[RWT]

Tracking. Curious if you purchased directly or was it sent for eval? Only asking as there is a thread that Kuiu doesn’t honor warranty for outlet or on sale items. I have a hoodie, pants and day pack from them that I prefer over Sitka. This jacket is on my list.

 

[Nicaburns]

Love the pit zips! One feature I love about mine… easy to dump heat when needed. Mine is the older model so the sleeves are a bit slim but great piece overall… I look forward to your review!

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Interested to hear your take. I’ve tried it and it didn’t work for me but really wanted it to

 

[SirChooCH]

How does it compare noise level to other filled jackets? Mixed reviews on if the jacket is quiet or not in tree stands for archery.

 

[mtwarden]

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.

 

[Blockcaver]

Love mine, my favorite cool to cold weather jacket, whether cross country skiing, hiking, shooting sporting clays etc. Great fit including the hood.

I tree stand hunt Coues deer with mine...quiet enough for that in my experience.

 

[TheTone]

Curious to see your thoughts on this vs the stone glacier cirque lite.

 

[Lowg08]

I’ve been wearing one for years. It goes with me everytime. I wear it bow hunting and have never had an issue with skiddish mountain whitetails. It was my outer layer last year on 2 deer that I killed within 20 yards. No issues. Very warm

Man I hate auto correct. I’ve got to start proof reading my responses.

 

[mtwarden]

I’ve been wearing one for years. It goes with me everytime. I wear it bow hunting and have never had an issue with skiddish mountain whitetails. It was my outer layer last year on 2 deer that I killed within 20 yards. No issues. Very warm

Man I hate auto correct. I’ve got to start proof reading my responses.

Good data points- thanks.

 

[5MilesBack]

I only own two KUIU items.....their Yukon gaiters, and Kenai jacket. For me, both items work very well. I normally don't like wearing a jacket when I'm actively hunting on the move, but I wore the Kenai over my base and fleece mid on a third rifle elk hunt with -5 morning temps, and it was very comfortable. But stationary in those temps I would need a lot more insulation.

 

[WVELK]

I tried to get one of these when I did my mid-layer shootout review, but it didn't happen. Now I've got one

Early impressions. Very well made and feature rich— full zip (my preference), zippered hand and chest pockets, adjustable hem closure, adjustable hood, two large inner pockets and pit zips. Uses Torray 3DeFX insulation. This is a pretty warm jacket; probably the warmest I've tested.

Anywho, will continue testing. If you have questions, I'll try and answer them.

Big question how do you like compared to SG Cirque Lite which I think was your first place in the prior review or at least it was the warmest.

 

[mtwarden]

I’d put in the same category—“warm moving” layer, lighter static layer.

As far as warmth, I’d say pretty darn close. The insulation appears to be pretty close looking at loft and they are almost identical in overall weight.

 

[WormSportsman]

I’d be interested to hear about durability compared to the other similar mid layers you tested as well.

 

[WVELK]

I’d be interested to hear about durability compared to the other similar mid layers you tested as well.

I will add my two cents because I own the Kenai and the SG C light. I think both are durable and will wear for a long time with two disclaimers. The Kenai piles bad and looks like a wrinkled mess 3 minutes after you unpack it. Okay, that is an exaggeration, but you get the point. Neither bothers me. I did not buy mine to wear to my daughter’s wedding. The SG wears a bit better. If I was worried about looks, get the Arteryx Atom. I have it too and it wears like a diamond.

I asked MtWarden about warmth because I wanted a second opinion. Sometimes I get something in my head and it sticks there. I REALLY like wearing the Kenai, great fit, comfortable, etc., but in my mind it is not as warm as the C. Light.

 

[Lowg08]

My kenai is picked to heck and back on the back where I lean against the tree in a hang on stand. To me it’s kinda fragile

 

[doverpack12]

I’m really liking the 3defx insulation. I’ve found the KUIU snap shirt to be a favorite for all kinds of uses including a semi active jacket, and under a shell in more inclement weather. Liked my first one so much in solid that I bought a spare for when it wears out and one in camo.
Outer fabric actually blocks wind very well and just undo snaps if venting is needed.

I ride horses quite a bit so like that I can undo the bottom snap or two to avoid getting caught on the horn.

@mtwarden if you are an XL I have a new one I can send you for your thoughts

 

[mtwarden]

@doverpack12 Thanks, but my closet is brimming and a have a few other pieces on the way. If (when) I get it cleared out a bit, I'd be glad to give it a go