kuiu or kifaru

[Tastybearmeat]

Looking for a new jacket. Most of my hunting is sheep in AK. I like down but most are delicate items you can't get wet. The new kifaru jacket looks sweet, but heavier than down. Would like some opinions from some experienced folks

 

[COlineman78]

I like the removable hood on the Kifaru, but I would be concerned about how loud it is (obviously quieter than down). Maybe Aron or others can chime in on both packed size and/or noise factor (if you even care). If I was going to go synthetic and cared about noise level I would go with either the FL Puffy or Kuiu Kenai as the look to be quietest. Don't have much experience with any of these except seeing the Puffy at the store which I plan to get in a vest soon for under my soft shell. Obviously the Kenai would be the quietest and the SuperDown would be the lightest but least breathable and most delicate. Haven't seen the packability of the Kifaru but the rest are fairly close to the same size when packed from the pictures I have seen. Kenai and Kifaru look to be the most breathable and the warmest seem to be the Puffy and Kifaru.

 

[gmajor]

I might take a look at arc'teryx if you're considering synthetic puffys. I have the Atom LT and it's been way more rugged than other insulated pieces I've had in the past. A lotta good options out there though.

 

[OR Archer]

Ill throw another one at you, the First Light Uncompaghre is an awesome jacket.

 

[RosinBag]

I have all three, Kuiu, Kifaru and the First Lite. The Kuiu is the lightest, but most delicate and wouldn't wear it as an outer layer. The FL is solid, more durable than the Kuiu, but you still have to be cautious. The Kifaru is the heaviest, but also far and away the most durable. The Kifaru has added material to protect the high wear areas like the elbows and the pocket on the front is much roomier than both the others. They also go in the same order for warmth, Kuiu, FL then Kifaru being the warmest.

 

[COlineman78]

I have all three, Kuiu, Kifaru and the First Lite. The Kuiu is the lightest, but most delicate and wouldn't wear it as an outer layer. The FL is solid, more durable than the Kuiu, but you still have to be cautious. The Kifaru is the heaviest, but also far and away the most durable. The Kifaru has added material to protect the high wear areas like the elbows and the pocket on the front is much roomier than both the others. They also go in the same order for warmth, Kuiu, FL then Kifaru being the warmest.

What about noise levels? Also, which Kuiu SD or Kenai?

 

[RosinBag]

I think they are all about the same when it comes to noise. The Kifaru may be a little louder if you are hitting the reinforced areas, but it wouldn't be much.

 

[RosinBag]

And I was comparing the Kuiu super down jacket.

 

[MuleyFever]

I went back and forth on my insulation layer. I had a Uncompaghre but it was just to bulky for what I needed. Then I couldnt decide on a Kenai or Super Down. For my use I decided I was looking for something for that just in case it got pretty cold scenario. Something that would be in my pack most of the time. I went with a Super Down for those reasons, that and I found one for $150 and couldnt pass it up.

I think if you are going to wear as an outer layer and have it on a lot while moving you want a Kenai because it breaths or the Uncompaghre/Kifaru for their durability.

 

[smoke]

I have the Kuiu and it is quiet enough to bowhunt with - and I'm a trad guy so I think in terms of 20 yards or less so the noise level needs to be really low.

 

[LJ Buck]

The Keni is not really all that warm IMO, it really has no place in a kit when looking for warmth. The SD is fragile and not at warm as the FL. I dont really see the KUIU jackets as being a top option unless the weight is all you are concerned about then SD would work. I own all the jackets talked about minus the Kifaru. My pick would be the FL.

 

[Obi-wanshinobi]

I'm looking at the new Sitka puffy and the specs are good.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Wow, a trad bow hunter wearing Kuiu down as outer wear. This guy may have an undiagnosed hearing issue cuz the jacket is very loud, far too loud for bow hunting, same goes for Sitka Gear and FL.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Wow, a trad bow hunter wearing Kuiu down as outer wear. This guy may have an undiagnosed hearing issue cuz the jacket is very loud, far too loud for bow hunting, same goes for Sitka Gear and FL.

I snuck up on two different bulls wearing th FL puffy with a TRAD BOW, killed a little spike while wearing it! So I guess its not to loud.....

 

[tipsntails7]

I snuck up on two different bulls wearing th FL puffy with a TRAD BOW, killed a little spike while wearing it! So I guess its not to loud.....

Ya but your idaho bulls are far to concerned with Wolves to be bothered with your crinkly puffy.

It's far to hot for me to ever actually hunt in but on a scale of puffys, the FL is on the more silent side of all that I've tried.

 

[dotman]

Ya but your idaho bulls are far to concerned with Wolves to be bothered with your crinkly puffy.

It's far to hot for me to ever actually hunt in but on a scale of puffys, the FL is on the more silent side of all that I've tried.

I agree, I think the FL is pretty quiet for a puffy.

 

[luke moffat]

The Kuiu Kenai is also very quiet for sure!

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I have all three, Kuiu, Kifaru and the First Lite. The Kuiu is the lightest, but most delicate and wouldn't wear it as an outer layer. The FL is solid, more durable than the Kuiu, but you still have to be cautious. The Kifaru is the heaviest, but also far and away the most durable. The Kifaru has added material to protect the high wear areas like the elbows and the pocket on the front is much roomier than both the others. They also go in the same order for warmth, Kuiu, FL then Kifaru being the warmest.

I also have all three and agree with Doug 100%. I think the Kifaru will be my go to puffy this year.