Kuiu StrongFleece Hybrid 260...thoughts?

[Wisco_LOT]

Does anyone have any input/info on the (new) Hybrid 260?

Specs state heaviest fleece mid-layer, with DWR treatment, but a low weight is listed.

Hybrid design to potentially allow less warmth/more breathability in areas where needed (under pack, under arms)?

How do you think this will compare to the 240 full-zip (for overall features...weight/warmth/wind-resistance/usability)?

KUIU StrongFleece Hybrid 260

 

[fngTony]

I think the advantage is when wearing a pack. It’s mapped on the back to breathe and not overheat.

Kangaroo pocket is a nice idea but I think the zipper should be across the top.

 

[prm]

I could see that working really well in conditions where it would occasionally be the outer layer. Archery and the early rifle seasons.

 

[willfrye027]

The 240 is windproof/resistant. Looks like the 260 is intended for more loft/warmth in comparison. I’m sure it would be great along with just about everything else they sell.

 

[Wisco_LOT]

Might be the piece I am looking for as my occasional outer layer for early season hunting. From comparing specs/descriptions, it sounds like the Hybrid will be just that...potentially the wind resistance of the 240, along with the warmth in key areas, but reduced fleece in areas where not needed and having a DWR coating...with less weight.

I ordered one, so I'll give my thoughts when it shows up...although I don't have a 240 to compare it to (I can put it side by side with a Sitka Fanatic Hoody).

 

[prm]

They mention wind resistance on the 260. Maybe not quit as good as the 240 in that regard? Hard to tell with what they mention. Wind resistance is the secret sauce of the 240. IF the 260 has the wind resistance of the 240 in a warmer, more durable, water resistant package, it will be fantastic.

 

[Wisco_LOT]

They mention wind resistance on the 260. Maybe not quit as good as the 240 in that regard? Hard to tell with what they mention. Wind resistance is the secret sauce of the 240. IF the 260 has the wind resistance of the 240 in a warmer, more durable, water resistant package, it will be fantastic.

Hoping it'll have the wind resistance...hoping! I also (personally) like the half-zip nature as compared to the full zip on the 240.

Might be an improvement over my Fanatic Hoody, in most all areas, especially weight...shall see soon.

 

[elkstabber]

I want to like it but I'm skeptical. So much fleece is overly reflective.

Would some please post up pics of the fleece next to something else, like maybe Attack pants, in full sun at a couple of angles?

 

[prm]

I agree many appear almost shiny. The 240 Peleton is excellent in that regard though. It has a very muted, textured surface.

 

[Wisco_LOT]

I want to like it but I'm skeptical. So much fleece is overly reflective.

Would some please post up pics of the fleece next to something else, like maybe Attack pants, in full sun at a couple of angles?

Yes, I will post some pictures...but I won't have any other KUIU fleece products to compare it to. I'll put it next to a few other hunting pieces I have thou while it's laid out in the sun!

 

[BCsteve]

Looking forward to your review. It looks like an interesting piece.

 

[Benjblt]

I wish they made the 260 in a hoodless. It would be great for layering under a puffy with a hood. Still is with the hood though.

 

[Wisco_LOT]

I've only had a couple minutes with it, but the following is my first impression...side note, I do not have a 240 Full-Zip, nor any other Kuiu hoodies/jackets to compare it to - so consider that in the following.

The face fabric is very nice in my opinion - it reminds me a little of a softshell jacket, think North Face type zip-up, but not as hard. I believe it will be tough/durable, without being stiff/noisy.

DWR treatment definitely works after running my arm/sleeve under the faucet for 30 seconds or so.

Was not able to test out wind resistance yet, but initial impressions of face fabric (with insulation) lead me to believe it will be resistant (likely not "proof").

Insulation is great, very soft and placed in key areas...my only thought would be it could be slightly reduced in the sleeves (under arm is just the outer layer/face fabric, but top of arm is full insulation - could maybe be a little less)?

Kangaroo pocket is very large, and entry placed nice and high to be well above pack belt.

Fit is definitely athletic...not compression, but not super loose either.

Weight of an XL was 15.5oz, on my scale...same scale registers a Sitka Fanatic Hoody in XL at 17oz.

In comparison to Fanatic Hoody, I think this will be warmer...believe the insulation is relatively close to the same, but given the harder outer face, DWR, and likely wind resistance.

I think I will really like this piece as an early season outer layer for crisp mornings/evenings, as well as a nice mid-layer for later season/midwest whitetail hunts.

Here are a few pictures...I have yet to get it outside in full sun, maybe later today or this weekend. The outer color is also a very dark green (not having it in direct sun doesn't portray the color all that well for the pics I took). You can see how it compares to the green Fanatic Hoody thou (the inner fleece insulation on the 260 Hybrid is definitely brighter green).

 

[Benjblt]

I've only had a couple minutes with it, but the following is my first impression...side note, I do not have a 240 Full-Zip, nor any other Kuiu hoodies/jackets to compare it to - so consider that in the following.

The face fabric is very nice in my opinion - it reminds me a little of a softshell jacket, think North Face type zip-up, but not as hard. I believe it will be tough/durable, without being stiff/noisy.

DWR treatment definitely works after running my arm/sleeve under the faucet for 30 seconds or so.

Was not able to test out wind resistance yet, but initial impressions of face fabric (with insulation) lead me to believe it will be resistant (likely not "proof").

Insulation is great, very soft and placed in key areas...my only thought would be it could be slightly reduced in the sleeves (under arm is just the outer layer/face fabric, but top of arm is full insulation - could maybe be a little less)?

Kangaroo pocket is very large, and entry placed nice and high to be well above pack belt.

Fit is definitely athletic...not compression, but not super loose either.

Weight of an XL was 15.5oz, on my scale...same scale registers a Sitka Fanatic Hoody in XL at 17oz.

In comparison to Fanatic Hoody, I think this will be warmer...believe the insulation is relatively close to the same, but given the harder outer face, DWR, and likely wind resistance.

I think I will really like this piece as an early season outer layer for crisp mornings/evenings, as well as a nice mid-layer for later season/midwest whitetail hunts.

Here are a few pictures...I have yet to get it outside in full sun, maybe later today or this weekend. The outer color is also a very dark green (not having it in direct sun doesn't portray the color all that well for the pics I took). You can see how it compares to the green Fanatic Hoody thou (the inner fleece insulation on the 260 Hybrid is definitely brighter green).

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Thanks for the review. Keep us updated!

 

[bates]

Definitely not as muted as a 240

But I wouldn’t say shiny either.

But the 260 is a nice piece

I got it and the 210. The 210 will be going back.

Originally I would of thought I would of loved the 210 but I think the 260 will be a better piece for me.

The 260 is almost like a Sitka apex/ heavyweight hoody combo for comparison.

I feel it and the katana are versatile and work well together and help limit hoods.

But again the fed ex truck just left

So just my initial impression.

 

[fngTony]

Definitely not as muted as a 240

But I wouldn’t say shiny either.

But the 260 is a nice piece

I got it and the 210. The 210 will be going back.

Originally I would of thought I would of loved the 210 but I think the 260 will be a better piece for me.

The 260 is almost like a Sitka apex/ heavyweight hoody combo for comparison.

I feel it and the katana are versatile and work well together and help limit hoods.

But again the fed ex truck just left

So just my initial impression.

What did you not like about the 210?

 

[Wisco_LOT]

As Bates said, there is a little "shimmer" to it, compared to some pieces, but I definitely wouldn't call it shiny.

 

[bates]

Nothing that I didn’t like at out the 210

Just more of what pieces will I use

I see myself using the 260 more

It just seems warmer with the feece and more of what I would want in a mid layer fleece on cooler hunts.

The 210 just feels more shirt like

 

[Benjblt]

Ordered the 210 and the 260. The 210 fit perfect. (Medium, I'm 5' 8"/174 lbs). The 260 was quite tight around the shoulders and arms (including forearms). I found this quite odd. Pretty nice fleece otherwise but the tight fit was a dal breaker for me. I love kangaroo pockets on mid-wieghts but I think they out though this one. The entrance/zippers to the pocket is pretty high, I think to miss the belt of a pack, but the inside of the pocket drops down. I'd predict that this will result in awkward access. You throw something small in the pocket and then you have to reach awkwardly high into the pocket and then back down into the bottom, at a weird angle, to fish around for it. I don't think I'm explaining it right but I think it will be an annoyance for some people.

 

[fngTony]

Ordered the 210 and the 260. The 210 fit perfect. (Medium, I'm 5' 8"/174 lbs). The 260 was quite tight around the shoulders and arms (including forearms). I found this quite odd. Pretty nice fleece otherwise but the tight fit was a dal breaker for me. I love kangaroo pockets on mid-wieghts but I think they out though this one. The entrance/zippers to the pocket is pretty high, I think to miss the belt of a pack, but the inside of the pocket drops down. I'd predict that this will result in awkward access. You throw something small in the pocket and then you have to reach awkwardly high into the pocket and then back down into the bottom, at a weird angle, to fish around for it. I don't think I'm explaining it right but I think it will be an annoyance for some people.

You’re saying a small item in the pocket is likely to get under the waist belt?