New developments coming this summer

[WyldGoose]

Got my Vantage puffy yesterday, size XL, fit is good, very similar to my Kuiu SD Pro in the same size. Really nice looking, I dig the simplicity.
I was sort’ve expecting a similar weight jacket but significantly warmer since the OV is less “feature rich” but with more down in the specs.

The XL OV puffy weighs 16.7 oz.
The XL SD Pro weighs 15.4 oz, even with the pit zips, chest pocket, velcro cuffs, beefier main zipper, etc…

Despite the lower weight, the Kuiu SDP seems much loftier with more down. Not sure if it’s more down and/or just different down. Advertised, the Kuiu uses 850+ Polish Goose down(5 oz) and the OV uses 850 Duck down(7 oz). The Kuiu definitely feels more stuffed. I’m kinda scratching my head.

 

[Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals]

Got my Vantage puffy yesterday, size XL, fit is good, very similar to my Kuiu SD Pro in the same size. Really nice looking, I dig the simplicity.
I was sort’ve expecting a similar weight jacket but significantly warmer since the OV is less “feature rich” but with more down in the specs.

The XL OV puffy weighs 16.7 oz.
The XL SD Pro weighs 15.4 oz, even with the pit zips, chest pocket, velcro cuffs, beefier main zipper, etc…

Despite the lower weight, the Kuiu SDP seems much loftier with more down. Not sure if it’s more down and/or just different down. Advertised, the Kuiu uses 850+ Polish Goose down(5 oz) and the OV uses 850 Duck down(7 oz). The Kuiu definitely feels more stuffed. I’m kinda scratching my head.

I definitely recommend putting your Vantage jacket in the dryer on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, by itself. After that, give it a few shakes up, down, left, right, and lay it flat for a day. This will allow the jacket to re-loft after being compressed in its packaging for a few weeks.

 

[WyldGoose]

I definitely recommend putting your Vantage jacket in the dryer on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, by itself. After that, give it a few shakes up, down, left, right, and lay it flat for a day. This will allow the jacket to re-loft after being compressed in its packaging for a few weeks.

Thanks for that suggestion Brigham, I’ll do that today.

EDIT: Did 12 minutes alone in the dryer on medium heat, removed and shake. Already feels much loftier! Thanks @Brigham @ Outdoor Vitals

 

[2Stamp]

My impressions of the set. For reference, I'm 5'8", 155-160lbs. I used the pants an mid from Mid September Archery elk through Oct guiding and into my Colorado 3rd season Mule deer hunt.

Mid layer: It's very comfortable. I ordered a Med, it fits fine. It "seems" a little snug with a merino top, but that may because the fabric sticks a little. I think if I'd have gone with a Lg I wouldn't be happy. It definitely doesn't over heat me like the Sitka Ambient can. It was my main outside layer unless it was windy or a cold morning glassing. Pair it with a vest ( I usually wear a Sitka Jetstream or Kuiu Peleton 240) and it's pretty versatile. I have some wear marks from pack straps, but so does my Ambient. In 50 degree weather I get a little warm in it with moderate exertion.

Pants: They definitely feel like PJs, very comfortable. I ordered the dark olive color in 30/ 32. The built in belt doesn't have much room to expand, but cinching down is adequate for my size. A 32 waist would be too big for me with I suspect too much material bunching up at the waist. The thigh zips are great! I don't have a problem with the pockets as some have said. Nothing has fallen out. Only having one thigh hasn't been an issue. The first day wearing them I wanted two like my other pants, but that was the only time. I like the little divider in the thigh pocket also for keeping my reads separate from whatever else I have in there (usually gloves). I do have some minor piling and couple small snags, but this doesn't bother me, especially since the fabric is so light. I'll probably order a pair in gray for daily wear.

Puffy: I ordered black (mostly for multi use, around town, and ski patrol). It's more of a darker gray IMO, which I like. It's hasn't been cold enough to really use it until this week. Wore it all day on a glassing knob with a stiff cold wind and I was glad to have it! I don't have any of the other often mentioned puffys for comparison. I haven't tried to really compress it down in the pack, just shoved it in there. I see myself wearing this more than just hunting. I'll get more use from it with whitetail, last season cow elk and upland season becoming my priority in the next couple months.

Overall I'm very happy and impressed with this lineup.