New Kifaru clothing

[DylanC]

In depth conversation about the apparel here:

 

[ChrisAU]

I want to try the lightweight pant, just would like to see a video or real world review first.

 

[Benjblt]

Go ahead and spill the beans. How is it different than any of the other dozen high quality grid fleece on the market? Looks nearly identical to a Patagonia R1 or Sitka Core HW in cut. No laminate, as per their website. DWR is a joke, especially PFAS free stuff. That’ll last one wash, maybe 2 if you’re lucky. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Kifaru fan. But a grid fleece is a grid fleece.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's woven very tightly, not knit like most of them, and functionally keeps water and wind out much better than most grid fleeces per the test he does right in front of them. It does appear to offer something a little different than every other grid fleece there is out there. I'm not a salesmen for Kifaru so I don't care. It seemed interesting. I'll let others here test it out and then decide if I want them after this year.

 

[jdvanstar]

Lots of nay sayers here! I got a bunch of the new stuff and have been thoroughly impressed actually.

The grid is unlike anything I've used before (I believe I heard this is the only company using that fabric in the US) in a very good way. I'll wear it a ton throughout the whole year. and the passbreaker pants are really nice too - a more unique fabric and, again, somethingI'll wear most of the year. The puffy is really nice. I have the old LPP - it doesn't fit as well or keep you as warm as the new coat (though I'm sure it's more durable).

 

[tipsntails7]

Schoeller didn't seem to sell well for Kryptek in their altitude line. Seemed like the price point was too high for most folks. Clothing seems like a tough market to be competitive in for new comers considering the amount of money the more established brands put into R&D. Will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

That’s because Kryptek and to be honest most companies advertise their fabrics terribly.

Shoeller at the time in my opinion was the best textile manufacturer on the planet outside of maybe Toray, and in actual practical use their c change membrane is the best waterproof membrane I’ve ever used in a mountain sports application

Sitka is about the only exception in the hunting space, and they have what I would argue is the worst waterproof membrane (gore) available of the “established brands”

But you pay for performance, and most hunters just don’t face environments harsh enough to warrant costs like that, especially at a large scale manufacturer outside the alpinist and cottage/boutique makers.

 

[chasewild]

So if I’m understanding this correctly, Kifaru introduced a product that every other hunting company (and every company you can find at REI) currently sells, they marked it up by 20-30%, they came up with these brand new concepts after 12 months of testing and design, and people are STILL buying?

Buy less. Hunt more.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Benjblt]

That’s because Kryptek and to be honest most companies advertise their fabrics terribly.

Shoeller at the time in my opinion was the best textile manufacturer on the planet outside of maybe Toray, and in actual practical use their c change membrane is the best waterproof membrane I’ve ever used in a mountain sports application

Sitka is about the only exception in the hunting space, and they have what I would argue is the worst waterproof membrane (gore) available of the “established brands”

But you pay for performance, and most hunters just don’t face environments harsh enough to warrant costs like that, especially at a large scale manufacturer outside the alpinist and cottage/boutique makers.

My $100 Columbia Outdry keeps me dryer than my Kuiu Kutana rain jacket that cost $360. The Kuiu leaks within an hour of hard rain. You shouldn't have to apply dwr every year to keep a jacket from wetting out and leaking. You've already lost the battle if you are relying on dwr.

 

[jdvanstar]

So if I’m understanding this correctly, Kifaru introduced a product that every other hunting company (and every company you can find at REI) currently sells, they marked it up by 20-30%, they came up with these brand new concepts after 12 months of testing and design, and people are STILL buying?

Buy less. Hunt more.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is a bit of a reach lol

 

[realunlucky]

I saw a Instagram post where they placed water above it and it didn't leak though and then pumped air though the fabric and water and it didn't leak then either I'll be giving it a close look for sure.

Great color options too.

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

 

[BRTreedogs]

I’ve tried a couple grid fleece in the past.

And I swear every burr in the county would stick to it.

I don’t see the attraction.

 

[Glendine]

I saw a Instagram post where they placed water above it and it didn't leak though and then pumped air though the fabric and water and it didn't leak then either I'll be giving it a close look for sure.

Great color options too.

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

Thanks for the picture as it give a better indication of the true colors of the garments as online the green appears to be different.

Regards

 

[chasewild]

This is a bit of a reach lol

I’m always open to being wrong!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jd1006]

I got the new mid layer in the bur color. It’s much different than the other grid fleece options I have…much more durable feeling - but still lightweight. I’m going to wear it a lot doing some weighted back training, so I’ll report back on how it does as an active layer. I like the features with the zipped kangaroo pocket and the subtle thumb loops. The lighter color is a nice option when the sun’s out and it warms up. I really can’t compare this to anything else I have…maybe if you’ve seen the tech face hoody from patagonia - but it’s not as thick

 

[jdvanstar]

I saw a Instagram post where they placed water above it and it didn't leak though and then pumped air though the fabric and water and it didn't leak then either I'll be giving it a close look for sure.

Great color options too.

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

LMK if you need one - I ordered 2 and have an extra in Green

 

[KIFARU_INTL]

I couldn’t find anywhere in the description that specifies where it’s being made. One reference to “Japanese” 20D rip stop nylon on their new Primaloft gold jacket. But nothing in terms of where it’s being sewn. Also still no listed weights on anything. Which is mildly annoying, but that’s an aside.

LPP stuff is on sale BTW. Looks like there’s a possibility it’ll be phased out? I’d be unpleasantly surprised if so. That’s still the best synthetic puffy on the market IMO, and there’s nothing really close to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey there, been seeing this come up a lot here, and just want to confirm, the LPP is not being discontinued. We are currently working on a new fit and updated construction, but the materials and general design will stay the same. 40D shell, Climashield insulation, and Cordura overlays will all remain.

New apparel is being produced in Vietnam, and all garments have weights listed.

 

[KIFARU_INTL]

I'll be interested to see some independent reviews instead of reviews by folks that have some stake in the sale of the gear. I'd like to know why someone would buy $300 pants over Sitka, Kuiu, Firstlite, etc.

The Torlander is a 3 layer laminate softshell, featuring a 10k/10k waterproof face, waterproof and windproof laminate, and brushed interior grid fleece, specifically for the late season, all coming in at 21oz (34x34). The closest comparison for this durable feature rich material package and pant is Stone Glacier's M7 Pant, and that comes in at $399. Ours also includes suspenders and knee pads. Great gear is not cheap, and cheap gear is not great.

 

[KIFARU_INTL]

The LPP is being discontinued, I asked the question on facebook awhile back and emailed. They said it was being replaced and people would be happy with the replacement....


As far as the other clothing goes, Looks pretty expensive for cloth already on the market thats lower priced...I haven't given up on Kifaru but not a real fan where this is heading

Hi there. Sorry if you received incorrect information from our FB, but just want to confirm that the LPP is not being discontinued. We are currently working on a new fit and updated construction, but the materials and general design will stay the same. Same 40D shell, Climashield insulation, and Cordura overlays will all remain, and stay USA built for those who prefer or need that.

 

[KIFARU_INTL]

Longtime Kifaru user here. Like others, my first thought was damn that's expensive. Seems like they haven't been the same since Aron left. I wish them all the success, but it's hard to justify the price tag for non US sourced products.

Curious to see how these pieces perform in the field. Not their fault, but the PFAS-free materials aren't too appetizing either.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

PFAS-free chemistry and materials are regulated by law, they are a requirement to sell in certain states and countries, and soon the entire US, whether we like it or not. The performance will get better over the next few years,

 

[KIFARU_INTL]

Go ahead and spill the beans. How is it different than any of the other dozen high quality grid fleece on the market? Looks nearly identical to a Patagonia R1 or Sitka Core HW in cut. No laminate, as per their website. DWR is a joke, especially PFAS free stuff. That’ll last one wash, maybe 2 if you’re lucky. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Kifaru fan. But a grid fleece is a grid fleece.


Sent from my iPhone using T

Hey there, Aris here, I designed the Roam Crosslayer grid fleece. The Roam differs from the R1 and the Core HW in it's densely woven textile construction, which allows for better wind and water resistance and overall durability, while staying just as breathable as a classic grid fleece. That's what makes the lack of a laminate so amazing in this product. It can still out-perform without that extra layer and weight, which is why we called it out. The Core HW will specifically absorb outside precip because of the way the textile is made, and because of the lofted knitted face, makes it more susceptible to snagging, picking, and pilling. The Roam is an industry first, As we demonstrate on the website, we perform a water test, supplied by the fabric mill, that shows the water resistance and breathability, all in one single layer.

The DWR is not providing that protection here, either. It is applied as a surface treatment, so it will help bead and quick dry extra water, but that's not stopping wind and water from breaking the surface. DWR will outlast the lifespan of the garment, despite online chatter saying otherwise.

Ultimately, the knitted grid fleece on the market, like ones you mentioned or others, are still a great choice for your kit and pursuits. We saw an opportunity to do something different. Hopefully you can try it and see the performance for yourself.

 

[KIFARU_INTL]

If what I’ve seen is the replacement… no, people will not be happy. I certainly wasn’t.

The LPP has a special place in Kifaru's history, and it is not going away. The fit and construction is being updated but the materials and manufacturing is all staying the same, and staying on US soil, for military and customers who would rather have a US made product.

Alternatively, the Pointe provides a windproof shell and is nearly three times the warmth loft (133g vs 55g), while staying 6oz lighter, than the LPP.