OR Incandescent vs. Sitka Kelvin Down?

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I'm looking at upgrading my insulation this year before a winter climbing trip in Montana.

I am looking at the Sitka Kelvin down hoody and the OR Incandescent hoody. Does anyone have any experience with either of these two coats?
 
I just got my Sitka Kelvin down hoody today, I plan on wearing it over my fanatic jacket while stand sitting (temps in 20's and lower), ordered xl and it fits over the large fanatic as I expected, seems like its gonna be really warm with that combo. compared to the kelvin jacket I can tell it's quite a bit warmer, hood fits nice, not too big
 
Don't know anything about the Kelvin. The Incandescent is very warm but very easy to rip/tear, would not buy another at full price
 
I'm a Sitka Guy with over 50 pieces in my locker but would never choose down in wet weather. Synthetic is warm when wet. Do with that what you will.
 
Jason what type of climbing? Snowshoe and crampons or actual rock climbing?

Also what is your budget?
 
Last edited:
Jason what type of climbing? Snowshoe and crampons or actual rock climbing?

Also what is your budget?

Snowshoes and crampons. It also would see some use in my ski pack and for rifle hunting in Montana in November.

My budget is unlimited. The one my wife gives me is substantially less. I can get a substantial discount on either of these items, that is why I'm looking at these two specifically.

Edit: I generate enough heat that I likely won't be climbing with it on. It will be to put on during breaks in the action. I have a Sitka Jetstream that I will wear when climbing unless it's amazingly calm and sunny.
 
I have the sitka kelvin and I will say it's not really impressive in any one category, but is still a decent Insulation layer. I got it on camofire and for the price I paid I'm happy with it. I would never pay full price for it. It is marginally warm, the for is good, the weight an materials are not particularly special. Also I like hoods on my insulation layers, especially if I'm going to use them in the way that you said your were. That said its primaloft and it's good stuff. Personally Ive never shied away from down, especially for winter climbing in snow. Your body sweat and vapors will compromise the down far before the snow will as long as you practice good methods, IE wearing a shell when needed and properly airing the jacket out after a hike if you do wear it.

My friend is an Ice climbing guide in Alaska and he swears by two lines of puffy coats, feathered friends and Eddie bauer first ascent. They both offer coats in vetting weights so you can dial in just how much insulation your going to need. None of them are going to be the lightest but they are built very well. I have a hand me down FF from him it has the pretex shell and Is awesome.
 
Snowshoes and crampons. It also would see some use in my ski pack and for rifle hunting in Montana in November.

My budget is unlimited. The one my wife gives me is substantially less. I can get a substantial discount on either of these items, that is why I'm looking at these two specifically.

Edit: I generate enough heat that I likely won't be climbing with it on. It will be to put on during breaks in the action. I have a Sitka Jetstream that I will wear when climbing unless it's amazingly calm and sunny.

For that I would go with the FF Helious hooded jacket. I have a medium and it is 16.5 ounces and so warm. It is the jacket that I carry on glaciers to throw on when we stop and I carry a RAB synthetic to wear while climbing.
 
Looking at some specs right now. The Helios has 7.8 oz of fill, the Sitka Kelvin Down has 8.0, OR Incandescent has 7.0. Sitka Kelvin Down is the heaviest, but also has a primaloft blend instead of all down.

Can't find specs on the shell material as a comparison. The Sitka Kelvin Down is the heaviest of the bunch, but I'm also very interested in durability and am leaning hard towards this one.
 
For down, I would use Eddie Bauer BC Microtherm jacket. It vents well. Shell material is ok, but it's not super tough.

For synthetic, I would use an arcteryx Atom LT hoody or SV hoody.
 
A friend lent me his Sitka Kelvin Down for treestand hunting. It was super warm and I'll be picking one up myself. Great piece of gear for when you're sitting for long periods.
 
I have the OR jacket, only the hoodless version. It is pretty light and packs down well, it was plenty for glassing at 10k in mid sept CO last year. Like said above, it isn't a super tough jacket, but most light puffys aren't. I would def buy it again but would go for the hoody like you.
One of the best features is the fit, it fits me perfect and doesn't interfere with movement at all and it's low profile enough that you don't feel like a Michelin man,

For reference I am 6'4" 205# and the xl is great and fits under my OR revel rain jacket
 
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