Puffy jacket comparison

[Nuke Man]

Currently looking at picking up a puffy jacket. The only one I have been able to look at first hand is First lites uncomphadre. I was wondering if anyone can compare Kuiu insulated Teton and the Kenai to it.
I'm planning my first elk hunt. It's in Colorado the first week of September. I have a full layering system of merino, a kuiu pelaton fleece and the guide jacket. Do I need to pack a puffy? Or am I over packing? I'll be backpack hunting so I'll be carrying everything for 7 days.

 

[Nuke Man]

I forgot to throw the Kifaru jacket in the mix as well.

 

[JollyRoger]

Nuke Man....there is a pinned post up above in this section that covers those jackets. It's a good read, check it out if you havent seen it yet.

ETA: http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/clothing/381-puffy-jacket-shootout-alaska-style

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The First Lite packs nicely, is warm, and resists water pretty well. The kifaru is warmer, tougher, resists water just as well, but does not pack as small.
Personally I like the hood adjustments on First Lites better, but I like Kifaru's pouch pocket more than the "traditional" pockets on First Lite's.

 

[Nuke Man]

I saw it. Great review. But that's 1 guys opinion. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[R Davis]

I packed too many clothes on my first elk hunt. With what i know now i would take a long sleeve base layer, the peloton fleece, whichever puffy suits you best, and a rain coat. That would cover all your bases.

Edit: I've never used any of those puffys, so i cant help there, but I'd prefer something that packs small for that time of year.

 

[White Mamba]

the Kifaru is warmer than the first lite

 

[Art Vandeley]

Mountain Hardware

 

[justinspicher]

I used a Uncompaghre puffy last year and will be using the puffy vest and rain jacket combo this year.

I think your system is good. If you can cover warm and dry you should be good.

 

[dangerousD]

Your system sounds good for September. I only have experience with the Uncompaghre. It's light and warm enough for me for September. I just run a base and mid of merino. Most mornings if I'm moving it's good and I don't need the puffy.

I also use my puffy for added insulation late into the year for stand sitting for whitetail. I wouldn't say the puffy is all that warm for this and it gets really noisy when temps drop into teens and single digits. But for backpack backcountry hunting and warmth to weight ratio it seems pretty good to me.

 

[sneaky]

I'm thinking of getting my next puffy without a hood and running either a Hoodlum from EE or a hood from Katabatic. That way I don't have to worry about the hood binding up on me when I turn my head. I have an Uncompahgre and I really like it, one of my favorite pieces of gear.

 

[snowcamoman]

sneaky,
The hood on the Kifaru is removable if you're thinking about going that route. So far, I'm really impressed with the warmth of the Kifaru. It packs down pretty small too if I stick it in a compression bag (Not close to a Superdown, but pretty small and a ton warmer).

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I can only compare the Kuiu to Sitka's synthetic Kelvin and man oh man, what a difference. Still hunting in 40 degree weather I was shivering like a kicked puppy in the Kuiu. Glassing in low 30s wearing the Kelvin I was warm and relaxed. MUCH WARMER. Consider the temps when selecting your insulation layer(s) and decide which is worse...being to cold or too warm?

 

[Dos Perros]

Unless I saw a convincing weather report before I packed in, I would not pack a puffy jacket on a 1st week of Sept elk hunt. I'd maybe pack a vest. I think the odds of you wishing you had a pair of shorts is greater than the odds of you wishing you had a puffy jacket. I packed in on a December Kansas whitetail hunt (weird, I know) and it was only with merino and guide jacket, windy as can be and lows into the teens. That guide jacket it pretty warm. I'd actually ditch the guide jacket and add a rain jacket if I were you.

 

[Dos Perros]

Add to what Bruce says, I have the KUIU down vest, and it's not that warm, but pretty light. It'd be a good early season vest where you are prioritizing weight savings over warmth. If I were a rich man I'd have both KUIU's down jacket and Sitka's and I'd know when to grab which; they are two different products meeting two different needs. For the money, something like a Montbell might be more economical. At least they publish how many oz's of down fill (KUIU doesn't, and I have even called and asked) so you know what you're getting.

 

[power54]

If you're carrying everything for 7 days, I'd ditch the guide jacket and add a puffy. I have a guide jacket (which I absolutely love) but it wouldn't go with me on that trip. If you've got base layers, the pelaton, a puffy and a shell (I assume you have a good shell) you're good to go. Personally, I have a cheaper REI puffy that weighs nothing and packs small. That being said, I've been wanting the first lite but I'm too cheap to get it! I disagree with Dos Perros, I wouldn't head into the Colorado high country in September without a puffy.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Last season I was in Colorado and the jetstream dropped down on us. Not only blew our elk calling set-up with a herd coming is less than 80 yards away) but that wind was damn cold! I always pack a tarp and a synthetic layer or woobie in case of injury or anything that might make me spend the night in the woods. Once you are unexpectedly out in the cold all night without the proper insulation you learn to take precautions.

 

[Nuke Man]

My shell is the Chugach set from Kuiu. I am leaning towards the Kenai for a puffy. It seems like it would work well here in the Midwest as well. I will probably over pack, for my first backcountry elk hunt. I really like my guide jacket and just can't imagine leaving it behind. But I will learn and hopefully make better informed decisions next season I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[GKPrice]

a puffy is indispensable in virtually any scenario

 

[justinspicher]

a puffy is indispensable in virtually any scenario

Solid advice there. I've often thought about using a rain jacket puffy vest combo, but haven't done it yet.