Puffy Jackets!

[ScottR_EHJ]

We got out yesterday in the crazy cold. Namack filled his cow/calf tag in weather that never got above 2 degrees.

The jackets we have been using were there the whole time.

We did get some blood on them, so we will have thoughts on care and dry time this week.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

I will have some quality pictures up tomorrow as well

 

[Superdeuce]

How many g/m2 of insulation in the First Lite Uncompahgre?

 

[First Lite]

The First Lite Uncompahgre has 100 fill Cocona insulation in the body and 60 in the arms and hood. The cocona insulation does a great job of wicking away moisture which is one of the reasons that this jacket feels much warmer than most 100 fill puffys. thanks-Kenton

 

[Jtelarkin08]

Just got my first lite puffy in the mail. This thing is freaking awesome!!! It's 25 degrees here right now and it's keeping me warm with just a tshirt on under it

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

The insulation to weight ratio of the Uncompahgre is really good. It performed very well Saturday, even when i was hiking.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Just got my first lite puffy in the mail. This thing is freaking awesome!!!

I agree. It is awesome.

 

[Nick Muche]

I've been wearing mine on the trap line in pretty rough temps as of late and I actually get too warm! Love it!

 

[Matt W.]

It's a keeper! It's all I can do to keep my buddy from snagging mine! I think Uncompaghre means "versatile warmth" in FirstLiteish...

 

[5MilesBack]

How much does that FL Puffy weigh compared to the KUIU Superdown jacket?

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

I will weigh them tonight and post pictures

 

[S&S ARCHERY]

How much does that FL Puffy weigh compared to the KUIU Superdown jacket?

First Lite Puffy size Medium that I weighed here at the shop was 19.6oz.

 

[Whisky]

I'm thinking my XL was ~21 oz, going off memory....

Briefly had a 2x Superdown but had to send it back and backorder a 3x. Didn't weigh it but it was definitely lighter..So that should give you some idea on the sizing differences as well. I wear an XL in Firstlite, and 3x "fat bastard" in Kuiu I guess. If only wearing the KUIU as an underlayer, it would have been fine. But I like to wear it on the outside for convenience when stopping to glass hence the sizing up.

 

[5MilesBack]

I'm thinking my XL was ~21 oz, going off memory....

Briefly had a 2x Superdown but had to send it back and backorder a 3x. Didn't weigh it but it was definitely lighter..So that should give you some idea on the sizing differences as well. I wear an XL in Firstlite, and 3x "fat bastard" in Kuiu I guess. If only wearing the KUIU as an underlayer, it would have been fine. But I like to wear it on the outside for convenience when stopping to glass hence the sizing up.

My only problem is the sleeve length on the KUIU, but when you wear a 38" sleeve dress shirt, I guess that's to be expected.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Both weights will be on the XL from both companies. I will weigh the Sitka as well for comparison, but I know that is heavier, as it's a heavier insulation.

 

[andres3]

This is a great test. I am new to the forum and late to this thread. I was just about to purchase a "Wild Things" Design your own Insulight Jacket. Now i am going to wait until your testing is complete. I was specifically looking at the camo shell, highly breathable power stretch panels along both sides, and 2 oz of primaloft one. I know its probably to late to add this jacket to the test, but do you have any info on this company and/or jacket. I basically hunt elk while hiking, mostly on the move and often sweating. The weather can be anywhere form single digits to the 60's. I am lookling to replace my filson 24 oz wool liner that i uses as a mid layer for something that packs smaller and lighter.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Andres3, I really hope this article helps you find exactly what you are looking for. I feel like I have a really good feel for the jackets we have in hand so far, and as soon as I have the Kryptek and Core4 I will get thoughts and such posted.

The Wild Things company looks like a quality company, but I don't have any experience to tell that for sure. Hopefully someone here has used their gear and can comment.

We are going to do our best to really emphasize the temperature ranges, as well as the conditions that each jacket will perform well in. Some of it is self explanatory based on the specs, but sometimes descriptions can be generous, or even conservative depending on the manufacture's mindset for marketing. Our goal is to test each one against their descriptions, and do out best to help the consumer find the best jacket for their needs.

While butchering elk pictured above we weighed one of the jackets, but I don't thing the scale was accurate. We will post the weights of XL with the review and make sure that our weights are as accurate as possible.

 

[Clarktar]

Well, I just ordered a new puffy. This is the one I will pull out for extended spotting sessions and really cold weather.

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/mens-nilas-jacket-OM5680.html?colorID=742

Once I get it and spend the winter hiking and camping with it,, I will let you know how it preformed. I am pretty stoked to run it.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Mountain Hardware makes good stuff, looking forward to your thoughts.

 

[mtswampfox]

be lovin the first lite uncompahgre jacket. its a good fit both size wise and protection wise for me. a little concerned of the zippers tho seem small and rather stiff to operate. am i missing something , like a good zipper lube to make them smoother and easier to operate?? feels like the fabric is about to tear they are so stiff