Puffy Jackets!

[Rent Outdoor Gear]

Sorry guys been stacked up with a bunch of projects - wanted to get it published last weekend but couldn't make it happen.

I'll do my best to get it up in the next 48 hours.

Coop

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Just giving you a hard time.

 

[Rent Outdoor Gear]

Article is up!!!!

http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-...ts-choosing-the-best-insulating-layer-for-you

Nice job sreekers!

 

[idig4au]

Nice subjective and comparative review! Thanks for taking the time to do this!!

Can you provide a quick comparison of the jacket weights and respective size for these jackets? It would great to see how they stacked up to each other in this regards. Thanks again
,

 

[handwerk]

Very nice write-up, thanks for your efforts.

 

[Vandal 44]

Very informative piece, nicely done

 

[TXCO]

Great job guys!!! Really appreciate it.

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

Excellent article. Thanks!

 

[TJ]

Good article. I've been looking for an article like this.

 

[bbrown]

Nice write up - thanks!

 

[Matt W.]

Good write up. Enjoyed reading through it and comparing to what I know and don't know about the jackets. I have tested a few and have similar results, I'll share to help provide additional info.

I have tested the Sitka Kelvin Down Hoody, The Mont Bell Thermwrap Parka, the Sitka Kelvin Lite (Jacket & Vest) and the First Lite Uncompaghre. My thoughts are below, for whatever that is worth...

I live in Alaska and concur that the Kelvin Down Hoody is one warm jacket! To warm for me for just about any activity with movement. It was big and bulky and I sold mine after a few months of use. If you get cold, you won't in that bad boy! I never got mine wet, just damp, and that concerned me. If I ever pick up another down jacket I think I will wait to see where the whole waterproof down products go. ??

The Mont-Bell Thermawrap is pretty darn warm for its weight, but also a fragile jacket that does not shed water to well. Hard to beat for its weight to warmth ratio though. My wife has commandeered mine and loves it.

The Sitka Kelvin Lite jacket and vest seem to perform very similar to the review's findings on the Kryptek Kratos. I always have at least one of these in my pack (year round). I really dig the Kelvin Lite line from Sitka.

The First Lite Uncompagrhe is my go to jacket from about October to March here in Alaska. I wear it both as a casual jacket and for outdoor jaunts and and continue to be impressed with its durability, breath-ability, and the DWR coating.

When things get really cold I am slide to either the Kevlin Lite jacket, the vest, or both, under the Uncompagre. I prefer this setup to the bulky Kelvin Down jacket and that combo is a proven warmer upper.

Once again nice job guys!

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Great right up! It was worth the wait and answered everything I had questions about.

 

[topher89]

Great article!

My 3 main insulation pieces are non-hunting but serve me very well.

Patagonia Micropuff jacket- I was able to snag an Orange one for $60 when Patagonia discontinued them. Very warm but still stuffs down small enough to not fill up my pack. My main hunting jack (expect when I pronghorn hunt, too much cactus)

Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody- My all time favorite jacket. Weighs nothing and is perfect for a variety of temperatures. The synthetic insulation is perfect for fly fishing when water is inevitable.

Patagonia Down Vest- Scored this one at an REI Garage sale for $75. Killer Deal. Warm and fits under most jackets that I have.

 

[RamDreamer]

Great article! Really making me consider the Uncompagrhe when I decide it's time for another puffy