Replace uncompahgre puffy with kenai ultra?

[hmbleservant]

Currently, I run Llano/Chama merino wool baselayer, FL U puffy. On my October hunts I get cold sitting still but have survived. I decided to add a down puffy (went with a marmot hype on great sale) for my glassing sessions. For an upcoming 3rd season CO deer hunt (average lows 10-20deg range) I realize that I want something warmer than heavy merino even while moving (also moving slow/still hunting/etc), but I know from experience that I can't get away with much moving in the FL U or I will sweat. I know better than to put the down puffy on while moving. So I am thinking about replacing my FL U with a Kuiu Kenai ultra hooded (supposed to be really breathable) to wear over merino 100% of the time even while moving then have the down puffy for glassing/stationary. I am also, considering picking up a 3.5oz hooded windshirt to compliment the kenai just incase it is stupid windy while moving (ill have marmot precip raincoat in my pack too). Effectively, I am trading in a FL U for a Kenai/windshirt by weight and am effectively capturing the warmth/windbreaking of the FL U and splitting them into 2 seperate layers (kenai for warmth/windshirt for windbreaking). I'll keep the windshirt in the pack unless winds get sharp. Do you see any holes in my logic? Still learning this layering game and I appreciate your input.

 

[fngTony]

Pit zips help tremendously with the kenai, my back could still get sweaty win pack on though. You might consider the kutana hybrid.

 

[hmbleservant]

Thanks for the reply. This piece wasn't even on my radar. Do you mind eleberating for me. Trying to get a gauge here. I understand everyone is different, but for yourself, how would you describe your limits temp wise for the kenai while moving? Would you say you would have a problem with back sweat at 15 degrees? Whatever that temp is would it be warm enough to step down to a heavy merino layer while hiking? I'd like the flexibility of stepping from merino syraight to kenai, but maybe that's asking too much? I'll dig into researching this piece you mentioned. Thanks again.

 

[fngTony]

It’s relative to the humidity and exertion. A thin base, kenai was at it’s limit during light to moderate hiking at 38f 85% humidity. However 35-70f 20% humidity while walking mostly flat terrain was comfortable. Kenai makes a great still hunting/ stalking jacket but it needs to be pretty cold to do anything strenuous in it.

I haven’t tried a wind shirt but there’s a few good threads on here about them.

 

[mighteywhitehunter]

For moving in cold weather I usually run Light 145 Merino, a heavier 250 Merino Hoody and a Kuiu Guide vest over that, and for bottoms usually merino boxers, kuiu 145 merino zip off thermals and softshell or hybrid pants of your choice with a thigh vent. It is light, breathable, keeps your core warm, but not too warm. I used this setup in MT, NV, CA, NM, AZ, and UT last year as well as many other places. This has worked for me on a lot of colder weather hunts but the only real way to figure out if it works for your style is to get out and try it in similar conditions to what you will hunt in.

I got the Kenai Ultra for Christmas so It only made it to AZ for the OTC archery hunt. It is a nice jacket and has worked well so far, the pit zips are sweet but I think if you are active in the mtns and wearing a pack you are going to get too hot unless it is real cold!

 

[willfrye027]

I think your plan is a good one. Personally I like a soft shell over my kenai. Gives you a little more versatile system. If it’s a little warmer and sprinkling rain, softshell over bass layer. Climbing through thick brush, soft-shell over base layer. Glassing in the wind, soft shell over kenai is super warm. If it’s going to be frigid I’ll bring some down as well.

 

[ElkArcher918]

Long story short. I have both the FL Uncomp and the Kuiu Kenai Hooded jacket. The U is warmer and really designed for stationary activities (glassing, stand hunting). The Kenai breaths much better but also not nearly as warm - allows for moderate activity during cooler weather. If you are going to use the Kenai primarily, you'll need to layer accordingly. I would keep both pieces, although the U is my favorite.

 

[utley010]

I think your plan is a good one. Personally I like a soft shell over my kenai. Gives you a little more versatile system. If it’s a little warmer and sprinkling rain, softshell over bass layer. Climbing through thick brush, soft-shell over base layer. Glassing in the wind, soft shell over kenai is super warm. If it’s going to be frigid I’ll bring some down as well.

What size Kenai and what size softshell do you wear over it? Trying to decide with size to buy.