Sitka Kelvin Lite Down Jacket and Pant Review, By Tony Trietch

[Mblake0209]

Thanks for the review! Plan on picking one up now.

 

[Akennedy6911]

I want to try this set. Thanks for the review

 

[CullenMS]

Super helpful write-up Justin. I've spent a decent amount of time comparing/contrasting Kelvin Lite Down Jacked vs. Kuiu SD vs. FL Uncompahgre. So far, I'm super happy with the jacket. As you mentioned, it's definitely a bit noisier than other puffy jackets out there - but that's a non issue for me for spotting/sleeping. Only other thing I'd add is sizing...super frustrating how much sizing can vary between manufacturers and even with manufacturers line-up. I was swimming in my FL XL gear, so I purchased the Sitka KLD in a L...which ended up being quite tight (6'2", 190 lbs). I turned around and picked up the XL and fits well...just wish they offered it in a tall.

 

[Dkuczek]

Super helpful write-up Justin. I've spent a decent amount of time comparing/contrasting Kelvin Lite Down Jacked vs. Kuiu SD vs. FL Uncompahgre. So far, I'm super happy with the jacket. As you mentioned, it's definitely a bit noisier than other puffy jackets out there - but that's a non issue for me for spotting/sleeping. Only other thing I'd add is sizing...super frustrating how much sizing can vary between manufacturers and even with manufacturers line-up. I was swimming in my FL XL gear, so I purchased the Sitka KLD in a L...which ended up being quite tight (6'2", 190 lbs). I turned around and picked up the XL and fits well...just wish they offered it in a tall.

With FL/KUIU/Sitka i find the fit of FL the largest, Sitka in 2nd and KUIU the tightest and most random depending on the piece. I had the KLD jacket in XL and L, i ended up keeping the L and selling XL. My thoughts on the jacket are if you want it to go over Base > Mid Layer like HW Hoody it is perfectly matched to that. If you intend to put it over something like a Jetstream you have to size up. I tested this with Base + KAJ + KLD and it is almost max for my body(2 insulation pieces that don't stretch as much i feel is the issue here). Base + HW Hoody fits perfect and moves with my body. Reference i'm 5'11" 36" arms 35" waist 44.5" chest. Everything i own in Sitka is L or LT and FL is L. Kuiu i've got a mixed bag depending on piece

 

[fellerr]

Thanks for this info!

 

[Dkuczek]

so after wearing this for a few black bear day hunts this spring, i now realize i need an LT or go back to the XL. The length of the jacket on torso seems a bit short and when i have it on and bend down or sit it will slightly ride up and become uncomfortable. It might have to do with the elastic waist band on the jacket vs a cinch to lock it down which causes this...but rather disappointed as i only tested my XL around the house and not in real world situations. Hopefully they release a LT this year for sizing

 

[Tony Trietch]

so after wearing this for a few black bear day hunts this spring, i now realize i need an LT or go back to the XL. The length of the jacket on torso seems a bit short and when i have it on and bend down or sit it will slightly ride up and become uncomfortable. It might have to do with the elastic waist band on the jacket vs a cinch to lock it down which causes this...but rather disappointed as i only tested my XL around the house and not in real world situations. Hopefully they release a LT this year for sizing

How tall are you and do you have long arms? It might help some of the others that are similarly built.

 

[Dkuczek]

How tall are you and do you have long arms? It might help some of the others that are similarly built.

Put it in above post. I have a long torso. 5'11" height and 31" inseam

 

[Tony Trietch]

Put it in above post. I have a long torso. 5'11" height and 31" inseam

My apologizes, I missed that.

 

[Summitdog]

The KUIU Super Down pant just doesn’t seem very warm when sitting around glassing. For what they are supposed to be, the seem a bit too light. The down does not loft as well as I would expect either. (I’ve been sitting them properly and “fluff” them everyone once in awhile to try to maintain what loft there is.).


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[Dkuczek]

The KUIU Super Down pant just doesn’t seem very warm when sitting around glassing. For what they are supposed to be, the seem a bit too light. The down does not loft as well as I would expect either. (I’ve been sitting them properly and “fluff” them everyone once in awhile to try to maintain what loft there is.).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Think you might be in the wrong thread

 

[Summitdog]

Think you might be in the wrong thread

I don't believe this is the wrong thread. There was discussion comparing the Sitka gear with Kuiu gear. The discussion was silent on the pants so I added my experience. Thanks for your concern.

 

[Dkuczek]

I don't believe this is the wrong thread. There was discussion comparing the Sitka gear with Kuiu gear. The discussion was silent on the pants so I added my experience. Thanks for your concern.

apologies didn't see the comparison with the pants. Are you talking the Super Down Ultra or Pro? Or originals?

 

[Antler Farmer]

Thanks! Ordered