Superdown/insulated jacket durability?

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WKR
Joined
May 1, 2013
Messages
381
Location
Glendale, Arizona
I'm interested in the Kuiu Superdown but haven't read much on how the shell holds up to snagging and abrasiveness. Of course the debate of functionality between synthetic vs down is still ongoing, but I always have a light rain jacket with me so If it got too wet I would just throw that on over anyways. I'm more concerned with how durable some of these down/synthetic jackets are. I'm looking at the new C4E jackets and Kuiu Superdown.
 
I have a superdown and yeah, I am hesitant with it too. Granted, I don't have much field time in it but I definitely wouldn't go busting brush with it. Personally I don't see myself wearing it much unless I am more sedentary anyway though. If I am moving then I am usually warm with regular layers. I got the puffy to keep me warm while sitting and glassing or for extra warmth while sleeping. Worst case, as you mention, I can wear it under my rain jacket if I do need the warmth while moving.
 
I used a SD jacket with the hood for a total of about 45 days in the field this year. From The Brooks Range to Kodiak, still looks like new. I was careful with it as I am with all lightweight stuff. Only wearing it as an outer layer around camp. Crazy warm and light, after I got back from sheep hunting I bought the SD Tee to wear under the SD hooded jacket as part of a layering system. I feel that it is tough enough, while still remaining light.

The 2 SD jackets together are awesome for those long cold sits or the occasional bivy at elevation.

 
Good point. I see myself hiking in my rain jacket. I get really warm while moving around. Thanks

I have a superdown and yeah, I am hesitant with it too. Granted, I don't have much field time in it but I definitely wouldn't go busting brush with it. Personally I don't see myself wearing it much unless I am more sedentary anyway though. If I am moving then I am usually warm with regular layers. I got the puffy to keep me warm while sitting and glassing or for extra warmth while sleeping. Worst case, as you mention, I can wear it under my rain jacket if I do need the warmth while moving.
 
I have used the jacket all year and it is still like brand new but I dont use it as an outer layer while hiking. I think it would rip if you were wearing it as an outer layer walking in the brush.
 
I used a SD jacket with the hood for a total of about 45 days in the field this year. From The Brooks Range to Kodiak, still looks like new. I was careful with it as I am with all lightweight stuff. Only wearing it as an outer layer around camp. Crazy warm and light, after I got back from sheep hunting I bought the SD Tee to wear under the SD hooded jacket as part of a layering system. I feel that it is tough enough, while still remaining light.

The 2 SD jackets together are awesome for those long cold sits or the occasional bivy at elevation.


Kudos on a great pic and the freedom to use your gear so much! Green with envy.
 
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