The Kryptek Aquillo and First lite Umcompahgre

[Aron Snyder]

[video=vimeo;89036103]https://vimeo.com/89036103[/video]

 

[pyroducksx3]

I'm assuming that's a video and for some reason I can't see it because I have a stupid Iphone

 

[sneaky]

Not sure how anyone could get their feelings hurt, you state specifically that these are YOUR opinions. If they don't agree with you, great, if they do that's great as well. Seems like a toss up and you can't go wrong either way, both about the same price point, within a few ounces of weight. It'll come down to where you hunt and how you hunt more than anything.

 

[todd kelly]

Good info Aron, I am surprised to hear that the aquillo is warmer than the FL. From all I have read about the FL jacket from this fall, I was under the impression that it was a heavy weight in the warmth category.

 

[Whisky]

From all I have read about the FL jacket from this fall, I was under the impression that it was a heavy weight in the warmth category.

I certainly wouldn't call it a lightweight. I shot two deer in the jacket last Dec, both in negative double digit temps. You factor in a 20mph N wind, and I'm glad I have the FL. The characteristics that make it more durable, also make it a bit windproof....For me that's pretty beneficial.

 

[sneaky]

I've worn my FL puffy in the deer stand down to single digits in some pretty stiff Missouri winds and I was extremely thankful that I had it on. If the Aquillo is warmer than it, then it's gonna be pretty dang warm. Can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Aron Snyder]

Keep in mind that I tested these as an intermediate layer (under hard shell). Doing that way the Aquillo was warmer for sure, but if this test was done with the jackets as an outer layer, the FL would be warmer. This is because the FL blocks wind better then the Aquillo when used as a stand alone jacket in the wind. I should have gone into that more in the video....my bad.

Good info Aron, I am surprised to hear that the aquillo is warmer than the FL. From all I have read about the FL jacket from this fall, I was under the impression that it was a heavy weight in the warmth category.

 

[5MilesBack]

Good info Aron, I am surprised to hear that the aquillo is warmer than the FL. From all I have read about the FL jacket from this fall, I was under the impression that it was a heavy weight in the warmth category.

I haven't found the FL Puffy to be all that warm for me. My down puffy's are definitely warmer by a good margin. But as noted.......wind can be a large factor. I even wore my down puffy under my FL puffy one day.......that was pretty warm. But I also wasn't moving too much.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

The FL breathes well and has an advantage over down there.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Down coupled with a wind breaking layer is hard to beat for warmth though.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I wear the Umcompahgre jacket pretty much everyday. It breaks the wind and dries faster that any jacket I've used. Luke talked me into the bitterroot jacket. The bitterroot is very a nice/warm but I always feel like I have to baby down jackets. I guess that why I love the FL jacket, outside of burn holes it's one tough jacket.

 

[Becca]

I guess that why I love the FL jacket, outside of burn holes it's one tough jacket.

Oh c'mon, I fixed those right up with a little AquaSeal while we were there. Considering the size of that forest fire Aron built, I would say your jacket fared better than expected

 

[whitingja]

Aron, what did you find out about preorders for the aquillo?

 

[Aron Snyder]

Won't have an answer till Monday afternoon.

Aron, what did you find out about preorders for the aquillo?

 

[Rizzy]

So the Aquillo + Koldo would make a complete system providing insulation, water resistance, and a durable protective shell. What would the equivelent system be with the Umcompahgre?
My Kuiu spindrift, which is probably not as warm as either of these, is too hot to hike in. I mainly use the puffy layer for glassing, so I don't think I need durability or breathability or do I?
What are some good layering system options to use in the rocky Mountains with these two puffy's?

 

[fillthefreezer]

So the Aquillo + Koldo would make a complete system providing insulation, water resistance, and a durable protective shell. What would the equivelent system be with the Umcompahgre?
My Kuiu spindrift, which is probably not as warm as either of these, is too hot to hike in. I mainly use the puffy layer for glassing, so I don't think I need durability or breathability or do I?
What are some good layering system options to use in the rocky Mountains with these two puffy's?

something to think about, is when youd want each piece. for me, i like the firstlite when its high humidity, and lots of rain. same time i like the koldo. where i hope to use the aquillo is in there earlier seasons, when its lighter weight and better compressibility will shine as well as in the winter when temps are staying below freezing. that said i will likely couple it with a lighter weight shell, as thats what fits the scenario better for me.

 

[tipsntails7]

The only time I use the FL puffy is in camp and glassing. It would have to be 20 degrees or less for me to wear it doing anything more then a casual walk/hike it breathes fairly well but it is a puffy. I lean up against all kinds of crap when glassing and never have to worry about leaning against rocks or trees with this puffy, very durable.

The fl is pretty warm, pretty durable and pretty water resistant. But is not the same as having a down layer with a durable hardshell. It's kindof a hedge piece that can do all those things really well. I've left my rain gear behind on multiple trips this year where rain was not in the forcast. I've been caught in showers and the fl has kept me dry. Now keep in mind these are 1-3 day trips where heavy driving rain is not going to be a concern. If it starts to rain, I'll throw the puffy on, hunker down in a spot to glass and wait the brief shower out. I've been really impressed with its ability to shed water but also it's extremly fast drying time.
It's never gonna replace a high fill down puffy for warmth and never gonna replace a true rain jacket but when neither are necessary this is a good piece to cover some of those needs

 

[Jdog]

that Aquillo looks legit. I need one

 

[OR Archer]

Great info. Both of these jackets have had my eye for a bit now and this is the kind of info that really helps make an educated decision on which to purchase. Thanks Aron.

 

[Jdog]

How much is the Aquillo running?