Thoughts on FL Uncompahgre Pants

[optimusprime]

Anyone use these pants? How warm do they keep you and what temps could you comfortably wear them with a single layer underneath (thinking Corrugates)? How well do they pack down?

 

[Kotaman]

I have them. They are too bulky for me to pack anywhere. I use them at home when I’m not traveling, but when I go to the mountains I take the KUIU SD pants for their weight and packability. Synthetic puffy pants are awesome, I’ve used Sitka, Kifaru and FL, they are just to bulky to pack IMO.

 

[backcountryshaffer]

I sold mine because they didn't fit me. FL makes pants for bigger butts and I have a non-butt. I couldn't keep them up around my waist. I own a pair of the Sitka pants and I think they are better quality, the fit is more adjustable also. They don't pack super well, they are almost like a pant shaped sleeping bag.

 

[MillCreekMike]

I use them for glassing. I pack them everywhere. Top & bottoms go in a Kifaru compression bag. They squish down nicely.

 

[justinspicher]

I just got mine and haven't used them yet, but I am anxious to give these a go. I have used the PCU level 7 pants in the past and they were nice, bulky, but nice and warm. I have also used a set from Sitka, but they were a bit too short for me so when I sat down they rode up my lower leg.

 

[Brewski]

My firstlite puffy pants tore 5" at the seam during the first washing. A very fragile $200 pant. I filed a warranty claim so hopefully firstlite makes it right. The outer shell material is very thin and the side zippers take alot of patience to line up correctly. The pants are warm but noisy. I suggest looking into other options.

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[ChrisAU]

I have them. They are too bulky for me to pack anywhere. I use them at home when I’m not traveling, but when I go to the mountains I take the KUIU SD pants for their weight and packability. Synthetic puffy pants are awesome, I’ve used Sitka, Kifaru and FL, they are just to bulky to pack IMO.

This is my experience exactly.

 

[Desk Jockey]

My $0.02. I became a big fan of insulation pants for static sitting way back in the army when we wore those ECWCS bear suits at valley forge and I still lie the idea. No direct experience with the FL pants though I would say I am pleased with my uncompharginugen jacket. However, If you go FL or another brand, I say size up. I have both XL and XXl Sitka puffy pants. The XL fit fine and actually get used as a mid layer for cold sits which the full length zipper permits. I bought a XXL so I can put it on over anything else I may be wearing as a top layer.

In terms of general thoughts for packing them, I agree the are heavy for what they are. Great for static sits but not really an option to move in with any kind of exertion so as a garment they are pretty limited in terms of function. When oz count, it is too easy to say I would get more utility from that 16oz (weight of XXL Sitka kelvin lite pants) if I hauled a woobie as a glassing blanket or even just wrapped my legs in my sleeping bag.

Kuiu super down are significantly lighter, 8-10oz, so maybe that changes the math above a bit. Also the weight might be easier to justify if the puffy pants were part of your sleep system (ie you carry a lighter sleeping bag and wear the puffy pants to sleep in.

 

[optimusprime]

Some of you have mentioned the Kelvin Lite pants. Do you think they are warmer than the Uncomp pants? They are certainly lighter spec wise.

 

[rhusby28]

I own the FL Uncompahgre Pants. They pack fine for me. They are not as light as down pants but they aren’t nearly as expensive either. They’re perfect for glassing and hanging around camp. I have a permanent spot in my pack for mine when the temperatures start to drop.

 

[onetohunt]

I have used the FL puffy pants a number of times in Kansas in the late season when the wind is blowing about 25mph and it is in the low 30's. The pants pack ok for me. Once I get there I put them on over my normal layering system. Work great. The biggest complaint I have about them is that the outer shell is fairly thin. If walking through thorns or heavy brush they will tear. But as far as sitting they work great.

 

[backcountryshaffer]

Some of you have mentioned the Kelvin Lite pants. Do you think they are warmer than the Uncomp pants? They are certainly lighter spec wise.

I don't think my Kelvin pants are warmer than the FL, but they certainly seem more stout. The Kelvin has reinforcements in high wear areas, and a built-in belt.