What’s everyone’s favorite synthetic insulation?

[LostArra]

Kenai for me. Only puffy that'd id bowhunt in, the face fabric is very quiet.

When bow hunting does the Kenai work as an outer layer? Warm and quiet?

 

[Bump79]

That’s what I’ve been looking at.

It's so fragile though IMHO. I wouldn't want to move around in it in any sort of brush. The Sitka Ambient is less prone to snagging. Still not crazy durable but it's fine for pine forests.

 

[spacemonkey]

When bow hunting does the Kenai work as an outer layer? Warm and quiet?

I wear it as an insulation layer during early archery in the high country, mostly glassing in the mornings, or setting up in an ambush spot where I'm stationary.

Late season it becomes more of an active insulation piece. If I'm glassing in the frigid mornings I'm throwing on something warmer like an LPP or Kuiu super down pro.

Yes, it's very quiet. Not the most durable material, but much more durable than down. I try and avoid busting through oakbrush in it, but also wouldn't be afraid to either.

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[justinspicher]

The nano series is awesome.

 

[littlewood75]

I like the SG Cirque Lite, Cirque, and Kuiu Kenia. The Cirque Lite probably gets worn the most when I'm active. Perfect for being active and not overheating. All three are solid jackets.

 

[rbloom761]

I love the Kuiu Kenai.

I love the Kenai also, very warm for it's lightweight. If only it would stop piling.

 

[insanelupus]

I was a big fan of Apex when i obtained a beyond jacket with it. But over the years I've discovered with use it goes "flat" after 5 ish+ years of regular use and is not nearly as warm as it once was. I still like the piece, but it isn't as warm.

 

[patagonialuke]

It's pretty incredible how much synthetic insulations have progressed in the past 10 years. Despite living in dry CO, I barely use down these days (apart from sleeping bags), due to how good synthetics have gotten. My current favorites:

Best non-breathable options I've used in terms of warmth-to-weight: Patagonia PlumaFil & Outdoor Research VerticalX Super Strand.

They're super impressive and dang close to high-end down, but mostly limited to light ~60-g/m2 mid layers.

Still searching for a synthetic insulation that offers similar warmth to weight but in a much heavier fill (100+ g) for a big, belay-style parka. Looking forward to comparing PrimaLoft UltraPeak when it hits the shelves; sounds like it could fit the bill.

Best breathable active insulations I've used: PrimaLoft Active Evolve & Patagonia FullRange / Toray 3DeFX+.

Each year I seem to find myself preferring lighter and lighter versions (e.g., Patagonia's Nano-Air Ultralight). Stoked to see more ~20-g variants hit the market, particularly for shoulder season and very high-output scenarios.

 

[Further]

Don't know if this works for you, but I read about the RAB Generator Alpine Jacket. The looks remind me a bit of my Arc'yteryx Dually I have had for many years. The Dually was quite expensive and used "ThermaTek" insulation, which I believe was ClimaShield Prism. Insulation on the RAB is Primaloft Gold with Cross Core. I like RAB, but for me, sizing seems a bit smaller/tight--I have a discontinued down parka from them--plus zipper is opposite side compared to US zippers for men. This RAB is shown on Amazon at list of $365, but could be returned if fit/preference doesn't work. Found a UK climbing review, https://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/clothing/synthetic_insulation/rabs_new_generator_alpine_jacket-14116

 

[Robinhood21]

I've got the Kuiu Kenai & the Stone Glacier Cirque. I guess it depends on what you're looking for in a synthetic jacket. The Cirque is warmer (which may or may not be what you're looking for) & I like how the neck portion is taller. When you zip it all the way up it covers the lower portion of your face. I do feel because of this, the zipper is more prone to getting stuck in that area. Not a huge deal as it's easy to back up out of the snag but kind of annoying.

They're both great jackets though.

 

[tt_johnsclist]

Another vote for the Kenai

 

[IdahoJoe29]

Seems like a lot of votes for the kenai. Seems like a good jacket and I need to look at some of the non hunting brands.


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