If you could only own one winter jacket/pants to use in a system (down to -20) what would it be?

Kuiu? Maybe their Elements jacket with their Attack pants? Some of the Marmot/Mountain Hardware gear is great, but I want something durable.

If you want durable, and are willing to layer with more 'traditional' gear, and can handle the weight, look at Filson tin cloth. Tough stuff.

Fjallraven and Carhartt also makes some pretty durable stuff.

$.02
Boss

Down to -20? I have a Stryker Predator ice suit I use for ice fishing. Bibs and jacket. You layer under that and if you're not warm you shouldn't be outside. Bonus is it also floats. Should you break through the ice it will keep you afloat long enough to get out.

There are other brands out there just as good. Clam comes to mind. be prepared to lighten your wallet however.

When it hits about 10° below or more, that's when I break out my Carhartt Arctic.
--------》 Carhartt Arctic

I have the optional detachable hood as well.

Milsurp level III EWCS.

Carrhart

Here in PA it doesn't go much below -10 so layering is the order of the day, especially since the temps increase during the course of the day. My goto outer layer is a Barbour that I picked up on sale. Smartwool, fleece and synthetics form the layers.

I bought a Kuiu ultra down vest. I had been quite enamored by their down coats and vests.

As soon as it came out if the box, it went back in almost as fast. Too delicate. Tiny thin zipper, fabric was too lightweight. Felt like it would tear too easily. No comparison in quality and durability to my Patagonia vest.

I would look at what Marmot has to offer, since Patagonia is such a hated company.

Fjallraven is supposed to be pretty damn good and from what I have seen and felt in the store, it appears pretty nice. Very expensive though.

Helly Hansen has some pretty nice cold weather gear. I have seen quite a few people wearing it, but I’ve never actually seen it in a store.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:
If you could only own one winter jacket/pants to use in a system (down to -20) what would it be?

Kuiu? Maybe their Elements jacket with their Attack pants? Some of the Marmot/Mountain Hardware gear is great, but I want something durable.

What are you going to be using these items for? Sitting in a dry but windy hunting stand with minimal movement requires a different type of clothing than walking/hiking in cold wet weather.

For everyday winter wear, it's hard to beat a pair of Duluth Firehose Pants with merino wool longjohns, Smartwool Socks, your boot of preference for the bottom half. A merino t-shirt, a merino long t-shirt, synthetic down vest (Costco has a good one for cheap), Carhartt coat or jacket depending on temps, a good pair of gloves and a beanie. I bought a Kuiu Kenai beanie during their black Friday sale. It's great. Their shipping and customer service though.....Absolutely atrocious !

I do have plans to buy Fjallraven gear but need to get hands on before dropping that much money. I hate getting something in a wrong size and having to send it back (just another reason I won't be buying anymore from Kuiu).

I always had snowmobile jackets. (Ski-Doo and Yamaha).
They are made for cold temps + winds from riding at speed.
The stitching does not pull apart and they last for years.

Layering is usually your best bet, because it's not always going to be -20F, and your activity level will always be changing.

I'd start with a durable outer layer, like a Filson, Barbour, etc waxed cotton/canvas shell. Under that, you can wear a down parks for the coldest days, or a lighter fleece or wool jacket; depending on the temps.

Kuiu was my immediate thought before opening the thread.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
I bought a Kuiu ultra down vest. I had been quite enamored by their down coats and vests.

As soon as it came out if the box, it went back in almost as fast. Too delicate. Tiny thin zipper, fabric was too lightweight. Felt like it would tear too easily. No comparison in quality and durability to my Patagonia vest.

How do you know, you put it straight back in the box?

I have 3 Kuiu jackets/coats that get daily wear in the winter and hold up very well. My oldest is probably 5 years old now and actually I bought it well used from a member here and it is still going strong.
It is the Guide DCS jacket and I have beat the piss out of that thing in the woods and it still looks brand new.
The stuff amazes me how thin, durable, and ridiculously warm the stuff is.
I have had the Kenai Ultra as my winter coat this will be my 3rd winter. The thing is silly thin and light. I can hold it up to the light and see the light coming through it.
I have no idea how it is so warm. I absolutely can not wear it in a car or building.
I wear it with a hooded sweatshirt underneath every morning walking the dog around 5am and it has been below freezing here the past few weeks and I am warm and toasty as could be.
I have not beat on that coat as much as the Guide jacket as I bought it for regular wear. But I can tell you it has been stomped on who knows how many times as it always ends of in the floor of the suburban or truck and my kids just step on whatever is in their way.

I just bought the Base Camp hooded sweater and it is the best most comfortable fleece like jacket I have had yet.
I bought the women’s one for the wife for Christmas.

Their zippers are stupid small and are a pain if you have gloves on but they work. I have yet to have any of their stuff fail and like I said I beat the piss out of my Guide DSC.

My biggest gripe is their sizing. They make me feel so fat! I have to wear an XXL in the jackets and coats as I don’t like the snug athletic fit.

The Kutana Gale Force is on the list but it is overkill for anything I’ll need for awhile. But it is on the list.

Marmot is most of my other stuff and their stuff is super durable but Inwould not say more so than Kuiu. Most of my Kuiu is lighter and more comfortable than the Marmot.

Ice Fishing bibs/jacket when it's really cold and I need to be outside. I have an eskimo set - not stiff/loud like the carhart/Duluth trading. They're cut to allow full movement - water proof and often have extra padding/insulation on the knees (where I always get cold first).

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
I bought a Kuiu ultra down vest. I had been quite enamored by their down coats and vests.

As soon as it came out if the box, it went back in almost as fast. Too delicate. Tiny thin zipper, fabric was too lightweight. Felt like it would tear too easily. No comparison in quality and durability to my Patagonia vest.

A down vest, from an outdoor brand, be they technical or, hunt/fish, is likely to be designed and worn as a mid-layer, not as outerwear. The whole point of the lightweight fabric and smaller zip is so that it can trap air and circulate it, while reducing bulk underneath and providing packability. A heavier face fabric, while more durable for outerwear usage, would negate its use as a mid-layer. Gotta buy the right kit for it's usage.

Also- Patagonia is significantly larger than a tiny brand like Kuiu, thus they have much greater resources to source material, talented designers and source better factories.

quote:

Orignally posted by Ackks:
If you could only own one winter jacket/pants to use in a system (down to -20) what would it be?

Short answer there is none. That said, need more info...
What are you replacing?
What are you looking to do with it?
Do you plan on wearing it everyday or, for certain activities?
What qualities are important...packability? zip-in zip-out system? durability? waterproof? comfort? budget? insulation: down or, synthetic?

Arcteryx. Bring your wallet. And credit cards.

Arcteryx or Marmot for a little less cost. I wear Arcteryx for mountaineering and skiing.

I'd be using them for winter hiking, snowshoeing, sitting in a tree stand, etc.

I wear a wool base with polar fleece over it. Those two layers stay on, and I add and subtract layers over them depending on if I'm moving or sitting. I listed -20 because I'm aiming for a bit below zero, and like a sleeping bag, I want some extra for comfort and just in case.

Outdoor brands like Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Eddie Bauer down jackets work alright, but they are very delicate. My hope with Kuiu or something similar was wearing them without a protective shell.

For ice fishing in beautiful SW Michigan:

Canada Goose Chilliwack Jacket
Columbia snow pants
Baffin boots

I have been wearing Kuiu clothing for a few years now, and I agree the Guide DCS is the toughest jacket I have ever had.

I have their Attack pants and their Merino zip T's and they are warmer than anything I have and thinner and lighter.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:
I'd be using them for winter hiking, snowshoeing, sitting in a tree stand, etc.

I wear a wool base with polar fleece over it. Those two layers stay on, and I add and subtract layers over them depending on if I'm moving or sitting. I listed -20 because I'm aiming for a bit below zero, and like a sleeping bag, I want some extra for comfort and just in case.

Outdoor brands like Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Eddie Bauer down jackets work alright, but they are very delicate. My hope with Kuiu or something similar was wearing them without a protective shell.

I think with your layering the Kuiu Elements would fit your wants.
https://www.kuiu.com/elements-...et-insulated#start=3

Likely paired with the Kutana pants.