I went with the Sitka last year. Seemed expensive for a synthetic at first but for such a lightweight puffy its definitely worth it. Didnt have an outershell on and it kept me warm soaking in the light rain for 2-3 hours.
Hey brother, you have an awesome channel. I listened to a podcast of yours a week or so ago and now I’ve found your YT page. Solid process for reviews. I love it. Not so common, COMMON SENSE! 💯🇺🇸💪
Great stuff man,really awesome review liked the 4 part look at it, neat seeing them stake against each other, definitely both seem great just do which that stone glacier had atleast one camo pattern to pick from lol
Another great review Jay. I find the Kelvin a little noisy, especially if trying to stalk (I don't have any experience with the Grumman). you didn't mention noise as a factor. was it too close to even mention or just a none factor?
I run a kifaru LPP, its pretty good but both of these look like really nice alternatives. I will say the kifaru puffy pants leave a lot to be desired, would love to see a review or comparison on some insulated pants. As a bodybuilder im sure you'd be able to relate to fitment issues in technical clothing bottoms.
Jay if possible there's a couple reviews from you I would be very curious to hear: 1. Smart Watches Pros and Cons of a Garmin Fenix style watch for backpack hunting (but also backpack hunt preparation and training) 2. smaller form factor vs standard form factor binos for hunting (especially after you discuss with Robby Denning) e.g, a Zeiss 8x32 vs a Zeiss 10x42 comparison, especially for your hunts in thicker timber
Another great video Jay! I understand your comment about new synthetics being able to compete with down, but I feel that the more comparable jacket from Sitka would be the Kelvin Lite Down. Interested why you found the Aerolite to be the comp. Thanks as always!
Hey man I dig these reviews , would be good to see these upper dollar hunting clothes tested against some more affordably priced similar items from companies like outdoor research etc.
I've already got the Grumman, got it 2nd hand on a hell of a deal so may try pick myself up a Aerolite to complete my puffy set up. Would like your opinion on Puffy pants Jay- looking at the WM Flight Pant or maybe the Kelvin 3/4 pant- dont mind weight too much but I struggle to enjoy having super bulky items. Cheers from New Zealand
How about… SG CIRQUE(not lite version) VS SITKA KELVIN AEROLITE SG GRUMMAN VS SITKA KELVIN DOWN Also Sitka has the recently discontinued Kelvin down jacket Would this be a good comparison?
Hey Jay. Can you wear the kelvin aerolite jacket under the Fanatic jacket IF you are static or almost static? You said you can wear the kelvin aerolite as an active insulation in exterem cold weather... What can go on top of this kelvin aerolite in extreme cold temperatures for warmth?
I went down the down rabbit hole last season pun intended. I landed on the Rab Electron Pro. I think bang for your buck that is a tough jacket to beat. But when I win the raffle definitely adding that Kelvin Aeorlite to the kit.
My only concern with synthetic insulation in jackets is the longevity of the insulation. There is so much anecdotal evidence that synthetic insulation loses its loft so fast, including the new high tech synthetics.
I have both as well as the Kelvin light down. The Grumman should really be put up against the Kelvin light down not the Kelvin aerolite. The aerolite is hands-down, my favorite piece.
IMO hunting happens outside. When outside, weather can change at the drop of a hat and moisture becomes inevitable. If it's close, synthetic wins hands down. Also, any piece that you need to be super careful with like the stone, is not a great fit for actual hunting. Hiking/camping seems like a better fit.
My Kelvin Aerolite is probably one of the worst jackets I've owned, at ANY price, but especially at the outlandish price of $300. Various issues, but the worst is the zipper. I've had my jacket for 2 winter seasons. Each season, I've had to send the jacket in for repair, which takes at least 8 weeks...likely longer. So for 2 winters, I haven't been able to use my jacket for a majority of the season. The zipper begins to separate and in time, gets worse and worse. As I mentioned, this has happened TWICE. For a $300 jacket, this is unacceptable, in my opinion. My instincts were telling me this was too much to spend on a light, but very thin jacket and I wish I would have listened. I fully regret my purchase and will never buy another Sitka product and would discourage anyone from doing so.
@@MindfulHunter sorry. I missed a key element in my comment. He tested the Kuiu (either super down or ultra, I believe the Ultra), First Lite Chamberlin, one other puffy I believe, and the Grumman IN THE RAIN. The FL and the other puffy wet out in about 20 minutes and the Kuiu was something like 45 minutes or an hour and the Grunman stayed puffy the entire time and he quit the test after an hour plus. When I say "wet out" I'm referring to the down deflating and not the exterior fabric.
@@bent7406 yeah, that makes more sense :-) well, listen, Ryan knows his shit there is no doubt about that so I trust the results that he achieved. The only thing that I can say is that when both jackets are wet and subzero temperatures the aerolite retains much more heat than the Grumman.
This 4 part series covered a lot of information. I really enjoyed it. 💪🏼
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I went with the Sitka last year. Seemed expensive for a synthetic at first but for such a lightweight puffy its definitely worth it. Didnt have an outershell on and it kept me warm soaking in the light rain for 2-3 hours.
Hey brother, you have an awesome channel. I listened to a podcast of yours a week or so ago and now I’ve found your YT page. Solid process for reviews. I love it. Not so common, COMMON SENSE! 💯🇺🇸💪
Much appreciated!
Great comparison! My Kelvin Aerolite showed up a few days ago and I'm excited to put it through it's paces soon.
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Great stuff man,really awesome review liked the 4 part look at it, neat seeing them stake against each other, definitely both seem great just do which that stone glacier had atleast one camo pattern to pick from lol
Thanks man!
Another great review Jay. I find the Kelvin a little noisy, especially if trying to stalk (I don't have any experience with the Grumman). you didn't mention noise as a factor. was it too close to even mention or just a none factor?
Great point. I’d say both pieces are too loud for stalking but the aerolite would be the noisier of the two.
I run a kifaru LPP, its pretty good but both of these look like really nice alternatives. I will say the kifaru puffy pants leave a lot to be desired, would love to see a review or comparison on some insulated pants. As a bodybuilder im sure you'd be able to relate to fitment issues in technical clothing bottoms.
I can work that in.
Jay if possible there's a couple reviews from you I would be very curious to hear:
1. Smart Watches
Pros and Cons of a Garmin Fenix style watch for backpack hunting (but also backpack hunt preparation and training)
2. smaller form factor vs standard form factor binos for hunting (especially after you discuss with Robby Denning)
e.g, a Zeiss 8x32 vs a Zeiss 10x42 comparison, especially for your hunts in thicker timber
👍
Another great video Jay! I understand your comment about new synthetics being able to compete with down, but I feel that the more comparable jacket from Sitka would be the Kelvin Lite Down. Interested why you found the Aerolite to be the comp. Thanks as always!
The point of the comparison was to see how a synthetic puffy held up against a down one.
I love the Grumman Puffy! I’m a big guy and I love the way Stone Glacier Fits on their jackets. I’m 6’4” 230.
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Thanks for the review! Great info
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What are your layers you're taking for spring bear in Idaho
What synthetic puffy pants do you pair the Kelvin Aerolite puffy jacket with? The Kelvin pants are $500 Definitely out of budget.
I’ve never had synthetic puffy pants.
Hey man I dig these reviews , would be good to see these upper dollar hunting clothes tested against some more affordably priced similar items from companies like outdoor research etc.
💪
I've already got the Grumman, got it 2nd hand on a hell of a deal so may try pick myself up a Aerolite to complete my puffy set up. Would like your opinion on Puffy pants Jay- looking at the WM Flight Pant or maybe the Kelvin 3/4 pant- dont mind weight too much but I struggle to enjoy having super bulky items. Cheers from New Zealand
It’s gotta be REALLY cold for me to actually use puffy pants. I bring them all the time and never wear them. I like the kelvin 3/4 though.
How about…
SG CIRQUE(not lite version) VS SITKA KELVIN AEROLITE
SG GRUMMAN VS SITKA KELVIN DOWN
Also Sitka has the recently discontinued Kelvin down jacket
Would this be a good comparison?
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Another good one Jay
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Nailed it on this one Jay
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Silly question. If snowboarding with a Jetstream would you wear this Aero or Ambient jackets?
Depends how cold it is. Both are good options. Ambient would likely layer better.
Hey Jay. Can you wear the kelvin aerolite jacket under the Fanatic jacket IF you are static or almost static? You said you can wear the kelvin aerolite as an active insulation in exterem cold weather... What can go on top of this kelvin aerolite in extreme cold temperatures for warmth?
You could if you went but I prefer the ambient hoody. For extreme cold I use a different puffy.
@@MindfulHunterwhat puffy would you choose for Alberta Canada winters?
I went down the down rabbit hole last season pun intended. I landed on the Rab Electron Pro. I think bang for your buck that is a tough jacket to beat. But when I win the raffle definitely adding that Kelvin Aeorlite to the kit.
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Non-hunting brand down jacket to look at is the RAB Electron Pro. Phenomenal Jacket.
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The Grumman should be matched against kelvin lite down. Where the Grumman light would be a better comparison to the kelvin aerolite.
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Puffy pant review would be nice too.
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My only concern with synthetic insulation in jackets is the longevity of the insulation. There is so much anecdotal evidence that synthetic insulation loses its loft so fast, including the new high tech synthetics.
Haven’t experienced that myself yet. Been running the aerolite for 3 seasons so far.
I have both as well as the Kelvin light down.
The Grumman should really be put up against the Kelvin light down not the Kelvin aerolite. The aerolite is hands-down, my favorite piece.
Part of the purpose of this review was to look at the differences between synthetic and down. The goal is not to always compare two identical pieces.
Thx Jay!
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IMO hunting happens outside. When outside, weather can change at the drop of a hat and moisture becomes inevitable. If it's close, synthetic wins hands down. Also, any piece that you need to be super careful with like the stone, is not a great fit for actual hunting. Hiking/camping seems like a better fit.
👍
My Kelvin Aerolite is probably one of the worst jackets I've owned, at ANY price, but especially at the outlandish price of $300. Various issues, but the worst is the zipper. I've had my jacket for 2 winter seasons. Each season, I've had to send the jacket in for repair, which takes at least 8 weeks...likely longer. So for 2 winters, I haven't been able to use my jacket for a majority of the season. The zipper begins to separate and in time, gets worse and worse. As I mentioned, this has happened TWICE. For a $300 jacket, this is unacceptable, in my opinion. My instincts were telling me this was too much to spend on a light, but very thin jacket and I wish I would have listened. I fully regret my purchase and will never buy another Sitka product and would discourage anyone from doing so.
Look into Ryan Avery's review of down jackets. He wore the Grumman for over an hour in the rain and the down didn't "deflate".
Sorry what’s your point? I’ve worn this jacket for weeks and it didn’t deflate.
@@MindfulHunter sorry. I missed a key element in my comment. He tested the Kuiu (either super down or ultra, I believe the Ultra), First Lite Chamberlin, one other puffy I believe, and the Grumman IN THE RAIN. The FL and the other puffy wet out in about 20 minutes and the Kuiu was something like 45 minutes or an hour and the Grunman stayed puffy the entire time and he quit the test after an hour plus. When I say "wet out" I'm referring to the down deflating and not the exterior fabric.
@@bent7406 yeah, that makes more sense :-) well, listen, Ryan knows his shit there is no doubt about that so I trust the results that he achieved. The only thing that I can say is that when both jackets are wet and subzero temperatures the aerolite retains much more heat than the Grumman.
@@MindfulHunter . Yes. Makes sense. Also, the down coating will eventually wear off. Still very impressive for a down jacket. Thanks for your review.
@@bent7406 also supports my opinion that the Grumman is the best down option if you go down.