Do Your Research: Insulation Types
Not all hunts call for the same game plan
That is why we offer three insulation types to meet your specific needs. Whether your cold-weather pursuit requires steep ascents and descents with an elevated heart rate, or patiently waiting for an opportunity while remaining motionless, understanding the best use case for each insulation type will help you choose the right one.
QUIXDOWN
Down insulation, specifically goose down, has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any insulation. It creates a high-loft barrier to lock in heat and block out wind and cold. Since our Quixdown insulated layers are 100% windproof and not breathable, they’re ideal for stationary situations, like glassing, when activity level is low.
Not all down insulation is created equal. We only use the best down, which comes from Eastern-Europe where the geese grow the largest and warmest plumes in the world. We perfect the down with our proprietary cleaning techniques and industry-leading water resistance. You get warmth without the weight, even if it gets wet. Take a more in-depth look at Quixdown Insulation.
Quixdown is found in the Super Down Series of LT mid layers, PRO outer layers, Burner Parka, and Sleeping Bags.
3DEFX+
3DeFX+ is designed to breathe well, allowing body vapor and sweat to evaporate, making it a superb choice for active hunt situations. 3DeFX+ insulation evaporates moisture while you’re active. Its continuous insulating fibers eliminate the ends that poke through the fabric, allowing us to spec a quieter, uncoated fabric, giving you the ideal insulating layer for active hunts. Featuring siliconized fibers, 3DeFX+ is water resistant, takes on less moisture, and dries faster.
Breathable fabrics are also ultra-quiet, so insulation styles using 3DeFX+ have become a favorite of archery hunters.
MID LAYER AND OUTER LAYER INSULATION
The weather and conditions are the deciding factor on where you decide to layer your insulation. If it’s cold, dry, and clear, it’s suitable to wear it on the outside. If it’s cold and wet, layer insulation under your rain gear.
We offer two styles of fit among our insulating layers. A mid-layer fit is sized to fit close to your body with minimal layers underneath. An outer-layer fit is sized to fit over base layers and mid layer insulation. For example, if you’re a size large, these combos would layer well together:
MID-LAYER INSULATION LAYERING EXAMPLE:
- Merino 145 Zip-T | Fit: Base-Layer, Size: Large
- Kenai Jacket Fit: Mid-Layer, Size: Large
- KUIU Kutana Storm Shell Jacket | Fit: Outer-Layer, Size: Large
OUTER-LAYER INSULATION LAYERING EXAMPLE:
- Merino 145 Zip-T | Fit: Base-Layer, Size: Large
- StrongFleece 235 Hoodie | Fit: Mid-Layer, Size: Large
- Kenai Vest | Fit: Mid-Layer, Size: Large
- Super Down PRO Hooded Jacket | Fit: Outer-Layer, Size: Large
If you’re planning on wearing a garment sized with a mid-layer fit over multiple layers or you prefer a roomy fit, consider sizing up one size.
Super Down LT
Ranking as KUIU’s lightest packable down insulation, Super Down LT is designed with a versatile mid-layer fit, making them perfect for layering under rain gear or on their own. Keeping you warm while stationary, these water-resistant and windproof down hunting jackets, vests, and pants for men and women also serve as insulating outer layers when brush-busting durability isn’t required.
PROTECTION: Water-Resistant, Wind-Resistant, Insulated
MATERIAL: 12D Stunner Stretch, 850+ FP Water-Resistant Quixdown
FIT: Mid-layer Fit
CONDITIONS: Cold - (32-45°F / 0-7°C)
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Super Down PRO
The Super Down PRO series is the ideal insulating layer when temperatures plunge and during low-level activity—like glassing or sitting in a stand. Super Down PRO is insulated with twice the down as Super Down ULTRA, making it KUIU’s warmest down insulation.
PROTECTION: Water-Resistant, Wind-Resistant, Insulated
MATERIAL: 30D Stunner Stretch Nylon, 850+FP Water-Resistant QuixDown
FIT: Outer Layer Fit
CONDITIONS: Cold to Frigid (45°F / 7°C to Below 32°F / 0°C)
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KENAI
The Kenai series keeps you warm in cold temperatures without overheating. Breathing far better than other insulation layers, Kenai keeps you comfortable during strenuous activity. They’re ideal as a super-warm mid-layer, or as a quiet outer layer during cold dry weather.
PROTECTION: Water-Resistant, Wind-Resistant, Insulated
MATERIAL: 30D Stunner Stretch Nylon, 3DefX+ Synthetic Insulation
FIT: Mid Layer Fit
CONDITIONS: Frigid (Below 32°F / 0°C)
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KUIU KUTANA GALE FORCE
Built for extreme cold, wet, and windy conditions, the Gale Force Jacket and Pant combines a durable, 100% waterproof, seam-taped shell with highly breathable 3DeFX+ synthetic active insulation.
PROTECTION: Waterproof, Windproof, Insulated
MATERIAL: 70D/80D Stretch Nylon 6/6, Entrant Waterproof Membrane, 3DefX+ Synthetic Insulation
FIT: Outer Layer Fit
CONDITIONS: Extreme Cold
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INSULATING LAYERS
KUIU’s skin-to-shell layering system allows you to adjust your level of insulation to correspond with the facing weather, activity level, and personal preferences. Whether you decide on Quixdown, 3DeFX+, mid layer, or outer layer insulation types, understanding the purposes they’re engineered for will help you leverage their built-in performance advantages on your next hunt.
1. SUPER DOWN LT
2. SUPER DOWN PRO
3. KENAI 3DeFX+
4. KUIU Kutana Gale Force
