Thanks for the input. Online the SG looks super shiny, is it better in person? And how about durability between the 2?Have both, prefer the SG. more insulation and less weight.
As for the two you chose, as far as I can tell given their website info they are not baffle box style construction, and out of the two, the Kuiu $400 one is where I'd go simply because they note 95/5 construction vs Stone Glaciers 90/10.
First lites Chamberlin is where I'd go over either of those, because of this, " Using non-sewn-thru baffle construction through the core, collar and hood."
Best, go with feathered friends or western mountaineering, again, the baffled construction lines.
For me, I'll either still "cheap out" next time and go with the First lite when on sale, or, I'm hoping I'll smarten up and start at this one below and consider the higher cost models depending upon how I want to layer it. I personally wouldn't be considering sewn through unless I'm financially drowning, at that point, may as well just layer cheap Amazon knockoffs.
Feathered friends Volant $450: "A perpetual favorite in the Feathered Friends line, the Volant marks the transition from sewn-through construction to a fully baffled garment. These baffles, combined with high lofting 900+ fill power down, Pertex® Shield® XT waterproof/ breathable fabric, and reinforced sleeves and shoulders creates an incredibly warm, durable, and reliable jacket. Used extensively by the climbing rangers on Rainier, the Volant Jacket is the Feathered Friends recommendation for Northwest summit attempts, chilly ascents in South America, smaller peaks in Alaska, and the lower Himalaya.
Just an opinion, may not matter if a guy isn't looking for that best cold weather protection, but if the money is being spent, worth looking into the better construction methods of some of these.
If you don't mind a non camo jacket my son purchased a heavier weight down thermal jacket for mountaineering that was waterproof for less. I like it a lot better. And still is compact.Going to buy a good down jacket and torn between the 2. Anyone have experience with both to compare?