Check out the description for some extra thoughts, and some surface level comparisons to other popular fleeces out there! I haven't used some of the newer ones on the market but this one has treated me so well I thought it was worth the long term review
Not sure why folks would not want to support a "hunting company". KUIU has a solid reputation for conservation. I use their ultralight gear for backpacking. Heading to WV right after Easter for a multi-day hike and will be wearing the Pelton 97 (5oz) and Guide DCS Jacket (24oz) and Kutana pants (13.4oz). My experience with KUIU gear has always been positive and I feel it is as good if not superior to other ultra-light clothing. Thank you for the review. It's nice to know I'm not the only one on trail wearing KUIU gear.
I'm vegan and I understand that sometimes hunting is a necessity, but definitely a lot of hunters just hunt for fun and thats just cruel to the animals. So a hunting company wouldn't be my first choice to support, but for me it's also not clearly immoral as e.g. eating meat.
@@bredlify3079 I feel like it may seem like a lot of hunters hunt "for fun," because their need of good quality meat is overshadowed by how much they enjoy hunting for it. All of the hunters I know do it so they can get meat to fill their freezer. They certainly do find fun in hunting, but the fun isn't in the shot. The fun is in the ritual, the community, the gear, the challenge, the friends, and the preparation and research you do to get yourself the shot. Practically every other animal on this earth hunts for prey, but does not have the same restrictions in fair chase and clean kills. We are the only ones that get to participate in that primal part of life while also having the ability to reflect on how we do it and how it effects us as an individual. We get to participate in something thats been a part of human life for it's entire history, and I think that's really cool. I think that should be a part of your perspective on hunting.
@@bredlify3079 I appreciate your opinion as it reveals the PR issues and public perception of hunters, but respectfully, I fear you have heard some horror stories and extrapolated based on those. I can only speak for American hunters, but in my lifetime of hunting, I have never once met someone who hunts for sport only. Yes, we enjoy hunting, no doubt. Yes, we salvage antlers and other parts of the animal that would be considered 'trophies' along with the meat we feed our families. But every hunter I have ever interacted with has an incredibly deep respect for the animals they pursue and are truly in it for the food. Saying that they "just hunt for fun" would suggest they are killing without making use of the animals they harvest which is extremely uncommon, and also illegal in North America. Hunters are required by law to salvage the meat from animals they hunt.
I bought one as well, been wearing last few days, it dumps heat very well. But I miss the kangaroo pocket as on my mely but I found a company that has both, Senchi Designs combines both features of the kangaroo pocket and half zipper in light weight fleece but long pre-order wait time.
Kuiu is awesome. Very much worth the price. I hike in the wool blend hunting shirt ($100) and it keeps me warm down into the upper 40’s but magically isn’t hot when it warms up so I can continue to wear it as a sun shirt. The BIGGEST seller for me is how well it prevents odor. I have other shirts I’ve literally had to throw away because I sweat so much and the scent does not come out. I wore the Kuiu hiking for four days and it was still odorless. Their products are quality and solve several problems for me. Thanks for your review!
Kuiu’s dedication and support to conservation of wildlife and wildlands is very admirable. I have many of their pieces of gear including the amazing peloton 97. Great review.
I've been trying to order this for over a year now. I got your notification, and checked their site. I was finally able to order my size. They don't expect to get any more until May 2022. Thanks for reminding me bro!
I've used decathlon stuff (socks, shoes, pack, merino shirts, buff, trekking poles, etc) and it is great. Fully agree on a modular system (fleece, gloves, buff, cap, thermal sleeves) because it allows you to add or subtract to fit the situation.
The best fleece I've had is a green no name fleece that weighs about 6 oz I got for $1 at the local thrift store and my puffy was one that was left in my works lost and found for a month before I just brought it home. Both are great, super warm, and I consider myself lucky for such good finds to hike light on a budget.
I have several items from Kuiu and they have all been great. I have the Peloton 200 hoodie instead of the 97 and it's fantastic for winter camping. I also highly their merino products. They use NuYarn, and I couldn't be happier with the feel and performance.
Hey Jupiter! What a great review. I switched to fleece this fall since I was going to be hiking from sun up to sun down and the puffy was way too much. My 100 weight fleece is the MH100 from Decathlon and I love it! It doesn’t have a hood or a pouch but does have thumb holes. You do need to size up with them as they run very small. I am a large and I had to get an xl and it’s still an athletic cut. I got it on sale for $12 but shipping was $10. Weight is 10.5 ounces which is a lot but it’s worth it. My puffy is 9 oz so it’s not a huge change. If you can find one in stock I would grab one to try. I like that fleece you have too, maybe when this one wears out I’ll grab one! 🙏 Thanks for bringing us along today. I hope tomorrow’s miles are kind. Keep truckin’ and be well. -Grateful PS: love the yo-yo stuff at the end. Have always love yo-yo, they helped me get through mental blocks in design school! I have a few still, my fav being my vintage Tom Kuhn SB-2. I bought 2 of them in the mid 90s and still have one new in box. It is a keeper for sure. Be well man!
Great review! I’ve had mine for over 2 years now and agree it’s one of the best pieces of gear. It’s so dang comfortable I wear it every day, and as you mentioned it’s extremely durable.
Peloton uses Toray fleece, which is unique in the industry. Three-years and going strong. Threw-out puffy after getting Peloton; saved many ounces. Kuiu merino is woven much better than competitor's too. When it gets cold, many insulate their core (e.g. vest)? Prefer to insulate extremities. First (Kuiu) merino gloves, second merino balaclava, third socks. Never once missed the puffy.
Hey @JupyterHikes Thank you for the video, I'm just wondering why didn't you choose a Merino Wool Fleece Jacket? Is it too heavy? Too warmth? Have you consider it?
Use both Decathlon and Kuiu fleeces without hood, and love both of them. The Kuiu has an odor control treatment, which is why it is my preferred fleece when hiking. I wear it as second layer over a light merino wool base layer, and below a sun hoody when temperatures begin to drop below 50F, and no issue with odors. Windbreaker is a plus with this setup (Decathlon Helium Wind FH500 old model, new model $20 in US)
I have a decathlon fleece, had it for a year now using it for hiking and cycling, keeps me worm whilst moving even in winter, but with my rainjacket on top :)
I bought both the kuiu and the decathalon fleece after your initial recommendation, and ended up preferring the decathalon. It was about 2-3oz heavier, but more comfortable and warmer in my opinion. I just wore the kuiu around the house though, and it seemed like it wasn't much warmer than a sun hoody. I'm definitely more of a sit-down-to-eat, take an hour-long break, stop before sunset kind of person though so I tend to prefer warmer clothes. I just bought the MH Airmesh crew, hoping to try it out soon once it arrives. I think it weighs less than 4oz for a small lol. Great review as always!
They are certainly very interesting! The senchi is around 4oz, but the hightaildesigns is around 7-8oz using the same fabric. I'd be down to try one but given their newness to the market I do question the durability. I love the potential for something that light, but cant help but wonder about long term. Either way would love to try one. The Kuiu has for sure been proven over the years but something lighter weight is always cool.
A word about Decathlon: they are huge in Europe! i have their fleece sweater and im loving it. I payed like 10€ for it, weighs around 250 grams or so and is wonderful in every way. They make all sort of gear and some are fantastic but some are just shit. Especially most of their rain gear is too good to be true (from what I've heard). So do your research before buying anything. I ownand recommend the fleece, their rain mitts and the fanny pack.
Got one of these on your recc last year and absolutely love it. I have a Velcro closure on my pack that chewed it up a little until I caught the problem which was user error on my part, other than that it has been the ideal mid layer
Jupiter, I mite have stated some ridiculous comments on U’r updated Van video in regards to Lotus. I’m terribly sorry for even mentioning it. Thats no place of mine. That’s my bad, sir. I love U’r channel, I love U’r perspective on backpacking. I wish I was U’r friend & U knew me, lol!! I think U’r a stud. Love U’r channel, keep doing what U’r doing. Can’t wait for U’r next one. Cheers.
My go to fleece is similar a Mountain Equipment Solar Eclipse hooded xxl comes in at 197gr. And has a chest pocket. And yes i also have a lot of Decathlon fleece just for daily working from home use.
I am liking my Senchi hoodie so far but I can't see it lasting at all against thorns. The same goes for my puffy which is leading my to try and use my rain shell with both always. I'm going to try layering a fleece vest with poly long sleeves and see how it compares.
The Decathlon MH100 fleece costs the equivalent of $8.90 here in EU. Definitely one of the best deals you can get on outdoor gear. I'd be happy to pay double if I had any assurance that it's not made by enslaved children.
Yeah fleece is fleece at the end of the day. The expensive options function identical to the cheaper ones. Decathlon is legit and their fleece is really the only option you should ever need imo
I was using an MH100, and it was too warm in a lot of cases, and just not as comfortable. The Peleton 97 with the hood and zipper was much better for regulation my temperature throughout the day. Yeah, it costs 10x as much but was worth it to me. Plus I saved 2 oz.
Interesting! I put mine in the dryer after every wash. Can't say I've noticed but also can't say I would notice even if it did shrink. Thanks for the added info!
Any thoughts on its ability to hold warmth in light wind/breezes? I personally use a Senchi hoodie. For starters the Senchi sizing has been a huge flaw. It actually was addressed recently and I believe the next batch of hoodies will be all new sizing...again. I've purchased 4 hoodies (mx2, leg, xl) now over the last year in search of the right fit, only to find out the XL fits me best. 6'2' 162lbs, size medium for most technical gear. Its a fantastic piece of gear considering it weighs 4.8oz for xl. It is a decent piece of active gear, extremely comfortable, moves with the body well. I have the 60g version and I think its almost too light of a material. They do make a 90g and 120g version as well. In weather less than 60 degrees while hiking with a slight breeze shoots right through my body. I pair the Senchi with a Patagonia Houdini as my wind shell. That combo is way to warm while hiking in my opinion, but is my preferred layer system over a puffy while static. As it stands now, the Senchi is warm in mild conditions, not great as a static layer, to breathable on cold mornings, not breathable enough in afternoon cloud cover, and I don't have enough miles on It to speak on durability. All this considered id rather bring a fleece/shell combo over any other layer system. I can use both separately or combined as a static "insulation" jacket that is tolerable down low 40's static. I will continue to use this system as long as the Senchi holds up.
This was my setup for my Ozark Trail Thru in November. It was good into the mid-20s(typically 30-50), but I would have been cold if I spent much more time around camp not moving. I'll probably add my MH100 if it's much colder than that. I used Frogg Toggs, which was fine, just got a EE Visp.
I have some and I love and highly recommend them! I have a hooded and non hood version. I also have the 200 hooded. I love Kuiu gear overall and thinks it’s great for hiking/outdoors besides from hunting
How does the 200 compare to the 97? Is it considerably warmer for being double the weight? Is the 200 more durable? Which one do you like better? Thanks
Dude. Thank you for sharing this video! Thanks to you I've found a high quality USA company that sells exactly what I need, which is hybrid Hunting/hiking gear! Yes!
I have a kuiu peloton 97 too, and I have all the same thoughts about it with one added thing: I'm not sure I like the fit. It almost has a bodylayer type fit, and I find it hard to pull over almost any other type of undershirt without substantial adjusting. Maybe if I size up more?? Does that ever bother you? Oh also I never thought of adding your own pockets, that could look really cool, but how much weight would it add? Hopefully not so much that another fleece looks like the better option. I'm a both-fleece-and-puffy type of a hiker, but more power to you! Thanks for revisiting the hoodie and for all the great vids.
I dont often have the fit problem, only with the button down long sleeve shirts where I have heavily rolled up the sleeves, and the sleeves get a little caught and bunched up. Other than that it's been good. I do think in some ways, over the years maybe I've stretched the hell out of the thing though, so who knows. As for the pocket thing I noticed the kuiu with the hood, is only like a half ounce heavier than the kuiu without the hood. Which leads me to believe adding a kangaroo pocket of sorts would weigh less than a half ounce extra if using the same fabric. I think at most It would add an ounce, if I did frankenstein some other fabric pocket on there. Would definitely look cool, and something to still think about doing.
@@JupiterHikes I believe you said you wear a large? Would you mind giving us your measurements? Looks like it fits you just about right. I'm 5'6", about 150 pounds. I love my medium Peleton 97, but it fits a litle tighter than I would like.
Wish they had a women’s fit for that favorite fleece of yours. I have my Patagonia micro D 1/4 zip no hood which is pretty lightweight. Just another option. I got an Appalachian gear co hoodie wool fleece and can wear it for days without it smelling. New fav? Possibly. I need to see how it wears over the next few months. Thanks Jupiter for great content!
Fleece is fleece at the end of the day. Your expensive Patagonia fleece functions identical to the cheaper Decathlon fleece. You are paying extra for the brand name.
@@tamie341 Not quite identical, pile fleece does perform a bit differently than grid fleece. If you want lighter fleece with a hood though, you gotta pay extra.
@@mandrewdavis1668 Yeah true didn't even consider grid fleece though as it sheds more heat. All 100 wt fleece is virtually identical which are the products we're all mentioning here
I actually ordered one of these. However, since it’s on,y in men’s sizes, I ordered a small, but I was swimming in it. I loved how soft, warm and lightweight it was. But, still way to big fir me, so I did have to return it. So espfor women looking for a similar top, try Senchi. Great lightweight fleeces, different weights are available. Weave and material different, but great product.
i bet if you contact them and tell them how much use you have put it though, they will want yours so they can showcase it! and probably send you a new one. I have their strongfleece 220 gloves and pair them with the EE mitts, its perfect for cold weather trips.
I bought a small (4'10") and I love it !! Wear it by itself or over a shirt, sleep in it, whatever. It warm, it's cool. Wear it on a hot day or a cold day !
I have a question for this group...why doesn't down jackets and vests have temperature rating like down sleeping bags and quilts? Would you buy a high end Quilt or Sleeping bag without a temperature rating?
At what temp do your recommend this down to while hiking, vs a puffy? I run hot and use a sun shirt down into the 50s. I need something that can get me down to the high 30s. Im hoping adding this will get me 15 more degrees.
Haven't used decathlon so not sure about quality, but is like the Europe version of REI and lot of people abroad use their products and definitely cheaper.
I have not personally had that experience with snagging easily, jacket still looks great and i figure I could use it for another couple thousand miles pretty happily
My 2 cents - Decathlon... well you get what you pay for, durability is certainly an issue. I have a Senchi as well and also have durability concerns esp. if trekking through some dense woods. It is light and surprisingly warm. That being said I have a Melly and a Burgeon Outdoors (essentially the same) which are a bit warmer but do not breathe like the Senchi. I also have a Paka hoody (almost exactly like the Appalachian Gear Co.) but not 100% Alpaca as the AG Co are. But those, to me, are legit sweater type hoodies. Also, everything @ Decathlon runs incredibly small - size up if you choose to go that route.
@@briteshikes5099 If this was intended for me - I don't have any KUIU products but the hunting part of my family up in Ohio swears by their stuff. The App Gear Co Hoody is like the Paka, but better quality and pricier. They are local, (Kings Mt, NC, now) so I support them, but I do not have one of their hoodies. I believe all of their stuff is 100% Alpaca while Paka's stuff is blended, & thus cheaper. I would think the KUIU would be more durable based on the materials. But you see lots of Mellys and AppGearCo on the AT. Just watch some videos.
I am a heathen who carries the Kuiu and a puffy except for summer when I only carry the puffy (as it doubles as my pillow). Tbf it's a cold puffy, MH GW. Main thing is having something to wear when you're sweating. It regulates moisture so well and my fleece is probably my favorite technical clothing. Decathlon is fine if it fits you but if you're not skinny they have terrible larger sizes! Horrible.
thx for this review. I'm french and know well decathlon's gear. good and cheap products ! I had some litlle issue on my KUIU peleton 97 : abrasion on shoulder and back where my zpacks arc blast is rubbing. Same for you ? thx very much for your videos ! love them !
You know you could get a wind shirt from Champion (the old school track jacket) to combine with your fleece, super breathable blocks the wind, has a kangaroo pocket and cheap.
Man I have been periodically trying wind jackets for the past 7 or so years and have never found a place for them in my gear setups for thru hiking. I think they're awesome for day hikes or short trips but haven't yet jived on the longer stuff. I even carried one for nearly 2,000 miles in 2016. I think a rain jacket for me adds that extra warmth, extra safety net. While this kuiu fleece kinda does what a wind jacket would for me, while being more comfortable. All that said, something like an AZT or PCT thru could be awesome for a wind jacket, instead of a rain jacket. I just worry about getting caught in a storm I guess. Who knows man! I'm pretty light with the gear I use but I guess there will always be someone lighter.
One downside to poly is the smell. Do you find that the hoodie is smelly even after washing? Or is it fresh after a wash? I own kuiu ultra merino and pro merino and love it.
@@JupiterHikes that's great to hear! Especially coming from someone who's put 2200 miles on it. The founder of KUIU was obsessive about fabrics and it shows. He actually recommended merino for warm and poly for cold weather which could be seen as counterintuitive but there's some science behind it. One absorbs water while the other sheds water. I appreciate you doing the follow-up; great content as always.
I got the Peloton97 and the Decathlon mh100. I must say I’m very disappointed by the Peloton. The sizing is awkward, the durability is awful even per ultralight standard and it is totally overpriced. To resume it in one word: overrated. In the other hand, in overall Decathlon products are well made, fairly cheap and the weight penalty is negligible.