Summer: Tis The Season To Be Buying Thermals
I am my father's son; what ever I do, how ever much I see myself as evolved through my own nurture, nature will out. Or as MOB (mother of bushwacker) says of my Dad "gods gift to anyone offering a bargain - whether he needs it or not". Putting Ma's cynicism to one side for a moment the summer is the best time to buy winter equipment. I am a very sad man so I have an ever growing pile of gear from high end small volume manufacturers, and because the kit isn't made by imprisoned democracy protesters it aint cheap. I can't afford to buy it new but I keep telling myself there's no saving in buying brand new crap that falls apart within a year, when for 10-20% more [ I tell myself again] I can buy stuff my kids kids will be using as they forage the post apocalyptic wastelands for rats to eat.
Following on from the last post, this is what i spent a little less than the $200 on
With that I bring you this weeks, kit tart / gear whore-ism: Kifaru Packlock Pants
I've got the Arctic 27oz version with the 'optional' armour on the Knees and Seat
I could never have justified buying these at full price so it's nice to see first hand what the really high-end gear is like. In a word Awesome. For your eye-watering $452 + shipping + import tax + VAT you get a pair of RhinoSkin trousers that are seriously stuffed with Climashield 6 Oz per sq yard insulation, and 500D cordura patches on the high wear areas. As usual with Kifaru there's the clever little design tweeks that make the difference. They sew a patch, inside and out, on to the back of the pants where the belt of your pack will sit that is - I don't know how to explain this - sort of adhesive without being sticky. Which is designed to reduce the effect of your pack moving about on the layers of your clothing. Feels like it'll work well. But obviously only a thorough field test will answer that. I've not managed to track down anyone with a sub zero meat locker yet so the field tests of these and my Kifaru Sleeping bag may have to wait until the weather gets a lot colder.
In the meantime, more of the usual nonsense, kit reviews, and tales between here and Elk hunter
Your pal
SBW
10 comments:
What?! I saw something just like this for $37 at WalMart. Just as good I’m sure.
Bummer they’re not making their winter clothing any more. They might once again at some point, or they might not.
Exploriment
While I am an unabashed Kifaru fanboy, there are limits and with these pants we've found them. Yes they are warm and light. But making the amour an extra was taking the piss, as is the base price. Yes there is a premium to be paid for made in the free(ish) world but WTF there are limits.
Apart from the price the other thing against the Kifaru clothing range is, while you and I know that the deer dont care, the clothes just dont look even remotely cool. I'm probably the worst dressed person at any hunting camp but once again there are limits.
I'm planning to test these in some very cold conditions goose hunting with Andy later in the year - so we'll see just how arctic they are and how they stand up to some rough treatment.
SBW
Wow these are expensive pants.
Jordan
True, the chap I bought them from had been trying to sell them for a direct exchange to the dollar price, then he reduced them substantially on a day when my pay pal account had been replenished by a selling off some more stuff. Curiosity and Kifaru-lust got the better of me
SBW
Yeah, some of their stuff is completely reasonably priced in my mind. Their packs are a fair price for what you get. Some of their other stuff even I say ouch. Their clothes strike me as a bit pricey for what they are. Teepees are also steep. Still happily own any of it though if I had the cash.
Exploriment
How much fo I want one of the Tipis!
SBW
Hi,
Excellent post. I do love a nice bit of kit. I had a pair of these type of trousers made by paramo which I slip on when stopping for lunch or a belay etc while winter climbing.
A top tip for you in cold weather is to buy yourself a nice pair of buffalo pile lined pants. They rock. An enormous amount of heat can be lost throught the bollocks I find in fact they are designed to lose heat not keep warm.
Abo
Thanks, and a good point about the plumbs, yes they are designed to loose heat as the tadpoles need to be cool to keep swimming.
SBW
Hi SBW,
I think that was a great choice for your buck. I hope they serve you well.
Dave
Scotch Dave
I'm delighted with them, the trouble is I just missed a half price jacket to go with them and now have all sorts of high-falutin' ideas about ordering one with some custom tweeks. I'd make such a great rich person.
SBW
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