Gear Spotlight: KÜHL Women’s Spyfire Jacket for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hey there, outdoor adventurers! Today, I'm excited to shine the spotlight on the KÜHL Women’s Spyfire Jacket with an in-depth gear review. Thanks to the awesome folks at KÜHL, I received this down jacket to test out on my adventures. I've taken this jacket on lots of hiking and snowshoeing escapades in Olympic National Park, and the Cascades of Washington State. I've even taken it on several snowboarding trips using the jacket as my mid-layer this past snowboarding season. Now that I've really given the Spyfire Jacket a workout, I can't wait to share my thoughts and experiences with you.
Spoiler alert: it's hands down the best down jacket I've ever owned!
Quick Disclaimer:
I received an KÜHL Women’s Spyfire Jacket from the company for the purpose of testing and providing my honest review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, and the following gear assessment is my own genuine opinions after using this product on multiple Hiking, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing Adventures in the great outdoors.
Quick SPYFIRE® JACKET Spec's:
- Lightweight and high tear strength MIKROTEX™ 20-denier body fabric with DWR finish
- Water-resistant finish
- Lightweight down insulated jacket for versatile low-bulk warmth
- 800-fill RDS-certified goose down insulation
- Thermal body-mapped design with large baffles at body front and back for core warmth and smaller baffles at side body and sleeves for less bulk
- Reinforced overlay on front body and sleeves for extra protection from the elements
- Softshell overlay on the yoke, collar stand, and zipper garages for durability
- Knit underarm gussets for breathability and stretch
- Unique 4-fabric design with an articulated fit
- Elastic binding around cuffs
- YKK Metaluxe center front zipper with Khul Crest Zipper Pull; Zipper is 26” length size small
- 2 hand pockets, 1 left sleeve pocket, and 1 internal mesh pocket with YKK Reverse coil zippers
- Reflective trims for added visibility
- Elastic binding around cuff openings
- A women's down jacket with an innovative design, unmatched performance, and timeless style
- Imported
- Mikrotex: 100% Nylon / C6 DWR
- TuffleX: 88% Nylon, 12% Spandex / C6 DWR
- Insulation: 100% goose down 800-fill
- Garment weight : 340g / 12 oz.
My Thoughts On The KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket
I can't get enough of this jacket—it's seriously amazing. From outdoor adventures in the mountains to strolling through town, the KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket balances style and function and is the most comfortable down jacket I’ve ever owned. The Spyfire Down Jacket did a terrific job of keeping me warm on my hiking and snowshoeing trips. I definitely appreciated the thermal body-mapped design and the 800-fill RDS-certified goose-down insulation in this jacket while sitting down on a mountain top to eat my lunch at 6,000 ft elevation in Olympic National Park. Even in windy, drizzly rainy classic Pacific Northwest conditions, the Women's Spyfire Jacket performed exceptionally well. It effectively repelled mist from waterfalls and light snowfall while snowshoeing, helping to keep me dry and comfortable throughout my outdoor adventures.
This is now my new go-to adventure down jacket replacing my old midlayer jacket for hiking and snowboarding adventures. I love how small the Spyfire Down Jacket compacts down into my backpacking stuff sack, saving me valuable space in my pack. The fabric has a nice, soft feel to the touch and I really appreciate all of the cool innovative features Khul built into this jacket, like the reflective ribbon for better visibility, the underarm gussets, the reinforced shoulders with a softshell overlay on the yoke and collar stand for better durability and more.
Check Out The SPYFIRE® JACKET At: kuhl.com
Exploring the Fit, Performance, and Design of the KÜHL Spyfire Down Jacket
Layering
The Spyfire Jacket has a very sleek profile which is perfect for layering. This feature has quickly made this jacket my go-to down layer. When I'm snowboarding or hiking in the PNW, I often pair it with THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket when I want an outer shell for added protection against the elements.
Mobility
What struck me immediately about this jacket is how effortlessly it moves with me—I felt more agile and had improved maneuverability compared to my old, stiffer down jackets while snowboarding. The increase in flexibility with my arms and my range of motion while on the slopes wearing this Spyfire Down Jacket as my mid-layer has been awesome. I think the added stretchiness of the underarm gussets also helps with the better-unrestricted movement while riding. I never realized how restrictive my old mid-layer jacket was while snowboarding until I tried the Kuhl Spyfire Jacket.
Snowboarding With The Spyfire Jacket's Under My THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket at Crystal Mountain, WA
Loved The Flexibility and Movement When Scrambling Over Rocks
Pairing The Spyfire Jacket's with THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket
Spyfire Down Jacket Fit
The fit of the KÜHL Spyfire Jacket is truly exceptional, and one of the aspects I love most about this elegant jacket. Its sleek form-fitting design not only feels comfortable but also looks incredibly flattering. This jacket hugs the body in all the right places without being too tight or restrictive. As a girl with curves, I often struggle to find jackets that complement my figure without appearing overly boxy on me. However, the Spyfire Jacket defies this trend with its awesome slimming effect, accentuating my shape in all the right places. The unique 4-fabric design works together to create a great fit and the elastic binding around the cuff openings help keep this jacket snug and secure. The core of the jacket features large baffles that effectively trap heat, ensuring warmth without unnecessary bulk. In contrast, smaller baffles on the sides and sleeves keep bulkiness to a minimum.
Fits True to Size. I'm always a little nervous about ordering clothing online. I love trying things on in stores but I was very happy that this Khul Down Jacket fit perfectly and was accurate to the size guide on their website.
Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park
Outer Fabric of The KÜHL's SPYFIRE® Down Jacket
This down jacket by KÜHL is crafted with a lightweight yet incredibly durable MIKROTEX™ 20-denier body fabric. This super-durable fabric is super awesome for all sorts of rugged conditions you may encounter on your adventures. For example, scrambling over rocky terrain, bushwacking through dense, overgrown trails, or slipping and falling on your butt in the snow. Its tear-resistant properties make it an essential feature for any adventure jacket.
Water-Resistant Finish of the KÜHL Spyfire Down Jacket
This down jacket also has a water-resistant finish that provides excellent protection against the elements, keeping you dry and comfortable during unexpected light rain and mist. I definitely noticed the water-resistant finish doing its job on the hikes and snowshoeing adventures I took it on. You could see the spray from the waterfall mist just bead up and run right off the jacket keeping me dry and comfy. Of course, you would want a waterproof rain shell for torrential downpours but it is a nice feature that this down jacket is water resistant if you do happen to encounter some snow or rain on your adventures.
Warmth
How Warm is The Kuhl Women's Spyfire Jacket? The short answer is - very warm.
I loved how warm this jacket kept me on my adventures and even on my everyday morning walks. While snowboarding all day long in the cold I still felt nice and toasty (Paired with THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket). While on my hikes and snowshoeing adventures wearing just the Spyfire Jacket, I always felt warm and comfortable and not overly hot. The coldest temperature I have been in with it so far has been 20 degrees and I felt great. Since I have been testing out this jacket in the spring, most temps I have been in are between 26-40 degrees outside. This jacket definitely does its job of keeping you cozy. As a lightweight mid-layer, I would not recommend this for extreme freezing conditions but this is a fantastic jacket for most hiking or snowboarding temperatures.
Crafted with 800-fill goose down insulation, the KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket has an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio making this lightweight jacket ideal for hiking and backpacking adventures where you do not want unnecessary bulk. This jacket can be easily stuffed into your backpack and pulled back out when sitting on top of a mountain peak to keep you warm while taking in the view. The down used to make the Kuhl Women's Spyfire Jacket is responsibly sourced, meaning no harm to the animals involved.
What is Fill in Down Jackets?
In down jackets, "fill" refers to the quality and loftiness of the down insulation. It's measured in "fill power," which indicates the volume that one ounce of down occupies. Higher fill power numbers mean that the down clusters are larger and can trap more air, providing better insulation. So, a higher fill power generally translates to better warmth-to-weight ratio and greater compressibility in down jackets.
Body Mapping Insulation
KÜHL takes a strategic approach using different-sized baffles on the jacket to target warmth where the body needs it at different core zones. With body mapping, employing a mix of baffle sizes for targeted warmth. You've got small, thin baffles under the arms for easy movement on walks and hikes, and bigger ones in the core for maximum warmth at your core where you need it most.
Underarm Venting:
I was genuinely impressed by the thoughtful addition of underarm gussets in the Spyfire Jacket. It's not something I've seen in a down jacket before, but it's a game-changer and just makes total sense. When you're out and about in the great outdoors, having a jacket that can breathe while still keeping you warm is crucial. Plus, the stretchy panels in the armpits and sleeves provide more room for movement, helping you stay comfortable during all your adventures. The temperature-regulating knit underarm gussets are strategically positioned to efficiently release excess heat, ensuring comfort even during intense activities like hiking uphill or engaging in strenuous exercises.
If You Are Wondering What are Underarm Gussets?
Underarm gussets are fabric panels sewn into the armpit area of a garment, allowing for increased mobility and range of motion. They prevent the fabric from restricting movement in the arms, making the garment more comfortable to wear during physical activities.
Check Out The SPYFIRE® JACKET At: kuhl.com
Reinforced Shoulders To Carry Gear
Another feature I am super excited about on this jacket is that KÜHL added a reinforced softshell overlay on the yoke and collar. This softshell yoke with highly durable 20-denier body fabric help the Spyfire jacket endure the rubbing and friction from backpack straps during hikes. This is a really thoughtful construction detail to strengthen the jacket's durability and keep the jacket more resilient in key areas that are more prone to wear and tear. I've had issues with my previous down jacket from another brand; whenever I hit the trails with my backpack, feathers often start flying due to wear and tear. So I am extra excited about these softshell reinforced shoulders to help this jacket last.
Spacious Pockets
One feature I absolutely love about the Women's Spyfire Jacket is the generous size of its pockets. It's always been a pet peeve of mine when jackets have tiny pockets or, even worse, no pockets at all. Fake pockets? Ugh, don't get me started! But with the KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket, that's not an issue. The pockets are wonderfully spacious, easily accommodating my phone, wallet, keys, chapstick, sunglasses, and still leaving room for my hands—and maybe even a couple of shiny rocks!
The pockets on the KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket aren't just big—they're also really soft and snug. When I stick my hands in there for a quick warm-up; the texture is nice and comfy.
The Spyfire Jacket features two spacious zippered hand pockets and a handy interior zip pocket near the chest. Additionally, there's an extra zip pocket on the left arm. These pockets provide ample space to keep your keys and wallet secure in the zippered compartments, while your phone fits snugly in the interior chest pocket. Plus, you can stash essentials like chapstick and a small roll of hiking duct tape in the arm pocket. I've even managed to fit my small REI wallet in there, proving it's versatile enough for some medium-sized items too.
Reflective Accents, & Special Embellishments On The KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket
Another standout feature I loved was KÜHL's incorporation of Reflective Accents on the Jacket Pockets and the upper collar of the jacket. When illuminated by a headlamp, the reflective ribbon really shines back at you, enhancing visibility during nighttime adventures. It's a thoughtful safety detail that I really like that KÜHL included in the design of this jacket. I appreciate their attention to safety enhancements, making it easier for you to be seen in emergency situations. It's those little touches that make all the difference.
As for the zippers, they're made of a sturdy METALUXE® with metal on the pull tab. While lightweight they feel very solid. I like that on the primary zipper they added a little bit of a longer strap with reflective ribbon attaching the KÜHL Brand Logo. It makes it a little easier to grab the zipper while wearing gloves.
Olympic National Park
How Do I Wash The Women's Spyfire Jacket? Is The Kuhl Women's Spyfire Jacket Machine Washable?
Are you wondering how to get your Women's Spyfire Jacket fresh and clean after a day of hiking or shredding the slopes? Or asking yourself whether it's washing machine friendly? Absolutely!
Down Jacket Washing Tips
To keep your jacket in top condition, wash it in the washing machine on a cold, delicate cycle. Skip the bleach! When it's time to dry, toss it in the dryer on low heat with a duo of clean tennis balls to help keep it nice and fluffy.
About Kühl
In a market dominated by corporate giants, KÜHL proudly stands as an independently owned and operated company, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Remaining independent allows KÜHL to uphold its core values and prioritize the production of premium outdoor apparel that exceeds customer expectations. Every member of the KÜHL team shares a passion for crafting the finest products, sourced from environmentally conscious partners and manufactured in facilities that adhere to rigorous standards. KÜHL exercises responsibility for the outdoors by avoiding overproduction and minimizing environmental impact. By choosing KÜHL, customers not only acquire exceptional outdoor gear but also support a brand that values authenticity, integrity, and environmental stewardship.
Hurricane Ridge Olympic National Park
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 800-fill Goose Down (RDS Certified)
- Lightweight and high tear strength 20-denier body fabric with DWR
- Reflective trims for added visibility in emergency situatins
- Thermal body mapping design
- Water resistant & windproof fabric
- Strategic baffles keep your core warm while promoting breathability, with larger ones retaining heat and smaller ones reducing bulk in the sides and sleeves
- Underarm Gussets add great breathability and movement to the jacket
- Softshell overlay on the yoke and collar provides extra durability in areas where a backpack typically rests or rubs during hikes, enhancing the jacket's overall durability
- Easy to pack down into a stuff sack For Backpacking
- Great For Hiking
- Great For Backpacking
- Awesome for Snowshoeing
- Great for Travel
- Great For Snowboarding or a Skiing Mid-layer
- Super cute look for wearing on a cold night out on the town
- Awesome Jacket For Traveling
- Very Stylish and Flattering Fit
- Slim Profile Great for Pairing with Outer Shell Jackets
- Lots of pockets
- Pockets are roomy and can fit a lot of stuff
Cons
- Doesn't compress into its own pocket or include a stuff sack.
- Sits slightly on the heavier side of the scale among other top-tier down jackets. (However, this jacket is much lighter than a lot of brands out there.)
- Not Ideal for Extreme Stormy Weather Conditions on it's own
- As a midweight down jacket, it is not Ideal for Extreme Freezing Conditions
Final Thoughts On The KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket
I highly recommend the KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket to anyone in search of a high-quality, lightweight all-around down jacket. This jacket has so many awesome features and amazing versatility. I especially value the thoughtful details incorporated into Spyfire Jacket's design by KÜHL. The Reflective ribbon to help make this jacket more visible in emergency situations was a really nice touch. I had never seen knit underarm gussets incorporated into a down jacket before. Adding the underarm gussets for breathability and stretch while hiking was a brilliant design choice by KÜHL. The slight bit of extra weight for the underarm gussets to add more breathability while moving and the softshell overlay on the yoke of the collar to give the jacket more durability from wear and tear from wearing a backpack are 100% worth it. Love, love, love those design additions. This is an A+ jacket!
The thermal body-mapped design of the jacket, featuring large baffles at the front and back for core warmth and smaller baffles at the side body and sleeves to reduce bulk, is awesome. I was impressed by how warm the jacket kept me in the cold without feeling bulky or boxy on me. The SPYFIRE® Down Jacket's exceptional flexibility and freedom of movement were absolutely fantastic during my outdoor adventures. I especially appreciated the jacket's flexibility while snowboarding—it allowed for effortless movement and I really loved the performance of this jacket on the mountain.
Check Out The SPYFIRE® JACKET At: kuhl.com
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