Every hunter that's ever been on a weight-sensitive trip has asked themselves, "what's the minimal essential gear that I have to take on this trip."

While that list can be argued, the one piece of gear we believe should be a non-negotiable for 99% of trips is the Kelvin Aerolite Jacket... Here's why:

Weight/Packability

The Kelvin Aerolite Jacket weighs next to nothing. Coming in at only 16oz PLUS, the ability to compress it down to a small ball makes this a no-brainer for any outing, even if it just sits at the bottom of your pack (which it won't).

Synthetic vs. Down

The Kelvin Aerolite Jacket is synthetic-based, NOT down, and this is (more often than not) better for the following two reasons:

Reason #1:

It's tougher than down. It doesn't rip and tear from being worn with your pack, and it doesn't shred when walking through brush.

Reason #2:

It doesn't lose its R-value (thermal resistance) when it's compressed or stored for long periods. Unlike down, whose insulation/warmth relies on its feathers being fully expanded, the Kelvin Aerolite Jacket uses Silica Aerogel technology - which is a nearly weightless material composed of more than 95% air and acts as additional thermal insulation.

Warm/Comfort

The Kelvin Aerolite Jacket is unbelievably soft and comfortable, but what really separates this jacket from others is its ability to cut wind and its warm-when-wet technology.

We've had this jacket completely soaked riding out of the backcountry on horses, and let me reassure you... you are wet! But, you stay incredibly warm when you are zipped up with your hood on. (Hood on being the important takeaway.)

Overview

Hike with it, sleep in it, wear it in a rainstorm. If I could only choose one jacket to head out into the woods with, the Kelvin Aerolite Jacket would be it. 

Small Tidbit

Over the summer, we shared a camp with a Wyoming outfitter, a Missouri country boy, and a videographer from New York. Can you guess the one piece of gear we all had in common and trusted on this multi-day backcountry excursion? The Kelvin Aerolite Jacket.