Fire on the Mountain in KÜHL Spyfire Jacket

By Nicole on June 19, 2023
3 min read

Call me girl on fire.

Or maybe this long distance runner is spreading fire on the mountain.

Either way, I feel ablaze in KÜHL’s ultralight Spyfire down jacket.

 

KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket Review

When KÜHL sent me the jacket from their new Spyfire Series, I couldn’t wait to test it out.

It was perfect for a wet and windy hike to the balds on Roan Mountain. It withstood a blustery trek to Beauty Spot, another exposed bald on the Appalachian Trail. It quickly became my go-to for early morning dog walks…and just about every other outing.

Super light and slim jacket fitting, the Spyfire isn’t bulky or stifling like other women's down jackets. With KÜHL’s custom touches and signature style, this technical women's jacket easily makes the transition from trail to town or mountain to market.

 

spyfire_frontWhat I Love

 

Four Fabrics for Fabulous Fit & Function

  1. The water resistant and windproof shell is made from a 20 denier, 24 high filament nylon fabric for a super soft feel and high tear resistance. The yarn is woven into an extremely tight weave that’s dense enough to keep feathers in and tears out, and the front panel features a double layer for added durability. The shell kept me insulated from the wind and rain while hiking, and even an enthusiastic, leaping puppy couldn’t snag the fabric.
  2. The reinforced shoulders allow you to carry skis, boards, and poles with sharp edges that would shred any ordinary down jacket. The reinforced nylon/spandex blend is also great for shouldering packs and other heavy gear.
  3. Lightweight underarm knit panels allow heat to escape for better climate control and comfort in a wide range of temperatures. The Spyfire jacket kept me warm when the wind howled; dry when the skies spritzed; and comfortable when the sun shone. I was surprised at how well this women's lightweight jacket transitioned through varying conditions.
  4. The 800-fill goose down provides a superior warmth-to-weight ratio, protecting you from the elements without bogging you down. The down is certified non-force-fed and not live plucked.

Precision 3D Design

The intricate pattern and construction of the Spyfire Series eliminates binding typically found on the inside seams of jackets, and the design naturally follows your body’s shape for a comfortable fit.

 

Thermal Body Mapping

Built with different sized baffles, the Spyfire jacket boasts superior warmth without restricting movement.  The thinner, sized-down baffles on the sleeves reduce bulk for better layering under a heavier shell. The larger baffles on the front and back keep your core warm.

Just keep in mind that the jacket is fitted and true to size. I love the fit of the XS, but there isn’t much room for thick, heavy layers underneath.

 

Plentiful Pockets, Reflective Ribbon & Special Touches

The Spyfire jacket features 2 zippered hand pockets and 1 inside mesh pocket. The zippered pockets are great for securing keys, and the inside pocket is perfect for stashing your phone.

Custom reflective ribbon below the zippers prevents snags and increases visibility in the dark. Matching ribbon on the zipper pull provides another point of visibility.

Special touches like the KÜHL logo zipper pull, colorful shoulder patch, and stylish seams place the Spyfire head and reinforced shoulders above the rest.

 

What I Didn't Love

The men’s Spyfire Series features extra zip pockets on the chest and sleeve. While chest pockets wouldn’t work for well-endowed patrons, I’d love to see the sleeve pocket added to the women’s series. It’s a great place to stash stuff without having to worry about it falling out of side pockets.

 

Making the Grade

Feather light, super soft, and equally functional and flattering, the Spyfire Jacket earns an A+ for technical features and streamlined style.

Retailing at $220, the Spyfire Down Jacket is a worthy investment for your fall and winter adventure wardrobe.

KÜHL offers three additional styles in the Spyfire Series. Check out KÜHL’s signature 5-panel hood on the Spyfire Hoody. Try the Spyfire Hooded Vest for easy layering, and consider the Spyfire Parka for longer length and greater coverage.

I received KÜHL apparel for this review at no cost. I received no other compensation for this post, and all opinions are my own.

 

Nicole
Nicole

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