cloudveil rpk vs. koven?

[vinnay]

Some of the differences between these two have been discussed already, but I am still unclear as to when one would be better. I am looking at both the jackets and pants of each.

rpk - goretex softshell, some thin fleecy liner, heavier coat. is the liner enough to be considered insulation? i dont want an insulated coat so this would make me lean koven.

koven - cloudburst - cloudveils own stretch hardshell. lighter, more breathable. is the koven completely waterproof and windproof? wearable in big storms, esp wet ones (ie in the sierras)? Any downside to the stretchy fabric?

Also, are these coats and pants cut pretty much the same?

Thanks for the help.

[half-fast]

I have an rpk-consider it uninsulated-I wouldn't call it a soft-shell either-more like brushed

[Brewski2]

rpk= a rommier cut designed mostly for resort
koven= a more fitted cut for bc

koven is going to preform like TNF hyvent, patagucci h2o no, or marmot membrane. All do a pretty good job of keeping you dry but just not the same as gore-tex. RPK is not isulated, as half-fast said, its more of a brushed nylon. A bomber jacket( I have one) but not all crinkly like arcteryx.

[L8APX]

koven is lighter than the rpk so the bc side of things might work better. I got a rpk for the burlyness of it to stand up to EC conditions and random trees that I peg. And halfast looked like he was liking his and i wanted to be his twin.

[ptavv]

I was fucking amazed by how heavy the RPK that I had for a short time (couldn't stand the jacket) was. It weighs as much as three of my Arc'teryx Sidewinders do.

[snowfire]

I have the Koven and love it. Light and simple, has everything you need and nothing you don't. Keeps me dry on storm days and really easy to pack along as an extra shell. I'd definitely recommend it for the bc... for inbounds, it's great too but wear something warm underneath!

edit: have the Koven pants too, love them as well.

[vinnay]

thanks for all the responses. i dont really do any bc, mostly inbounds, but i like being able to layer, i hate getting overheated.

sounds like either would work for me, just a difference in what i want. at least i feel like i know whats different about them now, and im not worried about the koven letting water/wind in if i get it.

[upallnight]

i wore the koven about 100 days last season here in jackson (and usually just softshell on the other days).

i'd say it's a perfect jacket in that you would couple it with another layer underneath for the coldest days, or you could wear it alone for warmer (wetter) days.

never had any trouble whatsoever with it during storms, although our storms are drier than the sierras. for what it's worth, it kept me really dry today when i went for a jog in the rain.

the only problem that i've experience with ALL my cloudveil stuff is that the cuffstraps on the wrists tend to separate. it doesn't affect the function as the velcro piece stays attached to the wrists, but the backing separates. i have to fix this once a season with barge cement -- it's a simple operation.

RPK definitely = resort.
koven = resort with a layer and easily works for some more aerobic activities/BC.

[freshies]

ithe only problem that i've experience with ALL my cloudveil stuff is that the cuffstraps on the wrists tend to separate. it doesn't affect the function as the velcro piece stays attached to the wrists, but the backing separates. i have to fix this once a season with barge cement -- it's a simple operation.

yess! i have the koven and a softshell from cloudveil, and both jackets have had the cuffstraps seperate from the velcro piece!! i have tried re-gluing and it always comes undone again.

you live in jackson, do you know these guys and have you brought this up with them?! also, my pull thingy on the zipper of my koven busted off after like 3 days

aside from all that, the stuff is pretty bomber and lightweight, i like it. just haven't taken the time to call their CS and see about getting those damn cuffstraps fixed.

[upallnight]

yess! i have the koven and a softshell from cloudveil, and both jackets have had the cuffstraps seperate from the velcro piece!! i have tried re-gluing and it always comes undone again.

you live in jackson, do you know these guys and have you brought this up with them?! also, my pull thingy on the zipper of my koven busted off after like 3 days

aside from all that, the stuff is pretty bomber and lightweight, i like it. just haven't taken the time to call their CS and see about getting those damn cuffstraps fixed.

freshies--yes, i've discussed this with them.

never had any zipper troubles.

re: the cuff thing -- they'll fix it for you if you send the items in, but it will cost you more $ & time to do so than to fix it yourself. buy some barge cement. apply it to the cuffstraps. apply pressure & let it set overnight. that should last for a season -- it works for items that i'm putting on/off/adjusting cuffs all season.

you could also just put a staple in it to help out. i've done this too, in a pinch.

[spindrift]

I have two seasons (=about 60 days of use) on a set of Koven pants. They are reasonably waterproof. Breath well - but still do a great job of cutting the wind. Incredibly comfortable. Durable enough to represent a great value for the $$ - but not the toughest stuff around. I wear them probably 4 out of 5 days. Fine for a little rain or freezing rain, melty snow, etc. However, they are not as waterproof as my old Arcteryx pants. If we are getting major PNW wetness the Kovens will eventually soak through -- so on those days the old Arcteryx still comes out. Anyplace a bit colder/dryer than the PNW & I'd probably wear the Kovens virtually every day.

[tenex198]

I just picked up an RPK this fall and is going to definietly be my resort jacket. The jacket does not pack down as small as the koven, so you might have to leave something behind from you pack. Both jackets are great coats, I can fit a softshell underneath both, and still have room to move comfortably.

[homerjay]

I have RPK pants and love them. Well, except when the side zipper blew out last year and I had to ghetto rig my pants with voile straps. Promptly fixed free of charge. I wear them inbounds/bc, but if it's really warm (spring/summer), I wear lightweight goretex shell pants.