The Kuiu Kenai Packable Glove Gear Review

Weighing just 2.8 ounces and offering fantastic warmth, grip, dexterity, and weather protection, the Kenai Packable Glove from Kuiu is my new glove of choice for cool weather bow hunting. Here are four reasons why you should get a pair of Kenais before your next early morning trip into the woods. 

The Warmth is Outstanding

The Kenai is super-warm for its weight. The main reason for this is the Primaloft® Cross Core Aerogel insulation, a fusion of two materials—Primaloft insulation fibers and Aerogel. Aerogel, which was invented by NASA for aerospace applications, is touted by Primaloft as the lightest solid material on earth, and is made almost entirely of air, is embedded in the Primaloft fibers to create a level of insulation and compressibility similar to down but that retains its insulation value when wet. This combination results in the Kenai providing a significant level of warmth without a concomitant increase in the glove’s weight.

Breathability is an additional reason why the Kenai is so warm for its weight. It allows moisture (i.e., sweat) to escape while retaining heat. And while most hunting gloves claim to be just as breathable, I’ve found that their fleece lining holds sweat. As the moisture builds up, it wets out the glove and your hand starts to get cold. 

A slightly wider fit is another key reason why the Kenai feels so warm. Simply put, your fingers aren’t crammed into tight-fitting slots. Instead, each finger has a bit more wiggle room, meaning that there’s a small air pocket around each finger. As well, there’s not a too-tight fit constricting the blood flow to your tips. 

Why’s all this matter? Well, if your hands are cold, you won’t be happy and the warm confines of home will seem a lot more appealing than sticking it out in the woods until that 10-point buck comes wandering by. 

The Grip is Fantastic 

The Kenai’s grip is outstanding too. Here’s why: 

• The no-slip silicone bump grip on the Kenai’s palm makes it easy to hang on to things while on the move. 

• The conductive thumb and index finger allow manipulation of maps on my phone’s Gaia app with no issue. 

• The glove is thinner than it looks; there’s no unneeded bulk that limits grip or dexterity. 

The Dexterity is Top Notch

Another thing I love about the Kenai is that I can get them off very quickly in the event I need to shoot. The Kenai’s loose fit makes it easy to slide my hand out fast and quietly. And while I personally don’t shoot my bow with gloves on, the Kenai is dexterous enough that I could shoot with them in a pinch.

The Kenai’s loose fit is key for another reason too—it makes it easy to get the glove on with one hand. This is great when you’re in the move, carrying a bow in one hand. 

The Weather Protection is Excellent

The Kenai’s outer shell—made from Toray Stunner Stretch ripstop nylon fabric and treated with a durable water repellent—is water resistant and windproof. It comes in a variety of camo patterns as well as some more neutral colors for the non-hunters out there. 

I’ve used the glove enough in wet conditions to know that its water resistance is pretty good. One example—during a recent morning hunt the temps warmed up, so I took the gloves off and stashed them in the external bottle pocket of my Venture 1800. Then it started raining. When the rain stopped, the gloves were still dry enough that I could have worn them if the conditions warranted. 

After using the Kenai on a bunch of windy mornings, I can confidently say that the glove is as windproof as advertised. Despite repeated early and chilly starts, the Kenai kept my hands very comfy.

In sum, the Kenai is an outstanding glove for bow hunting on cool weather days. Between the fit, the grip, and the warmth, you’ll be real happy to be wearing these gloves during your next hunt. 

By: Mickey Spades.