First Lite Uncompahgre Foundry Jacket, Tested and Reviewed

It’s not often that you get to hunt in an area that is the namesake for the jacket you’re wearing, but this fall, I did just that. The Uncompahgre National Forest covers almost a million acres of high-elevation backcountry in Colorado. At, and over, 10,000 feet, the wind and weather can be unpredictable. So your clothing needs to be versatile and ready for whatever Mother Nature might throw your way.

After wearing the Uncompahgre Foundry Jacket during my first-rifle elk hunt with fluctuating temperatures, driving rain, and even a healthy dose of snowfall, I will be the first to tell you that this jacket earned its name. It’s surprisingly packable, offers zippered ventilation around the triceps, and is incredibly warm. Since my elk hunt, it’s earned a spot in my treestand layering system as well. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-have outer layer.

Uncompahgre Foundry Jacket Specs and Features

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Key Features

• Windproof and waterproof
• 3-way adjustable hood with channel brim
• Dual tricep vents to dump heat without removing pack and/or bino harness
• Two magnetic dump pockets
• Two zippered hand warmer pockets featuring warm tricot lining
• Available in: Conifer, Fusion, Cerca, Walnut, and Dry Earth
• Material: 37.5 Active Particle Synthetic Insulation
• Weight: 2.15 pounds
• Price: $350

The Nitty Gritty – Uncompahgre Foundry Jacket

Warm, Waterproof, Packable, and Versatile  

As I mentioned above, the weather on my elk hunt was unpredictable at best. From driving rain for multiple days on end, to rapidly dropping temperatures bringing snow into the high country, I got to experience the full spectrum of temperatures and conditions. The Uncompahgre Foundry jacket was one piece of my kit that I wouldn’t have wanted to live without.

It remained durable after hiking through oak brush, deadfall, and large conifer stands, but more importantly, it kept me dry. Since I was living in a tent, my biggest fear was getting wet, and thus, staying wet with no way to really dry off given the conditions. Thankfully, this jacket both figuratively and literally had my back.

Upon returning home, I tested the Uncompahgre Foundry jacket throughout an October cold front here in Pennsylvania as well. While the conditions were drastically improved compared to the backcountry in Colorado, this jacket still fit into my kit wonderfully. Rather than wear it the entire walk to the stand, I simply packed it up into a ball and tossed it in my pack. After climbing in, I’d throw it on and enjoy my sit. It keeps me warm and surprisingly doesn’t make a ton of noise when you’re moving to grab your bow and draw back.

Where It Can Improve

While I do really like this jacket, there’s always room for improvement. The first thing I noticed was the pocket design and layout. On the front of the jacket are four pockets. Two magnetic dump pockets, and just above those, two zippered hand warmer pockets featuring a warm tricot lining. Both are quite handy for different things, but I often found myself digging around in the wrong pocket due to their layout and close proximity to each other. If it were up to me, I’d leave the dump pockets where they are, and move the hand warmer pockets to a more traditional, hip-centric location.

I also had an issue, that was certainly in part user error, where the hand warmer pockets got wet during a popup rain shower. I had accidentally left the zipper open, but due to the design, the rain ran down the front of the jacket and right into those pockets. When the zippers were closed, no water intrusion occurred. User error aside, I’d argue it’s another reason to relocate the hand warmer pockets.

What It Does Best

Where the Uncompahgre Foundry jacket shines truly is in its versatility. I was able to wear it in temperatures ranging from 20 degrees, all the way up to 50 degrees. Admittedly, 50 degrees might have been right on the edge of too hot for this jacket, it really did a nice job of ventilating when I opened up the tricep vents.

It’s incredibly windproof, waterproof, durable, and warm. Honestly, it’s an outer layer I didn’t even know I needed until I had it. And now that I have it, it’ll be accompanying me on every hunt for the remainder of the fall and winter.

Final Thoughts

As an avid hunter, I came to the realization years ago that you get what you pay for when purchasing hunting clothing. I hate being cold, and I hate being wet. Thankfully, the Uncompahgre Foundry jacket does a wonderful job of eliminating both of those concerns. If you’re hunting for a new outer layer to get you through the rut, rifle, and late season, look no further.