Kuiu Burner Parka Review: In Depth Look at Kuiu's Warmest Parka

Last updated on March 12th, 2025

For all you cashed up hunters out there, the new KUIU Super Down Burner Parka has just landed, and it’s already stirring up plenty of debate. With 10 ounces of 850+ fill power Quixdown insulation, a fully waterproof and windproof shell, and a $799 USD price tag, this is KUIU’s most serious cold weather jacket to date. But does it justify the hype (and the cost)? I’ll be taking a look into what makes the Burner Parka one of the most talked about pieces of hunting gear this year.

The Burner Parka is all about warmth, and Kuiu claims it’s equivalent to wearing three Super Down Ultra Jackets or two Super Down Pro Jackets at the same time. As someone who owns a Super Down Pro, I can tell you that it’s already ridiculously warm, so doubling up on insulation is next level. The 850+ fill power Quixdown isn’t just any old down either. This stuff is treated to be water resistant, meaning it won’t immediately lose loft if you get caught in some rain. That’s a bonus because we all know what happens when regular down gets wet, it turns into a useless, soggy mess thats not ideal for the backcountry.

One thing that stands out is how lightweight the parka is, given how much insulation it packs. While I wouldn’t call it “ultralight,” it’s definitely not as heavy as you’d expect for a jacket built to handle -20°F (-28°C) and below. Kuiu has also kept bulk to a minimum, which means you won’t feel like the Michelin Man while hiking or shouldering a rifle.

Unlike a lot of highend down jackets, this one is actually waterproof, and I mean fully waterproof, not just “water-resistant.” The 30D ripstop nylon shell is backed by Kuiu’s proprietary Torain membrane, giving it a 20,000mm waterproof rating (which means it can handle heavy rain or wet snow without soaking through). The windproofing is also impressive, there’s no chance of icy gusts cutting through this thing. Kuiu has even added underarm vents, which is a smart touch because if you’re hiking in extreme cold, you don’t want to start sweating too much and then freeze when you stop moving.

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Kuiu has kept the Burner Parka’s design relatively simple, focusing on practicality rather than over-the-top bells and whistles. The hood is fully insulated and adjustable, which is a must-have for brutal cold. There are zippered hand pockets for keeping your fingers warm, along with interior storage pockets for small essentials. Another neat feature is the internal waist adjustment, which helps trap heat when needed.

One thing some people have mentioned is that the fit runs a little snug, especially in the shoulders. If you’re layering up heavily underneath, you might want to size up. It’s also worth noting that, like most Kuiu gear, the Burner Parka is designed for an athletic fit, which is great if you’re active, but if you prefer a looser, roomier feel, you might find it a bit restrictive.

Here’s where things get interesting with the parka. Kuiu is known for being a direct to consumer brand, meaning they cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to customers. That’s always been one of their selling points, highend gear without the markup. But at $799 USD, the Burner Parka is the most expensive piece of clothing they’ve ever released, and it’s got people wondering if Kuiu still offering that direct to consumer discount, or have they started creeping into the premium pricing territory of brands like Sitka, Arc’teryx, and Canada Goose?

To be fair, if you compare it to similar high-performance jackets like the Sitka 750 Jacket, the Arc’teryx Alpha Parka, or Canada Goose’s extreme cold weather parkas the price is actually in line with the competition. And considering it’s fully waterproof, packed with premium down, and built specifically for extreme hunting conditions, it makes sense why Kuiu put it in this price bracket. Still, the question remains does it offer enough extra warmth and protection to justify spending nearly 800 bucks on a Kuiu jacket?

If you’re the type of hunter who spends days in the backcountry, glassing for hours in sub-zero conditions, or hunting in brutal winter environments, the Burner Parka is going to be a game-changer. It’s got insane warmth, bombproof waterproofing, and it’s far more packable than most extreme cold-weather jackets. For guys who do high-output hunts in mild winter temps, though, this is probably overkill.

The biggest debate around this jacket is still the price but if you’re serious about staying warm in the coldest conditions imaginable, then the Burner Parka delivers. Whether it’s worth $799? That’s up to you.