KUHL
KUHL Impakt Jacket
71B-TIERmedium Confidence
A wind and water-resistant polyester softshell with DWR coating, grid fleece interior, and five-panel articulated sleeves for range of motion. YKK Metaluxe zippers throughout and moto-style kidney belt. Dual-weight fabric panels — 311 gsm body with lighter 302 gsm underarm gussets for breathability. Best suited for 40-60°F shoulder-season conditions. Backed by KUHL's 18-month limited warranty.
607verified reviews analyzed
88%positive
71
B-TIER/ 100Good
Material & Build18/25
Polyester/spandex softshell at 311 gsm with DWR coating — solid but standard softshell fabric. YKK Metaluxe zippers are a premium hardware upgrade over standard YKK. Five-panel articulated sleeve design and dual-weight fabric panels (lighter 302 gsm underarm gussets) show thoughtful construction engineering. Grid fleece interior adds structure and warmth. No widespread durability failures reported, though some reviewers note limited insulation for cold conditions. Deducted for standard polyester rather than premium materials.
Warranty & Support20/35
18-month limited warranty covers manufacturing defects only — normal wear and tear explicitly excluded. No refunds, only repair or replacement at KUHL's discretion. Customer pays outbound shipping. A functional warranty with a real repair program, but significantly shorter than competitors like Patagonia (lifetime for defects) or Osprey (lifetime any damage).
User Trust33/40
607 reviews across KUHL.com (394 at 4.7/5), Scheels (205 at 4.6/5), and REI (8 at 4.0/5). Overwhelmingly positive sentiment with customers praising fit, wind resistance, and build quality. No dedicated expert deep-dive reviews, but consistently well-received across multiple retailers. KUHL is an independently owned brand with 40+ years of heritage since 1983. Limited r/BuyItForLife presence for this specific model.
medium ConfidenceUpdated Feb 2026
High
Polyester softshell body at 311 gsm (9.2 oz/sq yd) with DWR water-repellent coating. Select colorways use 86% polyester/14% spandex blend for four-way stretch. Underarm and side panels use lighter 302 gsm fabric for breathability.
Source: KUHL product specifications; Scheels product listing
High
Five-panel articulated sleeve construction with YKK Metaluxe zippers throughout. Grid fleece interior provides warmth without bulk. Moto-style kidney belt and adjustable cuff snaps for weather sealing.
Source: KUHL product specifications
Known Concerns3 issues reported
Sizing runs small — multiple reviewers across KUHL.com and REI recommend sizing up, particularly for layering. The jacket fits snug at the waist and shoulders, with some finding standard sizes too tight for movement.
Limited warmth for cold conditions — reviewers report the jacket is best suited for 40-60°F temperatures and requires a warm base layer below 40°F. Not a winter jacket despite the fleece lining.
Cuff snap closures are tight and uncomfortable when wearing a watch. Multiple reviewers note the snaps are difficult to close and create pressure points on the wrist.
$165.00
Where to Buy3 retailers
| REI | Best price | $165.00 | Visit |
| KUHL.com | Best price | $165.00 | Visit |
| Backcountry | Best price | $165.00 | Visit |
Prices updated Feb 2026. Links may earn a commission.
Brand Profile
KUHL
Founded 1983 · Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Founded in 1983 as Alfwear in Salt Lake City. Independently owned outdoor brand known for technical fabrics and articulated fit patterns designed for mountain use.
Warranty
Limited warranty
Brand Score
18/30
Repair Program
Yes
Parts
low
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