What is everyone's go to equipment to keep you warm and dry, moved from the east coast the the west coast an is seems like Nevada has everything going to be hunting low desert an high desert along with Utah, looking to hear what everyone's using to broaden my options, IDK whose buying dirks but 300 for a shell top seems real high to me
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Hunting & Fishing 2019 hunting/field clothing
- Thread starter wolf_father_6
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Kuiu. Buy once cry once. Everything they make is just amazing. Highest warmth to weight ratio. Well designed is an understatement.
What exactly from kuiu would you guys recommend from personal experience. northern Nevada/Utah mountains is where iL be
I prefer sitka. Timberline pants with an appropriate base layer will get through most any conditions other than super hot. I then run the light weight base layer and core heavy weight hoody. I use my jet stream vest alot. The flash pull over and light weight rain pants to either stay dry or to break the wind. The kelvin active is my puffy layer for insulation. With that combo i have hunted from the 60's down into the negatives. Darn tough socks are also a very important part of the system. I use a light pair of glove and bring wool mittens for over the top. I dont get cold easy so you may have to adjust if you do. My experience is from Idaho mountains and South Dakota
Wool and goretex. Company or brand doesn’t matter. Make sure it fits and it is quality gear. You will be fine
Kuiu and Sitka for me. I prefer the KUIU guide and Attack pants over the Sitka. I do have the Sitka timberline and also the new Apex pants. The venting on the KUIU is a huge plus.
For tops I have a combo of both. The KUIU 130 and 145 as a long sleeve hooded are some of my favorite. The sitka Apex hoodie is my favorite bow hunting garmet. The KUIU 200 long sleeve is not very good. The Sitka Heavy weight zip Tee is another of my favorites. The Sitka Kelvin lite down is much better the the KUIU super down variant. That was my least impressive Kuiu piece I ever bought. Paper thin.
For jackets the KUIU guide is by far my favorite over anything sitka has in that category. The KUIU Chugach NX is nice for pack rain coat. The pit zips are nice. Kinda noisy but it's a rain coat. If you want a quiet rain coat, look at the Sitka thunderhead. No pit zips but it's quiet. The downpour is also a good pack rain coat but only in Optifade camo if it matters. The Sitka Stormfront is an excellent cold weather goretex rain piece. More for the Pacific Northwest rain, but in extreme cold it is great with a down under it.
I have owned every piece I have talked about here from both Sitka and Kuiu. If you need Gaiters, I prefer the KUIU over the Sitka. I'm not brand loyal, but some from each company do it better then the others. We could throw in Firstlite and select few other pieces also, but I'll save it for any other day.
For tops I have a combo of both. The KUIU 130 and 145 as a long sleeve hooded are some of my favorite. The sitka Apex hoodie is my favorite bow hunting garmet. The KUIU 200 long sleeve is not very good. The Sitka Heavy weight zip Tee is another of my favorites. The Sitka Kelvin lite down is much better the the KUIU super down variant. That was my least impressive Kuiu piece I ever bought. Paper thin.
For jackets the KUIU guide is by far my favorite over anything sitka has in that category. The KUIU Chugach NX is nice for pack rain coat. The pit zips are nice. Kinda noisy but it's a rain coat. If you want a quiet rain coat, look at the Sitka thunderhead. No pit zips but it's quiet. The downpour is also a good pack rain coat but only in Optifade camo if it matters. The Sitka Stormfront is an excellent cold weather goretex rain piece. More for the Pacific Northwest rain, but in extreme cold it is great with a down under it.
I have owned every piece I have talked about here from both Sitka and Kuiu. If you need Gaiters, I prefer the KUIU over the Sitka. I'm not brand loyal, but some from each company do it better then the others. We could throw in Firstlite and select few other pieces also, but I'll save it for any other day.
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You don't have to spend a fortune on cool name brand clothing. What you get is high dollar marketing and a status. Stitching is top shelf and many do have some design features. Do they work, absolutely but most of the performance is in the fabric not the name brand. Most of the same fabrics can be found in price point also. Look at mountaineering companies like Patagonia, OR, Mtn Hardware to name a few with superior performance with some cost savings Vs camo hunting clothing.
Basically you need a base layer, a mid layer and a shell and depending a mid or high loft for insulation. From there to you can build.
I used the lightest highest performing clothing available but I also had those with a couple hundred dollars in clothing that survived and were successful
The one caveat, living, working and playing in the backcountry and alpine of Alaska where help is 100 miles and more and days away in weather that kills every year and puts everything to a stop, my clothing had to perform to save my life. I know of several where it did not. I wore no natural clothing or would allow any of my clients either.
Good luck
Basically you need a base layer, a mid layer and a shell and depending a mid or high loft for insulation. From there to you can build.
I used the lightest highest performing clothing available but I also had those with a couple hundred dollars in clothing that survived and were successful
The one caveat, living, working and playing in the backcountry and alpine of Alaska where help is 100 miles and more and days away in weather that kills every year and puts everything to a stop, my clothing had to perform to save my life. I know of several where it did not. I wore no natural clothing or would allow any of my clients either.
Good luck
I’m not entirely sure what that environment is like during hunting season
. Give me an idea and I can recommend some things for you though
Fuck patagonia he is an anti hunting anti gun. Shoot them with a camera is one of his pet projects. He also lead the charge to stop the grizzley bear hunt. The clothes are good though. Fjallraven is another line to look at from the mountaineering side.
You really should try on several different brands/lines and see what actually fits you.
Kuiu is fine as well as Sitka, but I prefer getting top quality gear made for hiking/mountaineering in earth tones. Camo is not needed for 90% or more of hunting and a light Camo layer can go top
Kuiu is fine as well as Sitka, but I prefer getting top quality gear made for hiking/mountaineering in earth tones. Camo is not needed for 90% or more of hunting and a light Camo layer can go top
You can’t find a hiking and mountaineering brand for the same or better price as Kuiu with the same quality because that’s exactly the reason Kuiu was created. Highest warmth to weight ratio, top quality without the price hike of having a middle man or retailer.
Sitka was co founded by the founder of Kuiu FYI.
Has a “great camo pattern” ever been a reason someone has recommended Kuiu? No. It’s because of the warmth to weight ratio and quality that it’s consistently recommended. Being told to buy “non camo mountaineering” clothing is not going to do anything but get you less quality, because you’re getting higher quality gear, for a better or same price, that just so happens to be camo with Kuiu
My favorite pieces (off the top of my head for cold weather)
Snap shirt (hands down favorite for versatility)
Super down pro jacket
Peloton 240 Full Zip
Axis pants
Merino Crew Shirt
Merino 145 zip off bottom
Merino 210 Zip T
Peloton brief
Merino socks
Glomitts
Sitka was co founded by the founder of Kuiu FYI.
Has a “great camo pattern” ever been a reason someone has recommended Kuiu? No. It’s because of the warmth to weight ratio and quality that it’s consistently recommended. Being told to buy “non camo mountaineering” clothing is not going to do anything but get you less quality, because you’re getting higher quality gear, for a better or same price, that just so happens to be camo with Kuiu
My favorite pieces (off the top of my head for cold weather)
Snap shirt (hands down favorite for versatility)
Super down pro jacket
Peloton 240 Full Zip
Axis pants
Merino Crew Shirt
Merino 145 zip off bottom
Merino 210 Zip T
Peloton brief
Merino socks
Glomitts
I don't want to start an argument but where did you get this information? I would like to research it. I was in the retail business for 17 years and Yvon talked regularly about growing up and teaching his kids to hunt and fish, He also has worked with hunting organizations. I had routine calls with questions for information to Patagonia about hunting clothing both inside and outside reps and never once did I hear anything against hunting. In fact, I had specific orders on clothing from multiple mountaineering companies for a hunting line and they were all more than willing to help. One topic was a camo line and at the time they were interested just didn't think it would sell for the invested cost as subdued colors were just as effective. I knew company employees who hunted and fished. Not sure their stance on 2A I don't remember it ever came up. I am retired now but things do change.
I assume this was directed towards me. Not sure why I hit a nerve. You have a different experience than mine. I have 17 years in the retail business going to trade shows, expos, seminars and the like, a decade of guiding and 35 years abusing kit, I used several oneoff custom stitched for me clothing from Evan at ID and Titoune with WT but I do not know everything. But I do know what a half half is and what is it used for.
While I do not know directly how much companies invest into individuals for marketing, some spend an enormous amount for marketing. Its not a bad thing but other companies spend way less and may in fact stitch up equal to or better. My preferred clothing line was WT and ID and in my experience no clothing company is equal. I had demo BD Schoeller soft shell top and bottom my last few years in the business that has no equal in performance. Super light, great control of the micro climate body core and that is clothing system #1 function.
I believe KUIU primarily uses Toray fabrics and Sitka Gore Technologies (I went to an all expense paid seminar and it was very interesting) , the same fabrics used by multiple clothing companies. I like Malden Mills / Polartec and especially Schoeller who in my experience makes the top shelf soft shell. Can and do manufactures have specific or branded lines within fabric manufactures, absolute if they order enough fabric with good terms but just how much different is it Vs off the shelf to every one is debatable.
Usually design and construction set clothing manufactures apart but not so much the raw fabric,
I wear camo clothing and wore some of most high end clothing stitched up but not everyone needs this type of clothing, not everyone can afford it and maybe not need it, it comes from my 17 years in retail to help a customer spend their hard earned nuggets the best they can or what they need. If having the disposable income spend it but average or even at time price point can work just fine.
I am not here to argue just stating what I recommend to a question I know something about.
While I do not know directly how much companies invest into individuals for marketing, some spend an enormous amount for marketing. Its not a bad thing but other companies spend way less and may in fact stitch up equal to or better. My preferred clothing line was WT and ID and in my experience no clothing company is equal. I had demo BD Schoeller soft shell top and bottom my last few years in the business that has no equal in performance. Super light, great control of the micro climate body core and that is clothing system #1 function.
I believe KUIU primarily uses Toray fabrics and Sitka Gore Technologies (I went to an all expense paid seminar and it was very interesting) , the same fabrics used by multiple clothing companies. I like Malden Mills / Polartec and especially Schoeller who in my experience makes the top shelf soft shell. Can and do manufactures have specific or branded lines within fabric manufactures, absolute if they order enough fabric with good terms but just how much different is it Vs off the shelf to every one is debatable.
Usually design and construction set clothing manufactures apart but not so much the raw fabric,
I wear camo clothing and wore some of most high end clothing stitched up but not everyone needs this type of clothing, not everyone can afford it and maybe not need it, it comes from my 17 years in retail to help a customer spend their hard earned nuggets the best they can or what they need. If having the disposable income spend it but average or even at time price point can work just fine.
I am not here to argue just stating what I recommend to a question I know something about.
I’ve worn Sitka, Kuiu, and FL on the hunting company end and Arcteryx LEAF as well. This is my late season setup. I usually run a merino base. Haven’t experimented with Kuiu peloton as a base to give an opinion yet, but plan to this season. My mid layer is a polartec fabric, but I’ve used the poly blends as well. Arc’teryx and Sitka have some nice options in the mid layers. Kuiu has peloton as well. I rarely take a soft shell. I use down when I’m glassing or my arcteryx cold weather pant depending on temperature. My shell is just rain gear. I have the Kuiu chugach and ultra series. I’ve used Sitka in the past and they are both top tier rain gear. My buddy uses FL and hasn’t had any issues either. I haven’t found a need for a soft shell for backpack style hunting using down and a rain shell combination. I like what someone said about buy once cry once. Putting together a system that works for your area can be expensive. We spend all this money on tags, guns, optics, etc, but if you have to come back to camp early because you can’t endure the elements then you are severely limiting your opportunities in the field. I’m a believer in more time in the field=more opportunity. Poor Clothing including boots will ruin hunts and opportunities.
I am in AZ. I hunt from -10° to 110°+.
I am a fan of Kuiu. I have a lot of their gear that gets passed around between my two daughters (16 & 27), wife, and myself.
I have:
Early-Mid season pants: Tiburon and Attack
Mid-Late season pants: Attack, Pro and Guide
Outer Pants: Yukon
Jackets: Chugach, Yukon, several Guide DCS, Chinook, Teton, Kenai Ultra, and a couple Guide DCS vests
I have a couple beanies too.
For early season woods or desert, or conifer forests, I like Verde.
For aspens, late season snow, rocks, aspens, or late desert, I like Vias.
I also have several pants and a Guide DCS jacket in Major Brown and a few pants in Charcoal that work really well too.
I even wear Kuiu for outerwear at work in bad weather like snow/rain/wind/cold.
I am a fan of Kuiu. I have a lot of their gear that gets passed around between my two daughters (16 & 27), wife, and myself.
I have:
Early-Mid season pants: Tiburon and Attack
Mid-Late season pants: Attack, Pro and Guide
Outer Pants: Yukon
Jackets: Chugach, Yukon, several Guide DCS, Chinook, Teton, Kenai Ultra, and a couple Guide DCS vests
I have a couple beanies too.
For early season woods or desert, or conifer forests, I like Verde.
For aspens, late season snow, rocks, aspens, or late desert, I like Vias.
I also have several pants and a Guide DCS jacket in Major Brown and a few pants in Charcoal that work really well too.
I even wear Kuiu for outerwear at work in bad weather like snow/rain/wind/cold.
This is a start. The clothes are great that is not debatable its just the company i cant get behind. They are pretty anti predator management all together.
Wyoming’s Extreme Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunting Proposal Threatens Recovery - Patagonia
Here in Greater Yellowstone it’s been a long winter, but a few signs of spring are coming, including grizzly bears emerging from their dens. I just saw
Yvon Chouinard: Save the Yellowstone Grizzly - Patagonia
In the wake of the decision by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the grizzly, the three states around Yellowstone have announced their intentions
Anyone try the new Outdoor Research tactical stuff? Holy shit is it expensive, but I like the idea of stretchy/waterproof. That is the one weak link I have found in all Kuiu, Sitka, First Lite, stuff I have. You have to go full Gore Tex or whatever proprietary waterproof fabric they use and usually that stuff doesn't move very well. For me, the ultimate would be a pant I can do a full squat in and not blow the ass or crotch out of it and still stay dry. Jacket would be something I can draw my bow in quietly and still stay dry.
Its says it is gortex for the waterproof fabric. So it will still wet out eventually. I am sure schoeller makes a textile that would do that but i dont know any one would pay for it.
Not totally against hunting just hunting grizz Jellystone, I remember this sport of, not all of it. I know very little about the subject but I do know we sent loads of wolves to your area and they are flourishing just like here, slaughtering bou in 20, we can send more too. There are hunting and fishing groups that want to partner with him because he has a loud voice and loads of money in conservation and keeping lands open for all to use. I understand your view especially about the grizz hunt. But, personally talking by phone and email with Patagonia for years, I never once had a negative comment about hunting and they did suggest a hunting line. have a good day
A different view link from 2018:
gearjunkie.com
A different view link from 2018:
Tree Huggers & Hunters Unite: Patagonia Founder Joins BHA Rendezvous
Patagonia and BHA come from different sides of the aisle. But with a mutual goal of protecting public lands, an alliance could make a powerful statement.
gearjunkie.com
This is a start. The clothes are great that is not debatable its just the company i cant get behind. They are pretty anti predator management all together.
Wyoming’s Extreme Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunting Proposal Threatens Recovery - Patagonia
Here in Greater Yellowstone it’s been a long winter, but a few signs of spring are coming, including grizzly bears emerging from their dens. I just sawwww.patagonia.com
Yvon Chouinard: Save the Yellowstone Grizzly - Patagonia
In the wake of the decision by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delist the grizzly, the three states around Yellowstone have announced their intentionswww.patagonia.com
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Not totally against hunting just hunting grizz Jellystone, I remember this sport of, not all of it. I know very little about the subject but I do know we sent loads of wolves to your area and they are flourishing just like here, slaughtering bou in 20, we can send more too. There are hunting and fishing groups that want to partner with him because he has a loud voice and loads of money in conservation and keeping lands open for all to use. I understand your view especially about the grizz hunt. But, personally talking by phone and email with Patagonia for years, I never once had a negative comment about hunting and they did suggest a hunting line. have a good day
A different view link from 2018:
Tree Huggers & Hunters Unite: Patagonia Founder Joins BHA Rendezvous
Patagonia and BHA come from different sides of the aisle. But with a mutual goal of protecting public lands, an alliance could make a powerful statement.
Ya BHA has a lot of questionable leadership at the top we dont do politics here so i will leave it at that.
Don’t get hung up on one brand it even ‘hunting related’ brands. Lots of good gear can be found on steep and cheap and backcountry. I feel like each brand has a pice of gear they make better than another. I can’t help but laugh at guys that look like they stepped right out of a catalog.
I use a mix of Kuiu, Sitka, and Firstlite. They're honestly all very similar, just depends on the features you want. You'll want a good base layer, and insulating layer, amd good rain gear. And gloves, hat,socks, stuff like that.
Most Hunting Clothing brands are expensive when comparing with the Products and its quality. But Ridgeline Clothing offers Wide Range of Hunting Clothing and Camo Clothes for an Affordable price
