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Hunting & Fishing Kuiu, Kryptek, Sitka?

5RWill

5RWill

Optics Fiend
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    • Oct 15, 2009
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    Mississippi
    #1
    What does everyone wear? I know camo patterns don't really mean anything (looks to Roy Weatherby) however i like it, hell i love all three patterns from the brands listed above. I've been wearing kryptek's Cadog jacket (i think) and valhalla pants for i guess 5+ years now. With good success i mean here in MS it doesn't get too cold but being as humid as it is, it feels cold as hell. Last year i hunted on two occasions where i was freezing even with two base layers plus the Kryptek stuff. Those days were exceptionally cold for MS though. 18-22F one morning and 9-16F the other.

    So i'm thinking of moving to heavier or warmer clothing this year. Also wanna get dad something for Christmas, i really think in that regard Kuiu is going to fit the bill. That or changing my baselayer? Been wearing under armor 3.0 for sometime and do like it but am considering Merino wool.

    Just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts on the three are. I swear if i google seems it's between Kuiu and Kryptek, and Sitka is considered pricey across the lineup.
     
    #4
    I have gone to First Lite. Switching from under armor to merino wool keeps me warmer, especially when wet. In fact the only thing that gets cold on me anymore is my feet, but that will soon be remedied with warmer boots. Also I like First Lite's Fusion pattern.
     
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    #5
    For the past 4 or 5 years, I’ve been using Under Armour for base layers, and Kryptek camo over it. So far, it’s kept me plenty warm hunting here in WY and turns me into a complete ninja to where the critters never see me...?
     
    #8
    I wear sitka mainly also have first lite base layers and some kryptek cloths and some kuiu. i use my shit hard and the sitka and kryptek are the most durable. Not impressed with first lite outer wear as it fell apart rather fast and i prefer synthetics in general i get cold and clammy with any type of wool.
     
    #9
    I use a mixture of First Lite and Kuiu. I really like First Lite's heavy merino base layers, they work great in Northern MI. I haven't tried too much of their outerwear as it seems to vary in size between pieces, much more so than Kuiu. If First Lite could fix that issue, I would likely use more of their gear, but for now I tend to experiment piece by piece. Kuiu makes the best hunting pants I've ever worn in their Attack pant. They are extremely comfortable, similar to PJ bottoms, but rugged enough for all manner of country and they breathe very well. So far I've enjoyed the gear from both companies and would recommend them with confidence.
     
    #11
    5RWill said:
    What does everyone wear? I know camo patterns don't really mean anything (looks to Roy Weatherby) however i like it, hell i love all three patterns from the brands listed above. I've been wearing kryptek's Cadog jacket (i think) and valhalla pants for i guess 5+ years now. With good success i mean here in MS it doesn't get too cold but being as humid as it is, it feels cold as hell. Last year i hunted on two occasions where i was freezing even with two base layers plus the Kryptek stuff. Those days were exceptionally cold for MS though. 18-22F one morning and 9-16F the other.

    So i'm thinking of moving to heavier or warmer clothing this year. Also wanna get dad something for Christmas, i really think in that regard Kuiu is going to fit the bill. That or changing my baselayer? Been wearing under armor 3.0 for sometime and do like it but am considering Merino wool.

    Just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts on the three are. I swear if i google seems it's between Kuiu and Kryptek, and Sitka is considered pricey across the lineup.
    Click to expand...
    Kuiu is the highest quality and best bang for your buck. Peloton baselayer.
     
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    #12
    So talked to a buddy of mine and he recommended the Kifaru lost parka especially for the money. That would work perfect as i can get it in highlander as well. He wasn't dogging Kuiu or anything but he considered it more for mountain hunting or hunting and moving. Not just sitting there like we would here in MS. He actually though the Sitka incinerator or Fanatic was warm as hell. I still love the idea of Kuiu though down pants and jacket that's water resistant and light, what's not to love? He mentioned it would be warm i think he just considers most of the advertised systems as layered systems for moving which isn't false.

    I'm thinking the Kifaru parka and some merino wool baselayers would pretty much have me set. Mainly the baselayers seeing as the Merino wool seems to be an upgrade to the synthetics.

    How durable is the Kuiu stuff?
     
    #14
    Started out with Sitka but shifting towards Kuiu - Guide DCS jacket, Attack pants, some Peloton base layers. Seems to be best bang for the buck I’ve encountered but haven’t tried First Lite yet.

    Still, my Sitka Traverse insulated zip hoody (with the face mask thingy) in Open Country camo may be the most versatile piece of hunting clothing I have. Wear it ETX night hog hunts, WTX Muley hunts and under an Arteryx shell when snowboarding.
     
    #15
    I can’t speak to the others but can tell you the Kryptek stuff is just ok. It’s great in regards to being waterproof/wind proof and keeps you pretty warm for stand hunting. My main gripe is that they could have done a better job laying out pockets, etc. I’ve got gear from Rivers West that is very well laid out with magnetic closures on the pockets etc that are really nice touches when you are trying to get to calls, rangefinders, etc very quietly.
     
    #16
    All you need is kuiu. Super down pro. peloton and merino baselayers are great. If it’s real rainy, throw a chugach or yukon rain jacket over the super down pro.

    45 degrees or less
    I wear peloton briefs,
    Merino 145 bottoms
    Merino Crew
    Merino 210 zip t over that if it’s really cold
    Peloton 240 full zip hoodie (really really a great piece)
    Axis pants (more than 45 degrees I’ll wear true attack pants. They are excellent)
    Kenai beanie

    Kenai ultra hooded jacket - I wear this when I’m active or when it’s borderline cold and I don’t want to get overheated in the blind. Texas weather is very inclement, so it may be 30 in the morning and 70 at lunch. The Kenai helps with regulating your temp and not getting overheated because it breathes so well. It’s the big brother to the snap shirt which is my favorite piece.

    Superdown pro if it’s just gonna be flat cold and you’re sitting. Warmest piece kuiu makes.

    Peloton baselayers are awesome as well!

    You can’t get better gear than with kuiu. I liked some of the first lite stuff, but overall, still inferior to kuiu.
     
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    #18
    HaroldCoulter said:
    All you need is kuiu. Super down pro. peloton and merino baselayers are great. If it’s real rainy, throw a chugach or yukon rain jacket over the super down pro.

    45 degrees or less
    I wear peloton briefs,
    Merino 145 bottoms
    Merino Crew
    Merino 210 zip t over that if it’s really cold
    Peloton 240 full zip hoodie (really really a great piece)
    Axis pants (more than 45 degrees I’ll wear true attack pants. They are excellent)
    Kenai beanie

    Kenai ultra hooded jacket - I wear this when I’m active or when it’s borderline cold and I don’t want to get overheated in the blind. Texas weather is very inclement, so it may be 30 in the morning and 70 at lunch. The Kenai helps with regulating your temp and not getting overheated because it breathes so well. It’s the big brother to the snap shirt which is my favorite piece.

    Superdown pro if it’s just gonna be flat cold and you’re sitting. Warmest piece kuiu makes.

    Peloton baselayers are awesome as well!

    You can’t get better gear than with kuiu. I liked some of the first lite stuff, but overall, still inferior to kuiu.
    Click to expand...

    So Kuiu with the proper base will get the job done sitting still in 22F?
     
    #19
    You don’t need to pay big bucks for camo baselayers - shop around. But this isn’t the best time to be buying layers. Load up in April-August. Technical backcountry skiing brands all have similar products, look around. Although it is nice to support a hunting focused company.
     
    #21
    I wore my new KUIU merino base layers for the first time this week.
    IceBreaker feels better against the skin.
    Havent worn the Firstlite but my buddy loves them. They seem to have a softer hand than the KUIU.

    For mid layers and outerwear, blown away with the KUIU.
    I have a couple other nice down jackets so couldnt justify the super down, though I would look at it seriously if I needed one.
    I dont sit much (except this AM and was cold) so active hunting gear is it for me.
     
    #23
    HaroldCoulter said:
    It’s the big brother to the snap shirt which is my favorite piece.
    Click to expand...

    That’s the next item on my list ....going solid not camo though. I’ve noticed that Kuiu has started offering many of these items in solid colors - works well for me as often I”ll go from mornings small town office to afternoon ranch work/shooting to evening hunts or out to eat. Nice to do all that not camo’d up.
     
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    #24
    5RWill said:
    So Kuiu with the proper base will get the job done sitting still in 22F?
    Click to expand...
    Yes it will get it done.

    I have sat in 20 degree weather from 0530 to 1030 with loadout I listed above, without the superdown pro (I had the Kenai ultra hooded on) and some hand warmers and I was ok. Not toasty by any means, but fine. So if you get the super down, you’ll be g2g for 20s.
     
    Last edited:
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    #25
    I stand hunt in Illinois well down below 0 with my kuiu stuff. Kenai puffy, Guide jacket, Pelaton 240 and first lite base layer. Attack pants, cheap sweat pants and first lite base on the bottoms. I really want to try the Guide pants but haven't forked out the $ yet. And the glove system, when it's real cold the merino gloves and the North Star gloves are the shit! If it's above freezing just the pelaton gloves.
     
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    #28
    Im a member on Expert Voice. I got about $700 worth of shit for $400 shipped. They actually had everything in stock that i needed. Stock levels are typically the issue on Expert Voice.
     
    #30
    1jb2ks.jpg
     
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    #32
    black ovis look on camo fire and you can get great deals and the black ovis guys are top notch. My brother waited to long this year to order some base layers and they were going to be a day late he called they made sure they showed up on time and would not charge him more.
     
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    #33
    5RWill said:
    What's another good merino baselayer to look at? Kryptek and first lite are sold out everywhere apparently
    Click to expand...

    Icebreakers are good. Duckworth is really good stuff...but you certainly pay for it. I actually find that some of the synthetics are warmer, but they tend to smell like hot garbage after a few hikes. Merino is king when it comes to scent mitigation.
     
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    #35
    I think body chemistry plays into it alot i can wear the sitka with polygene for a week in the back country and it does not smell. I have a buddy who smells like rotten shit in a few hours
     
    #37
    5r
    I like Icebreaker. Have several of their shirts, both for hunting and just messing around in the mountains.
    Got a set of KUIU for the zip off bottoms for days with major temp swings and matching 145 top for when its warm for bow hunting.
    Its not as soft of hand against the skin as Icebreaker so far after 2 washings.
     
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    #38
    Do i need heavier than 200+? First Lite furnace is what i've been searching for but Kiui, first lite, and kryptek are sold out. Looked at icebreaker also probably will be the only one i can find before christmas.
     
    #39
    I’ve been very happy with Smartwool’s 250 baselayers. REI do a house brand as well for a bit less $$$ and it’s often on sale

    For stand or blind sitting below 30f, I generally wear the 250 under a musto knitted wool sweater and a Patagonia 800 fill down jacket. A hard shell goes over top of this to block weather and help with concealment. The down jacket is great for temperature regulation and packs down very small if temps increase during the day. If I find I’m still not warm enough with that then a merino wool turtleneck or old synthetic layer goes in between the smart wool and sweater.

    Point is, you’ve probably got shit laying around from skiing, hiking, whatever, that would serve you just as well for static hunting.

    Keep your feet warm too. Cold toes will make you feel a lot worse than a cold core.
     
    #41
    I bought some new stuff called Onca last year. Their stretch pants are damn near indestructible and somewhat water resistant. I fear no briers, blackberry's or blow-downs!

    https://www.oncagear.com/

    I bought their rain gear also but it didn't rain enough to give it a fair shake. Nothing has kept me dry in the Pacific Northwest.......

    From my understanding the rain gear is not the standard DWR coated stuff (DWR will fail eventually) The material is not breathable but it has a mesh layer that pulls the sweat away from your skin and drains the condensation out the bottom of the garment. I wore the DP jacket all season no issues.....
     
    Last edited:
    #42
    5RWill said:
    Do i need heavier than 200+? First Lite furnace is what i've been searching for but Kiui, first lite, and kryptek are sold out. Looked at icebreaker also probably will be the only one i can find before christmas.
    Click to expand...
    Depending on where you live, you may have an outdoor store close to you that may carry first lite. If so, they might have the base layers in stock. I use the EXP weight in Northern MI and wouldn't want anything lighter when the temps drop.
     
    #45
    NorthernGentleman said:
    Depending on where you live, you may have an outdoor store close to you that may carry first lite. If so, they might have the base layers in stock. I use the EXP weight in Northern MI and wouldn't want anything lighter when the temps drop.
    Click to expand...

    Kryptek Hopelite 2.0 came back in stock on amazon so i snagged a heavyweight top. $110 or so 370gm of merino. Should do the job. The Kifaru came in today it's extremely light and warm. Ironic thing is that it's basically spring time here in the delta right now..
     
    #48
    It really depends on your how active you're going to be hunting. I own just about every piece of First Lite gear they make except their rain gear. Outside of their sanctuary line, they don't offer much that blocks the wind. If you're looking for wind blocking outer layers KUIU and especially Sitka offers better alternatives, although I dislike their camo patterns. First Lite is going to come out with an expanded line for whitetail tree stand hunters next year according to Paul in customer service. I only hunt whitetail deer here in Ohio and when it gets cold I wear my sanctuary bibs and jacket with a lite base layer.
     
    #49
    I will plug First Lite too. I have no affiliation with them. I'm a big believer in merino. I hunt in MS as well and it's been all I needed (although it wasn't a really cold season).

    In particular, I love the Uncompahgre jacket. It's synthetic down. I own one in Cipher which is ideal for duck hunting in fields and one in black that i just knock around in. Weight to warmth is incredible and the cut is the best I've come across. You can actually use the hood.

    I would not go chasing swamp bunnies or hogs in briars in it since the material does not seem like it quite that durable. That terrain is carhartt country. But I stood in some buck brush two saturdays ago in 20+mph wind with a wind chill in the teens and was fine with the Uncompahgre, a merino base and the filson liner vest (and waders, of course).

    The Tundra balaclava, the merino fingerless gloves and the obsidian pants are outstanding as well.

    The First Lite tag soup sale starts at 10am MST today!
     
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