KUIU Test run

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I've been wearing my Guide Jacket for over a month now, and I haven't been able to get a pouring rain yet to test it in, but I got a pretty good drizzle yesterday taking it on a hike, and I stayed dry doing Mt. Peak.  But I wasn't that surprised about this, since I'd worn it a few times before.  And at the end of the day it's a really nice jacket, but I'll have to put it through some more serious tests next fall concerning warmth, etc. 

But.

I had gotten my attack pants in the mail a week ago, and while I've been told they are similar in feel to the Sitka Ascent pants (haven't worn them, can't compare), these pants were the most comfortable pants I've ever worn.  In any facility.  It's difficult to explain their material that they use.  They call it 4 way stretch or something, which might lead you to believe it's elastic-like.

Not the case.

The best way I can describe it is that it moves with you.  You don't feel restrictions on seam points when you rotate into different positions, etc.  Anyways, I'm a big fan, figured I'd pass the word.  Nothing else to do this offseason except buy new gear and test it out...

[jjhunter]

My question for you KUIU guys is:  What do you wear for warmer weather.  I have been told that the 185 and 230 t's are not to be worn as outer wear?  Seems like a flawed system to me...can't wear your jacket all the time?

I ordered and received the hooded super down jacket and will be sending it back.  The shell would be ripped on the first day of a CO mule deer hunt, creating an instant blizzard on my $250 jacket.   It already is "leaking" down, much like a down pillow would.   

The other annoying thing about KUIU is that they NEVER have inventory.  After a few years in business, they should have this figured out by now.   If I need replacement pieces, I need them now.   

 

[jackelope]

 

The other annoying thing about KUIU is that they NEVER have inventory.  After a few years in business, they should have this figured out by now.   If I need replacement pieces, I need them now.   

 

That's been the deal breaker for me. Ive finally decided to buy some, go to purchase and its not available. Not interested in waiting months for a jacket or a pair of pants. I went the other way and bought the Sitka stuff.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

I actually haven't had a problem getting any gear. Its my understanding they have pretty much fixed their back order issue. But I also order my camo in Verde. Not sure if vios is having a problem.

As far as warmer weather, I plan on wearing my 185 with attack pants. I have no idea why you couldn't wear that? My layering system is 185-230 zip-guide jacket, and I plan on adding the down and rain gear when funds cone available.

Don't  know about the down yet. Its meant as an insulation piece in my mind, out an outer layer while glassing. So far everything I've ordered has impressed me, but the real test comes this fall!

[fillthefreezer]

the way i wear stuff is 185 all the time, if im moving thats usually it. if its cold out ill put on the 230. if i stop moving and its warmer out ill throw on the 230. if i stop moving and its cold i throw on spindrift.
if im near the truck ill use my guide jacket but it doesnt come on backcountry trips.

[brocka]

I think the people that have doubts on KUIU should read some the blog Jason (owner) writes on their website. He explains EVERYTHING. KUIU is a truly ground breaking company for the hunting industry. http://blog.kuiu.com/

As for the superdown, Its not meant to be worn as a outer layer. Its an insulating layer. KUIU is built around a layering system which should be understood before you buy it and make a decide you don't like the company. Also mine "leaked" some down for the first 2 times I wore it. It was a tiny amount and i am guessing it was the little bit of leftover from production. It now does not "leak" any and doesn't seam to have lost any insulation value. This is now the best coat I have ever hunted with. I am debating If I want to buy a 2nd for an everyday coat.

Also, with a recent change in their manufacturing they now have a MUCH better stock.

Just my opinion on this great company. Your already seeing a few of the bigger name companies following suit on the superdown idea. I think given a chance and done properly you will love the KUIU lineup.

[halflife65]

Kuiu moved their manufacturing to China to fix the backorder issue.  If stuff isn't readily available now it probably will be in the future.  I'm guessing that the owner will build the company up and sell it off again, like Sitka.  A good businessman, I guess.

Anyway, the Attack pants are REALLY good.  I spent 30+ days in the woods last year wearing them, including weekend hunts and a few longer ones where I wore them for days at a time) and, while I sort of wore the face off of them and they are pilling a bit, they are still super functional and very comfortable.  Definitely my favorite pants.

For shirts, I have similar weights of First Lite merino shirts that I wear.  I wear the 185 as a base layer and the 230 as a layer over it if I need it.  I then use the Kuiu Spindrift and generally carry rain gear for both rain and wind and as the final outer layer for longer trips - this is for weather ranging from mid-20s to 60s.  (On longer trips I also carry merino long john bottoms, stocking hat and gloves for cold weather.)  I also have the Guide jacket, which I like, but only use it for short trips and/or day trips.  I haven't been taking a soft shell on long trips because I don't want to carry it.

I also have Sitka 90% jacket and, for me, the Guide jacket is better (which isn't to say that the 90% isn't good - it is).  But the Guide is more waterproof, I think a little lighter in weight, and I like the hood - although that's just a preference.

[brocka]

I'm guessing that the owner will build the company up and sell it off again, like Sitka.  A good businessman, I guess.

Doubt that,

He explains in one of his earlier blogs. He was one of several partners in the company Sitka. The vision of Sitka wasnt going the way he wanted (Them selling out to Gor-Tex) so he started KUIU.

Also if you read his blog about the reason for his move to China, it will change your view on them being "just more China crap". While most hunting companies are just that, KUIU isn't.

This is from what I understand. To each their own I guess. There is a reason they are successful company in such short order.

[halflife65]

Definitely not saying that the Kuiu stuff is crap and, while I would prefer it to be made in the US (or N.A., at least) it doesn't mean that I won't still buy it.  Hands down, it's my favorite gear.

Maybe I shouldn't have made that first observation - I don't have a problem with capitalism.  If they guy wants to sell it then he should sell it.  Or not.  Keep it.  Just keep making good gear. 

If it was my company and someone with the right price came along, I would probably sell it and retire when I was 40.  Then I would buy a bunch of the gear and go hunting.

Anyway, this is probably straying from the original topic - Kuiu gear is good and, in my opinion, slightly better than Sitka (although, as I mentioned above, Sitka is still good and I still wear the 90% pants and mountain pants quite a bit.)

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Here is an article that explains it a little, but Jason was one of many partners, and he hated the deal so he left to start kuiu the way he wanted it done. Not defending anything, its just interesting.

 http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/Huntings-Big-Comeback.html?page=1

I'm guessing that the owner will build the company up and sell it off again, like Sitka.  A good businessman, I guess.

Doubt that,

He explains in one of his earlier blogs. He was one of several partners in the company Sitka. The vision of Sitka wasnt going the way he wanted (Them selling out to Gor-Tex) so he started KUIU.

Also if you read his blog about the reason for his move to China, it will change your view on them being "just more China crap". While most hunting companies are just that, KUIU isn't.

This is from what I understand. To each their own I guess. There is a reason they are successful company in such short order.

[jackelope]

When i was ready financially to buy some gear it was a year or so ago. I couldn't get what I wanted. I'm not the guy that goes out and buys new gear every year. When it comes time to replace my stuff I'll look again...

[brocka]

Definitely not saying that the Kuiu stuff is crap and, while I would prefer it to be made in the US (or N.A., at least) it doesn't mean that I won't still buy it.  Hands down, it's my favorite gear.

Maybe I shouldn't have made that first observation - I don't have a problem with capitalism.  If they guy wants to sell it then he should sell it.  Or not.  Keep it.  Just keep making good gear. 

If it was my company and someone with the right price came along, I would probably sell it and retire when I was 40.  Then I would buy a bunch of the gear and go hunting.

Anyway, this is probably straying from the original topic - Kuiu gear is good and, in my opinion, slightly better than Sitka (although, as I mentioned above, Sitka is still good and I still wear the 90% pants and mountain pants quite a bit.)

I pick up what your layin' down! Bottom line: Great stuff!

[jjhunter]

I'll let them get their manufacturing process and inventory management squared away - develop the line a little more before I give them a try.  I don't want a few pieces, I want an entire line-up that is MORE functional than my current Sitka set-up.  They are not there, yet.

The only piece that I really long for in my Sitka set-up is a hooded, lightweight jacket.  I hear that Sitka will drop a light-Jetstream this year and I am looking forward to that.   

I do love the Vais pattern and am anxious to see how the line developes.

[brocka]

Here is an article that explains it a little, but Jason was one of many partners, and he hated the deal so he left to start kuiu the way he wanted it done. Not defending anything, its just interesting.

 http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/Huntings-Big-Comeback.html?page=1

Great article!

[MuleySniper]

I love mine. I heard one of the reasons inventory was so low was the tsunami in Japan where they were getting their fabric. But that's been two years so  . I'm not some super loyal follower to any particular clothing brand so I could care less if I can't find a replacement jacket in two years. I'd just try another manufacturer. So many guys get stuck on a certain brand they never have any personal experience comparing and go off of website opinions. Its the same old Ford Chevy Dodge topic half the time with guys.  I've had Browning, Sitka and others over the years. Right now I'm liking KUIU.
MS