First Lite vs Sitka vs Kuiu

[ffbowhunter]

I am looking for options on early season elk tops and bottoms. Currently I have a pair of attack pants that I have used for two seasons. Unfourtanely I tore a hole in them this season which, the tore into the seam. I am in the market for a new pair of pants and possibly an upper piece.

As far as pants goes I was happy with my attacks other than I seemed to sweat more early season. I am looking at getting either another pair of attacks or switching to first lite obsidian or Sitka ascents. I would love to hear some reviews.

As far as the upper I am happy with my peloton 240 for cool mornings and running a merino base by kuiu. But I’ve also considered trying out the first lite sawtooth hybrid jacket and the Sitka core hoody.

Like I said I tend to run hot and sweat. I also am lucky in that I get a substantial discount on all these brands making the price fairly comparable, the only down side is no returns. Let the debate begin! The only worse question I could have asked is what caliber I should be shooting!

[spoonman]

I have the kuiu alpine and absolutely hate the knee pads! If the sun is out at all the knee pads heat up really really bad and it is very uncomfortable on the knees! I switched to SKRE gear  early season pants and I'll never use anything else. I get hot very easy ant these pants help me tremendously with that and they are also very durable.  I use them every day for bear hunting in August and September and have hundreds of miles on them and they are still in great shape!

Also if you have to return anything to SKRE they will pay the s&h even if you order the wrong size. Killer customer service and priced better than their competition.

[Wetwoodshunter]

I have not used the obsideon pant. But the first lite corrugate pants fit the description of what your looking for. I have put 2 years and probably 5 weeks of hunting as well as wear them when I hike and they have no holes.

I like that they are windproof, and lightweight. I would be scared about the durability of a wool pant with my hunting/falling/crashing through brush style.

I'll be getting a second pair in a solid color this year.

[Crunchy]

I switched from primarily all Cabelas line stuff to KUIU last year.  Was spendy but worth it.  I love the attack pants bought 3 pair to rotate wear. 

[Sneaky]

there is no more purpose driven, well thought out clothing for hunting on the market than sitka gear IMO. comfortable, lightweight, and best camo on the market.

[ffbowhunter]

there is no more purpose driven, well thought out clothing for hunting on the market than sitka gear IMO. comfortable, lightweight, and best camo on the market.

I do like there subalpine pattern

[cougforester]

I branched out from sitka last year and bought the First Lite Obsidians. Terrible choice. When I talked to customer service they were unhelpful and rather snarky. I will never purchase any First Lite products again. I'm buying a Sitka Stormfront jacket and Mountain pants this year and won't buy hunting clothes from any other brand.

[Sneaky]

there is no more purpose driven, well thought out clothing for hunting on the market than sitka gear IMO. comfortable, lightweight, and best camo on the market.

I do like there subalpine pattern

I do own some subalpine and a EVII system for treestand, but most of what I wear is waterfowl marsh pattern. It tricks your eyes bigtime even in the woods/sage. I have heard that contractors fighting overseas are even using the marsh pattern to hide in the desert...I have noticed when duck hunting that I do not have to hide as well when wearing the camo...

As to firstlite, I do have some 100% merino underwear that is good stuff, but I think there are cheaper options of better quality in the merino world.

[JoeE]

I have both KUIU, first lite and a little bit of Sitka and prefer KUIU. If the attack pants were too warm for you then try the KUIU tiburon. Those are my favorite hot weather pants.

[M_ray]

I have mostly Sitka and some Kuiu ... dont know a thing about First Light. It all seems to be good stuff these days, SKRE  looks interesting to me and Id like to see it in person.

[spoonman]

I have mostly Sitka and some Kuiu ... dont know a thing about First Light. It all seems to be good stuff these days, SKRE  looks interesting to me and Id like to see it in person.

They will be at the Sportsman show. Great hunting gear IMO.

[hughjorgan]

I haven't tried kuiu or sitka but have been running first lite for a while now. For early season pant I would recommend the corrugate guide pants and an aerowool top. The pants are extremely comfortable and breathe well. The aerowool seems to dry quicker than conventional merino but still has the anti microbial qualities that merino wool is known for.

[Milkman]

Huge Sitka fan here. Worth the extra $. First lite just did come out with their new PNW specific line (mostly rain gear) looks great. All 3 of your choices are top notch. Tough decision for sure. Keep us posted with a review. 

[Antlershed]

I really like Sitka, the sizing just doesn’t work for me. I’ve been using Kuiu for a couple years now and don’t have any complaints. Only minor issue is the pants with knee pads, are more like shin pads because I’m so short. 

[ffbowhunter]

I really like Sitka, the sizing just doesn’t work for me. I’ve been using Kuiu for a couple years now and don’t have any complaints. Only minor issue is the pants with knee pads, are more like shin pads because I’m so short. 

I believe they are meant to be like that so when you kneel down the knee pad doesn’t ride up. I have a pair of core4element pants like that.

[M_ray]

I really like Sitka, the sizing just doesn’t work for me. I’ve been using Kuiu for a couple years now and don’t have any complaints. Only minor issue is the pants with knee pads, are more like shin pads because I’m so short. 

I believe they are meant to be like that so when you kneel down the knee pad doesn’t ride up. I have a pair of core4element pants like that.

One thing I like about Sitka is the knee pads are removable, some may like the knee pads but I take them out.

[Magnum_Willys]

Sitka knee pads are thick pads, Kuiu are just a waterproof cover.  Both good depends what you are looking for. 

Kuiu rain gear can't be beat for combination breathability / durability.

Don't like any of the shell - northface type - gear.  Not that warm, doesn't breathe enough for me.  Guide jacket etc.

Like Kuiu Attack and Chinook.   Not Guide type.   

[lewy]

Try the kuiu tiburon pants, ultra light and cool

[thinkingman]

Buy what fits.
There are so many Camo fanboys that will swear their choice is the only one you should consider.
I’m 5’8” with a 35” waist, 44” chest. Kuiu doesnt want me as a customer except for their packs.
First Lite Corrugated pants in Med fit me perfectly, are cool in early season and dry quickly. Their merino fits me in medium and I like it but doubt I’d buy it again for durability reasons.
My partners think my Fusion pattern works pretty well in Eastern Washington.
I’d buy Fusion or Cipher.

[Wolfdog2314]

Kuiu Tiburon is awesome in the hot weather. I’d only use these if you’re hunting consistently hot temps.

I wear the alpines from September thru October. Probably my most frequently worn pants. I really like the knee pads during archery season. They’re lighter weight than the attacks, and heavier than the Tiburon. Shouldn’t get too hot in these. Nice vents in the side also.

[fishngamereaper]

No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.

[jackelope]

I am tall. 36” inseam. I wear Sitka pants because they come in tall sizes. Ascent pants are probably something you should look at if you’re considering Sitka for bottoms. You really have to try them on. It seems like the fit is a little different with all of them.

[swanny]

No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.

Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.

[jrebel]

I love my sitka gear.  Only kuiu I own is their pack system and love it.  Don't see myself going away from sitka for quite some some.  The acsent pant would work well for sept bow hunting. 

[blackveltbowhunter]

Fit is the biggie. And the only way to know is to try them on. Obviously you have used kuiu so thats really the toughest, sitka is easy to get hands on and firstlite  is in between. 

As far as my experience goes. I have tried to like kuiu, but i cant. Materials and fit and finish are awesome. And i have several friends that all love it. I will say I hear alot about its "athletic" fit, but i would advise anyone in the market to try it regardless of shape. Its more about wear you carry the weight rather than being a specimen. 

First lite is great materials are good and from hunting brands they have the best merino hands down IMO. , but as far as sizing goes inconsistent is the first word that pops to my mind. I certainly hope they have ironed it out as they cut out retailers and product availability going to direct consumer model.

That leaves Sitka. What can I say.... you get what you pay for. Consistent sizing, great materials and finish. Excellent availability for sizing,  good customer service. Unless one of the other brands just blows them away sizing wise ( it does happen) there is really no cons.

From your description I think the ascent series would work great. They are specialized tho, so dont expect it to cover the spectrum of weather and temps from late august to december. But for early season elk, they worked very well for me.

[trophyhunt]

I don’t think you can go wrong with either kuiu, firstlite or Sitka.  It’s all just personal choice, I’ve been let down with Sitka rain gear so I won’t buy again, my Yukon kuiu gear is great. If you want to throw another brand in the mix, look at krptec gear, that stuff seems really nice. I personally love all my kuiu gear!

[deerhunter_98520]

I run kuiu exclusive. Never have went with sika or first lite. I'm running the Teton stretch woven pants for early season and absolutly love them...they stay cool and dry extremely fast and are the most comfortable pants I've worn.

[olsy]

No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.

Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.

I just got my first pair of Prana Zion's this week and I am extremely impressed.  A pant that I can wear for early season hunting and also wear as an every day pant.

I bought a pair of First Lite Obsidian pants last fall and they tore the first day of the hunt. 

[jackelope]

Wish they made a 36" inseam pant.

[cougforester]

No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.

Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.

I just got my first pair of Prana Zion's this week and I am extremely impressed.  A pant that I can wear for early season hunting and also wear as an every day pant.

I bought a pair of First Lite Obsidian pants last fall and they tore the first day of the hunt.

This is what happened to me as well. Had some Sitka gear now for a few years and it looks brand new.

[davk]

Idk how the FL Obsidian pants are but I really dont like wearing the kanabs above 60 if Im doing any amount of walking.  Had some issues with the stitching on the Corrugates.  Sent them back mid September.  Finally getting a new pair sent ... after multiple emails with no response.  I wouldnt say Ive had any real bad experience with their CS, but there is definitely is room for improvement. Id probably feel a little different if I needed them back for a hunt.  Also had many other issues with quality.  I had to send back quite a few pieces to be replaced including their $400 SEAK jacket that leaked fresh out of the package.  Have experience and heard of stitching issues as well.  Seem to have a lot of single stitches that fail rather quickly.  Sizing with them does seem very inconsistent, but I think from ATA there was a video saying they are fixing it so you should be 1 size through the line.  If I didnt get steal on all my FL id probably be a little more pissed about the issues Ive had with them.  I really like their merino, but would probably be looking elsewhere for outer layers.

Ive used the Prana Zions a bit and I wouldnt say durability has been real great for me.  Just a tiny bit of brush busting and mainly still hunting and Ive gotten holes in the knees.  But they are incredibly comfortable, decently quiet, cooler than any FL option, lot of color options and relatively cheap compared to hunting specific pants.

[walleye1]

Sitka and kuiu are about the same I like thwm both.only bad thing about kuiu is getting the right fit since you cant just go try them on at the local stores.seem to run pretty small for me.Now to calliber 7mm

[SGTDuffman]

I’ve only used Sitka briefly and Kuiu since they came out and were made in BC. So I guess I’m biased, but I like the Kuiu. If the attack pants are a little warm early the Tiburons breath better. It’s like ripstop nylon but at the intersections of the little squares there are tiny holes. I wear the lightweight long sleeve wool tops, 165 or something like that. I’m not even sure they make the ones I wear anymore, it’s about time for a new one though. Mines pilling up pretty good where the pack goes, but I got my moneys worth out of them.

[X-Force]

Having used Sitka, Asat, Kuiu, first lite I would rate durability Sitka above the rest. Price I would put Kuiu above the rest. Camo pattern I would put First Lite above the rest.

There is no way as an advocate for public land, wildlife and wild spaces that I would spend another dime one a brand with Jason Hairston name on it. Great clothing, cool products, total self interest.

Sitka and First Lite are inevested in the future of wildlife and public land and so that’s where I’ll spend my money. They also make some pretty awesome clothing.

[JeffRaines]

While I've had okay luck with Kuiu and First Lite, I can't see myself spending any more on either brand.

First Lites durability is questionable, with droves of people having issues with their pants and more. I haven't personally had issues with their tops, but have seen people who have. They're also moving to the 'Kuiu' system where they're the sole distributor... in theory it should save us money, doubt that'll actually happen in the end.

Kuiu, well I don't want to fund Jasons hunts any longer. One common issue between Kuiu and First Lite is the fabric choice in their waterproof/breathable stuff. While none of the stuff is perfect, Sitka uses actual gore tex vs off-brand crap from the other brands. While I'm sure it works well, when it doesn't who you gonna call? The guys at Toray? Think they're going to warranty your stuff? Good luck.

I do think the need for camo is way overblown... yes for archery/muzzy/turkey I can see why it is needed(and use it personally), but for rifle hunting... not so much.

[opdinkslayer]

While I've had okay luck with Kuiu and First Lite, I can't see myself spending any more on either brand.

First Lites durability is questionable, with droves of people having issues with their pants and more. I haven't personally had issues with their tops, but have seen people who have. They're also moving to the 'Kuiu' system where they're the sole distributor... in theory it should save us money, doubt that'll actually happen in the end.

Kuiu, well I don't want to fund Jasons hunts any longer. One common issue between Kuiu and First Lite is the fabric choice in their waterproof/breathable stuff. While none of the stuff is perfect, Sitka uses actual gore tex vs off-brand crap from the other brands. While I'm sure it works well, when it doesn't who you gonna call? The guys at Toray? Think they're going to warranty your stuff? Good luck.

I do think the need for camo is way overblown... yes for archery/muzzy/turkey I can see why it is needed(and use it personally), but for rifle hunting... not so much.

Sitka is owned by W.L. Gore so that only makes sense they use their own waterproof product in the clothing. Personally I've been plenty wet in many products using goretex over the years so I guess it's a personal preference thing when it comes to high end hunting gear. Supporting a global corporation and claiming they are looking out for the average hunters best interest is your guys right but I don't believe it for a second. It's just about the money and if they could pedal the same ol stuff year after year in as many box stores and retailers as possible, they would. Like Jason Hairston or not , we can all thank him and the fact he didn't quit when he got screwed over with Sitka, for the evolution and product development of high end hunting gear the past 10 years. That has pushed many different companies in many different product lines to push R&D for the best products possible to keep up with his lead.

I only own a few pieces of Kuiu and a few pieces of First Lite with some being great and some being just ok for what it cost. I personally will never own a piece of Sitka stuff that will always be at the very top in price point just to pay board members & stock holders not because it's the best money can buy.

[ffbowhunter]

I ended up getting a couple pairs of Prana Zion’s, no joke they are the most comfortable pant I have every worn. I plan on using these exclusively, not to mention the price tag!

[Karl Blanchard]

Comparing wool clothing to synthetics is like comparing apples to broccoli.

[davk]

I do think the need for camo is way overblown... yes for archery/muzzy/turkey I can see why it is needed(and use it personally), but for rifle hunting... not so much.

I personally see a need for camo gaiters, pants, jacket, face paint and a giant billboard backed with a glaring white back hat so you know what company is the shiz.

[Matth]

I personally have all three, and would choose them in this order for comfort, and durability. Kuiu, sitka, first lite. cost does not play into this.

[T-Dozzer]

No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.

Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.

I like the prana zion stretch better than my high end stuff.