First Lite vs Sitka vs Kuiu

[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.