Eastmans article - comparison of hunting clothing lines

[Sumpnneedskillin]

They review/compare the following clothing manufacturers: First Lite / Kryptek / Sitka / Kuiu / Russell

http://www.eastmans.com/exclusives/the-6-critical-layers.html

[huntnnw]

good write up

[RadSav]

Good read.  Only thing that I very from  is that I am unable to wear wool against my skin.  I love wool, but I will have blisters everywhere by the end of a long day.  So I have to use a long sleeve Core Tee before I can put the wool to use.  I also swing toward the vest option when insulating rather than the jacket.  But that is just my slight difference in preference.

Best part of the article for me is the Company paragraphs at the bottom.  Especially the mention of how each vendors clothing fits.  That's absolutely spot on from what I have experienced.

Thank you for bringing that to our attention Sumpn..

[fillthefreezer]

kinda seems like they shorted first lite a few things, they did not include the chama or chama exp or any of their pants in the test?

[huntnnw]

I am in the same boat too with wool against the skin..iy drives me nuts

[Johnb317]

I have some kuiu gear, nice stuff.   For merino wool base layers checkout Smartwool and Icebreaker.   
Course I still wear army surplus pants.   At $25 a bargain

[Sumpnneedskillin]

I like wool and I like the new clothing lines.  I love smart wool long johns.

I've used Sitka and have started looking at Kryptek.  But I have a hard time finding any in "adult" sizes.  Here's a perfect example:
              Kryptek 2XL     Sitka 2XL      First Lite 2XL    Kuiu 2XL                     Sitka 3XL
chest     49-51               50-53            49-52              50                              54-57
neck      17.5-18             --                  --                    --                                 --
sleeve   37                    36                  --                    37                             36.5             
waist    40-42                42-45            41-44             43                             46-49
inseam 33.5                  32                  34-35             32.3                          32

I normally wear "tall" shirts.  I've tried Sitka in both a 2X and 3X with hopes of the tail being long enough.  Forget it.  I emailed Sitka when they first came out and I got the standard "Thanks for contacting us...yada yada"

Looking at the Kuiu forums it sounds like they are discussing coming out with "tall" sizes.

[7mag.]

Seems like a very honest and unbiased revue. Even though Russel is a sponsor, they rated it the lowest.

[saylean]

I read that review in the sheep edition....seemed like a good review. I was just complaining to my brother last night on this, however. They added up the price for these clothes (1 set) and they all were over a grand.
Think I will stick with my wool sweaters from years ago, patch work clothes that may not be the latest trend in camo, but get the job done...maybe invest in a pair of pants or a jacket, but man, prices seem too steep for my blood.
Anyone else out there feel that way or am I just cheap?!

[JPhelps]

I used the Kryptek gear this year and loved it.  The only thing I would comment on is the athletic cut on the pants.

[7mag.]

I read that review in the sheep edition....seemed like a good review. I was just complaining to my brother last night on this, however. They added up the price for these clothes (1 set) and they all were over a grand.
Think I will stick with my wool sweaters from years ago, patch work clothes that may not be the latest trend in camo, but get the job done...maybe invest in a pair of pants or a jacket, but man, prices seem too steep for my blood.
Anyone else out there feel that way or am I just cheap?!

I completely agree. No way can I afford to buy all the latest gear at reasonable prices, let alone what this stuff is going for. I'll stick to my wool, and fleece. Rain gear is always an issue.

[saylean]

Glad to know its not just me then.

I still wear my grandpas ole leather belt and a white and brown button up wool sweater my dad used to wear while welding on the AK pipeline.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

Agree the prices are steep.  However, I usually shop hard for deals before pulling the trigger.  Have found quite a bit of Sitka for great prices on Camofire and several websites.  Mostly base and mid layer, can't afford outer layer stuff yet.  Usually they are end of year close outs.  Found some Kryptek on sale at Cabelas at Christmas too.

[Sliverslinger]

I'm surprised that Under Armour wasn't in this discussion. Admittedly I haven't tried any other high end gear, but I sure love my under armour layeringfrom underwear and shirt all the way up through the vest, the coat and pants. I love the stuff.

[7mag.]

I like Under Armour stuff quite a bit. I use the base layers, socks, and underwear. I don't know about the outer wear though. It seems awful heavy. I like light weight layers, that breathe. I have 4 or 5 Under Armour sweatshirts that I wear almost every day when not at work.

[MtnMuley]

I am in the same boat too with wool against the skin..iy drives me nuts

Have you tried the KUIU?  I have no isssues with wool being a problem, so I'm not sure of this kind of issue.  The reason I ask, is because the KUIU has the least resemblance of wool.