Kuiu or First Lite?

eye in sky

Active Member
Mar 4, 2011
213
36
Conifer, Colorado
I really like all of my Kuiu gear. I have guide jacket and vest, attack pants,merino long underwear, chugach rain jacket and several other pieces. I haven't had a problem with anything that they've made. It has all held up well. I purchased most of my set when they first started the business.
 

ssliger

Very Active Member
Mar 9, 2011
900
0
Laramie WY
They both make quality gear. With that said, I prefer First Lite. Every time I go to the Kuiu website, the items I want are on back order.


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COLORADO

Member
May 15, 2013
103
0
steamboat springs colorado
OK thanks, what do you think about the kanab pants are they fairly durable? i do a lot of bushwhacking and need them to be able to take a beating. Also how does First lite tops hold up being that there merino wool do they tear or rib at all?
 

mntnguide

Very Active Member
First Lite all the way for me. Kuiu is no doubt a great company as well. I just started wearing First Lite in 07' and will stick with them. Their Stormtight rain layer gear worked incredible for me all last summer and fall with over 100 days logged in the rainiest season WY has seen in a long time. Great Stuff!

-Kanabs have held up great for me...The ripstop technology will prevent them from continuing to rip if you do tear them on rocks or something, lightweight as heck as well. . The base layers will hold up very well. I still have a pair from 07' that i use occasionally..they have some holes but still usuable. The newer stuff is much better than the first stuff they put out.
 
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Retterath

Veteran member
Dec 24, 2013
1,440
1
South Dakota
I will be using first lite when ever I get more gear. I used all there base layers in alaska this year for 6 straight day (gross) and never stunk, first lite is the only baselayer I will wear for hunting.
 

COLORADO

Member
May 15, 2013
103
0
steamboat springs colorado
Thanks for all the help! Which brand seams to be the quietest when hiking through thick brush? I would imagine First Lite would be quieter since its wool? Doesn't matter as much when I'm rifle hunting but i do a lot of archery as well.
 

RyanHughes

Member
Apr 13, 2015
58
0
reno, nv
I love all my first lite stuff. I have a buddy who only uses Kuiu and he loves that stuff as well, however I have noticed all the holes in his kuiu merino stuff. Both are great brands but I think First Lite makes the highest quality merino wool, which has really proven to be a very versatile and sought after fabric for us hunters. Lightweight, versatile for any condition, and doesnt stink (What more can you ask for?). Might as well buy the best you can find.
 

[email protected]

New Member
Jul 7, 2014
8
0
Love my first lite! It's so quite and very warm. Saved my life when I fell into a glacier feed stream and was snowing on me. I squeezed all the water I could out of it while standing on a rock in my birthday suit. The only thing I couldn't get warm was my feet. But made it out. Great products!


Jade
 

coastalarms

Active Member
OK thanks, what do you think about the kanab pants are they fairly durable? i do a lot of bushwhacking and need them to be able to take a beating. Also how does First lite tops hold up being that there merino wool do they tear or rib at all?
FYI, the Kanab2 pant will be coming out in a couple months, might be worth waiting till they are available, or you can grab some Kanabs on sale at their site right now. Great pant, comfortable and durable. I like them cause they work well well on their own when its warm, or you can layer them and stay warm in the cold just as easy.
 

COLORADO

Member
May 15, 2013
103
0
steamboat springs colorado
FYI, the Kanab2 pant will be coming out in a couple months, might be worth waiting till they are available, or you can grab some Kanabs on sale at their site right now. Great pant, comfortable and durable. I like them cause they work well well on their own when its warm, or you can layer them and stay warm in the cold just as easy.
Do you happen to know if the Kanab2 pants are going to have zippered hip pockets? zippered hip pockets are kinda a must for me since i am always stuffing my pockets full of stuff.