Core4element Vs Kuiu

swampdog112

Member
Nov 18, 2014
68
1
Oklahoma
So Im getting stuff together for an October Wyoming pronghorn/elk/mule deer hunt and I was all set to buy a set of Kuiu gear. I was looking at the guide jacket, guide pants, and maybe a puffy jacket for the elk/deer hunting, and the attack pants and a lightweight top for the antelope hunting.

Then I stumbled on camofire started looking at the core4element stuff. It seems like it is gotten really good reviews and it can't be beat for the price on camofire. So now I'm thinking about going with the element jacket, element pants, switchback pants and possibly the elevation jacket or vest for the puffy insulated layer.

Has anyone had experience with BOTH the Kuiu and the Core4element? I'd be interested to hear the opinion of anyone who has used both. The reviews for the Kuiu stuff show that it's no doubt great stuff, just wondering how it compares to the Core4 that I can get for close to half the cost. I prefer the Kuiu camo pattern but as far as real world application, I don't think matters to the animals nearly as much as it does to the guys buying the stuff.

Thanks!
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,822
276
Oakdale Ca.
I have mostly KUIU, the DCS guide jacket is just simply the best, I also hack the attack pants, super down non hooded jacket. I also have there Yukon rain gear. I have there bino harness, Yukon pro glove A must! Base layer merino also in my collection, the zip on & off lowers a must also. I do have to say must of the stuff runs Small, example if you are a xl you're probably a xx, go up one size in pants also. Just my thoughts. I always used to buy maybe not the cheapest stuff, but by far this gear is the best. If I had to advise you on what to start with it would be the DCS GUIDE JACKET, ATTACK PANTS, AND THE YUKON PRO GLOVES. I bought the super down jacket in brown so I could wear it anywhere. My thoughts.
 

Elkhunter96

Active Member
Jan 8, 2013
221
0
Bountiful, Utah
I have both, the core4 is decent hunting clothes. Better made than many of the other items I had from companies like kings, etc. as you can imagine, it's not quite the same quality as KUIU and a bit heavier, if that matters too you. I really like the knee pads in the core 4 and they do pretty well in weather. I wouldn't hesitate to buy more core4, if I needed it.

Oh. I have attack pants, the merino tops, the bino harness and the dcs jacket from KUIU.

In all honesty, if I could get the kings camo pattern in core4 or kuiu, it would be the best of everything.
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,822
276
Oakdale Ca.
Yup, though I'm very lucky I only live about 60 miles from the store so I always call before going over. The dock strike really screwed them though! I also bought the next heaviest pants with the knee pads for Montana's cactus! Lol
 

RUTTIN

Veteran member
Feb 26, 2011
1,299
0
Kamas, Utah
If interested and the right sizes I've got a set of core4 in mtn. mimicry I'd sell. Element pants(with suspenders, knee pads) element jacket, element vest, 190 merino top, assault top, 190 merino beanie, assault beanie, and gaiters. All for $500.00. I'm 5' 10" and 170 for reference, all used but in great shape no rips or stains.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
For Kuiu inventory, call CS. I spoke with them a couple of weeks ago and the lady said they are getting shipments in, but back orders are being filled first. If you want Kuiu clothes for this fall, I would recommend getting your order in, even if item is back ordered. I put my order in for a Guide jacket and CS lady said probably sometime early summer I should get it.

Good Luck
 

Plainsman

Member
Apr 17, 2013
53
1
SW WY
I would really like to give Kuiu a try, it definitely looks like they are utilizing some of the most current fabric technology available. That being said, I have nothing but great things to say about Core 4. I have the element jacket, element pants and the mid mountain vest. The vest is a touch light for my liking, but it's still a good layering piece. The jacket and pants are great, breath very well and still cut the wind. I did have to add a light down jacket under the element jacket last November, but wind chills were hovering around -20. Otherwise, I thought the system worked incredibly well. I do wish they still carried the Mountain Mimicry camo though...
 
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tttoadman

Very Active Member
Nov 16, 2012
629
1
Oregon
I have not had any Kuiu gear. I have C4E top to bottom.
Element pants
Highline pants
switchback pants
all the merino
assault midweight fleece
torrent rain jacket

I have been happy with all of it, and have found it to be very durable.
 

npaden

Active Member
May 2, 2014
154
1
I have both. A full set of Core4 Element gear, jacket, pants, base layers, the torrent rain gear, and one of their down puffy jackets. On Kuiu I have the guide jacket, pants, merino base layers, gloves and gaiters.

Having both, the Core4 element gear tends to stay in the closet. I like the Kuiu better.

With that said, I bought the Kuiu mostly used at a good price or on their super sale last fall with some of it up to 40% off. I'm not sure if I had to pay full price I would have it in my closet, especially with the Core4 gear being almost as good for about 1/2 the price if you compare Core4 prices on Camofire to full retail prices on Kuiu.

I still haven't sprung for the upgrade to the Kuiu on rain gear yet. The Core4 works good and is quiet and I only end up using it maybe once or twice a year. I am happy with the Core4 down jacket too. It packs down small and has been used several times on a windy ridge glassing.

I still keep the Core4 Element set in my closet and have let a buddy borrow it a couple times. I also have a set of Sitka with the mountain pants, 90% jacket and some base layers and like it too.

The Kuiu is my favorite.
 
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