Visited the Kuiu showroom and headquarters

[quicknick]

After doing some research on Kuiu I realized their headquarters and showroom is only about an hour and 15 minute drive from me so I went up there today to check it out. I have bought Sitka in the past but I haven't been too impressed with their quality control lately, i.e. seams busting after very little use and pressed pockets falling off very quickly.

Today I was able to check out and every item that Kuiu has in their lineup. They do a good job of having every size of every item in their store as showpieces for people who visit them, including stack of gloves, boots, and all their packs. Everything I looked at was top knotch quality, comfort, and weight; not to mention very quiet. I also got to meet the owner Jason and his wife as well as a bunch of their employees. They are top quality people and were content to sit and talk hunting and gear with me all day. I ended up picking up some new merino wool base layers and a regular t-shirt. Next on the hit list is a guide jacket and a pair of guide pants.

I usually don't post stuff like this but I felt compelled to after the experience I had today. I am also curious what everyone else thinks about their gear and what Kuiu gear you all are using.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I've been known to wear Kuiu now and then . Their Attack Pants are the bees knees! I'm in a goofy mood today.

 

[cali_hornhunter]

Nothing wrong with that post I have the guide vest and jacket also the gloves love it all works great for the time I've used definitely we'll be putting it to the test thus january

 

[LaHunter]

I just got the Icon 5200 pack during the Kuiu black Friday sale. It seems to be very well made. I really like the design and lay out of the pockets. I put my 55 lb training sand bag in it and wore it around the house. It definitely carries weight much better than my Eberlestock J34 did.

 

[quicknick]

I think I was most impressed with their packs and the weight to warmth/comfort of all their items. But their packs truly are something else. I think for the guy that does alot of backpacking they would definitely be on the short list. For the amount of backpacking I do my Eberlestock is sufficient.

 

[JNDEER]

I have been known to stop by the store from time to time...those little baskets have good stuff sometimes, LOL.

They have been helpful everytime I have gone in.

I am a huge fan of the tiburon pants!

 

[lookinforwater]

I was told that the guy who owns KUIU also owns Sitka gear, I am not for sure but just wondered if that was right.

 

[WapitiBob]

The owner of KUIU used to be a partner in Sitka and they parted on unfriendly terms.

 

[squirrelduster]

Great post. Jason the owner is a great guy. I met him a couple years ago and stop by every now and then to check things out.
I am a huge fan of their products. Because of their business model of factory direct to customer they are able to use higher quality materials on the products than the competition.
Some people pick products based more on price than function. In my opinion that's a big mistake. Pick for performance and quality and you won't buy twice.

 

[quicknick]

I think a lot of people are using Sitka because it's everywhere now. But I'm all kuiu bud, I'm going to pick up a guide jacket and down vest very soon. And you can bet I will be driving up to Dixon.

 

[Dedeye]

I have the Guide Vest and Super Down coat, VERY Comfy!! Very impressed. I have a whole list of items to get yet. lol

 

[THelms]

Cannot sing the praises of KUIU enough. I started out with the Attack pants and a merino shirt. Well, you can guess where that went. I've got an outfit now that meets my August - November needs and Spring needs pretty well. Merino: 185 & 230 Zip T, 2 black logo t-shirts, Guide Vest & Jacket, Attack Pants (2 pair), Superdown Hoodie, Chugach Rain Jacket. I still would like to get the Yukon pants.

As a side note I have found that in colder temps (30 degrees F, and colder) the thin lightweight Merino base layers are NOT enough to keep me warm when stationary (glassing) I have gone to wearing the following modified system. Top: First Lite Chama EXP, 230 Zip T, Under Armour Storm Hoodie (cut off the sleeves for mobility), Guide Vest, Superdown Hoodie, Guide Jacket. Bottom: First Lite Allegheny EXP, Attack Pants. I also wore my Wool Mackinaw Cruiser and Bibs over the KUIU while sitting and glassing for elk in October and while hunting whitetails in Northeast Wyoming during a November blizzard.

Again, I love KUIU but it is NOT for cold weather! It is designed for lightweight and mobility and is great for chasing rutting bull elk or high country anything early in the season. But give me my old fashioned heavy wool stuff for anything stationary and below freezing.

 

[llp]

I've worn Kuiu and used there pack for two seasons now. In temperatures from 90+ degrees down to zero. A proper layering approach and you will be just fine. I don't think it will be enough for -20, but now we are talking specialized arctic gear. I really do love their gear, and there guide series will work in a wide range of temperatures. The warm weather gear I picked up last summer worked particularly well in early archery season. I use both the VIas and Verde patterns, depending upon location / season.
I met Jason in the backcountry of WY several years ago just as Kuiu was coming out, and he is a great guy.
llp

 

[mandrroofing]

I have been interested in kuiu gear and was woundering how durable the clothing is.I elk hunt I'm the mountains every year but do more whitetale hunting I go through a lot of brier bushes and what not and my Sitka gear is getting a lil tore up,how well does this stuff hold up?

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

 

[llp]

I think it holds up as well or better than Sitka, but no clothing is bullet proof. I probably have 60+ days on a pair of pants, including some time in oak brush and the alder thickets of Alaska. No tears or significant damage yet. A few "pulled" thread areas is all. I still wouldn't recommend heading into the oak brush with reckless abandon, however. That stuff can tear Carhart canvas. Be prudent, and KUIU will last a very long time.
llp

 

[quicknick]

Another cool thing about visiting the showroom is that Jason is always around and definitely willing to shake hands and talk hunting and gear with anybody.

 

[Fat Daddy]

Recently stopped by the showroom for a visit. Very impressed with them. Very helpful in answering all my questions. Their gear is very impressive and I will be buying some of their stuff in the near future.