What are you guys using?
- Thread starter jay
- Start date
MWScott72
Active Member
I learned a long time ago that if your feet are comfortable - EVERYTHING is better on a hunt. You even see more animals! No, not because good socks/boots lure them in...it's because you're able to go where the animals are and longer which allows you to find more of them. Same goes for fly fishing. The longer you can stand the cold and be comfortable in the water, the obvious effect is that you can fish longer and catch more of them! Good socks and footwear are a must!
I have gear from most of the major companies. As hunting gear has become more technical, I find that I can't afford to be decked out in a whole ensemble of Sitka, Kuiu, Core4, etc. It's just to freakin' expensive. I just wait till stuff goes on sale and then buy what I can, when I can. I have Core4 190 merino base layers and the 1/4 zip Pivot shirt and Highlander pants, Kryptek raingear, Russell wind breaker, Cabelas 750-fill down vest, Costco 800-fill down jacket ($80...the equivalent of a $200 Patagonia model), Kenetrek Hardscrabble boots, Schnees pack boots, various Cabelas and Smart Wool socks, gloves, hats etc, etc. I bet I don't have one full set of stuff...except the Kryptek raingear...and that's only because there are just two pieces.
Get the best quality gear that you can afford, and you won't be sorry. If you're not comfortable. it's not much fun!
I have gear from most of the major companies. As hunting gear has become more technical, I find that I can't afford to be decked out in a whole ensemble of Sitka, Kuiu, Core4, etc. It's just to freakin' expensive. I just wait till stuff goes on sale and then buy what I can, when I can. I have Core4 190 merino base layers and the 1/4 zip Pivot shirt and Highlander pants, Kryptek raingear, Russell wind breaker, Cabelas 750-fill down vest, Costco 800-fill down jacket ($80...the equivalent of a $200 Patagonia model), Kenetrek Hardscrabble boots, Schnees pack boots, various Cabelas and Smart Wool socks, gloves, hats etc, etc. I bet I don't have one full set of stuff...except the Kryptek raingear...and that's only because there are just two pieces.
Get the best quality gear that you can afford, and you won't be sorry. If you're not comfortable. it's not much fun!
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woodtick
Veteran member
I have had horrible luck with anything in the Ascent line and the Core line, last spring(2013) while on a bear hunt my brand new ascent pants had 3 holes punched in them about the size of your pinky finger and I had some stitching come undone on one of the pockets. Left a bad taste in my mouth so I made the switch to Kuiu and I'm having better luck. Glad its working out of you!
My ascent pants didn't like the exhaust pipe and a broadhead lol.
Running the mountain pant now and so far so good after 2 seasons.
BOHNTR
Very Active Member
I've tested (and own) all of them.....Sitka, Kuiu, Core4, Russell, Gray Wolf Woolens. In the high-country, I would have to say I'm most pleased with Kuiu. I don't think one can go wrong with either though, as all of them are perform very well.
Wild Country
Active Member
I agree with BH if you use them as intended....outer wear as outer wear and base layer as base layer! However, the only thing that has failed me has been my core-4 Marino wool underwear. Both pairs came back with holes in them from a spring bear hunt which was only five days in the backcountry..and there is a ton of glassing for spring bear similar to mule deer and they just didn't hold up.
in the last 3 years i've used the kuiu attack pant, firstlite kanab pant, and the sitka ascent pant. I destroyed the first lite packing out through some steep blowdowns. (not sure how the others would perform there, it was pretty nasty and i never plan to go back.) I have nothing really bad to say about the sitka pants. The material on the inside binds a little when worn over merino base layer, but they are still way more flexible than carhartts. my last hunt i took the kuiu attack pant and the sitkas, and i wore the kuiu's everyday. they are by far my favorite hunting pants. i'd have a pair for every day of the week if i could afford it.
as far as jackets, i only have the kuiu guide jacket. it fits like your favorite hoody and the cut is very archery friendly (not much bulk in the forearms). however it is not overly warm and the dwr is useless in anything more than a sprinkle. if you plan to hunt in cool temps with no rain it would be the perfect fit.
as far as jackets, i only have the kuiu guide jacket. it fits like your favorite hoody and the cut is very archery friendly (not much bulk in the forearms). however it is not overly warm and the dwr is useless in anything more than a sprinkle. if you plan to hunt in cool temps with no rain it would be the perfect fit.
for those using the kuiu attack pants, how do they run size wise. I usually wear like a 36 waist in jeans, would i order the same size or a size bigger...
Dearhunter3450
Active Member
woodtick
Veteran member
I usually wear a 34 and they are not a 34, I'd suggest trying the next size up if you want to be able to wear a layer underneath and still be able to tuck a shirt in.
NVBird'n'Big
Veteran member
I just learned about Kuiu's sizes running small the hard way. Got my stuff, it was too small, sent it back and had to reorder because they don't exchange. Paid shipping 3 times (twice for the orders and once to ship back to them) to get the right size. Don't get me wrong, love the stuff and their customer service was amazing but it was a pain and an extra $25. Lesson learned.
25contender
Veteran member
- Mar 20, 2013
- 1,638
- 90
I wore Bridgedale socks last year and really liked them. I had the mid and heavy wt. socks. They did a great job wicking the moisture away from the foot.