What are you guys using?

[jay]

Hey guys, I guess I'll start this, approaching the deadlines for various draws, I find myself already going through my gear seeing where and what I should upgrade. I use alot of russell gear and some other odds and ends from Cabelas and good old Wal Mart, but am considering getting some new Kuiu gear. For those that are using this, how do you like it and are there any others you would recommend that provide better gear? Thanks

 

[RUTTIN]

I wear and use Core4 Element. The price is what swayed me in that direction in the first place, but the gear has held up very well in the 3 seasons that I have been using it. I have heard a lot of good about Kuiu too! Good luck in your search.

 

[Cobbhunts]

I have actually been doing that all day today!

I am a big Rivers West fan here in our climate. I like bow hunting late into the year, and it really keeps me comfortable when the temps are low and it's also not thick and bulky. I just don't know how well it would be perceived on a Western Hunt. I am brining my RW rain gear this fall to Wyoming, so I guess I will find out first hand. I'd never even heard of Kuiu gear until I joined this forum haha...but we just hunt differently over here, so I assume it's for back country-hiking deep kind of hunting. I'll have to study up on it some. Core4, however, is really popular over here. As is the Russell gear. Quality stuff with both brands.

 

[woodtick]

I've used Sitka, Russell and now Kuiu, I'd say Russell is the best for the money(no longer made however). Sitka is not that great, I've worn there stuff out pretty fast, not that big of a fan anymore. Kuiu seems to be the best overall, I've beat the crap out of it and no tears, frays or punctures of any sort. I've got a buddy that uses Core4 he's a husky fellow and it fits him better than Sitka or Kuiu.

 

[ElkTrout]

I am currently using all the Russell gear. But unfortunately like it was said earlier it is not made anymore. But I really like it. I have been keeping my eye on Core4 Element. Might give that a try next.


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[Dearhunter3450]

Im a big fan of Firstlite Cant wait to get my hands on some of there new outerwear for 2014. All the Firstlite I own has held up very well.

 

[squirrelduster]

I have a bunch of Kuiu gear. Everything I have I like. The rain gear is awesome, the Yukon stuff is pretty tough and the first stuff in a long time that I actually stay dry. The guide pants and jacket are great, no more camo Carhartts for me. It is all very comfortable and lasts really well. I bought the guide jacket and pants when they first came out. I hunt 30 or 40 days a year and it still is in great shape. Merino wool base layers are the way to go, other companies make merino gear and I haven't tried them but I'm sure all are better than polypro stuff.

 

[woodtick]

I do use first lite and kuiu merino base layers too. The 1stlite is a little baggier than the kuiu. Both really durable and don't ever get stinky!!

 

[CoHiCntry]

I wear Wrangler and Carhartt quite a bit...

 

[Mr_steve]

What are you looking to hunt in your gear? I have First lite gear for western hunting as it does not stink over a long hunt and wicks away moisture well. Couldn't imagine hunting without it.

 

[DryFlyGuy]

I've used Sitka, Russell and now Kuiu, I'd say Russell is the best for the money(no longer made however). Sitka is not that great, I've worn there stuff out pretty fast, not that big of a fan anymore. Kuiu seems to be the best overall, I've beat the crap out of it and no tears, frays or punctures of any sort. I've got a buddy that uses Core4 he's a husky fellow and it fits him better than Sitka or Kuiu.

Well I have 4 KUIU pieces and a lot of Sitka pieces. My KUIU pieces (tiburon and superdown) are nice, but they are not super durable. The pieces are lightweight and and work well except for the Tiburon zip tee. I had to have the forearms altered by a seamstress because they were way too tight. Keep the superdown away from any kind of brush with thorns. They are a great mid-layer, but won't hold up long as an outer layer.

I've got a ton of of Sitka stuff. This stuff is totally battle tested and has been extremely durable. The only product I haven't been thrilled about is my Flash 32 pack. I've got ascent pants, timberline pants, mountain pants, traverse zip tee, Jetstream jacket, Jetstream light vest, Kelvin vest, some different gloves, hats, etc. I think if Sitka made stuff that wasn't good, I would have encountered it by now. I think the biggest advantages of Sitka are inventory, ability to try them on before you buy, and more specific sizing (I.e. Actual waist sizing rather than m,l,xl). The KUIU stuff is ultra light weight, and I think the superdown is a product that really is unique.

 

[ScottR]

I have used something from every one of the major companies. As long as you use it in the intended conditions it will perform.

 

[jay]

What are you looking to hunt in your gear? I have First lite gear for western hunting as it does not stink over a long hunt and wicks away moisture well. Couldn't imagine hunting without it.

mr steve, I live in NM so its all high country in the wilderness or high desert in southern nm...

 

[jay]

Well I have 4 KUIU pieces and a lot of Sitka pieces. My KUIU pieces (tiburon and superdown) are nice, but they are not super durable. The pieces are lightweight and and work well except for the Tiburon zip tee. I had to have the forearms altered by a seamstress because they were way too tight. Keep the superdown away from any kind of brush with thorns. They are a great mid-layer, but won't hold up long as an outer layer.

I've got a ton of of Sitka stuff. This stuff is totally battle tested and has been extremely durable. The only product I haven't been thrilled about is my Flash 32 pack. I've got ascent pants, timberline pants, mountain pants, traverse zip tee, Jetstream jacket, Jetstream light vest, Kelvin vest, some different gloves, hats, etc. I think if Sitka made stuff that wasn't good, I would have encountered it by now. I think the biggest advantages of Sitka are inventory, ability to try them on before you buy, and more specific sizing (I.e. Actual waist sizing rather than m,l,xl). The KUIU stuff is ultra light weight, and I think the superdown is a product that really is unique.

great info! thanks

 

[RockChucker30]

I really like First Lite clothing. I just picked up their wool hooded shirt and the puffy jacket. I've got a few other things as well. They're all top notch.


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[mnhoundman]

Got a quick question, is the merino wool you guys are using 100% wool? I can only find 35% in the socks, new to the wool world, but it sounds worth it.

 

[Dearhunter3450]

Check First Lite. I think there socks may be mixed but can't remember. Very comfortable though and worth the money.

 

[mnhoundman]

Check First Lite. I think there socks may be mixed but can't remember. Very comfortable though and worth the money.

Thanks! I have a problem with my feet sweating and then getting cold. But never tried good socks.

 

[RUTTIN]

I think most merino wool socks will be some kind of a blend, so they will have that elasticity to stay up on your leg. Any of the merino base layers will serve you well, wick moisture, no stink. Can't go wrong with merino.

 

[Dearhunter3450]

Thanks! I have a problem with my feet sweating and then getting cold. But never tried good socks.

I have the same issue. Try the First Lite mountain athlete crew. They work well for me.