Contributors to this thread:
Going to invest in some good quality rain gear this year. I can get a really great deal on all of the First Lite stuff, but have heard great things about KUIU. Those who have experience with both let me know your opinion. Is the KUIU better, and if so why? I can get the FL gear for half of what the KUIU would cost me. I'm looking at the Stormtight jacket and pants. Also do these brands run small or large?
What is your opinion of the FL Puffy jacket?
My partner just bought the Kuiu and it is really nice to wear very stretchy. No field use to report but I was impressed compared to my sitka
I'm a First Lite guy myself....
Love my Puffy! In fact been thinking about ordering a second in a solid color for everyday wear.
I've had both and as far as base layers go I love First Lite, and I like First lite for there rain gear better than I like KUIU, but I run a Kuiu icon pack and there superdown insulation layers. As far as pants go I prefer Sitka mountain or timberline pants. I did not like how either of there pants or there Guide jacket fit it just didn't move with me when hiking and I tried different sizes. So like I said I run a few different kinds because I like certain items from each company
I really like the First Lite line. Pretty much all I run anymore. I have the Stormtight line and it fits great and layers well. Like the Chugach line from KUIU it is thin, but seems to breathe better. I tested both and sold my KUIU.
Methinks you'll be very happy with a "really good deal" on FL, versus retail on Kuiu.
Really can't go wrong, though.
Smarba, I am beginning to think the same. Don't mind spending the $, but if I can get my dollar to go farther, that's always good. I am really just wondering if there's that big of a difference that I should spend double on the KUIU versus the First Lite?
Is First Lite close to the quality of KUIU? That is basically my question.
I like KuIu rain gear a little better . I think it's more breathable and lighter.
I wear a mix of both in outer layers. Like first lites merino.
just bought kuiu attack pant. I was a little upset when I saw made in china I thought I was buying American. same with boots. hard to find American made.
I have lots of the kuiu, but if I was paying retail for the kuiu and 1/2 for the firstlite, I think I would choose the firstlite and not even think about it!
--Jim
Kuiu without a doubt , I have first lite boxers and base layers and everyone of them have random "wear" hole or even in spots they should wear and it definitely not cause of abuse. Only issue with kuiu is they tend to be out of stock on a lot of items
First Lite Boundary Storm Jacket and Pants are awesome. Very durable in the jungle of Interior BC and it does keep you dry. Their client care is second to none as well.
Kuiu is good gear but their customer service is atrocious. I bought their merino shirts and alpine pants and am very happy with the quality of the gear. Forget about buying anything for this season as they have very little in stock and all is on back order. I back ordered the gear I have in May. Shortly after I placed my order, I got a gift card. I loaded the gift card to my Kuiu account expecting to use it when the back order arrived. When my back order arrived in June they would not let me use the balance in my account because I loaded the account AFTER I placed my order. What? 45 minutes of being on hold and talking to three people they cancelled my order and booked it with my account balance. Half of my gear came in right away and the rest went in back order to arrive three weeks later. I wrote a complaint on their site and was basically told tough luck, that's the way it works. I wrote another letter back and was contacted by their head of customer relations. She gave me her personal extension should I decide to make a future purchase and work directly with her. At the end of July I decided I'd like to buy the Chugach rain set and called the extension. Three messages later, nobody called me back. Another letter, and some customer service rep called me and tried to take my order. I asked about the "personal" customer support I was promised and was told she was too busy to take my order. I swallowed my pride and tried to place an order with this guy. He took my order and then informed me that the entire rain set I wanted was on back order. "When will it be in? My season opens in 4 weeks. Can you guarantee shipment by then?" He had no idea when the back order would come in.
I told him to forget it. A $500 sale and they blew it.
I called Black Ovis when I hung up the phone. Black Ovis took my order and shipped it the same day. They gave me a 10% off military discount and free shipping. My Sitka gear arrived today and I couldn't be happier. I sincerely hope Regina from Kuiu reads this post and realizes just how screwed up their company is.
I will NEVER order a thing again from Kuiu. Ever.
kuiu had pants in stock . took 4 days to get them . look now if you need gear
I just received gators from first lite .. ordered them 2weeks ago along with two shirts and they arrived yesterday...
I placed an order from KUIU last November for their gaitors. Months have passed and I have had many interactions with KUIU customer support. Well, the season starts in a few days and guess what.... STILL NO GAITORS!!! KUIU has no absolutely no idea when they will arrive as they are on backorder.
KUIU's merchandise is very good but USELESS if they cannot deliver...
Good stuff.... Thanks for the opinions, keep it coming guys!
I have the KUIU rain gear and very impressed. Never had FL rain gear to compare. Both great companies and great gear. Your on the right path either way.
I went through the expense of buying both to try out. I sold all of my first lite except the rain gear. Kuiu clothing, inho, is by far gh most comfortable clothing I've ever wore. And not just camo but clothing altogether. Attack pants by far are my best in investment. I'm a kuiu guy
I like a lot of first lite stuff, mostly the merino I think is better quality than KUIU.
Rain gear.... I'd say the Chugach(?) and first lite are competitive/comparative. Not sure FL makes anything like the Yukon. Some gear comparisons are apples and oranges.
Are you planning on the raingear for occasional use or wearing it in a area it may be daily wear?
Just a note if are over 6 ft and need tall sizes KUIU and first lite have no option . Both seem to cater to the short and stout. Eddie Bauer has everything you need from base to rain wear no matter if you are 5'4" and 250lb, or 6'3" and 160lb. And yes I do own Sitka, First Lite, Kuiu, and Eddie. Just prefer Eddie due to perfect sizing and noncamo options.
Yep.
I ordered KUIU gaitors in January (2015), they too were back ordered. I still have not received them. I have contacted customer service three separate time and keep getting told they had a problem with the manufacturer get the material to make the gaitors. I have beeen extremely patient. I hope I get them before the snow flies here in Montana. That was EIGHT months ago.
You would think KUIU would reward patience and offer a percentage off an order or give out a free hat. I am not sure I will ever order again from this "company". With a buisness model like this . . . . not sure they will stay in business. Oh yeah . . . . . they don't hesitate to send me e-mails with their latest and greatest product promotions. Order now! . . . . . right. Once bitten (for 8 months), twice shy!
I prefer First Lite tops and Sitka pants. My experience with KUIU is similar to many of the other complaints. On three separate occasions, I've wanted to try some of their products, but every single time, the items were on back order. I don't even try anymore. Doesn't matter how good a product is, if I can't get it, it's worthless.
I will pick First Lite. Kuiu is good but you will have a very hard time to get the stuff at your home. They always are in "backorder"
Everything I have ordered through KUIU has shipped within a couple days or the day of placing my order.
I have the Chugach jacket and the Yukon pants (bought from Kota). I have not put them to the real test but so far I am impressed. Have a lot of merino from them and tried out their Tiburon pants, shorts and zip long sleeve T......that is some nice stuff there. Alos have the guide gloves and those are real nice also....have not tried them in cold weather yet but you can tell the quality is there.
First Lite I have their merino wool stuff and like it a lot also. No complaints.
I recently purchased a set of First Lite rain gear. I haven't had a chance to try them yet, but they sure seem like excellent quality and fit. I did a bunch of research ahead of time and all of the reviews I could find stacked right up there with Kuiu and Sitka. Very happy with my choice so far.
Hi All,
My name is McCade and I am the Gear Specialist here at KUIU. I want to apologize for any inconvenience that you may have experienced with KUIU. Please feel free to call me anytime at 855-367-5848 ext 277 or email me at [email protected]. We pride ourselves on providing the best customer service possible and I want you each of you to know that if you ever have any concerns or need anything at all to let me know and I will get you taken care of.
Happy Hunting! McCade
That's very nice McCade but part of customer service is actually having product consistently and predictably available to ship when needed and you can't change that
I just returned from Montana as the first week I was there is rained, sleeted, and snowed every day. I wore the First Lite rain gear and my hunting partner wore the Kuiu. Both sets kept us dry and warm as we could layer efficiently beneath them. Six straight days of this and I have no issues about my gear or does my buddy about his. I am 6' @ 175lbs and run a medium jacket. I can wear a light weight shirt and a puffy under my rain jacket with zero issues. In fact, I wore that combo quite a bit once we made camp. My hunting buddy is 5'6" @ 150lbs and has said the Kuiu fits him the best. He is short and fairly stout.
I get an incredible deal from FL because I am in the military and my hunting buddy bought his used on eBay. So far eBay, Rokslide, and bow site seem to be the best places to get Kuiu gear.
"....so far eBay, Rokslide and Bowsite seem to be the best places to get Kuiu gear.
Might be right. We all know Kiui isn't the best place, of even A place to get Kuiu gear.
I was a fan and supporter of KUIU and turned multiple people onto the brand. They do have great gear. But, now after they have had "sales" with little to no product available I will be switching to another company to try their service. I know of at least five friends that will not be buying large amounts of gear from KUIU anymore. Great gear if you like extended waits and no returned customer follow-ups in my opinion.
If KUIU does not fix the supply system I will start to replace my stuff with FirstLight stuff. This has been an ongoing problem with this brand and when one of us wants to order a pair of Attack pants ( that are my favorite all time hunting pant) and they are always on back-order why would I wait? "FL" is now making a Synthetic pant too! I am gonna order a pair in ASAT and the will blend in well with what I am already using.
