KUIU layering system?
Mule Deer
Hey all, Heading to Wyoming early September for a high country mule deer hunt.
Boots, pack and sleep system I’m all set, going to rent a pair of NL Pure’s for optics (maybe a spotter too).
What I’m not sure about is a clothing system. I have and like the Attack pants I own from KUIU, and would like to support them with my next purchases.
The Attack pants have likely seen the end of their useful life, so I’ll be getting new ones.
If you were looking to build a system from the ground up with KUIU, what would you get?
Keep in mind, this will be the base of what I build off of for future Western big game hunts as well. I’m in the beginning stages of planning a caribou hunt in ‘25 and hopefully a Kodiak blacktail hunt in ‘24.
Thanks!
https://www.kuiu.com/blogs/gear-lists/kevin-wilkersons-archery-elk-hunting-gear-list
They have a bunch of gear lists for specific hunts on their website . September elk should be about right. If anything it can be very hot that first week of September. Make sure you have your water covered up there. High country Wyoming can be dry.
I can't speak for kuiu because their stuff doesn't fit me right, but early September can be pretty warm!! I use First Lite gear mainly, but I wouldn't plan on really cold days! I would do a lighter weight pant and jacket with a decent set of Merino wool 200g thermals and wind breaker type jacket and a puffy.
Your caribou hunt may be completely different clothing wise! Really good rain gear is essential for any of these hunts!!!!
Tops: merino base layer, super down puffy, hard/soft shell rain prevention
Bottoms: base layer, attack pants.
I spend 95% of my time in my merino top and attack pants. Puffy is nice for stationary glassing in morning/evening. Shell only comes out of the pack if it starts raining.
Attack Pants, Merino base layer top and bottom, and guide DCS jacket or Kutana jacket. Peleton shirts in a variety of weights give great versatility. Additional options are Tiburon pants for really warm weather, along with Gila shirt. It is entirely possible you will have really warm weather in September, but mild to cool is much more likely. You can do so much with the pieces listed above, and add rain gear and other specialty pieces as you go. Bill
I started with the Attack pants and do like them but my personal early season favorite would be the Kutanas. They are lighter but much more durable. Combine them with a light base layer and you are set for cool to warmer weather. My favorite top piece is the Peloton 240. It's just enough to take the edge off on cool morning but not too warm. It's quiet, layers well and has great wind resistance. Stick with light, packable layers and you will be set. Good luck.
Has anyone tried the Pro pants? I like that they have the knee pads built in, could come in handy.
I have the pro pants but prefer the Attack's over them, if you are a vest user it’s hard to beat a merino 145 zip t with a guide vest on top for lots of weather situations and I always have a Chugach top and bottom nearby. Good luck on your hunt.
Kuiu zip off long underwear awesome with the pants. Attack don't fit me right so I use a sitka comparison (timberline I think)
Merino layer and today agree on the peleton 240 my favorite piece of kuiu gear
I have the pro pants but rarely use them. The attack pants are hands down my favorite. I think the knee pads on the pro's can make some noise. It's a great idea to have the knee pads but I don't like hunting with them. Especially for mule deer. The slightest noise can ruin a stalk.
The super down ultra top is the best light weight insulation I've used. It's a must have on trips where the temps can drop and the wind comes up.
I have guide pants and they are pretty good in high country from Sept through January. Just layer up when it's cold, windy, wet. Teburons are great when it's hot. Base layers you really can go with anything for bottoms. For base layer tops I really like hoodies. Add a quiet cloth insulation layer vest on top, then a hooded heavier jacket. Last but not least a rain jacket/pants. Rain jacket must have pitzips. Rain gear also aids with cutting wind.....a must have in Wyo!
I used to go Tiburons early, Attacks when it got cooler. I tried their Kutana stretch woven pants and they're now my favorite early and mid season pant. With a set of zip-off merino long john bottoms, I'm comfortable from 20 to 80 degrees. On top I really like the new ultra Tiburon hybrid base layers. Merino is always a little itchy for me. Add a fleece or merino on top. Add a vest or Guide jacket if it's cool in the morning. Puffies are the best for really cold glassing.
On bottom of you have zip off long johns plus attack plus a rain pant that will get you to a little past freezing on active hunts. Those three layers cover everything.
On top a merino plus’s hoodie plus a rain jacket and a puffy gets you way past freezing and all situations. The only thing you’re not really covered for there is cold and quiet. You’d have to add a soft shell or another form of quiet insulation piece
Sorry for bumping this thread chaps,long time lurker,just about to buy a Kuiu super down pro jacket for hunting/hiking.5 feet 7 inches tall 31 inch arm from nape of neck to wrist 42 inch chest 32 waist 78 Kg what size jacket would you buy M or L?I don’t want to purchase the wrong one then have to return it,thank you in advance,much appreciated.
This site has experts on just about everything hunting and no offense intended but wouldn't that be something you would ask Kuiu or whomever you are buying the jacket from?
I see that reasoning. Except you gotta keep in mind the clothing maker might be more interested in selling clothes then having the best answer.
For example, merino against the skin markets well. Soft, non itch, doesn’t stink, etc…. And, in warm weather it’s a great option. But, in cold weather and you get wet from sweat, you’ll freeze to death waiting on it to dry. So, it’s not so hot as a base layer then.
Not being a wise guy in reply either. But, I’ll take a bowsiters input over any clothes salesman.
Wv you should have been a lawyer. Thanks for the extreme laugh this afternoon
I messaged Kuiu a week ago,sadly no answer yet,fall is here,I want to order the jacket this week sometime,just thought someone would have an idea on the down pro jacket,no harm intended.
ottawa, the super down pro is an outer layer designed to wear over another jacket, whereas the super down LT is a mid layer designed to wear underneath another jacket.
the fit and size of the super down pro will depend on what you are wearing underneath but if i were you, i'd get the size large for the most versality. better to be a bit large than small imo.
fwiw, i wear an xl super down pro over a jacket. i am taller, heavier, and larger in the chest than you.
my $.02
I agree with RonP. KUIU sizing always challenges me. I like their clothing lines for more active style of hunting ie elk and turkey, otherwise Cabelas and WalMart brands work well especially when doing some serious layering for cold weather hunts.
Thanks Ron and KY much appreciated,thanks guys.
“ Sorry for bumping this thread chaps,long time lurker,just about to buy a Kuiu super down pro jacket for hunting/hiking.5 feet 7 inches tall 31 inch arm from nape of neck to wrist 42 inch chest 32 waist 78 Kg what size jacket would you buy M or L?I don’t want to purchase the wrong one then have to return it,thank you in advance,much appreciated.”
You have measurements that could go a variety of directions. Seems like you would need a small bases on sleeve length, a medium based on waist size, and a large since you have a 42” chest. Best guess would be to go with a large because that fits your largest measurement, but I would be most inclined to call the store and ask.
When in doubt order big
It’s not custom clothing they can only get so precise
Thanks you guys,I wish I had gone to the store earlier this year when I was in California Matt,sadly was in Orange County and the store was quite a distance,I will order large to be on the safe side,thank you.
I am 6’1” and 230 I order all my Kuiu 2-sizes up. They favor an athletic build (which I am not).and I like a loose fit. The garments are well made and thought out and I really like their camo patterns.
Went with the large,arrived today,very nice jacket,happy with the fit and quality.
Glad to hear, good luck this season.
I swear by the ultra merino socks and the zip off bottoms for Kodiak as you’re usually wet if you’re camping on the island. The Yukon gaiters are also super. The weather there over a 2 week hunt is going to hit you with everything so rain gear and layers is always good.
I was on a peak just short of bow range on some goats and a blizzard blew in, well over 100 MPH wind and freezing weather had me crab walking down the mountain hoping not to be a human kite. Scarier than the bear charges I’ve had.
