KUIU Axis Thermal Hybrid Jacket Review

[Ladd]

I have had the KUIU Axis Thermal Hybrid Jacket in Verde 2.0 and olive green for 4-months now. The color and camo pattern is perfect for me and where I hunt elk and deer. It blends in very well. But besides the camo pattern, which is one of KUIU's staples, the mix of insulation and fleece-lined soft shell make this jacket unique. Follow along, ask questions and add comments from your experience with either the KUIU Verde 2.0 camo pattern or better yet, from your use of this jacket. I highly recommend this jacket and it should be a choice for any late season hunt.

 

[Ladd]

Finn and I on a trip out to Indian Peaks, Utah. A short trip from home for us.

 

[Ladd]

Can you see me?

 

[Ladd]

How about now?

 

[zr600]

I thought that was you in the trees there, but it was the hat that caught my eye not the jacket area.

 

[Ladd]

I thought that was you in the trees there, but it was the hat that caught my eye not the jacket area.

You are right. The hat was a dead giveaway with it being a light color and not KUIU. In full KUIU I can blend in enough that my buddy Dave says I seam to disappear.

 

[Wired2Hunt]

tagging in as I am also looking at this jacket for later season hunts. Seems like it would be a good outer layer to go over my Peloton 240 when it gets cold.

Ladd, overall, how do you think this compares as an outer later to one of the downs?

 

[Hans13]

I purchased this jacket in November after the first week of deer season in my area. I had been in the market for warmer jacket and this is just that. I used it for one hunt and on that hunt my family filled our last tag for the year. Since then I’ve worn it shooting, running my dogs and moving snow. I’m very happy with the warmth, it’s ability to cut the wind and it seems to handle the bit of moisture it’s been in just fine. I typically have on a wool t-shirt and a First Lite Klin quarter-zip underneath. Overall it seems like a well-designed, well-made jacket.

 

[Broz]

I think I need one of these. Looks awesome especially the Hybrid part.

 

[Ladd]

tagging in as I am also looking at this jacket for later season hunts. Seems like it would be a good outer layer to go over my Peloton 240 when it gets cold.

Ladd, overall, how do you think this compares as an outer later to one of the downs?

The insulation is every bit as good as my Super Down Pro jacket. The insulation is focused on your core, abdomen and back. The soft shell sleeves, shoulder and hood are not as insulated but don't necessarily need to be and can be an advantage in some circumstances like a bit more flexibility and comfort when getting on your rifle and reaching for the trigger and forearm.

The Super Down Pro jacket is superior because it is insulated in all those areas which is advantageous if you are hunkered down in your tent or under a tree waiting for the blizzard to pass. Even if you are crazy enough to want to hunt during a white out like I have in the past. The Super Down Pro would be my choice for that but the Axis Hybrid would be in most other circumstances.

If I ever get the chance to help a friend or friend of a friend on a November buffalo hunt in the Henry Mtns. I'll have the Axis with me and my Super Down Pro in my pack. I never hike in with an insulated puffy jacket on. If I do, I strip down naked and let them air out when I get to a good glassing point. If I don't, my sweat makes me so much colder. You don't want to see that.

Me before I was smart enough to buy better clothes.

 

[BadDogPSD]

This new jacket caught my eye when KUIU introduced it last year. I like the concept and appreciate the review!

 

[LongshotJames]

Ladd,
1. Would you say this is like adding synthtic insulation to a Kuiu Guide jacket?
2. I have the Axis Hybrid for the waterproofing property(works awesome), does the Hybrid thermal have the same water proof panels and seams?
THanks James

 

[Ladd]

I’m Ladd,
1. Would you say this is like adding synthtic insulation to a Kuiu Guide jacket?
2. I have the Axis Hybrid for the waterproofing property(works awesome), does the Hybrid thermal have the same water proof panels and seams?
THanks James

The panels are water proof and the jacket is basically a Guide Jacket with the chest, abs and back replaced with Toray FiberBall insulation in stitch-free baffles which are in a nylon/spandex blend with KUIU’s DWR, like the KUIU Elements Jacket.

 

[Rjk300]

I’m a little lost on the waterproof paneling! Is the whole jacket waterproof or just parts of it and if part what parts? I wear my guide all seasons jacket with an elements vest or ultra down vest and its awesome on the colder days but waterproof would be better!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ladd]

I’m a little lost on the waterproof paneling! Is the whole jacket waterproof or just parts of it and if part what parts? I wear my guide all seasons jacket with an elements vest or ultra down vest and its awesome on the colder days but waterproof would be better!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The entire jacket is waterproof.

 

[zr600]

How do you think it would be for calling coyotes in the winter with vias either snowy open country, or brown winter grass just depends on the year.

 

[Ladd]

How do you think it would be for calling coyotes in the winter with vias either snowy open country, or brown winter grass just depends on the year.

I have Vias camo and I think it would blend in really good, in both conditions. Verde 2.0 would be my choice with more brush and trees but Vias is good in rocks and snow.

 

[Hans13]

How do you think it would be for calling coyotes in the winter with vias either snowy open country, or brown winter grass just depends on the year.

Like Ladd said, both would work well. I have worn Valo coyote hunting in ND winters as so that might be an option. I never wore mine for coyote hunting this winter, mainly because it’s in solid Ash. I think it would work for coyote hunting in winter but you would want to make sure to layer properly otherwise your arms may get a little chilled but your core would be toasty.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

How do you think it would be for calling coyotes in the winter with vias either snowy open country, or brown winter grass just depends on the year.

I think the Valo would blend in the best to the conditions you mention. Valo is an excellent color/pattern. I believe it's considered Kuiu's more "universal” pattern? I thought I heard that on one of their videos.

 

[Ladd]

I think the Valo would blend in the best to the conditions you mention. Valo is an excellent color/pattern. I believe it's considered Kuiu's more "universal” pattern? I thought I heard that on one of their videos.

The Axis Thermal Hybrid jacket in Valo is good looking. I bet that would blend in well in arid terrain with cheat grass and dirt. My buddy Dave has some KUIU gear in Valo. I'll have to look through pics and see if I have any with him out in the field.

 

[Ladd]

Like Ladd said, both would work well. I have worn Valo coyote hunting in ND winters as so that might be an option. I never wore mine for coyote hunting this winter, mainly because it’s in solid Ash. I think it would work for coyote hunting in winter but you would want to make sure to layer properly otherwise your arms may get a little chilled but your core would be toasty.

The soft shell portions of the Axis Thermal Hybrid jacket are very much like that of the KUIU Guide jacket. Layering is always a good idea, even under an insulation layer like this jacket. In my review, my layering was a Peloton 118 LS Crew-T, a Pro Merino 200 Henley then the ATH jacket. When it was too warm, I would ditch the ATH for a Peloton 240 full zip hoodie, Attack or Guide jacket.

As a side note: the Peloton 240 full zip hoodie is sweet. Living in the desert, this is my go to daily jacket for even at the office and meetings. So much so that I have been teased for very much liking the thumbhole to keep my thumb knuckle and lower palm warm. I have it in olive so its good anywhere.

 

[Hans13]

Sounds like our layering is fairly similar with the ATH jacket. The First Lite Klin is a similar weight I believe, same with the FL t-shirts I wear. The first walk I did was with a FL Furnace QZ and it felt just like that so I had to make a change. I think it was about 10 above when that happened, just incase that helps anyone.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

The Axis Thermal Hybrid jacket in Valo is good looking. I bet that would blend in well in arid terrain with cheat grass and dirt. My buddy Dave has some KUIU gear in Valo. I'll have to look through pics and see if I have any with him out in the field.

I've got both Valo and Verde items. The Valo is super good stuff. My wife took some pics of me in it along the woods edge. It's pretty good stuff. I got the Verde for early season when the leaves are still green.

 

[Justin Crossley]

This video is up! Check it out.

Kuiu Axis Thermal Hybrid Jacket