Western camo and clothing recommendations

[BadgerTac]

Hey guys. Taking a trip to Idaho this October for mule deer in the rifle season. I’m from Wisconsin and was looking at buying some new camo for our west. I really like the KUIU verde pattern but they’re direct to consumer so I haven’t been able to try any of their stuff on or see how it feels. Some of the Sitka stuff I’ve seen locally is very noisey and I’ve always stayed away because I do a lot of bow hunting and I don’t think it would be ideal for that with the noise. Is KUIU similar?

I’ll be getting pants and a jacket and a puffy vest for sure. First lite is also on the table, and maybe the Sitka wool line. Anything else I should be looking at? For the money I want to make sure I get the right thing the first time. Thanks

 

[Broz]

I am 100% KUIU now. Switched from Sitka several years ago. Great gear for western hunting.

Order you coats or jackets 1 size larger than normal.

The PRE REVIEW Series of KUIU Gear Archives - Long Range Only

www.longrangeonly.com

Hunting Cloths and Gear Archives - Long Range Only

www.longrangeonly.com

 

[Willys]

I’ve seen October days where you could hunt in blue jeans and a fleece pullover in Idaho. But also times when I had first lite merino base layer, Kuiu Attack Pants, Kuiu Chugach rain gear, fleece sweater, and a puffy when stationary. If you win the lottery the Kuiu Super Pro Down hooded jacket is very nice.

 

[Ladd]

KUIU has so many options, to try them, see if they are at a local sports show. I found their Verde 2.0 camo to blend in very well in the elk woods. My buddy Dave had a hard time seeing me at times. KUIU is my first choice.

I have been using all this and more and love it all. I buy a size larger than normal because KUIU is tight for me in my usual size. Great return policy so try and return if you don’t have any chance to try on near you.

• Attack Pants and jacket
• Pro pants.
• Hybrid pants.
• Ridgepoint Fleece Henley.
• Strongfleece Hybrid 210 zip-T.
• Pro Merino 200 Henley.
• Peloton 200 zip-T.
• Peloton 240 full zip.
• Base Camp Sierra Pant.
• Guide DCS jacket, pants and vest.
• Pro Down jacket and down pants.

I have been testing the Axis Thermal Hybrid Hooded Jacket for the last couple months.

 

[BadgerTac]

I am 100% KUIU now. Switched from Sitka several years ago. Great gear for western hunting.

Order you coats or jackets 1 size larger than normal.

The PRE REVIEW Series of KUIU Gear Archives - Long Range Only

www.longrangeonly.com

Hunting Cloths and Gear Archives - Long Range Only

www.longrangeonly.com

I’m looking at the Axis hybrid or Talus Hybrid pants. Kenai hooded or proximity hooded jackets. Any experience with those? Also how do the pants fit? I got a super thin hoodie for Christmas two years ago and it was super tight fitting and sent it back so I was kind of assuming all their stuff runs a hair small

 

[Willys]

There is a bewildering array of choices - for me most important is staying dry. Put $ into good rain gear. Under it you don’t need hybrid partially waterproof gear, just something that breathes. And kneepads on your pants are great.

The Guide jacket was a non-starter for me, not that warm and didn’t breathe.

 

[BadgerTac]

KUIU has so many options, to try them, see if they are at a local sports show. I found their Verde 2.0 camo to blend in very well in the elk woods. My buddy Dave had a hard time seeing me at times. KUIU is my first choice.

I have been using all this and more and love it all. I buy a size larger than normal because KUIU is tight for me in my usual size. Great return policy so try and return if you don’t have any chance to try on near you.

• Attack Pants and jacket
• Pro pants.
• Hybrid pants.
• Ridgepoint Fleece Henley.
• Strongfleece Hybrid 210 zip-T.
• Pro Merino 200 Henley.
• Peloton 200 zip-T.
• Peloton 240 full zip.
• Base Camp Sierra Pant.
• Guide DCS jacket, pants and vest.
• Pro Down jacket and down pants.

I have been testing the Axis Thermal Hybrid Hooded Jacket for the last couple months.

Roger that. I noticed the same thing with their sizing. I’ve never seen them at any hunting shows in Wisconsin. But I haven’t been to one in a good 5+ years either. I’ll just have to order big and if they don’t fit I’ll return them

 

[Broz]

I’m looking at the Axis hybrid or Talus Hybrid pants. Kenai hooded or proximity hooded jackets. Any experience with those? Also how do the pants fit? I got a super thin hoodie for Christmas two years ago and it was super tight fitting and sent it back so I was kind of assuming all their stuff runs a hair small

Truthfully I am sure I have those pants. I have about 6 pair of different weights and for different hunts. I like them all. Pants run true to their size chart for me. Only thing I up size on is jackets and coats. I am sure others will weigh in on this. Many KUIU diehards here.

 

[BadgerTac]

Thanks for the info Broz, I appreciate the help. I’ll double check their measurement charts as well before ordering so I hopefully don’t have to do the return and buy again dance

 

[Broz]

I’ll just have to order big and if they don’t fit I’ll return them

Give us an idea of your height and weight. Maybe some one here is close for sizing. I am 6'2" and 225. Not a small guy for sure. lol

 

[BadgerTac]

Give us an idea of your height and weight. Maybe some one here is close for sizing. I am 6'2" and 225. Not a small guy for sure. lol

I’m right there with you. Probably 230

 

[OSOK - Crash]

I just started my journey of replacing/upgrading all my camo. For me I narrowed between First Lite and Kuiu. First Lite has the best military discount of the two (if this applies to you), but also they have the best method of using your discount. Kuiu uses Gov-X. Which is horrible in my opinion. Constant emails ECT.
Anyways, I chose Kuiu because I liked their patterns more, plus the breathability they purposely build into their products. Zippered put vents, ECT. Kuiu is the more expensive route for sure. But everything I have purchased seems very nice.

There is a trade show this weekend in Peoria Illinois (Illinois Deer Classic). I know it's not Wisconsin, but it's the closest one to you this year. This would be a great way to try out some products.

The Kuiu stuff has been an addiction for me lately. I can't stay away from their stuff.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

I have the Axis pant and the Katana pant. Axis for more rainy/colder temps. And the Katana for early season. The Axis pant is VERY nice. It's a good pant for sure.

Be careful with Kuiu. You will get addicted and find reasons to purchase more pieces to "fit" certain environmental situations. Lol

 

[BadgerTac]

I just started my journey of replacing/upgrading all my camo. For me I narrowed between First Lite and Kuiu. First Lite has the best military discount of the two (if this applies to you), but also they have the best method of using your discount. Kuiu uses Gov-X. Which is horrible in my opinion. Constant emails ECT.
Anyways, I chose Kuiu because I liked their patterns more, plus the breathability they purposely build into their products. Zippered put vents, ECT. Kuiu is the more expensive route for sure. But everything I have purchased seems very nice.

There is a trade show this weekend in Peoria Illinois (Illinois Deer Classic). I know it's not Wisconsin, but it's the closest one to you this year. This would be a great way to try out some products.

The Kuiu stuff has been an addiction for me lately. I can't stay away from their stuff.

I wish I could make that happen, but my daughter in in the middle of a bone marrow transplant so I won’t be able to get down there. I’ll just have to order smart and pray I didn’t mess up 🤣

 

[OSOK - Crash]

I wish I could make that happen, but my daughter in in the middle of a bone marrow transplant so I won’t be able to get down there. I’ll just have to order smart and pray I didn’t mess up 🤣

Oh! Yeah that is WAY more important than going to a hunting show. Prayers for your daughter.

I've had to return some Kuiu products. It does suck a little. You lose $ in shipping. But planes, trains and automobiles don't run on free gas. So I try to keep that in mind. If you buy product on sale and you need to exchange it for a different size, CALL THEM. They will exchange for you at the sale price. You can't do it online after the sale ends. They do returns only. You order what you need in a different size on a new order. Once they receive your returned item it gets credited back. It sounds rough, but it's really not that bad at all. By the way, they have answered the phone everytime I've called. And they are great at answering your questions. Top notch CS in my opinion.

 

[BadgerTac]

Sounds good. Hopefully I get it right the first time

 

[BadgerTac]

Oh and thanks. Def more important to be here now

 

[Willys]

Picked up the kuiu ladies ultra hooded pro down jacket and their ladies basecamp sweater for the wife. Loves em. Spread the joy.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

KUIU has so many options, to try them, see if they are at a local sports show. I found their Verde 2.0 camo to blend in very well in the elk woods. My buddy Dave had a hard time seeing me at times. KUIU is my first choice.

I have been using all this and more and love it all. I buy a size larger than normal because KUIU is tight for me in my usual size. Great return policy so try and return if you don’t have any chance to try on near you.

• Attack Pants and jacket
• Pro pants.
• Hybrid pants.
• Ridgepoint Fleece Henley.
• Strongfleece Hybrid 210 zip-T.
• Pro Merino 200 Henley.
• Peloton 200 zip-T.
• Peloton 240 full zip.
• Base Camp Sierra Pant.
• Guide DCS jacket, pants and vest.
• Pro Down jacket and down pants.

I have been testing the Axis Thermal Hybrid Hooded Jacket for the last couple months.

Ladd you don't have many merino items listed. Do you prefer the synthetic (Peloton) line more?

 

[Ladd]

Layering is important for hunting the mountains around here. Don’t throw on a guide or attack jacket over a shirt and think it will keep you warm. Start with a KUIU base layer, then a KUIU mid layer then an KUIU outer and keep the KUIU down in your pack if it gets real cold or you need to spend the night away from camp. Keep rain pants and a jacket in your pack when the rains rolls in.

 

[Ladd]

Ladd you don't have many merino items listed. Do you prefer the synthetic (Peloton) line more?

I rattled that off the top of my head. I have just about everything. I don’t think I have a preference.

 

[Ladd]

I have been wearing a bunch of solids this winter but I can’t keep track of what is what. I need to look in my closet and asses what I would choose over the other. I’ll need to think on that.

We should have a review of something soon. Look through the LRO video archives and see what is not there that you would like to see and it may be considered.

 

[wapitibob]

Been wearing these for years Aug - Oct. $40 They're $20 at costco when they have them. Shot bulls as close as 5 feet with solid color pants.

https://www.unionbay.com/products/rainier-travel-ub-tech-pant

Get a light, med, and hvy weight top, a lighter puffy and an outer jacket with wind stop, and a light packable rain jacket and you'll have everything you need.

 

[BadDogPSD]

I like KUIU, but SKRE is pretty darn good too. SKRE will pay shipping for exchanges to help you get tge right fit. Same as KUIU, pants seem true to size, size up on jackets & shirts.

 

[FURMAN]

I’ll be putting together a layering video soon if you can wait 3-4 weeks.

 

[BadgerTac]

I’ll be putting together a layering video soon if you can wait 3-4 weeks.

Yeah I’m not in a rush. I have plenty of time to order before October. I appreciate the heads up

 

[Ladd]

Ladd you don't have many merino items listed. Do you prefer the synthetic (Peloton) line more?

Just got home and looked in the closet. What I’ve worn mostly this winter out shooting on my lion hunt and deer hunt is a Peloton 110 base layer. Then the Merino Pro button long sleeve T. Then the Peloton 240 zip jacket and/or an Attack or Guide jacket, Pro down or Axis Thermal Hybrid. The later is a heavy jacket that can be noisy that I only picked up this year. The pro down jacket and pants are alway in my backpack. They are very light, somewhat noisy but something I would not hunt in but stay warm in when I’m not moving. I fear they would tear in the brush.

The Axis Thermal Hybrid is a combination of their puffy jacket and what looks and feels like their guide jacket. Great for riding in the sxs, staying warm in camp, staying warm standing/hanging out by the truck. Just too hot to hike in for me. And I would rather carry the pro down jacket in my backpack.

I’ve been testing the base and mid layers since the hunt expo 2022 when I tried it all on. The merino pro and the peloton 240 are my favorite layers.

I keep most of my camo in plastic bins.

 

[BadgerTac]

Nice wardrobe. I have something to aspire too now 🤣

 

[Rjk300]

IMO Kuiu is definitely all about layering. My base layers are 145 and 200 merino that I have worn together on cold hunts with guide pant strong fleece mid layer top and all season guide jacket. On 3 to 4 hour sits with above layers in a stand 40* down to about 30* I was ok but adding the ultra down vest made it considerably warmer without being noisy. Below 30* my pro down is in my pack and will be put on as I start to get cold but the pro down and the ultra down is to noisy for archery. The down will not hold up to briars and harsh foliage without suffering damage plus it’s to warm for any long walks unless it’s teens or colder while not really exerting yourself to much. On warmer sits about 65* and up its attack pant and 145 merino top. Everything between 40* and 65* gets layered according usually have layers in my pack. Hunting elk in MT or CO I know I’ll be mobile for the most part so I’ll layer light while having layers in my pack. I think this is where the down really shines because it’s so light but will keep you warm if needed while you glass or have to try and wait out some bedded game in the cold temps. As for the patterns I feel it personal preference. My daughter, brother, cousin, and I have all patterns covered and I feel none are bad but they all have their backgrounds they blend best with. The Yukon rain gear seems very durable still to noisy for archery imo but I have only worn it about five times, while it did keep me dry I can’t say I’ve worn it enough to comment on durability. I would definitely run a size up on jackets and shirts. I run large on base layers and guide jacket (wanted these to fit a little more snug) while X-Large on down vest, jacket, and everyday shirts. I should add I’m 5,8” 185#.

 

[Willys]

I’ve switched from firstlite merino boxers to kuiu. Just fit better.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

I’ve switched from firstlite merino boxers to kuiu. Just fit better.

Did you get the wool version?

 

[OSOK - Crash]

@BadgerTac, create an an account with Kuiu. You will get notified of any sales they have. This is the best time to aquire items.
I ended up creating a long list of items I knew I wanted without a doubt to cover each season and pattern. When the sales come up, I grab whatever I can that's on my list. I have been able to get quite a few items thus far. I started at Christmas.

 

[jmyers]

Last October for me on Idaho mule deer hunt had frosty mornings and 60s in afternoon. Pack in horseback hunt. Merino 200 base bottoms and Axis hybrid pants. Merino 145 base top, peloton 200, peloton 240 and Kenai hooded jacket. Also had Axis hybrid soft shell in case of rain but didn’t need it everything in Vias. Layering like this I didn’t get cold in morning and didn’t get hot during the day. All Kuiu, this is great hunting clothes that are really light and comfortable. Also had ultra lite down in pack

 

[BadgerTac]

Last October for me on Idaho mule deer hunt had frosty mornings and 60s in afternoon. Pack in horseback hunt. Merino 200 base bottoms and Axis hybrid pants. Merino 145 base top, peloton 200, peloton 240 and Kenai hooded jacket. Also had Axis hybrid soft shell in case of rain but didn’t need it everything in Vias. Layering like this I didn’t get cold in morning and didn’t get hot during the day. All Kuiu, this is great hunting clothes that are really light and comfortable. Also had ultra lite down in pack

Nice info. That’s the hardest part of that time of the year. Could be 20’s and snow, could be 75 and sunny so you gotta plan for everything

 

[Willys]

I’ve switched from firstlite merino boxers to kuiu. Just fit better.

Yes merino wool.

 

[Lancetkenyon]

Kuiu here too.
From 5° late season elk to 110° pronghorn hunts. I have a closet full.
I like a lot of their solids too.
Attack are hard to beat for early-mid season. Stretchy, quiet, super comfortable.
Tiburon for the hot early season.
Guide or Axis Hyb for mid/late seson.
Inhave 3 sets of Yukin rain gear too. I wear the pants as over pants in the snow as well as rain.

Early season in conifers/aspen/junipers, Verde is great when lots of green is present.
Desert/sage/junipers, Valo works great.
Late season snow/rocks/bare timber, I like Vias.
I wear a lot of Major brown/ash/Burbon/khaki solid pants too. I wish they would make the green in the Verde a solid color. Or even a sage type green. The Loden green is pretty dark.

 

[jmyers]

And I wear solids for casual and work, they are so comfortable and light. Make great fishing clothes when it’s cold

 

[Wildfire1550]

I have Sitka and kuiu, kuiu is my preferred

 

[BadgerTac]

Kuiu here too.
From 5° late season elk to 110° pronghorn hunts. I have a closet full.
I like a lot of their solids too.
Attack are hard to beat for early-mid season. Stretchy, quiet, super comfortable.
Tiburon for the hot early season.
Guide or Axis Hyb for mid/late seson.
Inhave 3 sets of Yukin rain gear too. I wear the pants as over pants in the snow as well as rain.

Early season in conifers/aspen/junipers, Verde is great when lots of green is present.
Desert/sage/junipers, Valo works great.
Late season snow/rocks/bare timber, I like Vias.
I wear a lot of Major brown/ash/Burbon/khaki solid pants too. I wish they would make the green in the Verde a solid color. Or even a sage type green. The Loden green is pretty dark.

Thanks for the good detailed info! I got some catching up to do

 

[Willys]

You gotta make sure your clothes don’t clash with your gear !

 

[PRC_GUY]

Another Kuiu from here.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I switched from synthetic to wool base layers. Yes wool takes longer to dry and does not wick as well, but even if I sweated pretty hard and its wet its still warmer in my opinion. I hate being cold.

 

[Spreedizzle]

I sweat pretty heavily when moving…so drying as quickly as possible is my need….and hence why I do synthetics over wool. I generally do a lite weight base all season to simply move the moisture close to my skin as fast as possible.

 

[Willys]

Speed have you tried wearing just a superthin wool baselayer? Nothing over it to control sweating? Like a firstlite merino ?

 

[Spreedizzle]

I have as I usually hunt/hike out west in just my base layer down to about 25 degrees. Once I get stationary is when I layer up. I still find that the synthetics dry for me quicker, and move moisture better. I pretty much exclusively use the lite weight based for this reason.

 

[OSOK - Crash]

I have as I usually hunt/hike out west in just my base layer down to about 25 degrees. Once I get stationary is when I layer up. I still find that the synthetics dry for me quicker, and move moisture better. I pretty much exclusively use the lite weight based for this reason.

This is interesting. I'm not sure why I got mixed up that merino dries quicker than synthetics. 🤷‍♂️
I can get a good sweat going just walking to the treestand in the early season. I was hoping the merino would give me quicker drying, plus the benefits of not containing odor. I've felt my synthetics were lacking in the drying dept. Maybe I'm just expecting too much. Guess I'll find out this fall.

 

[025]

I am a Kuiu guy with a wide selection. In insulated coats and pants I have both Ultra down and the Kenai series. The Kenai coat and pants are quiet enough for bow hunting plus I add a Kenai vest in colder conditions. The Ultra down coat and pants seem warmer, but are too noisy to bow hunt in. I really like the Peloton 240 hooded jacket most of the time, but switch to a Guide Parka in later (November) type seasons.

Here are my picks from my assortment for your October hunt, however Kuiu does have newer stuff I haven't tried.

Base layer 145 wool top and bottom zip off
Mid layer 97 weight Peloton top and bottom zip off (wear as need over wool)
I do replace 97 weight top with 200 weight on colder hunts
Pants- Attack pants and Guide pants are two I would take
Insulated pants, hooded jacket and vest would all be Kenai
Outer layer Jackets would be 240 Peloton and Guide Parka
I would add Yukon Gaiters, down glassing mittens, wool gloves, and Northstar gloves
Lastly ball cap, one of the mid weight beanies, Kenai insulated hat and a belt

Good luck