Sitka vs. Kuiu

[Hess]

Is this a Ford vs. Chevy thing?  I have yet to see the Kuiu stuff in person but I've got a bit of Sitka that I really like.  Opinions?  If there is already a thread on this forgive me.

[ozy clint]

i just got back from a 12 day backpack hunt in NZ. one of the guys i hunted with had the KUIU soft shells and raingear. he was very happy with them. the camo pattern they had blended perfectly with the rocky terain there. i just got a set of the 185 merino wool base layer. very nice. haven't tested them hard yet but they are warm.

[Preston Lay]

I have some of both and I think your right on the Ford Chevy thing. Outerwear both are synthetic however KUIU base layers are merino wool. KUIU camo pattern looks realy nice and blends well about anywhere.

[Steve O]

Just so you all know, Sitka now has a very fine set of Merino wool base layers.  You can see the shirt here.  It comes in the gray I have the link to as well as both the Open Country and Forest Optifade.

   Sitka Merino Zip-T


I do not know all the technical mumbo jumbo.  All I know is it is the smoothest wool I have ever touched; more like cashmere.  I am looking forward to testing it out.

[Preston Lay]

Steve O I wasnt aware of that. Thanks for the heads up.

[Wary Buck]

I'm only familiar (and quite happy) with Sitka Gear, but I think the fact that we have TWO companies like this that have serious bowhunters at the helm can be nothing but good for us, the consumer.  

I love the idea of hard-core bowhunters driving these products' research and development, rather than the products driving the bowhunter...which I think is too often the norm in many other companies.

[Spurs]

I like them both.  I bought a kuiu hat and love the way the camo looks, but it just won't work in my terrain for turkeys.  Sitka has the forest which works well, but Kuiu seems to be priced more reasonable.  I hope Kuiu will offer another pattern soon!!

[Stoutstuff]

Kuiu is designed and marketed by the guys that started and sold Sitka. The plan for Kuiu is to sell it directly to hunters verses selling through a typical retail operation. This allows them to offer more expensive products at less cost to us.

[Snakeeater]

Stoutstuff,

KUIU is owned by ONE OF the guys who started Sitka Gear, Jason Hairston. As I understand it the other guy is still with Sitka which is now owned by Gore.

The direct to the customer via the web information you posted is correct. Jason wanted to cut out the middle man costs so that he could make the product he wanted at a price that was reasonable for what you got.


Snakeeater

[Zradix]

I wish both would make a darker camo.
The stuff is just to bright to blend in where I hunt.

It might break up well..but it won't blend in..I want both.

[bretto]

Neither one come in big enough sizes for Me so I'll never know. LOL

[LimBender]

Zradix, I think the Kuiu pattern will work in most treestand situations, and may be better than the Sitka Forest.  The neutral lighter shade in the Kuiu camo is a lot like ASAT and should pick up the colors around you.  To me it is a similar concept to the Predator stuff.

Glad to see Sitka has wool now, for mostly sitting, I wasn't a big fan of the synthetic underlayers.

Both are still more marketed to open country style hunting, but it looks like Sitka is more and more catering to still hunters.

[Zradix]

I agree the Kuiu looks to follow the predator concept.

The camel/kahki color is just to light in shade for my taste for where I hunt. I think it could be a great pattern and color choice for some other terrain.

I had a  wool hat made in a similar camo.
When viewed in a black & white pic it still really stands out. My current jacket does too for that matter.

I have some winter stuff ( white ) for when the snow flies.
I'm currently looking/saving for a new and very quiet and warm parka with the right color shades....ever ongoing...lol

I did have a new hat made in green and brown. That one does blend in very nice.

Here's the old hat with a pattern and color similar to the Kuiu...

 

 

[m laughlin]

remember gentlemen, what looks good to us because of leaves and such, does not always make a good camo. break-up is the secret, stealth and cunning bring home the dinner.
matt

[Zradix]

I agree..good camo breaks up your outline AND helps hide your movement.

I also believe that having the right shade to blend in with your environment is also very important.

I feel a mid tone solid gray shirt is better than a winter white predator camo when sitting in a green and brown early fall woods.

I'm sorry if I took this post of course.
My initial point was I'm not sure if I'd want either brand as I don't care for the patterns available.