Hey there, fellow hunter! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the lookout for gear that can elevate your game in the backcountry. One brand that‘s been generating a lot of buzz lately is Kuiu. I‘ve been running their gear exclusively for the past 5 seasons, so I figured it‘s high time I share my in-depth thoughts on this premium hunting apparel company.
In this comprehensive review, I‘ll give you my unfiltered opinions on Kuiu‘s products, business model, and overall value based on extensive first-hand experience. I‘ll also compare them to other popular hunting brands so you can decide if investing in Kuiu is the right move for your needs and budget.
By the end, you‘ll have a crystal clear picture of what Kuiu brings to the table and whether they might just be the hunting gear brand you‘ve been searching for. Let‘s get after it!
Who is Kuiu? Meet the Ultralight Hunting Brand Shaking Things Up
If you‘re not familiar with the Kuiu brand, here‘s a quick primer. Kuiu (pronounced "koo-you") was founded in 2011 by Jason Hairston, a former NFL lineman turned entrepreneur. Hairston had previously co-founded Sitka Gear, another well-respected name in the hunting apparel world. But he had a vision to take hunting clothing and gear innovation even further.
Kuiu‘s mission is simple yet bold: build the lightest, most advanced, highest performing mountain hunting equipment in the world—no compromises. As Hairston puts it, "Kuiu was born out of necessity. I was tired of gear that weighed me down and didn‘t perform in the backcountry. So I set out to create something better."
From the beginning, Kuiu has done things differently. Unlike most hunting brands, they sell direct-to-consumer through their website. This allows them to cut out the retail middleman, invest more in R&D, and pass along savings to the customer (though their prices are still decidedly premium).
Kuiu also bucks hunting industry norms with its clean, modern aesthetic. You won‘t find gaudy camo patterns or blaze orange accents here. Hairston is a stickler for minimalist design, both for looks and function. Every Kuiu piece is stripped down to its essential elements for maximum performance.
Over the last decade, Kuiu has earned a cult-like following among hardcore mountain hunters who trust the brand‘s obsessive attention to detail and ultralight designs. But they‘ve also ruffled some feathers along the way with their unapologetic "Ultralight or Nothing" attitude and premium price tags.
So are they really worth the hype—and the high cost? Read on for my complete thoughts after putting Kuiu to the test in some of the most demanding hunting conditions imaginable.
Kuiu Product Line: Head to Toe Performance Hunting Gear
One thing‘s for sure, Kuiu doesn‘t skimp on selection. They offer a complete range of apparel and gear to meet just about every need a hunter could have, including:
- Base layers
- Insulation pieces
- Soft shells
- Rain gear
- Pants and bibs
- Hats, gloves, and other accessories
- Packs and hauling systems
- Sleeping bags and tents
While Kuiu does offer a handful of lifestyle/casual pieces, the vast majority of their product line is laser-focused on technical performance in the field. If you‘re looking for hunting-themed athleisure wear, look elsewhere.
Kuiu‘s designs and fits are heavily influenced by mountaineering gear, prioritizing lightweight packability, weather resistance, and freedom of movement. Many of their fabrics and technologies were originally developed for alpine climbing and backcountry skiing.
Kuiu is best known for their extensive line of hunting clothes, which ranges from base layers to insulated jackets to rain shells. Every piece is designed to work together as a complete layering system to keep you comfortable from early archery season to the bitter cold of the rut.
But Kuiu doesn‘t just do apparel. In recent years, they‘ve expanded their offerings to include packs, shelters, sleeping bags, and other gear essentials to outfit customers for any hunting adventure.
So now that we‘ve covered the 30,000 foot view, let‘s zoom in on some specific Kuiu products and see how they perform in the real world.
Kuiu Attack Pant Review: The Ultimate Hunting Pant?
If there‘s one product that put Kuiu on the map, it‘s the Attack pant. This bestselling softshell pant has earned a reputation as a do-it-all workhorse for serious mountain hunters. I‘ve been running the same pair for the last 3 seasons, so I feel qualified to give my $0.02.
First, the specs. The Attack pants are made from Toray Primeflex nylon/spandex fabric with 4-way stretch and C6 DWR finish. The fabric is highly breathable (CFM 35), fast-drying, and weather resistant enough to shed light precip and snow.
Feature-wise, Kuiu loaded up the Attack pants with smart details made for hunters on the move. You get a gusseted crotch and articulated knees for a natural range of motion while hiking, plus 5 total pockets (2 zippered hip, 2 thigh cargo, 1 right knee) to store essentials. There‘s also integrated knee pad pockets if you want added protection while scrambling over rough terrain.
Other notable features include a gripper elastic waist that keeps the pants in place under a pack belt or harness, quiet snap button closure, zippered fly, and reinforced cuffs that can be worn with gaiters.
Fit-wise, the Attack pants have an athletic cut with a slight taper from knee to ankle. I‘m 6‘1" 185lbs with an inseam of 32" and wear a size L, which fits me perfectly. If you have thicker legs, you may want to size up for more room in the seat and thighs.
So how do the Attack pants perform in the field? In a word: phenomenally. I‘ve worn mine for everything from strenuous hikes to horseback rides to long sits in the snow, and they never disappoint. The stretch fabric is incredibly comfortable and moves with you, making steep sidehills and crouching shots a breeze. They also breathe extremely well and dry quickly for how weather resistant they are.
I love the wealth of smartly-placed pockets for stashing my phone, GPS, knife, wind checker, snacks, and extra gloves. The cargo pockets lay flat when empty but can expand to fit a ton of gear for longer outings. And the zippered pockets keep things secure while bushwhacking through dense cover.
Durability-wise, Kuiu‘s Toray fabric is top notch. My Attack pants have survived miles of hard use through thick brush, rock scrambles, and saddle time with barely a scuff. The DWR treatment hasn‘t even needed a refresh yet. Based on my experience, I expect them to hold up for many more seasons of abuse.
Any downsides? Not many. The $169 price tag can induce sticker shock, but I truly believe the Attack pant‘s quality and performance makes them worth every penny. Some hunters may find the slim fit a little restricting, but I personally love the glove-like feel and appreciate not having any excess material flapping around or snagging on brush.
Bottom line: if you can only buy one pair of hunting pants, make it the Kuiu Attack pant. They‘re hands down the best I‘ve ever worn for spot and stalk, backpack style hunting in varied mountain conditions. Long hikes, inclement weather, thick brush—these pants can do it all without weighing you down.
Five stars, two thumbs up, 10/10 recommend!
Kuiu Guide DCS Jacket Review: Premium Performance for Serious Hunters
When the mercury starts dropping, the last thing you want is a jacket that can‘t pull its weight in the backcountry. Enter the Kuiu Guide DCS jacket. This premium softshell is designed to be your do-it-all insulating layer for active hunting in cold weather.
The Guide DCS (which stands for Durable Comfort Shell) is made from Toray‘s 3DeFX+ fabric, a 4-way stretch woven nylon with a microfleece backer and hollow fiber 3M Thinsulate insulation. The outer face fabric has a C6 DWR treatment for water resistance.
In terms of warmth, the Guide DCS has an insulation value comparable to a lightweight down puffy, but with significantly better breathability and weather resistance. Kuiu rates it for temps down to 30°F, though I find it comfortable into the low 20s°F with proper layering.
Feature-wise, this jacket is fully loaded for long days on the mountain. You get a whopping 12 total pockets, including 2 zippered chest, 2 zippered hand, 2 internal mesh dump pockets, and a genius license/tag pocket on the left sleeve. The hood is fully adjustable and helmet compatible. Articulated elbows, fabric thumb loops, and a drop tail hem round out the hunter-friendly design.
Fit is described as "active," meaning it‘s more trim and closer to the body than your standard boxy insulated jacket. I‘m 6‘1" 185lbs with broad shoulders and wear a size L, which gives me enough room to layer a base layer and light grid fleece underneath. If you plan on layering heavily, consider sizing up.
In the field, the Guide DCS has been a total game changer for me. It strikes the perfect balance of warmth, breathability, and weather protection for the majority of my hunting season. I can hike hard in it without overheating, yet it still keeps me warm during glassing sessions and chilly mornings.
One of my favorite features is the stretch fabric, which gives you complete freedom of motion for climbing or taking a shot. The hood fits great over a beanie and doesn‘t restrict peripheral vision. And all those pockets come in clutch for keeping gloves, calls, wind checker, snacks, and other gear handy.
As for weather protection, the DWR treated fabric does an impressive job repelling light rain and snow. It‘s not fully waterproof, but can easily withstand passing mountain squalls. Wind resistance is also excellent thanks to the tightly woven face fabric. Kuiu really nailed the balance of weather resistant yet highly breathable here.
Negatives? Honestly, not many. It‘s an expensive jacket at $279, but well worth it considering the quality materials, construction, and performance you get. It packs down smaller than a comparable puffy, but not as small as some ultralight layers. And the liner fabric can feel a little cold and clammy if you‘re just wearing a thin base layer underneath.
At the end of the day, the Guide DCS is my go-to insulating layer for almost every hunt. From chilly mornings on the elk mountain, to stalking mule deer in sleet and snow, to long, strenuous hikes in variable weather—this jacket can truly do it all. It‘s a premium piece, but one that I‘m confident will serve me well for many seasons to come. Highly, highly recommend!
Is Kuiu Gear Worth the High Price Tag?
Now for the million dollar question: is Kuiu really worth the premium price? It‘s no secret that Kuiu is one of, if not the most, expensive hunting gear brands on the market. You can easily drop well over $1K on a complete layering system.
So are you just paying for trendy branding, or does Kuiu actually deliver a better product?
Based on my first-hand experience, I‘m convinced that Kuiu‘s quality and performance justifies the high prices (for the most part). Their fabrics, designs, and overall attention to detail are simply on another level compared to other hunting apparel I‘ve tried. You really do get what you pay for with Kuiu.
That said, Kuiu certainly isn‘t cheap, nor is it necessary for everyone. If you‘re a casual weekend hunter, you can probably get by with more budget-friendly options from brands like Cabela‘s or Sitka. And even some of Kuiu‘s direct competitors like Sitka, Forloh, and First Lite offer similar quality for marginally less money.
But if you‘re a dedicated backcountry mountain hunter who demands the absolute best from your gear, Kuiu is worth the investment in my opinion. Their products have been designed from the ground up for hardcore hunters like us, and it shows in every detail. The difference in quality and performance is noticeable and can really enhance your experience when the going gets tough.
Here‘s my general advice: if you hunt less than 10 days per year, stick to mid-range gear with an emphasis on value. But if you‘re out chasing game more weekends than not and plan to hunt for years to come, consider Kuiu an investment in your success and enjoyment in the field. Cry once (at the credit card statement), but get the best gear that will perform season after season.
Of course, you don‘t have to dive into the deep end with head to toe Kuiu. Start with a versatile piece like the Attack pants or Guide jacket and see how you like it. If you‘re impressed, slowly add other items to your kit as your budget allows.
It‘s also worth noting that Kuiu has phenomenal customer service that stands behind their products. They offer a 30 day return policy on new gear, and their warranty program covers any defects for a full year. If you have an issue, they‘ll make it right.
At the end of the day, only you can decide if Kuiu makes sense for your specific needs and budget as a hunter. If you appreciate top shelf quality and performance, I don‘t think you‘ll be disappointed. But there‘s no shame in hunting with more affordable gear if it fits your situation better. The most important thing is getting out there and enjoying your time in nature!
The Verdict: Should You Join the Kuiu Cult?
Alright, let‘s bring this beast of a review in for a landing. After 5 seasons of running Kuiu gear almost exclusively, here‘s my honest takeaway:
Kuiu absolutely lives up to the hype for dedicated mountain hunters, but isn‘t necessary for everyone. Their products are hands down the highest performing, most well-designed hunting apparel and gear I‘ve ever used. If you‘re willing to pay a premium for gear that enhances your experience and functions flawlessly in demanding backcountry conditions, Kuiu is a no-brainer.
On the flip side, if you‘re more of a casual hunter or primarily chase whitetails from the comfort of a treestand, you can probably get by with more affordable gear from other reputable brands in the space. And if you‘re on a tight budget, Kuiu‘s prices can definitely be hard to swallow.
As with any premium product, it really comes down to your individual needs, preferences, and financial situation. There‘s no one size fits all answer.
If you decide to dive down the Kuiu rabbit hole, I have no doubt you‘ll be impressed with the quality and performance of their products. Start with a piece or two, see how you like it, and go from there. And if you ever have an issue, know that their customer service is top notch and will make it right.
At the end of the day, Kuiu has earned every ounce my respect as a hunter. Not just for the products themselves, but for the way Jason Hairston and his team have pushed the entire hunting industry forward in terms of innovation, performance, and customer focus. They‘ve built a cult-like following for a reason.
That‘s a wrap for this monster Kuiu review! I hope you found it helpful, insightful, and maybe even a little entertaining. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me a line. I‘m always happy to geek out about hunting gear with a fellow adventure junkie.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I‘ve gotta go pack for my next high country elk hunt. And you better believe I‘ll be rocking Kuiu from head to toe.
Happy hunting!
