I wanted to let all Tradganger's know that I am now working with Jason Hairston and his wonderful new company "KUIU". KUIU is designed by hunters for hunters. We will officially launch in April of 2011, but please check out our website at www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
In the meantime I will glaldy take the time to answer any and all question about KUIU and the direction we are taking. Jason and I are both trad guys and we look forward to bringing the traditional community the best gear available.
Thank you,
Peter Iacavazzi
pciacavazzi@hotmail.com
(406)-599-5786
You and Jason are the bane of my bank account! Here's a question:
As you know Peter I'm loaded up with all the Sitka on Earth, and don't find my Core next to skin all that comfy, almost like it's not cut 100% right for an athletic build in the shoulders......would KUIU Merino be warmer and more comfy and "fluid" fitting?
LOL...The bane..LOL
Yes, Jason is a former NFL linebacker and I am a wrestler...KUIU will be using the finest Merino wool in the world and our "Base" layers will be extremely comfortable and warm. The fit will be very user friendly. I think you'll find our base layering with the Merino wool will be the best there is.
Thanks,
Peter Iacavazzi
pciacavazzi@hotmail.com
(4060-599-5786
I have a base layer by Firstlight in Merino wool and it is spectacularly comfortable so these should be as well..
Cool...er, I mean warm! We are perched.......can't wait.
Kewl. Looking forward to seeing his offerings.
Thanks for the link Pete! Kuiu's blog is loaded with information!
That new pack frame looks wicked. I think that carbon fiber frame is the ticket!
I've been keeping up with the Kuiu blog since Jason started it, and i thought the same thing..."cool" stuff, but now more stuff to try!
Very nice!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I'm a big fan of Merino Wool already. Looks like GOOD STUFF Peter! :thumbsup:
Have been patiently waiting on this! I signed up on the website awhile ago but have not received the sticker yet! I can't wait to try this stuff out!
I'm hoping that pack is priced within reach, sounds/looks very interesting.
Good luck Peter! Looking forward to seeing the pack when it comes out.
I like the company name, another spot in SE Alaska.
You guys are in for a treat. KUIU is going to be awesome. The pack is a made of a "CF" frame. (Carbon Fiber)...laymans terms...Ultra light weight with superior weight packing ability. Imagine a pack frame that weighs around 13 ozs...but can hanlde 150 lb loads. It will be very comfy and form fitting. This pack will change the way we look at "hauling" gear.
All base layers will be made from the highest quality Merino wool. We will cut no corners. As far as pricing goes: Jason is working hard at making the KUIU line fair and affordable. I think once we release you will be able to compare our quality to all competitors and you'll smile at our prices...I know a few things, but why spoil a great surprise!
By in large KUIU will be an amazing company and our products will fast become a "must have" for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Please be patient and feel free to ask me any questions. We are excited to bring KUIU to all of our Trad brothers and sisters!
Respectfully,
Peter Iacavazzi
pciacavazzi@hotmail.com
(406)-599-5786
Sounds good Pete :wavey:
Tracy
Pete,
What is the definition of the word Kuiu?
Not Kuiu related, but do you know what the make of the longbow is Jason took with him on his Stone sheep hunt? Awesome looking bow.
Dusty
Dusty,
That's a 3 pc Thunderhorn by Duane Jessop, one of the finest custom 3 pc longbows.
This is from the KUIU blog
"Where & What is KUIU?
KUIU (pronounced Koo-U) is an island in the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska, at 56°28′N 134°1′W / 56.467°N 134.017°W / 56.467; -134.017. It lies between Kupreanof Island, to its east, and Baranof Island, to its west. The island is 105 km (65 miles) long, and 10-23 km (6-23 miles) wide. It has 1,936.16 km² (747.556 square miles) of land area, making it the 15th largest island in the United States. The population was 10 persons at the 2000 census."
http://tinyurl.com/ybcywg4
Aloha!
Ryan
Just thought I would bring this to the top...
KUIU will be a TG sponsor very soon!
As some of you know, I've had the opportunity to field test some of the prototype clothing and have been nothing but extremely impressed. Fabric, fit, camo, etc....
Cruise the site and check the blog... go back and see how Jason has brought KUIU from an idea to fruition...very, very impressive!
I've had a lot of questions about the pricing of the gear. In Jason's latest blog update, he lays it all out on the table for all to see :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Like Peter said earlier, Jason is one of us, he "walks the walk", and is a die hard trad hunter!
Anyway... check it out guys...I believe you'll like what you see :campfire:
I am worried more about fit than pricing! Since most items I have to buy tall sizes, mainly in tops and jackets! I really hope this stuff will work out for me. :pray:
Thanks for the info Curt!!
If it is the same Alaska Kuiu island I know of it has some world class black bear hunting! Used to be real popular and the quality suffered a bit. I believe it is back to being fairly good. Like most hunting, the harder the place is to reach the better the hunting. You'll need good gear like KUIU is proported to be to hunt the island.
JASON- Best of luck on your new venture! Leonard
Peter, what can you tell me about the pants. I am in the market for a set of quality pants and was just about ready to order a pair from Sitka, but would like to know more info about your pants first.
I am looking at a lightweight pant, similiar to the Sitka Mountain Pant. What is the material these pants are made of? Thanks
WHere is it made?
Love the pics on the blog. Looking forward to these products.
Peter, Jason is just a scrawney lil 'ol linebacker. I'm an offensive lineman, you gonna fit me too?
Biggie you keep on thinning down you'll be in that stuff in no time. Looking forward to trying some of this stuff out.
So, Peter and/or Curt, are you guys still affiliated with Sitka Gear (pro-staff), or is this a completely seperate association with Mr. Hairston, and his new KUIU venture.
Thanks, Burnsie
Looks like it is going to be excellent stuff! Merino wool is my favorite!
Jason has announced the Kuiu price list today on the website. What he is doing is absolutely incredible. I have never witnessed a retail business conduct itself with such integrity.
Check it out: http://kuiu.wordpress.com/
Hi Guys,
I'll do my best to answer your questions:
Rusty, as far as fit goes. KUIU will be working hard with our designers to offer a wide range of sizes. Being a big guy, you know that sometimes its hard to get the fit you'd like. We will do our best to accomodate as large a range of sizing as possible.
Biggie: Jason and I love big Ol Lineman...and I just love you! I think we're going as large as 3XL...but if we have nothing to cover your "Biggieness"...I will personally sew 2 of my jackets togther to fit ya!
PSU: The KUIU mountain type pant is awesome. I'm field testing a prototype now. They are lightweight, comfy, and highly durable. They are similiar to the Sitka Mountain pant (which was always my favorite pant Sitka made). The KUIU lightweight pants are made of synthetic material and they are surpisingly comfortable, durable and water resistant. They stretch when you move and have an overall form fit. I cant knock the Sitka Mtn pant...but I think you'll really love the lightweight KUIU pant!
KUIU will be made overseas and our suppliers will be from sveral countries. If you visit our website at www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com) , Jason will provide the who, where and how each product is manufactured. Our goal is to be forthright and honest about ALL our products.
For the record, I am no longer associated with Sitak Gear. I had a wonderful relationship with Sitka Gear and they are certainly an excellent product. Jason Hairston was the originator behind Sitka...but before that he was and is my good friend. I left Sitka so that I may continue working with and supporting Jason. KUIU is his "baby" and I'm proud to be associated with, and to be workingg alongside a man I respect as much as Jason.
KUIU is going to be an outstanding product. Our Merino wool is teh finest available today. Our quality control and atteention to detail is exceptional. Our new "CF" Carbon Frame pack will be a "MUST HAVE" for any serious outdoorsman.
Please be patient and realize that KUIU wont officially launch until April of this year. I think all of you will like what KUIU is doing and you'll appreciate our committment to the Trad Hunter!
I may be reached at pciacavazzi@hotmail.com this week. Next week I will post my KUIU email for all. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I will do my best to help.
KUIU is going to be very special!
Thank you,
Peter Iacavazzi
www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
I cant wait till the cite launches it looks great!
Yes, I think you'll all agree, that our pricing will shake the industry. We will not compromise on quality, but we are offering a direct pricing so that we can pass the savings along to YOU!
Jason Hairston has promised to make KUIU the absolute best. But that he will be fair and honest and make KUIU an affordable item for every man/woman.
Please visit www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
You will like what we are doing!
Peter Iacavazzi
Wow, I'm glad I waited to purchase some "real" hunting clothes. I would say that KUIU just moved to the top of the list!
Travis
i am a big fan of the open pattern camo. Wish they made a cotton version for us southern turkey hunters. their Logo rocks.Now this is camo I can wear!
Wow that pricing is outstanding!
Peter could you explain a little bit more about the camo outerwear? For example, what is it made of, what are it qualities, and why would I choose it over wool?
Molson,
The outerwear will be synthetic. It will be superior in water resistance and in our water proof items (water proof). It will be wind proof and it will be lighter in weight than wool. It will be quicker drying than wool and will be packable.
However, with all that said...We are still designing and selling high quality "Merino Wool" undergarments and layering clothing.
we feel that by combining a Merino Wool base layer with a synthetic outer layer...we can combine the best of "both" worlds.
This way you dont have to choose KUIU over wool...rather KUIU will provide you with what we and I feel is an excellent combination of fabric.
Thank you
Excellent Peter. Thanks. The KUIU has definitely got my interest!! :thumbsup:
You're very welcome! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.
Peter
www.theflagprogram.com (http://www.theflagprogram.com)
Pete are the heavier pants made for say some stand hunting?
Right now we are designing a more lightweight type of gear. As far as real cold weather "stand" type of outerwear goes...we will be adding that over time. I think where we can really help the stand hunter, is with our heavier Merino Wool base layers.
I hope this helps,
Peter iacavazzi
www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
www.theflagprogram.com (http://www.theflagprogram.com)
Yep, I'm thinking the Merino wool is where I'll start for Illinois whitetail. If I decide to head out west I can look at the other stuff.
Good luck Peter on your project.
QuoteOriginally posted by Biggie Hoffman:
Peter, Jason is just a scrawney lil 'ol linebacker. I'm an offensive lineman, you gonna fit me too?
I'm just plain offensive. And a fat bastard. You gonna be making Manly Men's sizes? (ie an XXL that is actually XXL not just L) The one problem I have with Sitka is that there sizingjust runs way too small. Are you guys going to cater for us 'husky' hunters?
Shhhhh don't tell anybody I'm wearing a Kelvin suit under my KUIU.....us Safeties run low, fast, and light to deliver the KO. it's a horsepower versus weight thing.......seriously can't wait to drain my checking account again for all this stuff!
Thanks KUIU team!!!!
Will be watching the Kuiu stuff closely.
I love merino wool! I have both the Woolpower stuff, and First Lite. Both are great products! I do feel that the Woolpower is warmer then the First Lite. However, the fit of both is not been real good for me. Quite baggy feeling, esoecially in the sleeve's. From the shoulder all the way to the wrist.
I am not the linebacker type, like Peter, nor the lineman type like Biggie, I am more the "waterboy" type (5'10 170lbs). Hopefully, Kuiu's line will be a more comfortable fit.
chris <><
Looking forward to it for sure.
I would be very happy to see a merino wool base layer union suit..impossible to find and I think it would be very populer. I dont like the two piece long johns, they keep sliding down my butt under my bibs.
Hi Guys,
I made a mistake earlier regarding where KUIU will be manufactered. All KUIU apparel will be made in North America...(Canada).
As far as sizing goes, we will do our best to be accurate and on track with our sizes.
...for all you "football" players...and "waterboys" ...KUIU will have something for everyone!
Thank you for all your interest and questions. I think the "TG'ers" will love what KUUIU is doing and we look forward to working with you!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions...I'll do my best to answer all inquiries.
Thanks guys,
Peter Iacavazzi
www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
www.theflagprogram.com (http://www.theflagprogram.com)
Onions,
The Merino 185 zip-t that I have fits great. It's a large and is very true to size, from what I can tell.
Lots of stretch...form fitting, but not at all tight...no sag at all.
One thing that I've had problems with before with other Zip-T's is that the zipper wouldn't stay up.
Not so with the 185 top...the zipper stays right wear you want it!
All the way up or anywhere in between...
I've worn nothing but synthetic underlayers for years...this Merino top blows them all away!
As well as the other KUIU pieces :thumbsup:
Curt,
What pieces were you wearing at Solana?
Thx.
I had the Guide jacket, vest, and hat..Attack pants.. and a merino 185 zip-t.
Full reveiw coming out soon on the KUIU blog :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Been reading it, would you stand hunt in your setup?
Jason seems to be saying wait fo the Treestand stuff AFTER the initial release.
I meant my review during my hunts bud...
Stand hunting is the only way I've hunted with it so far...
Not to speak for Jason, but we have talked, and Peter can give more insight...
Colder weather gear is in the future, but not this year. But I know for a fact that Jason is working on it. But it'll still be geared toward warmth to weight.
The line-up for this spring is as listed in the pricing post on the blog...
It's all I'll use though, it's all about layering ...with everything listed...you should be good to go in all but the coldest of late season hunts.
I really like the camo pattern too. I'm ready to order a piece and try it out. 8-)
Curt is correct. KUIU is deigned with the "Ultra Light" hunter in mind. Our Merino wool and high warmth to weight ratio will provide excellent warmth when the layering system is used properly.
As we grow, we will certainly be adding additional pieces to the KUIU line. For now all of our 2011 products are available to view on the website at www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
The camo pattern is a large open patttern and in my own testing I have found it works great in both sparsely timbered and heavily timbered country. I think you'll like this pattern and the KUIU line!
...and Yes "Biggie"...You will look extremely fit and handsome in your KUIU :)
Thanks everyone.
Peter Iacavazzi
www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
www.theflagprogram.com (http://www.theflagprogram.com)
I am ready for some. I like that it is designed with the mountian/light hunter in mind.
Peter let me know when I can start my collection.
It's been a long time since I teased our li'l buddy Guru, but he just typed he had the 185 in L and it "seems to run true to size"
Ok..now I've never met Guru, but from every account and pic on here, they all say he's a runt!
When the heck did a runt wear Large? I'm 6'2' @ 220# and I wear L under and XL outer for freedom of movement in hunting Gear...
Seriously, Guru, you wear L??? :knothead:
Now on a serious note, I invested years back in the Ulfrote Merrino wool... never quite bought into the "just hang outside and it won't smell" theme and my results have been unsatisfactory without washing between wearings as under-garments...especially tops, but sure gets softer w/ each washing and is nice and warm! The synthetic outer might be sweet, if it's QUIET.
I don't do anything that gives off the slightest 'rustle" warm or cold weather.
It will be cool to see what the actual pieces are. I hate how the "Sitka suit that's not nearly as cool as the next gen" replacement cycle assaulted my wallet, but prices seem spot on with KUIU for me buying it anyway and layering up. Dunno how the deer vision
will distinguish between Forest Optifade and KUIU.....I guess I'll ask the deer next Oct. I have zero problem helping out another entrepreneur and I like JH's pricing scheme and e-commerce aspect......I'm in!
This is Going to be serious Gear for the serious hunter!
I am definitely interested.
Pete are you coming over to this side of the mountain for the TBM Banquet at Chico Hot Springs next weekend? If so, could you bring a couple of pieces for us to see?
I am a runt compred to Biggie and Marty!
5-9" 180#...not big, but not a runt either. Not sure of your sources Doc ;)
I wear lg tops in all my undergarments and either LG or mostly xl outers to have room to layer.
Would you like me to model the 185 Zip-t? Proof is in the pix :)
Randy/Walt, You'll luv it!
I look forward to taking this ultra light gear and kinda crossing it over to the type of hunting I mostly do...Whitetails.
Like I said earlier...with what's going to be avail. this spring....I/we should be able to be warm in all but the coldest hunts.
With a couple(or more) layers of Merino 185&250, the Spindrift Primaloft jacket, the Guide jacket and vest...I look forward to not only staying warm, but also not being weighed down with heavy, bulky layers.
Heavy clothing takes it's toll on a hunter over time in a stand. After 4-5 hrs. it becomes much more of a burden than clothing that weighs half as much, but still keeps you warm :thumbsup:
Joey/Biggie,
The camo is second to none at destoying the human outline. Both of the deer I killed while wearing it looked up at me(I think they both knew the stands where there and were lookin), but didn't/couldn't identify me.
...I can attest that Curt is no runt...he's definitely no "lineman" like Biggie...more of a solid "defensive back" size. He's fast and agile and while his body size may be of the "L" persuasion...his heart is a 4XL....
Unfortunately, I wont be able to attend the TBM gathering...Although I'd love to...I will be in Poplar, MT teaching "FLAG" at Poplar, HS.
Jason Hairston is meeting me in Salt Lake City tomorrow. Between dinner and lots of laughs, we will be talking alot of KUIU. I hate to sound like a commercial here...But YOU guys will really love this KUIU.
Jason has put his heart and soul into developing this product line with YOU in mind. As a hardcore traditional bowhunter himself, he has really created something very special.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if I may help you in anyway.
Thank you guys!
Peter Iacavazzi
www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com)
www.theflagprogram.com (http://www.theflagprogram.com)
You guys have to stop, it's driving me nuts that I can't get ahold of any till spring. :knothead: :banghead:
QuoteOriginally posted by Guru:
I am a runt compred to Biggie and Marty!
5-9" 180#...not big, but not a runt either. Not sure of your sources Doc ;)
Oh, Guru,
Now, Son...you DO know my source: All the pesterin you get here. I just know what I read since I've missed being able to hook up with yer fine self... :eek: :rolleyes: :D
Just how big ARE some of these guys... seriously...180#. (I remember 180 but short term memory is the first to go!)
Nope...180 ain't no runt! I dont' think I want to see you "model" the 185...I'm kinda skert now! :)
thanks for the chuckles...now back to the regularly scheduled program.
So this synthetic stuff for outer wear...the lighter weight and wind-resistant/water resistant is double cool...but is it QUIET?
Seriously...I take finger nails or a key to so many of these fabrics in camo today and wince when I think of 2 days beard scratchin across some of this stuff on a still, frosty morning.
I swear some of our deer can hear you blink. One of the guys said the deer heard him "swallow hard!" Yup.. I believe it.
I got a few packs that were supposed to be "fleece" type quiet and man... when it gets cold...they actually "crinkle".
Any word on the outwear and it's quiet factor?
Yes sir, yes sir. I think I'll need three bags full. Guru made it look good, I talked to the deer after he left none said they had seen him either.
I also like the looks of the pattern. I've never had a problem finding a garmet to wear in warm weather but the cold weather gear is a hole different story.
Hey! The light welterweights and lightweights are going to have to be represented by me officially. Maybe I don't eat enough or something, and I train like a madman. I wanna see how warm I AM in KUIU. Let's not forget the the MAN, BJ Penn is all of 155lbs. Just like me. Peter can attest to BJP's effectiveness but that's another conversation.
Guys I get COLD. I'm know for getting cold. I'm known for not LIKING cold. I'm also known to sit in a blind for 12 hours. Believe me if I am warm, you will be warm....I plan on letting you guys know how it goes next year! Let's go so we can order some!
So David buddy, you talk to the deer huh...can you put an order in for a 10pt. next year? :goldtooth:
Doc, It's all good bud :biglaugh:
As far as quiet, you've read that I just got done hunting those crazy,wired,lunatic deer at Solana. Those deer are without a doubt the most weary,on edge critters I've ever layed eyes on. If something is noisy, they will hear it! It passed that test with no problem at all.
Alex, Not saying you shouldn't buy KUIU, but the way you're approaching it may not be the best the way I see it...
You know you have hell of a time staying warm on your hunts, it's always a struggle for you. That's no secret, you talk about it all the time on TG.
So going into this, knowing that, why would you try to use clothing that is designed to be ultra-light, and for hunters basically on the move?
KUIU is awesome stuff, and the Merino base layers will be the best on the market. But to be truthful, and Jason and Peter will tell you same thing, it's not designed to keep fellas like you (that can't keep yourself from getting cold) from getting cold while stand hunting.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you plan on "letting us know" if you stay warm. But chances are, since nothing can keep you warm, maybe you're just setting yourself up for failure?
I just would hate to see hunters wearing KUIU with the wrong frame of mind, it's great gear, but lets not forget what it was designed for.
I'd hate to see guys talking negetively(and spreading the word) about KUIU that are trying to use it for hunts it was really never designed for is all.
Those are valid points, Curt. Agreed. Went through this with Sitka until the insulated pieces came out.......
Doc, I almost doubled Guru when he was down here last. 6'4" 365#
I'm down to a svelt 324 now...going for 280.
I want to be like Pete when I grow up.
Listen to you guys! At 5'8" and 150, I haven't got much extra body fat to keep me warm.
I have to run around in circles in the rain to get wet!
I'm required to carry rocks in my pockets when the wind blows.
On the plus side, I never have to duck going through a door!
See the posts above PD......my problem exactly.
Curt/Pete, how does it hold up to rough brush? Curt you probably have a good idea after wearing it in Texas where everything has a thorn on it. I'm all in to conservation and am much more apt to walk through stuff rather than around it and I do tend to rip clothes and wear them out.
Oh, I'm more of a tight end. Right at 6' and 240#. My wife says I'm not fat, just dense! :)
Hey Guys!
I'm the official runt of Trad Gang, @ 5'6" 150. Pete still can't decide if I should be kicking field goals or passing out gatorade bottles. :D
I'm going to order some as soon as it comes out and I'll be sure to keep the gang posted in terms of durability and warmth for lightweights like myself. Year round I'm hunting in some terrain that's rough on gear. Kiawe thorns, cactus, cat claw, lantena, lava rocks, etc.
For the guys that get cold, I'm your man. Living in Hawaii, I don't have time to acclimate to the mainland weather. You should have seen me last year in Nebraska. Talk about freezing! Heck, I even get cold when I'm hunting in Hawaii.
Aloha!
Ryan