This is directly from Jason on the KUIU blog....
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KUIU is Officially Launched
Hi Everyone,
I wanted you all to know first, Eric flipped the switch a few minutes ago; it is official, KUIU has launched! You can to to www.kuiu.com (http://www.kuiu.com) and click on SHOP and go shopping. I want to thank everyone of you for all the support of KUIU for the past 12 months and making this dream of mine become reality. I could not have made this happen without you.
Please let your family and friends who are not subscribers know they can now shop at kuiu.com. We went through a significant amount of inventory during the pre-shop event, thank you. There are some sizes and colors we are sold out of and I do not think it will take long before we sell the remaining inventory. So, if you know someone who is interested please encourage them to shop sooner than later.
I sincerely appreciate all the support for KUIU, it has been amazing.
Jason
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Fellas, Jason is one of "us"....a hardcore tradition bowhunter, dedicated family man, and just an all around "good guy".
KUIU is a TG sponsor,so pass the word guys, this is great gear!
This is the culmination of at least a years worth of Jason's "blood, sweat, and tears" so to speak. He's put his heart and soul into everything that it has taken to produce such a fine product.
Can't wait till you guys that ordered get your gear out in the field. I have no doubt you'll be impressed!
Congrats again buddy, well deserved :clapper:
I met another KUIU tester this weekend his name was Jeff Short Awesome guy with a lot of knowledge.
Yep, looking forward to testing out what I ordered.
KUIU? Never heard of it. Is that an energy drink?
Gotta go check it out. Thanks!
QuoteOriginally posted by highpoint forge:
KUIU? Never heard of it. Is that an energy drink?
Hey Alex,
I heard that if you drink that stuff you'll disappear in the woods! :D
I posted this on another KUIU thread. I felt it was worth repeating :)
I am really excited to get this product. I have been waiting for a company to produce such a line of clothing. The camo pattern looks very versatile and extremely effective.
I often thought that if technical outdoor/climbing gear could be converged with a camo pattern and quiet exterior shell it would be a winner. That is what I believe KUIU will be.
QuoteOriginally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
QuoteOriginally posted by highpoint forge:
KUIU? Never heard of it. Is that an energy drink?
Hey Alex,
I heard that if you drink that stuff you'll disappear in the woods! :D [/b]
Sign me up :laughing: I wonder if you still smell :dunno: ha ha
Honestly though I got to see the prototype products last weekend and like all who have seen them I was impressed. I will be wearing it this fall.
I really want to pull the trigger on the chugach pants and jacket. I've messed around with every lightweight raingear out there and have yet to find anything that performs well enough to call it lightweight and raingear.
Anyone tried it on? How much noise does it make, is the exterior finish soft or rigid? I'd really love to find some breathable raingear that I can wear in a deer stand here in Indiana, as well as out west or in AK, without it making noise.
Two other questions - will KUIU be displaying at any events this summer? I'd really like to try the gear on.
Q2 - is there a sizing chart on the website anywhere?
Just got the 185 Merino top, bottom, beanie, and gaitor! I was about to pull the trigger on some Core/Traverse layering when this stuff came out. I really like merino wool and don't much like tight, spandex/poly layering. This is cheaper and looks like it will be a lot more comfortable than the Core/Traverse stuff.
Does anybody else think KUIU is almost too good at marketing? :D
Awesome looking gear. I would definately be interested in the rain gear but need TALL size!!! (6'4" with long arms & legs). For the $$ I want to make sure it fits. Any idea if they will offer TALLS down the road? Funny, but I don't even feel all that tall anymore with some of the "kids" I see around today. Just can't find quality gear like this in TALL sizes!
I'm impressed with the prices, might have to try some of it out.
doug77
JJB2, The size chart is right above the Technical Features of any poduct you click on....
Example....
http://shop.kuiu.com/chugach-pant-p13.aspx
Just scroll down and click on "Size Chart" bud...
JJB2,
I'll be at Comptons this June with some of the KUIU products.
Butchie,
If I'm not mistaken, Jason is about 6'3". Write or call KUIU's customer service for additional info on sizes. Please call 1-855-FOR-KUIU between 9am to 5:30pm PST, or shoot them an email at service@kuiu.com anytime.
Randy,
It just depends on the flavor you buy. I'm getting the "mighty mesquite" flavor for Hawaii!
Aloha!
Ryan
Ryan, that's great. I'll be at comptons as well. Do you have either of the chugach pieces?
Guru, thanks for pointing that out, if it were a snake it would have bitten me. The link kind of blends in with the rest of the text in the description.
Jarrett,
I'll be getting it in a week or so. After I give it a go, I'll let you know how it performs. In the mean time, did you get a chance to read what Jason wrote about the Chugach series in his blog?
From what you're asking for in a rain jacket/pant, the Chugach should meet your needs, but I don't want to give you my personal opinion until I try the set for myself.
Thank you!
Ryan
Don't feel bad, couldn't find it myself...And I knew it was there somewhere!
Ryan, I went back and read through the blog yesterday but you know how it is...gotta feel it, touch it, use it...and get it really freakin' wet for 3-4 days in the field to see if it performs as expected for the $$.
Jason, I love the concept behind the brand. Your feel for good product design and brand marketing are impeccable. The whole business model - from choosing and developing a differentiated product concept to brand build/momentum creation, thru to final execution/launch - would make a great MBA case study on how to start a small business.
He's definitely applied his learnings from Sitka well and if the gear performs I'll be a big advocate. I turned dozens of people on to Sitka in their early days. I respect the risk and work he's invested.
Looks like pre orders are starting to ship!!
Yep, mine shipped yesterday!
:thumbsup:
I asked them to hold my order until I returned from Florida. I didn't want them sitting on my porch...plus I think my mailman is a bowhunter since all of my PBS magazines are always opened. :)
I ordered at least one of every piece of Kuiu gear being made and two of some of them. Jason was at the SCI Reno Convention in January with the fabrics, and I had the chance to eat lunch with him one day. I had met Jason before in the early days of Sitka Gear and was impressed with him then. He has really matured in every way and is definitely the best in the world at what he is doing. I ended up spending a small fortune on my Kuiu gear and am already looking forward to buying new products later as they are developed.
I noticed this evening that Kuiu is already sold out of the Attack Pants. I bought two pairs. There are also sizes of other items that are sold out and even more clothing is in short supply. If you want some and haven't ordered yet, you better get online and place your order or you will be waiting for months. Most of the fabrics Kuiu is using are made in Japan, and that could be a problem with restocking new clothing.
Obviously, you don't have to buy this stuff to be able to hunt, but if you have ever been in the back country and had inadequate gear -- either you left it back in camp because it was too heavy and bulky or the quality of the gear was not up to the challenge -- then you really ought to consider Kuiu. You can't buy any better -- and Jason has held the prices down (although everything is still pretty expensive) by only selling direct from Kuiu to the consumer. Normally you get what you pay for, but with Kuiu you will get more than you pay for compared to other top of the line equipment which is still not as good as Kuiu.
And if anyone thinks I am getting special pricing or any other benefit besides being able to buy great equipment for the same amount as everyone else, then you would be mistaken. I hope to be getting my orders soon and will post here my thoughts after using the products.
Jason is about 6'3" or 6'4" and weighs about 220 pounds. He has made the clothes to fit tall people like himself. I am 6'1" tall and will probably need to have the pants taken up and hemmed an inch or two shorter. Jason has talked about maybe offering custom hemming someday. I don't think anyone who is 6'4" would have any problem with the legs or sleeves being too short. Check out the sizing chart.
Allan
I have ordered all the outerwear except the Guide Vest and Spindrift Jacket along with the pack frame and 3000 pack. Based on what I read from the website, when I get my order I have 60 days, without using them, to inspect and decide whether I want to keep them . I sure wish KUIU would go a little further with their warrantee/Return Policy to allow people to use their product, within reason, to make sure they performs to what we are reading. The only way to test rain gear is to get out into the rain and with a pack you need to put it on and use it to see if it is a good fit. Based on the way it reads now, if you use it and are not happy with it, you cannot return it. Maybe they will make exceptions but it does not say it. I have yet to find rain gear that performs as stated...that includes Sitka Gear. I read all the great testimonies but that just makes me feel there should be a more liberal warrantee/return policy. I am sure this is keeping people from buying.
Here is the language from their website:
Returns
We believe in the highest quality and stand by all our products.
Upon receiving your product, if you are not 100% satisfied please contact us immediately. We will replace or exchange it, or refund your full purchase price as long as it meets our return conditions. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-855-367-5848 or service@kuiu.com and a representative will be happy to assist you.
Our Return Policy
•Must be returned within 60 days of the original purchase date
•Product must be unworn and in salable condition with tags attached
•By law, product must be sent back clean
•All returns must have an RA number. Items returned without an RA number will not be accepted, and we cannot guarantee that the item will be returned to you. Please contact customer service for an RA number.
How to make a return
•Please call or email our customer service team to request an RA number and please write the RA number on the outside of your return package.
•Must be returned with your entire packing slip
•Credit for your return will be refunded to your credit card and your credit will appear on your statement within 1 to 2 billing cycles
Exchanges
• Call our customer service team for the item you want to exchange and we will send in-stock items right away and waive the shipping fee. Our customer service team will issue you an RA number for the exchange item you are returning to us.
• You must have the RA number on the outside of your return package and you must enclose your packing invoice with your exchange
• Exchanges must be done with in 60 days of the purchase date
• Items must be unworn and in salable condition with the tags attached
Our Warranty Policy
We have a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Should you have a warranty issue, call our customer service team for an RA number. We will attempt to repair the item, and if this is not possible we will replace it free of charge.
California law states that products accepted for review must be clean. Please clean your products before returning them to us otherwise we will not be able to accept them. Normal wear and tear, negligence and damage are not covered under our warranty policy.
Please contact our customer service department at 1-855-367-5848 and a representative will be happy to provide you with an RA number.
Mail returns and exchanges to:
KUIU Returns Dept.
1920 North Lincoln St. Suite 101
Dixon, CA 95620
Canceling an order
KUIU Customer Service is available from 9am to 5:30pm PST Monday to Friday. If you need to cancel an order, please call us at 1-855-367-5848 during our normal business hours and within one hour of placing your order. After one hour, it will no longer be possible to cancel an order.
Steve,
You are right in your observations. Kuiu is not offering the same level of return policy as a company like Cabela's. I'm sure Jason would like to be able to do that someday when he is as rich as Dick Cabela. ;) The return and warranty policies Kuiu offers are as good as most of the big companies, and Jason is doing this with his small start-up company that he is financing himself with his own money and borrowings. Since this is definitely not inexpensive gear, many people will probably want to take a wait and see approach while guys like you and me go do much of the "field testing" to confirm that the products perform. Jason himself and others did a lot of field testing themselves over a number of months, but those limited experiences will never compare to widespread use of the products following the roll out to the general public. No doubt, Jason will be very responsive to his customers, as he always has been, and will make improvements where needed. I also suspect that if something truly did not work as advertized, Jason would do his best to make it right with the customer -- although I am certainly in no position to commit Jason to ANYTHING.
I hope you post your thoughts on the Kuiu gear here on TradGang. I certainly plan to do so -- good, bad or indifferent.
Allan
Well that sucks, tried to have a look a the products but seems Im blocked because I live in Zimbabwe. Can I ask why that is Steve?
Matabele, I highly doubt there is any block for any reason on this end. My guess is BOB does not want you buying American pants!
Metabele, There's no reason you should be blocked from the site.
If need be, give customer service a call bud 1-855-367-5848. I'm sure they'll get it figured out.
Guys by all means post about your thoughts on you new gear. Both here and on the KUIU blog.
That's how KUIU will be able to find out the likes/dislikes of the guys that are using it. And, figure out how to improve/change things if need be.
I had my KUIU on this morning on a turk scout/shed hunt...I'm tellin' ya,this is the most comfortable gear I've ever worn!
Mine shipped yesterday. Between the KUIU and Curt's old gear I am set for my western backpack hunts!
Dave
You know what someone needs to make is a good hat. I now have a 3 rivers packer hat and it is a very good hat except it will be to warm this summer and most of bowseason, and it is very dark and I think very visable, Seeings how KUIU is just getting started and it appears they have a very good camo pattern they ought to make a hat similar to the packer hat that 3 rivers sells and Filson. the brim has to be 2 1/4 inch max, beanies are good but they don;t shade the sun worth a crap and thats important at least to me,,, any other suggestions
QuoteOriginally posted by howler:
You know what someone needs to make is a good hat. I now have a 3 rivers packer hat and it is a very good hat except it will be to warm this summer and most of bowseason, and it is very dark and I think very visable, Seeings how KUIU is just getting started and it appears they have a very good camo pattern they ought to make a hat similar to the packer hat that 3 rivers sells and Filson. the brim has to be 2 1/4 inch max, beanies are good but they don;t shade the sun worth a crap and thats important at least to me,,, any other suggestions
A boonie would be cool also
yes with a 2 1/4 inch brim
Yes! A short brim boonie!! That is a hat that would see a lot of use. I bought the beanie but I NEED a boonie!!!
Here's a review of some KUIU gear. Looks like the guide jacket is a winner. This review does answer some sizing questions.
I think you forgot something Carlton...
http://kuiu.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/elk-reaper-review-part-ii/
"looks like the Guide Jacket is a winner"....heck I told ya that a long time ago ;)
Wow!!! Three hours is the wind, rain and snow and the Guide jacket was still beading up the elements! (He-He) That must mean the Chugach Jacket and Pant are bomb proof :) I can't wait!!!!!!!!!