Just tried on the KUIU that arrived today. Thought I might give you a run down if you are thinking of ordering.
First I am 5'9'' and about 190 right now. For comparison the Sitka gear 90% pants and jacket fit me just about perfect in large. Roomy enough to wear a thick vest under the jacket. Pants were roomy also.
KUIU
Merino:
I got all 4 merino layers in Large, pants in neutral, tops in camo. They are all high quality and fit well. The lighter merino is not scratchy at all, the heavier a little scratchy.
Pants: I got 34 and they are true to size, I can wear both merinos under them and they will fit better when I lose a few lbs. Pants are very high quality, the fabric is tough but stretchy, kind of a cross betwee the Sitka 90% and the lighter Sitka pants in thickness, but tougher. Good button front and good pockets.
Guide jacket in Large: Cut a little long past the waist particularly in the back which is good and a little long in the sleeves which looks like it has an area where you could have them altered if you need to. Fine for me. It is a bit snug in the shoulders and upper arms and although I can wear both merinos under it I would be unable to wear a vest until I lose some more weight. It is slimmer than the Sitka 90% large jacket. It is cut slim through the arms with no velcro closures which I like. May have to return it for an extra large and have the sleeves altered. The hood is very nice. This jacket looks as if it will break the wind better than the sitka 90%.
Merino beannie; Very light weight, stretches well.
Merino neck gaitor: Very light weight, stretchy for pulling up over your face for camo.
KUIU beannie: I have a big head and although the Sitka beannie fit me perfect this one is way too small and does not stretch very much, I would think it might fit a 7&1/4 or so. Got to send it back.
This gear is top notch and I think you will like it if you get a good fit. It is an athletic fit and if I weighed what I should I think it would be about perfect.
What kind of businman would name a product with three vowels in a row. I can't pronounce the product. AND that's coming from a guy who's last name begins with three consonants.
Szmania
Impressions.....hmmmm let me think:
AWESOME!!
Pair of attack pants and they are absolutely fantastic. Fit me perfect. Feel great.
the FedEx man just dropped them off 10 minutes ago and I am wearing them (and my camo hat) to my mother in laws!
Everything was top notch: service, packaging (the best I have ever seen with mail order clothing), and exceeded my expectations.
Thanks KUIU!
Yep! Got mine also! Same for me, the beanie is to tight! Sending mine back as well. Everything else is perfect!!
Rusty
Thanks for the great feedback Gang! Keep them coming! KUIU is committed to their customers.
Bowmania, it's KOO-YOO.
I have not recieved any of my order yet. However, yesterday I recieved a call from KUIU's customer service b/c they were questioning my address, and they wanted to make sure that I recieved my "goodies".
We got the address "issue" straightened out, great customer service by the way, now I am anxiously waiting. Hopefully it arrives before Tues the 12th b/c I will be out of town. It would be pure torture if the "goodies" were sitting at my house while I was out of town!!!
chris <><
Where are KUIU products made, it says North America on the website but that could be Nicaraqua or Nebraska.
Inquiring minds would like to know?
Vancouver, B.C.
Thanks Kevin!
vwvectors,
Here's a link to the blog.
http://kuiu.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/inside-vancouver-production/
Got mine in today too. This stuff is super quality and the pattern is awesome. The fabric feels great as does the merino. The jacket has to go back. I got a large and it feels like a medium across the shoulders and arms. Tight. The pants are true to size, but I'd say if you're on the upper half of sizing then order up. I'm probably going to send the base layer back too and go up one size in each. No problem at all with the beanie or gaiter.
I should have stuck with my original one size up strategy but the blog mentioned sized for layering so I figured I'd be good. Not so! Definitely not a bdu style fit. Much slimmer.
I guess I ordered too much to fill yet because my order has not even shipped. I am really eager to get the clothing and try it on. I hope the two guide jackets I ordered fit me. The Sitka 90% jacket fits me perfectly, and that is the sizing I was expecting. I may have to go to an XL if the jacket is running small. But if lots of other guys are having the same problem, I may be out of luck in getting an exchange.
Molson, how are you built and what do you weigh? I know what Carlton looks like, so I know how to compare myself to him. I am 6'1" and 190 pounds with my upper body being somewhat slimmer than my lower body and with hips and shoulders that are wider than average, but I'm not overweight either. I wear large in just about everything, except t-shirts that I like to feel baggy.
Carlton, do you think the large guide jacket will fit me well? I got one in the brown and one in the camo, so I really want them to work well for me. I also got at least one of EVERYTHING Kuiu is offering except the belt, and two of several items.
Allan
Alan I think it will probably fit you. Only question is how much you could wear under it. I ordered the Spindrift jacket and I don't think I have room for it under the Guide jacket.
as I was told Koo U and Nicaraqua is in central America
This is the first time I've purchased high end clothing except for Filson. I got the attack pants. Camo does look better than in the pics. I almost ordered the charcoal instead. They fit good but the material doesn't seem very tough and durable but I guess we'll see. Wish the cargo pockets were bigger.
QuoteOriginally posted by vwvectors:
Where are KUIU products made, it says North America on the website but that could be Nicaraqua or Nebraska.
Inquiring minds would like to know?
I just read on another site that some of the fabrics are made in Japan.
Carlton,
I need to be able to layer up under the Guide jacket, so if the large is not big enough, I might have to send it back and try the XL even though it would probably be big on me. The fit of the Sitka gear jackets is excellent for me. I can layer the various vests and the Kelvin Primaloft jacket under either the 90% or the Celcius jacket with no problem. I need to be able to do that with the Spindrift jacket under the Guide jacket too or I will have a problem making the clothing work for me.
I don't have a problem with whether the fabric used in the Attack pants will be sturdy enough. I saw the fabric and I have enough experience with other somewhat similar pants to know that those materials are much tougher than they first appear. I basically live in Marmot Scree pants on a daily basis. They are thinner than the Attack pants and still wear like iron. My jeans are hanging in the closet feeling neglected. The Attack pants will be darn tough and durable. I expect I will really like the features and fit too, but first mine need to be shipped. I have ordered both the Charcoal and the Vias camo because both of them look so good, and the charcoal can be used for daily wear.
Allan
Allan
Check PM
Oh boy... the goodies are in hand and evaluations are being made.... Lets see where all this goes after season....
Fabric from Japan, assembeled in BC?
KUIU products are assembled at Tamoda Apparel, a premier cut and sew house located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The materials for the Spindrift series are from PrimaLoft, a company based in Albany, New York.
The caps are designed and made by Ouray Sportswear based in Englewood, Colorado.
The Merino materials are from TMC "The Merino Company" based in New Zealand.
The primeflex fabrics used in the Chugach, Attack pants and Guide series are from Toray, based in Osaka, Japan
For further details please check the KUIU blog. There is a years worth of detailed information composed by Jason.
http://kuiu.wordpress.com/
Thank you!
They clearly say on the website that the soft-shell fabric is from Japan, the wool fabric is from a company in NZ, and I think it is all made in Canada, and the company headquarters in CA. I didn't see any China anywhere. :D
Got 185 baselayer, merino beanie and neck gaiter bout 1 hour ago. I'm 5'9" and about 190, and L fit pretty good. It is cut pretty long with almost too much slack in the pants and sleeves, but will be great for folks around 6'. Very light and felt good on. Will be great in the warm early season. Beanie fit fine (merino). The neck gaiter was really tight though. It stretches and I'm gonna work on stretching it out, but that was the only thing that I wasn't very impressed with.
Sticking with the outer layers I have! Gotta pay for a new bow.
Good to hear so many of you guys are getting your gear and are impressed...not that I thought you wouldn't be.
As Ryan stated above...Jason has never hidden anything from his customers. He has shared everything about where the fabrics are coming from, and where everything is being made.
Allen, looking forward to hearing your report when you get your order :thumbsup:
Kevin & S2 thanks for the detailed info much appreciated. I missed the blog portion sorry.
Will do Curt!
Allan
No worries or apologies necessary Rob. I'm glad that I was able to help. Always feel free to ask questions. KUIU is only in the beginning stages and we'll be growing and learning together. KUIU is committed to their customers.
Aloha!
Ryan
Hey Bruce,
Wondering where you are going with your comments about Japan and Canada...thoughts?
Erik
recieved my attack pants today and I must say I am impressed with the material and construction, but they run small so i am going to send back for size larger. there is noway I could tuck in a heavy shirt with these.
Well, I got the 185 merino wool top, gaiter and beanie. I am 5'7" 170 and the medium fit just snug enough. I ordered the guide jacket too late to come with this order. If the material is good, I will plan on getting the pants. Anyone with a 33-34 in waist care to comment on fit?
Anyone with a 33-34 in waist care to comment on fit?
I think the 34's would probably be loose on you so that you could layer whatever you want underneath. I'd go for that. The attack pant fabric is fairly light but very tough. I believe the fabric on the pants is a bit lighter than the guide jacket but its kind of hard to tell because the jacket has more micro fleece like lining than the pant. It is thicker overall.
I got my Attack Pants today! I normally wear a 32 sometimes a 33. These pants are nice, however, they are just touch snug. I tried them with long underwear underneath wasn't too bad. Wondering what a 34 would be like?? Any KUIU experts know?
My fear is I would be swimming in the 34's
Thansk
chris <><
Yep, it looks like those of us who are a bit thick need to go up a size.
Gang,
If you have questions or concerns regarding sizes or exchanges, please contact KUIU's Customer Service Department at 1-855-367-5848 or service@kuiu.com and a representative will be happy to assist you.
They have a great return policy granted you fallow the instructions.
Here is a link to KUIU's service page.
http://kuiu.com/service/
OK, lets clear this up... I am truely excited to see and hear what everyone thinks about this gear now that more than a few folks in diverse locations and varried use potential have their hands on it. I was not demeaning the product.
As to the Japan/BC comment, I have not followed "the blog" because I went there several times and did not get the information I was looking for. My Bad... as a professional educator and being deeply embedded inside the hunting and shooting industry at both the commercial and private user level, I guess I should have asked for more info...
My Kuiu gear was waiting when I go home from northern Michigan tonight. I am happy with the initial once over. I like the fabrics, the camo and the fit. I wear a 46 jacket and 36 pants so I ordered XL for the top garments and L for the lower. I am good to go for elk this fall!
Dave
I was considering the 185 top and bottom base layer and the guide jacket /attack combo.I was wondering if this was sufficent for temps down to the teens in late season. glen
I got my order Thursday,Attack pants,gator an a cold weather beanie (can't remember the name)..Luv the pants the material is Great,true to size..I'm a little in between sizes with Sitka but these are a true 36..The hat seems nice but not stretchy like I thought but I think it'll be real nice this winter..I'm waiting to see some reviews on the Icon,I think that's next..
Just a note for some guys who may be waiting impatiently for their order. I called KUIU today and Jason Hairston himself answered the phone (not bad customer service!). I was checking on the status of my order because it looks like alot of guys have already received their stuff and was told that orders that include the spindrift jacket and chugach pants/jacket will most likely ship on Wednesday because they were held up in customs from Vancouver.
Glen,
In my opinion, cold weather tolerance levels vary from individual to individual. Humidity levels also play a key factor. Moving vs. sitting, etc. Given that, in the areas that I hunt which dip into the teens, I'll be packing all the layers. The beauty of this versatile system is that I can pack for worst without worrying about weight or bulk.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for taking the time to post that info! :thumbsup:
Aloha!
Ryan
Glenbo
I would think not unless you are constantly moving. For stand hunting I would go with all layers: 185 top and bottom, 250 top and bottom, guide vest, spindrift jacket, guide jacket and both beanies and the gaiter. That's what I plan on except for a woolpower 450 top instead of the spindrift as I didn't order one (ran out of $$$). Check with Guru as he tested the gear in the late season in NY. I would shoot him a pm if he doesn't respond here.
Glen's a good buddy of mine fellas, we spoke yesterday.
Thanx for the additional comments/help....more than one opinion is always best :thumbsup:
My thoughts pretty much mirrored both Ryan and Vince.
Thanks for the info guys.I can always add to my layers in the future as funds allow.I really like the Vias pattern.I have always worn my camo pants over jeans or sweats but I think I would prefer less bulk.Decision time.........
Love mine....won'r get to test it anytime soon as it's hot here in TX. Maybe the pants? Ordered the neck gaiter and bean as well.
My guide jacket came today. First impression, well made, slim cut. I got a medium and I am 5'7" muscular build. Still room for thermals, er I mean base layers ;) , and a vest. The medium brown color was more like a taupe to my eye, which I like better anyway. I feel there are 2 faults, it is not as quiet as I would like for tree stand hunting on those very quiet days and the pocket zippers open by pulling down. I have found that pocket zippers built this way can work their way open. I will definitely keep this jacket as I plan to wear around town, cold weather/windy running, and for rifle hunting.
Oh man, i am two weeks from getting back home to see the stuff i ordered. You guys are killing me. Keep it up.
I see mine has shipped!! Just in time for a little turkey action!!!
I got mine today. Beanie, gator, 185 and 250 merino base layers and a pair of attack pants. Everything fits perfect and I am very impressed with the construction of the pant as compared to the sitka ascent pant. I had a pair of ascents blow out the crotch in less than a month. These pants have what I guess you call a gusseted crotch, there is no single seam down the middle between the legs.
The only thing I wonder about is how quite is the Chugach Jacket? If its anything like these pants I definitely want one.
Holly Smokes guys, this is good stuff! I received my first order at the office when I returned from vacation Monday(4/11/11) but did not try them on until last night (Weds the 13th). I received the Attack pants and jacket. The fit is unbelievable...spot on for me a 36 waist and Large based the KUIU size chart. Finally, high end hunting clothes that are top quality and made to fit North Americans. I'll admit I was very skeptical about KUIU and all that was being said about them but am converting to a true fan...from their ability to bring out clothes that are built for us North American hunters and the quality of the material used. While I have not put it to use yet, I am confident it will perform as what you read on their web site! Great Job KUIU! Can't wait to get the rain gear and Marino beanie and neck gator which are on the way...and when they are in the pack frame and 3000 pack which I also ordered! I am an ASAT camo person but I really like the KUIU pattern too. Can't wait to see how it works in the field. As I recall, one of the unique benefits of this Attack fabric is it does attract and hold burrs something in my part of Michigan are everywhere and a pain in the rear!
If you have been sitting on the fence, I would encourage you to order and then see what you think once you see, touch and try it on. I think you'll be impressed. I thought for sure I'd be sending my stuff back but I am keeping it!
SteveC
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve Chappell:
Holly Smokes guys, this is good stuff!
SteveC
I thought you'd like it Steve ;)
I know a lot were sceptical because hardly anyone had ever seen this clothing. Most of the time when "new stuff" hits the market, the "hype" is just that, "hype"!
But that's not the case with KUIU!
When you blend experience, top notch manufacturing, state of the art materials, and great feedback from guys that "walk the walk"...you end up with something like KUIU....and this is just the dawn of the KUIU experience :campfire:
A lot of great gear on the horizon....
Dude, I can't believe how good this stuff fits and the quility is awesome. This is my 1st set of "HIGH TECH" gear but I can honestly say i am impressed.Thanks to KUIU for making affordable quality hunting gear. Thanks Again, Phil
I received the attack pants & lightweight merino top today. I like the material, the camo seems better than the pics.
The merino has no flaws that I can see, I really like it.
I like most of the features on the pants, I still dont think they are long enough for me. I am not that fond of the cut in them either. I wish the legs were more tapered, they are too wide on the bottoms of the legs for my tastes. Overall, the quality seems top notch. I think I will keep them as I can be overly picky on stuff & I know nothings perfect. I can always sell them down the road if I have to.
Nice stuff. Is the Spindrift Jacket avaiable yet?
Yes, I have the spindrift. Very impressed! The fit is great, light weight and packed with warmth. Fit's nicely under my chugach jacket.
I like the pattern, cut, fit, and quality of the items I bought, the Attack pants, Merino 250 top, Spindrift Jacket, and Guide Jacket, it is well made. The Marino wool and Spindrift are very good and I highly recommend them. However, the noise level of the Attack Pants and Guide Jacket are much louder then my Sitka gear. My tolerance for quietness might be higher then others, but I rate quietness by asking the following question: Would I attempt stalking a spring bear while wearing them or take them off for the stalk? With these pants and jacket, I would take them off and wear their Marino wool base layer for the stalk.
I will keep them and see if they quite down some after being broken in, but if they do not, I will not purchase any other outer garments made with this material.
A question for those who bought the Chugach Pants and or Jacket, are they quiet?
Walt, The attack and Guide will both quiet down with washing and use bud.
The proto-type stuff I've been wearing came to me after another field tester used them for a while. They were/are very soft and very quiet. So I was a bit surprized by the new garments I recieved as well. Not as soft and quiet...
But I know with a couple washings and a little used they will be just like the older clothing I've been wearing. Jason even commeneted on this in the blog...
So anyone else with this concern...wash and wear and they will be softer and much quieter in no time at all :thumbsup:
I used my stuff last winter to kill two deer...one in low teens with no wind at all from 12yds. We all know how sound travels in conditions like those!
The ultimate test came with other in TX also at about 12yds...on the jumpiest, noise concious, paranoid deer on the planet!
I drew on both with no problems at all...
The Chugach is rain gear, so it is a bit noisier...
Limbow or Guru,
How quiet or noisy is the spindrift jacket?
Doug
The Spindrift jacket is noisy under the Chugach coat. I would think when I get my Guide jacket it will be quieter as the guide jacket has a fleece backing. If not, not sure what I will do with it. I have a mountain hardwear coat that is identical to the spindrift as far as the outer material and primaloft insulation. Last bow season I just wore a wool sweater over the coat.
Walt,
The chugach pant and jacket are above my quiet tolerance as well. It is a hard shell material. I spoke to KUIU customer service about it and they explained all the technical attributes which are astounding, no doubt. They told me that the guide jacket would be much quieter, especially after a "break in" period. I have asked myself how "quiet" does rain gear have to be with stick and string while hunting in the rain? It's hard to say.
Not sure I am going to keep the Cuhugach set up yet, I will wait and see how the guide/attack gear is. I have never owned Sitka or even tried it on for that matter so I am unable to comment.
Guru--Can you comment on the chugach series? Have you hunted in it either in or out of the rain?
Love the camo pattern though!!
Does Jason shoot a stick bow? Oh, I should of asked a fitting question. What would be good to pack out my 700+ lb. bull elk this fall? :bigsmyl:
Doug,
My Spindrift is noisy by itself but quiets down under the Guide Jacket. Actually, the Guide Jacket quieted down a little with the Spindrift under it.
Curt,
I am hoping it quiets down after some use and washing. I bought my Sitka when it first came out and it took half of an elk season before the noise got down to tolerable levels.
clothing seems nice, but im not big on the pattern, dont really like it. still like the sitka camo better.
I am impressed with the guide jacket and attack pants. Also really like the lighter merino wool. The guide and the attack are a little noisy but i figured they would be somewhat noisy. The spindrift on the other hand seemed noisier than I could live with and I didnt think it would quiet down enough for me to use even with wear and washings. I sent it back but kept the guide jacket and pants.
I think they will quiet down after some use and washings. Sizing on all was spot on for me, Steve
QuoteOriginally posted by limbow:
Guru--Can you comment on the chugach series? Have you hunted in it either in or out of the rain?
Love the camo pattern though!!
Kevin, I wore the Chugach for the first time this past Saturday. Took my godson and his dad out for the opening of our youth hunt(he killed a 3 1/2yr old beauty).
It is def. noisier than the Attack or Guide, but remember it's rain gear. When you wear it, it'll probably be raining, so your surroundings will be noisy as well.
The quality and the material is outstanding though as far ar keeping you dry...second to none...
Best raingear I've personally ever worn!
Warden, The Spindrift is not designed to be worn as an outer layer. It's purpose is to have a "slippery" outer shell to slip under the Guide jacket and not bind while moving. Under the guide jacket, worn as it was designed, it's quiet, and very warm!
"Does Jason shoot a stickbow?"...Yes, Jason is one of us, he's a long time, tried and true, traditional bowhunter!
Thanks Curt. My Guide jacket and attack pants are headed this way via FedEx :) . That will round out the line for me.
That's great Kevin.....just give them a little time thru washing a time or 2 and wearing to soften up some and you'll luv'um :thumbsup:
Good to know Guru, I like to buy from the Tradgang Sponsor list and stick bow shooters. I think I will try a guide jacket. The pack looks great but that is one item I like to try on in person. Sure is good to see gear made close to home.
Jason and his Dad hunting together with their Thunderhorn Longbows.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/JDad.jpg)
I received my order today and the first thing I thought was "C'mon, didn't they send it all in one box?"
Well, they did, the gear just packs down that small. I'll give a list and review of my initial thoughts for those who may be interested. The one issue I have is the sizing in that it's really hard to pick a size without being able to try it on, but for the price of cutting out the middleman and Kuiu's customer service that is a small price indeed. For the record as far as sizing goes: I'm 6'0" tall, 46" chest, 35" waist, 190 lbs. athletic build.
-Attack pants: These rock. I got the 36" waist but I'll be returning them for the 34's. Material was more substantial than I was expecting (bonus for me), and with the 4way stretch, they're extremely comfortable. Thought I'd have to get them hemmed, but the way they're cut I won't have to. I told my brother to try these pants on today as he was leaving the office, and after putting them on his response was "Holy sh^*! Where did you get these?"
-Guide Jacket: Got the XL which fits perfect through the shoulders, but is a little baggy from the chest down. The sleeves are long, but snug enough at the wrist where it wouldn't be an issue. The microfleece lining is nice and the overall quality of the jacket is outstanding. My wife has a jacket fetish, I swear, and she couldn't believe that the jacket was "only" 200 bucks until I showed her the invoice. This jacket is a keeper.
-Guide vest: Same as the jacket, but I may go to a Large instead of an XL because I don't need to worry about the shoulders and the waist is still a bit baggy. Besides I like my vests snug for layering.
-Spindrift jacket: I'm a little biased because my Northface Summit jacket with 800fill down is the best insulating jacket I've ever owned, but this jacket could easily be its twin. I would have liked to see a draw cord at the waist on this one.
-Merino 185 tops and bottoms: Very thin, very comfortable. XL top isn't snug but isn't baggy, just right. Large bottoms are perfect. I hate longjohns that ride down your &^ss when you squat down. These don't, and they're not super tight like my UA which itches like a mother after awhile.
-Guide Beanie: Alright, I've got to shoot you straight. This hat sucks. I have no idea whose head they modeled this hat for, but with zero stretch my 7 1/4 size head couldn't wear it for more than 30 seconds before I felt a headache coming on. Too narrow at the bottom, and too long in the crown. I'll be returning this for the 185 merino beanie. Jason seems a saavy fellow, so I'm guessing this hat is going to get remedied pretty quick.
Overall: The quality is outstanding. The sizing/cut is "athletic" but not as slim as some of the sitka stuff. Putting on all the mentioned items layered as intended I didn't feel encumbered at all. The materials mesh well together, i.e. slippery spindrift jacket under the guide jacket microfleece allows great freedom of movement. Oh yeah, the vias camo pattern does look better in person and being primarily a treestand guy this pattern would work great. Aside from the guide beanie, and exchanging a few sizes, I'm keeping it all, and saving up for the icon pack.
Anyone else care to comment?
Chugach jacket and Attack pants here. (I own plenty of good wool in varying weights and don't need camo for my base layer.)
Attack pants: great material and perfect fit for me. Material seems tough and a good weight for varied temps without being heavy. I would say the pants are like boots. If they fit you, they are fantastic. If not, then look elsewhere.
I was more interested in the Chugach rain jacket since I'm constantly looking for the holy grail of rain gear. This jacket seems to have more good characteristics than any jacket in my collection. I would describe it as a close relative of an Impertech jacket in that it keeps you perfectly dry BUT with a more athletic fit (no armguard needed), better ventilation (pit zips), a MUCH better hood, a breathable material (my personal opinion is that this is over rated in all gear. Ventilation is more important to me), lighter weight and much better packability. Good colors/camo.
The quietness of the material is probably as good as anything available while having all of the above qualities which I think are more important. If you are one of those guys or gals who is perfectly happy sitting out a rainstorm in a wool jacket because it's quiet then forget this jacket and save your money.
It's pricey but if this had been available and I bought it before all the other rain gear in my closet I would be happy and saved some dough.
The jury is still out on the longevity but I"m optimistic. Some of these breathable materials lose their waterproofness too quickly (Precip).
The need for this type of rain gear will vary depending on your hunting style. If you are sitting in a local treestand during a shower then light weight and good ventilation may not be as important as just keeping dry since you can just walk back to the truck if things get too dicey. But if you are miles back into a mountain backpack hunt, this rain gear could be a life saver.
Lost Arra, hows the fit on the Chugach Jacket? Do you think a guy should order a size up if he's wearing a couple layers underneath or is it designed to be the same size and still fit over the same size base layers?
Thanks
Thanx for the input fellas...good reviews :thumbsup:
Screamin', I wear a size large Guide jacket, and my Chugach size large fits over it with some room to spare for layers. Not baggie, just a little bigger.
screamin: I'm 5'10" 175# with longish arms. I bought my usual size, Large, and it fits perfectly. There is room for some layering but my layering/insulating gear is not bulky. I like the fit in the chest-torso since a lot of material is not bulged out when sitting.
GOOD INFO,,,
I have found the cut of the guide jacket a bit snugger under the arm pits than the same sized Chugach jacket I have. Anyone else notice this? I have the next size already coming in the Guide jacket, I hope it fits as good as the Chugach!
I really need to see it in person, the camo looks really bright and a little goofy in the online pictures...
Explain "goofy" please...if you mean it works very well, and does a great job of breaking up a hunters outline...then I'll agree ;) :thumbsup:
Considering you're a fan of ASAT, and the base colors are very similar, I'm surprized you'd say it's "bright".
I guess "bright" maybe compared to some of the "one-big-dark-blob type camo's. But they don't work very well unless you're up against...well... a big dark blob...
Kevin, The cut of the Guide jacket is def. "slimmer" all around. Myself, I'll probably get another in XL for later season/colder weather hunting to allow for more layers.
I'm not a big camo fan in general but I would consider this to be a cousin of ASAT.
Think ASAT after a Grateful Dead weekend.
I was just having a conversation the other evening about the qualities of ASAT camo, VIAS camo and other high-contrast patterns. I have personally found them to work best in open country and in bright or dappled light. As soon as you take them into an overall even shade zone...say a spruce forest or other dark(ish) situation, the light background of these camos can be an eye-catcher. Overall, I have always tended to prefer larger patterns in camo to help break up the human outline. I've always thought camo is more about the outline I present, vs the actual color or pattern. That's exactly why the leafy suits work so incredibly well up close.
There is no perfect do-all camo pattern and colors. VIAS is no different in this respect, but it is a great alternative to the other stuff out there. I'll go so far as to say (not limited to any manufacturer) part of successful camo clothing is appealing to the eye of the buyer. What good is a camo clothing line if nobody will buy it because it's just too Plain Jane looking? If some study proved that jungle camo was just as effective, would we flock to it and spend our money just as readily...or want something new and untried, but nice to look at?
I hope the KUIU line is a huge success. I also hope it never involves the W.L.Gore Company.
Has anyone heard from Jason about the beanie? Are they going to redo those?
I have the ASAT in the original Sitka and you can see in my avatar that it really shines. My ASAT by Day One and Firstlite are much "duller", I think because they are wool. As Kevin said above, once you get out of the sun it can stick out. Like I said, I'd have to see the stuff first hand.
make me a Guide jacket with a removable hood and I'll buy it; just too few times I actually want a hood.
The hood is not an issue what so ever for me. When it is not in use it sits neatly out of the way, you don't even notice it.
I like the camo pattern, it is very functional in design as proven on the blog in the pics provided. I like having other choices besides what has been offered for so long. I would agree it is a personal choice in the end but I like the VIAS camo, I like it a lot!
Cut off the hood and use it to make a binocular pouch.