Ordering some all around outdoors bumming this summer to hunting pants this fall and would like to hear from some TGers who have had both. I had a pair of Kuiu Attacks that were nice but I ordered them too big so I sold them.
The Kanabs look great and in the spirit of welcoming a new sponsor I would like to try these out. My only reservation is that I keep hearing that they are on the lighter side and susceptible to tearing in brush. For you folks that have or have had both whats your choice for all around pant? Ill be wearing them alone or with wool under layers.
I would be curious to here some thoughts as well. I have some experience with both but would find the decision of which to buy difficult.
I suppose the kanabs could tear on brush, but I wore them every day of a 10 day elk hunt with no problem other than a small tear from were my knee brace snagged them from the inside. The ripstop design kept the tear from propogating, and it was real simple to fix. The kanabs are more quiet than the Kuiu pants, for sure.
Depends on your usage, but for me, my favorite backpacking/hiking/elk hunting/warm weather/active pants in the world by far are "C9 Golf Pants" from Target! They're feather light (10 oz), stretchy, very tough (I've got 4+ weeks of hard elk hunting and backpacking in one pair with no holes), water resistant, dry in a heartbeat, and best of all, they cost $30. I currently have 4 pairs in my closet in case they are discontinued, which they might be since they were on clearance for 60% off a few weeks ago.
No, they don't look "cool" like the big money brands, but they perform better and cost a fraction. And I've owned a lot of stuff from the top names.
Pete
Izzy,
I cannot compare them as all I have are the First lite and I love them.
Izzy,
When were you thinking about purchasing new pants? If you decide to go with First Lite, you may want to wait to their new pants come out.
These may be the ones to look at first.
Corrugate Guide Pant
http://www.firstlite.com/corrugate-guide-pant.html
The two Kanabs
Kanab 2.0
http://www.firstlite.com/kanab-2-pant.html
Kanab Lightweight Pant (current Kanab pant)
http://www.firstlite.com/kanab-lightweight-pant.html
Love my first lite's. Did great on my elk trip and I'm taking them again this year. only tear came from a barb wire fence back here at home, but nothing holds up against barb. But I've never had the attack pants.
I wear Kanabs. Both used pairs from TG members and still going strong after a few years (4-5yrs). A traditional northwoods wool guy here- I have really grown to appreciate the light wt. as an outer layer with much versatility. At first glance they really do seem like they may rip easy. However- they have been very durable for me here in the midwest. Economics is a big issue for me (thus used pairs!), but the versatility from Spring Turkey hunting to late fall/early winter with layers has been just awesome. I can easily see them working for typical western-elk type hunting.
That all said- two things: 1) they are NOT COLD weather stand gear. I still like wearing them layered for the hike in and stalk. For all day and cold I simply pack-in some type of Primaloft bibs available from different companies; they are packable (loaf of bread or smaller) and so light- yet incredibly warm as an over all. 2) Though I do not have first hand experience- I would question their durability for a rugged rock mountain hunt (sheepish/goat stuff).
They have pretty much become my "go-to" pants for 90% of my hunting here in KS and other midwest states.
Dan in KS
I was in the same boat and went with the Kanabs. Getting them in ASAT was probably the deciding factor for me.
I was a little skeptical of a light weight Merino wool pant...but the reinforced rip stop in the fabric and the smooth finish (not like a sweater) is great. I also like ASAT. Love the pants.
WOW. After I posted I see the new ones listed by S2. . Wish they were more affordable. Wait for used ones on TG. . . :)
Dan
Deleted
The Kanabs are on sale now, think Im gonna give em a whirl.
KUIU Attack guy here.
I have never owned the kanabs but have felt them.
I personally like the sketchiness of the attack pants over the kanabs.
Both companies make great products.
If I wasn't so skinny i'd have some kanabs. I have read a lot about them on various forums and blogs and learned lots of skinny guys don't like the fit.
I have both and like the kanabs just a bit better.
Izzy,
I bought a pair of Kanabs for the last Solana hunt I went on. Great pants. Needed some layering on cold days, but they were tough. Only thing that hurt them was the sharp broad head I accidentally ran across them.
Thanks Jeff, I usually do layer once November rolls around.
Izzy,
Here's some personal feedback in terms of durability.
From December till now, I've used the same pair for over 30 days in the field and I hunt in some pretty thick stuff. I also throw it in the wash after every hunt.
I'm planning on running my pair till it rips to shreds.
(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah72/rysanpei/IMG_0061_zps5uhowuse.jpg)
The thick stuff we traverse though. I'm just glad my wife's a trooper. I should be helping her through, not snapping pics... :D
(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah72/rysanpei/IMG_0038_zpsiqbb1inf.jpg)
The stickers
(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah72/rysanpei/IMG_0034_zpsclkwt0d3.jpg)
Some of the thorns
(http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah72/rysanpei/IMG_0896_zps2bd0gz34.jpg)
Just ask Doug about the thorns. ;)
I had some Kanabs and I didn't like the fit. They seemed to be cut strangely to me. I have the Kuiu's and love them. I have worn them on 2 elk hunts and they have been great. I am going to order some of the new ones with the Kevlar knees soon.
D.P.
Just for info sake, RMSGear carries first light clothing
I have both First Lite Kanab pants (several pair) and Kuiu Tiburon top and pants. I have only spent a day taking down tree stands and busting brush in the Kanab pants and one day turkey hunting in my KUIU Tiburon gear. I can tell you that if durability is your primary concern, look at maybe the KUIU Alpine pants or the new First Lite Corrugate Guide Pant. I have no experience with either of these.
I know both are good pants bu t I have neither.
Was pleasantly surprised at pistol Petes response though as I am also a big fan of the Champion C9 golf pants. I have a gray pair that among other things wore for 12 days straight last September in the boonies and they still look great on Sunday mornings.
I do not have the First Lite Kanab pants, but I really like my Kuiu Attack pants. Both are of top quality. Ken
Chinook, I can't believe there's another person out there who has also discovered the beauty of the C9's! Ha. And I said mine were durable and didn't have holes in them--but they definitely aren't Sunday morning pretty anymore though. I have a separate pair for that :)