First lite pants worth the price?

[Elc1973]

I was looking at the kanabs and they are expensive, I also looked at the kuiu and they are much more reasonable. I guess I'm wondering is the price difference worth it? I am looking for a medium to light weight pant for hunting sheep and other animals, the problem I have is I want something that is durable and light and dries out fast. I don't mind buying the first lite but if I can save $50 buying the kuiu I will. Thanks in advance.

 

[Matt W.]

Its really all about fit. I'd say buy both and try the fit and return the ones that don't fit as well. I have friends who love those pants and friends who can't fit both of the pants you list. Just depends on how you like your pants to fit and how your body is built.

You can read about pants here:
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/clothing/289-pants

Also, Western Hunter did a pants review in this month's issue. They added a few more to the conversation.

 

[justin davis]

In my opinion The KUIU pants are a little tougher of a pant.

But the firstlites are nice.

 

[tipsntails7]

First lites are pretty nice pants. Kuiu attacks are in my opinion the best pair of pants ever made.

 

[rm06]

The Kuiu Attack and Guide pants fit me better by leaps and bounds and when the weather is cooler (<60*) they excel. Any warmer and they make me clammy and it feels like I'm wearing plastic trash bags on my legs. Being a First Lite fan, I tried out a pair of Kanabs but they simply did not fit me very well. That said, they are very nice pants and breathe exceptionally well. I ordered them late summer so I never had a chance to try them in cooler weather before returning them.

I really wanted to make the Kanab my primary pant as I'm not a huge fan of synthetics and I can make an Under Armour shirt funky within minutes. If you can, try both as already suggested.

 

[greyghostnw]

I was looking at the kanabs and they are expensive, I also looked at the kuiu and they are much more reasonable. I guess I'm wondering is the price difference worth it? I am looking for a medium to light weight pant for hunting sheep and other animals, the problem I have is I want something that is durable and light and dries out fast. I don't mind buying the first lite but if I can save $50 buying the kuiu I will. Thanks in advance.

watched my buddy put a 14'' tear in his kanabs the 2nd time out in the mtns. he was pist. for a pant over $200 i would never buy them after that, kryptek valhallas are bomber for early season.............

 

[airlocksniffer]

Took my Kanabs out for the first time yesterday for opening day. Overall I really liked them. They fit good, warm in the frosty morning but didn't get too hot into the mid 70's. The button to roll them up was nice and the front pockets were nice and deep. I did put a quarter sized hole in the leg when I was busting through some nasty blowdown. Should be a pretty easy sew job but I am having concerns about overall durability when busting brush (which I do a lot of). I did email a pic to First Lite. Not really counting on any kind of warranty but hopefully this isn't a common occurrance.

 

[rga]

did you check Oncaelastic pant? i used Kuiu before but after check this pant of ONCA i have clear is the best pant i never had.
It is very comfortable, snagging and tear resistant and dry very fast.

 

[bucksbearsbeers]

I personally love my Kanabs. Have used them for several seasons now and they have kept me warm down into the mid 20's. They dry fairly quick on the upper leg but I have found that they stay damp longer around the boot area.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

First lite pants fall apart.. I hope they come out with a non merino pant. Merino wool isn't the most durable of material, but it's my favorite base layer.

 

[Biggs300]

I really hate to hear about the durability issues with the Kanabs. I just got a pair that I will be taking to CO on a 2nd rifle season elk hunt in October. I have a heavy pair of woolies but, was planning to use the Kanabs when temps are more moderate. I own a half dozen pairs of synthetic pants and have really come to appreciate the benefits and comfort of wool outerwear. If they don't work, I will probably have to look at some wool whipcords.

 

[MuleyFever]

I got a pair of KUIU Attack pants in 2011 and they are still going strong with only one small hole in the outside of one hip pocket. I hunt S. Utah so it can be around freezing to 100 and I love them. As far as the one hole goes I am busting oak brush often so they get beat up.

I bought a pair of Kanab first and they did not fit me well.

 

[LaHunter]

I have the First Lite Kanab pants and really like them. I have the newer models (2013) and there is definitely a difference between these and the older pants. There is a huge difference in fit and there seems to be a significant difference is fabric weight too. I wear the large and they fit well and I couldn't get the older model size large half way up my thigh. I would not say they are made for busting through brush, but they seem to be durable enough for normal active hunting.

When you read reviews of the Kanab pants, you need to know if they are describing the older or new model pants.

Hope this helps

 

[flyingbrass]

Yes

 

[mmw194287]

I have a pair of Kanabs from at least 2012. Every season I give them to a seamstress in town to patch a half dozen or so puncture holes and tears in the seat, thighs, etc. At this point, I'm not sure how much merino wool makes up the crotch of my pants, because it's mostly patchwork at this point!

 

[KMT]

I think the Eddie Bauer guide pants are better than either of the other two options. And they are usually about $60. First Lite had some serious sizing inconsistency. If you can't try them on first, order two pairs and send one back.

 

[Elc1973]

Thanks guys, I can try the first lites on at sportsmans to get the sizing but would like to order the asat camo but not sure they offer it still. I'm thinking the kuiu might be a better way to go for price and durability reasons

 

[Evan Williams]

I've run a TON of different pants and set-ups and the First Lite just seems to be more versatile. Hot to cold I can run them alone or layer under them. I know they may be a little more than you were looking at but well worth the price. Everything else out there almost requires you to run two pairs (a light and a heavy) to get the same as one Kanab.

 

[TD1]

Have both, I think the kanabs do cover a wider range of temps. They dry fairly fast but not as fast as the attacks. The attacks may have a slight edge as to durability, but I've got a small tear on them too and only had them a few months. Have had the kanabs like a year and a half and maybe one small snag. Bowhunt mostly spot and stalk year round so a lot of days in the field, many many miles on them. If you're hearing things about fit and small pockets you're talking to someone who hasn't used the newer models.

The kanabs felt very synthetic out of the box but a few washings and they have softened right up. They fit very well. Most hunts I reach for the kanabs (asat fan) but the attacks are very good pants as well. My attacks are a solid color and I use them for flying, travel, etc. very comfortable and don't hesitate to hunt in them. I pack both. Can't go wrong with either IMO.

Note: the kanabs are one pant I would hesitate to buy e-bay or used. If you get a pair be sure they are newer models (2013-14 etc) as folks are trying to dump the older ones that had some issues. And if you're paying $200 a pair you need to shop more. $170 seems standard, sales (especially in odd sizes) can be cheaper. I'm a 34 waist and the medium fits me well with room for a light base layer if needed.

 

[airlocksniffer]

I vote for First Lite anything now. Here is the email response I received from CS about the tear I put in the leg on the first day out with the Kanabs:

Our warranty does not usually cover tears. However, we do like to take care of our customers. We are currently out of stock in the ASAT kanabs so I would patch them up, hunt in them and then send them back to be warrantied in the late Winter. Let me know is this sounds like a good plan.

Didn't really expect this but very impressed.