Impressed with Kings Camo

[Erussell01]

Let me start off by saying I'm a Sitka snob. I like my sitka gear a lot. I also really like stone Glacier and the pieces of Kuiu I have.

I recently bought my wife some Kings. We were at scheels and they had a mid weight puffy (i think its called their transition thermolite) that she liked, as well as a fleece hoody in their xk7 camo and I'm genuinely impressed with both pieces. That puffy is actually super quiet compared to my aerolite. It almost makes me want to get one for bowhunting. I wear my aerolite a ton, but it's not the quietest on a still cold morning.

I don't think I'll be getting rid of my Sitka any time soon but I love that they have a full zip grid fleece with a hood, and that puffy being quiet makes me really think I should try a couple pieces

Anybody using Kings?
What's your favorite kings pieces?

 

[UpTop]

Just commented on the other thread as I missed this one, but I think every hunter should give the preacher pant a try. I started buying kings mainly because they offer shorter size in their inseams. Seems like every company thinks if you have a 34” waist you’re 6’ tall. Didn’t know I’d end up liking them as much as I did and now own several models of their pants and a few other pieces. I’m also a big fan of the covert hoodie and grid fleece.

 

[Erussell01]

Just commented on the other thread as I missed this one, but I think every hunter should give the preacher pant a try. I started buying kings mainly because they offer shorter size in their inseams. Seems like every company thinks if you have a 34” waist you’re 6’ tall. Didn’t know I’d end up liking them as much as I did and now own several models of their pants and a few other pieces. I’m also a big fan of the covert hoodie and grid fleece.

Just the regular preachers? Man I'll have time give them a second look for sure!

I see their grid fleece is on sale too- what's the scoop with their covert hoodie?

 

[diamond10x]

Just commented on the other thread as I missed this one, but I think every hunter should give the preacher pant a try. I started buying kings mainly because they offer shorter size in their inseams. Seems like every company thinks if you have a 34” waist you’re 6’ tall. Didn’t know I’d end up liking them as much as I did and now own several models of their pants and a few other pieces. I’m also a big fan of the covert hoodie and grid fleece.

How warm are the preachers? How about water resistance? Was thinking of using them for a goat hunt in early November where temps would be mid 20s-mid 40s.

I used to wear kings 10-12 years ago but got away from them. This year I was in a bind before a hunt and snagged some Ridge pants on sale, they’re now my favorite pants and have got me looking back at the new xkg line that seems to be great quality at a better price point than other brands.

 

[aimlowshoothigh]

I’ve bought many King’s camo pieces from their XKG line, all for 50% or more of msrp. For the money you cannot beat them.

The transition thermolite mid layer is also a favorite of mine. Their xkg wind defender anorak and bibs are perfect for late season stand hunting. And their zip off merino base layer is comparable to any of the big names, maybe even better.

 

[UpTop]

How warm are the preachers? How about water resistance? Was thinking of using them for a goat hunt in early November where temps would be mid 20s-mid 40s.

I used to wear kings 10-12 years ago but got away from them. This year I was in a bind before a hunt and snagged some Ridge pants on sale, they’re now my favorite pants and have got me looking back at the new xkg line that seems to be great quality at a better price point than other brands.

They’re reasonably warm. For hiking in those temps they’re just about perfect. But if you’re stationary for long periods you will probably want some puffy pants or base layers. I like to use the zip off base layers if I know I’m going to be sitting. They’re definitely warmer than the ridge pants. IMO if you like the ridge pants you’ll love the preachers. I’ve been switching between them and the draft pants and I like the preacher pants just a little more.

 

[traildust]

The Pinnacle jacket is my favorite, the Boulder vest is #2 Waiting for the Draft pants to go on sale to give them a try. Sold all my FL and bought Kings, zero regrets

 

[ledflight]

Hi, wondering if users think the XKG Wind-Defender Bib is whitetail silent. Looking at them.
Really wanting quiet and windproof, and I like the full side zip to make it possible to walk in with them on in stead of needing to pack them. Thanks!

 

[BigE]

They make a good product and their prices are more than competitive. Usually you can find pretty good sales too. The soft shell jacket is one of my favorites and their shirt and pants are durable for AZ wilderness.

 

[Erussell01]

They make a good product and their prices are more than competitive. Usually you can find pretty good sales too. The soft shell jacket is one of my favorites and their shirt and pants are durable for AZ wilderness.

I want their sofsthell vest in blaze orange for when I'm grouse hunting!

 

[ledflight]

There's also the cheaper Hunter wind defender series. I am most interested in the windproof bottoms with full leg zip at a nice price!

 

[ropeup79]

I really like the Preacher 2.0 pants. They are a mid weight. I’ve worn them in warm weather and wasn’t uncomfortable and worn them when pretty cold with a base layer and stayed warm. I’m 6’ 1” and 185#, usually wear a 32W-34/36L jeans and the 34T fits well.

 

[Ferkinator]

All I've tried is the pants and they leave something to be desired. They have a very nice material and finish. the pants look good and the DWR treatment is a nice touch. That said the gusseted crotch is a little lacking. The waist of the pants is wider than the hips which I find strange, I think this would be fine but if you have any muscle whatsoever in your legs the thigh section fits like a skinny jean. from the knees down are totally fine and they fit great over boots, hiker or tennis shoes.

 

[ledflight]

Just commented on the other thread as I missed this one, but I think every hunter should give the preacher pant a try. I started buying kings mainly because they offer shorter size in their inseams. Seems like every company thinks if you have a 34” waist you’re 6’ tall. Didn’t know I’d end up liking them as much as I did and now own several models of their pants and a few other pieces. I’m also a big fan of the covert hoodie and grid fleece.

how quiet are the preacher pants? need stckbow range quiet, thanks

 

[diamond10x]

All I've tried is the pants and they leave something to be desired. They have a very nice material and finish. the pants look good and the DWR treatment is a nice touch. That said the gusseted crotch is a little lacking. The waist of the pants is wider than the hips which I find strange, I think this would be fine but if you have any muscle whatsoever in your legs the thigh section fits like a skinny jean. from the knees down are totally fine and they fit great over boots, hiker or tennis shoes.

This waist thing was/is my experience. I went up a waist size so that they weren't skinny jean tight on my thighs. I feel naked without a belt no matter what I'm wearing so having to wear a belt to sort of cinch the waist down isn't a huge factor for me but is something to note for anybody who hasn't tried on a pair of their pants. Other than that I have zero complaints about them.

 

[diamond10x]

how quiet are the preacher pants? need stckbow range quiet, thanks

I wouldn't hesitate to wear them where I'm hunting in situations of 20 yards and closer. The preacher's IMO are similar to a soft shell pant with their weight but and similar DWR outer but without the noisy outer shell. Hopefully that makes sense.

 

[UpTop]

how quiet are the preacher pants? need stckbow range quiet, thanks

I think they would be quiet enough, but you stickbow guys are probably a little more picky than your average.

 

[nagibson1]

One key difference between Kings and Kuiu (for example), is the shape they expect hunters to be. Compare the transition Jacket in Kings with the Kenai in Kuiu. These are similar in layering position, and do a similar job in a kit.
A Large in Kings has a 48in chest, and only a 32in sleeve.
Comparably, the comparable Kuiu piece will have a 42in chest and a 35in sleeve. (Kuiu gives a few inch range)
So Kings expects hunters to be a little stockier and have shorter arms relative to chest size. Kuiu expects you to be longer and leaner. Hence, Kuiu fist me a little better in my experience when something has sleeves. I'm 6 foot 210. longer arms.
Though this varies a bit form piece to piece even within Kings.
The Kings transition Flex hooded synthetic jacket lg fits my arms, but the transition Jacket synthetic is 2 inches too short for my arms, and the Lg transition DOWN fits quite well, and has about the most down in class. It's a nice piece, esp for cost for a 4th layer.

Also, with pants, the 36 in Kings seems to be cut a little more generous than my Attacks or Axis pants. Websites say 36 is really 37 for Kuiu and 38 for Kings. Kuiu inseam for "regular" is 34in on a 36in waist. That is LONG.
But also, the Kings pants are CUT different- the difference isn't just their materials.
The Kings Draft pants is for less butt than I have, and the Ridge fit is a lot better for me. I don't know who likes to hike in "butt-low-rise" pants, but I bet these Drafts fit someone real well.
I don't want the pants to be baggy, but I don't want a tight crotch either. The Ridges fit a lot like my Kuiu Attacks. With mail order hunting gear, these fit differences are hard to anticipate- like how differently a size 36 pant will fit you in different models. So far both Kuiu and Kings have been real understanding on returns.