Kuiu Upland Field Vest Review ***Updated 11/24/24***

[TBarron]

View attachment 768535

The KUIU waist belt and stay are more structured and backpack-like than the Final Rise, but the FR has a much better lumbar pad on the back. It was very easy to load the bird basket. Shoulder straps are very close in thickness. The velcro is easily pretty strong and the pockets have more rigidity on the top, being much more structured than the FR.

I don't know how I feel about the bladder being on the very back. The waist belt was all the way sinched on my 30-inch waist, but felt comfortable carrying 15 pounds. I think I like the Final Rise a little better. The Phone holder held my iPhone 13, but was hard to back out. I jumped and ran with the phone staying put.

Pros:
-Phone holder
-Felt great
-Carries weight well

Cons:
-30 Inch Wasit on S/M
-Doesn't fit 12 gauge boxes, but fits 28 gauge box very tightly

How did you like it compared to your Orvis pro? I like my Orvis a lot but feels on the heavier side. I’m happy with it but I can’t seem to stop buying new gear and always looking for an excuse to upgrade.


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[sndmn11]

@robby denning gave me the go ahead to review one here, so I ordered a camo version. Ironically, it might be my only piece of camo clothing.

 

[voltage]

@robby denning gave me the go ahead to review one here, so I ordered a camo version. Ironically, it might be my only piece of camo clothing.

Let us know about that Velcro!

 

[sndmn11]

Let us know about that Velcro!

What is on your mind that I should be looking for?

Added via edit-----> I am ignorant as to pros/cons of Velcro or other methods. First bird dog and first time bird hunting since college with any more effort than showing up as an afterthought.

I'll confirm with the designers, but I believe magnets were avoided due to compass stuff on dog tracking devices.

 

[voltage]

What is on your mind that I should be looking for?

Added via edit-----> I am ignorant as to pros/cons of Velcro or other methods. First bird dog and first time bird hunting since college with any more effort than showing up as an afterthought.

I'll confirm with the designers, but I believe magnets were avoided due to compass stuff on dog tracking devices.

A couple things… most importantly is how the Velcro holds up to things such as seeds and other debris that Velcro can pick up. Additionally, I’m interested to hear how the ease of use is compared to a magnet or zipper.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Darn things are already sold out in Orange. Was going to pick one up for trip to ND next week. Guess i'll just go with my old vest as it's going to be to hot for my coat. Guess I'll have to wait until they are available later this year.

 

[sndmn11]

Darn things are already sold out in Orange. Was going to pick one up for trip to ND next week. Guess i'll just go with my old vest as it's going to be to hot for my coat. Guess I'll have to wait until they are available later this year.

I went with the camo because it doesn't have that awful black branding on the back.

 

[voltage]

Darn things are already sold out in Orange. Was going to pick one up for trip to ND next week. Guess i'll just go with my old vest as it's going to be to hot for my coat. Guess I'll have to wait until they are available later this year.

Marketing technique to drive up demand?

 

[pirogue]

Marketing technique to drive up demand?

Apparently, to some, where it is made is more important than what should matter most. They won’t complain of many faults, after a long day’s hunt, as long as it is made in a certain place.

 

[cmahoney]

Apparently, to some, where it is made is more important than what should matter most. They won’t complain of many faults, after a long day’s hunt, as long as it is made in a certain place.

Is it that much better than my made in USA Final Rise or a Marsupial that it’s worth purchasing something made in a communist country but priced as if it were made here?


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[Irish Miner]

Is it that much better than my made in USA Final Rise or a Marsupial that it’s worth purchasing something made in a communist country but priced as if it were made here?


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I'll tell ya what... lovin my Marsupial outfit after two seasons. Zero complaints! I have alot of KUIU gear, but no need to change from the Marsupial pack for me.

 

[sndmn11]

Slight news flash:
I believe the sizing guide is off. I MEASURE about 38-39" waist with a soft tape, but wear a 36" pant with room to spare for an iwb pistol. I ordered an XL/XXL and I'm just barely usable with it tighten fully wearing thin pants. Should be fine with a layer, but heads up!



Showed up last night just in time to hunt today.

 

[voltage]

Marketing technique to drive up demand?

magically back in stock

 

[Ridge Runner]

Slight news flash:
I believe the sizing guide is off. I MEASURE about 38-39" waist with a soft tape, but wear a 36" pant with room to spare for an iwb pistol. I ordered an XL/XXL and I'm just barely usable with it tighten fully wearing thin pants. Should be fine with a layer, but heads up!

View attachment 775604

Showed up last night just in time to hunt today.

Thanks for the info. I wear a 34 pant but measure 37" where they say to measure and was going to go with an XL. Definitely rethinking after your post. Please give an update after you run it for a bit?

 

[sndmn11]

Thanks for the info. I wear a 34 pant but measure 37" where they say to measure and was going to go with an XL. Definitely rethinking after your post. Please give an update after you run it for a bit?

100% you want the smaller one. I'm going to see if I can swap this one here or with them.



XL vest trade for the smaller size!

 

[Superdoo]

@sndmn11 how are the water bottle locations? Do they hit your elbows? Are they easy to retrieve and store?

Does the stay really do much or is it just meh?

 

[sndmn11]

@sndmn11 how are the water bottle locations? Do they hit your elbows? Are they easy to retrieve and store?

Does the stay really do much or is it just meh?

No water bottle interference, I didn't notice them at all today. They are easy to get in and out. I did learn the squeeze Gatorade bottle and squeeze Under Armour bottle fit as well.

They stay works.

My annoyance today other than the scoosh bit too big sizing, is the shell pockets hang below the belet right in front of your leg.

 

[voltage]

My annoyance today other than the scoosh bit too big sizing, is the shell pockets hang below the belet right in front of your leg.

That is awful…pushing shells with your legs is a recipe for cramps and misery.

 

[Superdoo]

That is awful…pushing shells with your legs is a recipe for cramps and misery.

My guess is that would clear up if the belt was sized correctly. Anyone else want to chime in on that?

 

[sndmn11]

My guess is that would clear up if the belt was sized correctly. Anyone else want to chime in on that?

I am pretty sure they kept the bottle and shell pouch locations a standard distance from the buckle and added the belt girth from the back.




The molle/pals is on the bird bag part, so my expectation is for the blank space on my current XL size to be eliminated. I'm guessing their video is showing the s/m belt since the bottles are right to the birg bag part.