Kuiu Outer Layer Recommendations

[Philotheos777]

I have a Montana archery hunt planned in mid-September and would like some recommendations on a breathable outer layer/jacket for spot and stalk style hunting.

I run merino as a base layer and I'm thinking about the Peleton 200 or 240 or Pro Merino 200 (durable as an outer layer?) as my outer layer but value any feedback that could be offered.

For glassing I'm thinking a down puffer though I wonder if it'll be cold enough.

 

[jolemons]

Pretty safe to expect lows near or below freezing, especially at elevation. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss a puffy and rain shell.

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[go4thegusto]

Temp dependent for sure. The Kenai is quiet and breaths if not too warm out. My favorite piece
Encounter jacket is also good for active bowhunting. Some for sale here.

 

[sodaksooner]

Ive got a guide jacket I use, but 90% of the time i just wear a merino base layer and a guide vest if we are moving a lot. Mid Sept, above 10k feet in CO, unless it is just really cold. I also have one of their non technical zip up hoodies that I bring. It's a bit lighter than the guide jacket.

 

[LookinforDirt]

Down and a rain shell for glassing. If it gets to warm take it off and use you other layers. Kenai if you are doing a sub 50f stealthy stalk (not a hike). Too warm for me, I run hot, if I’m active and it’s warmer than that. Even 50f is pushing it for me. It’s not durable. Peloton 200 is a soft fleece and the 240 is a more durable grid type fleece. 240 is a good outer layer and has good abrasion, but not pic, resistant. I.e. thorns will have it looking like a disgruntled cat got hold of it. But rubbing against branches, rocks, tree trunks etc it holds up pretty well. It doesn’t have venting zips which is a negative. Pro Merino and the 200 will not hold up as an outer to any of that. For most of my still hunting, which I’ll compare some to the stalk in spot and stalk, I just wear an appropriate for the temps and activity base and medium heavy shirt when around 45f-55f. Colder I’d use the 240 or Kenai depending on how thick the area is. Warmer I’d wear a lighter weight shirt.

 

[NeHunter13]

I have the 240 and its one of my favorite pieces. As mentioned above, its abrasion resistant but will get some pics. Its the one piece that i have with me all the time in all seasons. Great as a mid-layer when glassing with a puffy over top if it gets cold.

 

[Philotheos777]

Pretty safe to expect lows near or below freezing, especially at elevation. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss a puffy and rain shell.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

Thanks! The maximum elevation of the area I'm hunting is 5,400' so hopefully that will lend itself to milder temps.

 

[Philotheos777]

Down and a rain shell for glassing. If it gets to warm take it off and use you other layers. Kenai if you are doing a sub 50f stealthy stalk (not a hike). Too warm for me, I run hot, if I’m active and it’s warmer than that. Even 50f is pushing it for me. It’s not durable. Peloton 200 is a soft fleece and the 240 is a more durable grid type fleece. 240 is a good outer layer and has good abrasion, but not pic, resistant. I.e. thorns will have it looking like a disgruntled cat got hold of it. But rubbing against branches, rocks, tree trunks etc it holds up pretty well. It doesn’t have venting zips which is a negative. Pro Merino and the 200 will not hold up as an outer to any of that. For most of my still hunting, which I’ll compare some to the stalk in spot and stalk, I just wear an appropriate for the temps and activity base and medium heavy shirt when around 45f-55f. Colder I’d use the 240 or Kenai depending on how thick the area is. Warmer I’d wear a lighter weight shirt.

Thanks for the recommendations. Sounds like the Peleton 240 is the way to go.
I have 190 Strongfleece which is one of my favorite pieces (durable, light) but it doesn't breathe well during hiking.

 

[Philotheos777]

Down and a rain shell for glassing. If it gets to warm take it off and use you other layers. Kenai if you are doing a sub 50f stealthy stalk (not a hike). Too warm for me, I run hot, if I’m active and it’s warmer than that. Even 50f is pushing it for me. It’s not durable. Peloton 200 is a soft fleece and the 240 is a more durable grid type fleece. 240 is a good outer layer and has good abrasion, but not pic, resistant. I.e. thorns will have it looking like a disgruntled cat got hold of it. But rubbing against branches, rocks, tree trunks etc it holds up pretty well. It doesn’t have venting zips which is a negative. Pro Merino and the 200 will not hold up as an outer to any of that. For most of my still hunting, which I’ll compare some to the stalk in spot and stalk, I just wear an appropriate for the temps and activity base and medium heavy shirt when around 45f-55f. Colder I’d use the 240 or Kenai depending on how thick the area is. Warmer I’d wear a lighter weight shirt.

For glassing I'm looking at the Kuiu Elements or one of their down hooded jackets. Any recommendations?

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

For glassing I'm looking at the Kuiu Elements or one of their down hooded jackets. Any recommendations?

Glassing - Go with the Pro (not LT) down or equivalent. Not much more money or weight but a lot better temp coverage.
Peloton 240 - Cuts (not 100% block) the wind well but offers minimal warmth. Nice to save unnecessary damage (holes) in expensive rain gear.
StrongFleece- look at the 235 or 260; far better temp coverage than the 190. 190 works for Oct desert hunts on the southern border and stays home 2 week a later in November on the same unit.
Peloton 200 - Just go with the StrongFleece 235/260 as it is warmer and doesn’t pick as easily. If you like the Velcro look, this is your top; pair it with Attacks for the full ensemble.

Learn to strip down when moving and layer up when stationary. I live in the desert and I just wear a long sleeve shirt when on the move down to single digits. Cold at first but you warm up. You also have dry clothes to put on and warm up in.

 

[Mojave]

I have a few.

I am guessing you are going to moving quite a bit. Then sitting. That is when you will freeze.

I have a few every time there is a sale I buy a different one to try them out.

You can mess with their website and select: weather, gender.

Truck hunting, I'd probably do a waterproof hard shell, insulation either synthetic or down, and a wool midshirt and a synthetic undershirt.

Walking in the mountains I'd take: Kutana or Yukon, the super down, and a wool or synthetic sweater Pelton or Merino 200 and a synthetic or wool liner.

Backpacking, I'd take the Kutana and leave the Yukon, everything else is the same.

Truck or Stand hunting I'd take: Kutana or Yukon and the proximity and a merino shirt and a peleton

For pants I usually hunt in the Tiburons unless it is really cold, then I switch to the guide or attacks. If it is super cold or I am sitting I wear the proximity pants.

I have not tested them against one another. Or Switched between pieces to test them out. I just guess and so far it works.

 

[Philotheos777]

Glassing - Go with the Pro (not LT) down or equivalent. Not much more money or weight but a lot better temp coverage.
Peloton 240 - Cuts (not 100% block) the wind well but offers minimal warmth. Nice to save unnecessary damage (holes) in expensive rain gear.
StrongFleece- look at the 235 or 260; far better temp coverage than the 190. 190 works for Oct desert hunts on the southern border and stays home 2 week a later in November on the same unit.
Peloton 200 - Just go with the StrongFleece 235/260 as it is warmer and doesn’t pick as easily. If you like the Velcro look, this is your top; pair it with Attacks for the full ensemble.

Learn to strip down when moving and layer up when stationary. I live in the desert and I just wear a long sleeve shirt when on the move down to single digits. Cold at first but you warm up. You also have dry clothes to put on and warm up in.

Would the Elements with layers be inadequate for glassing?

I hear you on the "velcro look" that's hilarious! The Strongfleece line is great and very durable you just have to be sure to shed it once you're moving a lot of you'll be sweating in no time.

Seems like the Peleton 240 gets mentioned a lot. What do you like about it and what scenarios do you use it most?

 

[Rjk300]

I have an elements vest and daughter has a jacket mainly everyday type use and it’s warm but no where near as warm as my pro down. I put the elements with the ultra down in warmth I believe it’s the down LT now.

 

[Philotheos777]

I have a few.

I am guessing you are going to moving quite a bit. Then sitting. That is when you will freeze.

I have a few every time there is a sale I buy a different one to try them out.

You can mess with their website and select: weather, gender.

Truck hunting, I'd probably do a waterproof hard shell, insulation either synthetic or down, and a wool midshirt and a synthetic undershirt.

Walking in the mountains I'd take: Kutana or Yukon, the super down, and a wool or synthetic sweater Pelton or Merino 200 and a synthetic or wool liner.

Backpacking, I'd take the Kutana and leave the Yukon, everything else is the same.

Truck or Stand hunting I'd take: Kutana or Yukon and the proximity and a merino shirt and a peleton

For pants I usually hunt in the Tiburons unless it is really cold, then I switch to the guide or attacks. If it is super cold or I am sitting I wear the proximity pants.

I have not tested them against one another. Or Switched between pieces to test them out. I just guess and so far it works.

Great feedback, thank you!
I'll be archery hunting in Montana at 4,000-5,000'.
Do you think an axis hybrid would suffice in lieu of a Kutana?
I haven't tried the Tiburons but have the Kutana Stretch which are light but very durable. They've become my favorite especially here in Tx.

Do you think am axis jacket would suffice for a shell?

 

[Mojave]

The Axis is not a hard rain outfit. You never know on Montana weather. I have never needed full rain gear there.

Not saying it is impossible, just not likely. Hopefully!

If you own a non-hunting hardshell, you could always throw it in your pack. You aren't going to be hunting in a downpour anyway.

I brought my Yukon and a Swazi Tahr to Finland on a fishing trip last year. Rained like hell every time I got in the car and went to town, but the rest of the week we were there it was dry.

I know a guy that bought a mountain of fishing type rain gear for Kodiak goat hunt, and it never rained once.

Axis ought to be ok. Mine is in Verde and I don't wear camo here in Europe. It feels like a tougher version of the guide. I have a couple of guides of XXXL and XXL sizes to either fit or not fit over another jacket. I felt like the Axis wears more like the guide than the Yukon.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Would the Elements with layers be inadequate for glassing?

I hear you on the "velcro look" that's hilarious! The Strongfleece line is great and very durable you just have to be sure to shed it once you're moving a lot of you'll be sweating in no time.

Seems like the Peleton 240 gets mentioned a lot. What do you like about it and what scenarios do you use it most?

No experience with the Elements line so I cannot speak to that. Excluding the windproof portion, I am unsure how it really differs from the Kenai. The Kenai is not well suited for long periods of being stationary in the cold, at least based upon my personal experience. Down puffies can excel for that (loft, material, etc all come into play).

Now if "camp is on your back" and the weather forecast is 100% torrential rain for a full 14 day hunt and there's no way to dry anything other than body heat, I'd likely suck it up and rely on my Kenai (synthetic insulation). No heavy merino wool either as "warm when wet" is 100% garbage. Even then I would likely still find a way to bring along a down jacket.

I have two Peloton 240s; one with a hood and one without a hood. If you go with the 240, buy the hooded version as it sucks having brutal cold wind going down the neck. My hoodless one is now relegated to mostly AZ use only. The 240 does a good job at cutting the wind, holds up to general use better than rain gear and doesn't pick/pill as bad like some other pieces. Rain/snow has mostly been a non-consideration for me on the bulk of my hunts the past 10 years so that does impact my thought process. Snag your clothing on enough ocotillo and you'll quickly sour on wearing your $300 Church or $400 Yukon for blocking the wind when there are usually better options; some hunts you just have to wear your rain gear due to weight/pack volume limitations.

 

[cole96]

Following along with this. Will be hunting the crazies sept 6-10 at some elevation. 7-10k I think. Currently have light kuiu base layers, peloton 240, peloton 97. Kenai set. Kurana rain gear. Kurana pants. Should I get one more insulation set for just in case ?

 

[Texasbuckeye]

In my experience, i would comfortable mobile hunting in fhe axis pants down below freezing. Stationary i use the pants for hunting when it is between 35-55 with a base for whitetail stand hunting.

i do no have a axis jacket. Have regularly thought of getting one but have never pulled the trigger on one. Mainly due to having several other options much quieter for bow hunting.

Being able to layer up and down will be key if doing a lot of moving and then being stationary. Trying to get a one size firs all option is likely not the best strategy.

I also agree having some off brand rain shell is important for your pack. Can serve multiple reasons but moisture and wind control being primary and secondary reasons.