Sitka v Kryptek v Kuiu v First Lite

[soggybtmboys]

I am currently sorting thru a myriad of options to gear up for an upcoming hunts in the Brooks Range for Caribou, and I am having a difficult time deciding on which clothing manufacturer to invest into for this trip. We are going mid August and are planning on doing a drop cam via BRA. I am an east of the Mississippi whitetail hunter, so most of the hunting is stand hunting.....completely different than spot and stalk/ambush which I have read a great deal about that is typical for Alaska and out west. This means performance gear that is lightweight. I do have a budget and I am trying to keep hunting clothing expense to the neighborhood of maybe a grand. I have had a few pieces of merino and it doesn't bother my skin to wear, but I am interested in thoughts on synthetics and their faster rates of drying since getting wet and perspiration is going to be a factor. Scent management is also a concern for a 10 day hunt up on the range.

So that being said, I am looking for pros and cons to these manufacturers that I am considering investing into their systems of clothing. I am not opposed to mix and match if one out performs another in a piece by piece basis. I've not been to Alaska not have I done any mountain hunting, so this is all a little new and looking for advise and perspective. I am acutely aware of weather swings I have read about on the Brooks and it is some concern on gear choice and performance.

Thanks

 

[elkyinzer]

I don't see any reason to get married to any one manufacturer's "system". All of the above and a few more make good stuff. Not a fan of kuiu for reasons tangential to your question. Lately I've been really into what First Lite does as a business in support of conservation, so I support them when I can, but I still don't really like their outerwear.

I buy mostly all clothes and gear in the few months after Christmas, if you are saavy and check different retailers you can find some deep discounts that time of year. They have to unload last year's models and I have found real discounts of 60-75% quite a few times and 40-50% pretty routinely.

Adhere to simple layering concepts but don't get caught up in the hype of a "system". It's layers of clothes, for crying out loud, not rocket science.

Base layers to me are pretty easy. Merino hands down. I would never sacrifice the warmth and odor properties of merino for synthetic, but that's just me. There's 20 companies these days making good merino stuff.

Insulation there are more options. I like heavier wool or fleece when weight isn't a big concern. When weight is a bigger concern I like primaloft. Down is another option but I am not personally a big fan of it for the abuse it takes while hunting.

Protection is the last layer and is important because it's your lifeline against the elements. Raingear generally speaking has a tradeoff of breathability/weight vs. complete reliability. If you are in a rainy climate you are going to want heavy duty stuff, which will generally be heavier and less breathable. The highly breathable and packable stuff is fine in a passing shower but you don't want to hunt rainforests with it. To me rain protection and wind protection should be double duty but some guys carry separate pieces.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Great post above and I agree with pretty much everything.

This year I'm using mostly Firstlite but have used most every brand in the past. The only one I won't wear is Kuiu, but that's for personal reasons.

 

[fngTony]

Start with what fits your body type, then whats on sale. I personally prefer a quality synthetic like primaloft, 3defx, what kifaru uses over down. Next to merino the sitka stuff with polygenie is probably the best for odar control. Aerowool from firstlite is a great hybrid, i think its 30% odar resistant poly and merino.

 

[ianpadron]

They all make great stuff. First Lite is famous for their Merino, KUIU for its outerwear (and being hated by just about everyone on this forum LOL), Sitka for being WAY overpriced but pretty freaking nice stuff.

KUIU and First Lite, from my experience, are lighter than the comparable pieces from Sitka. I run Sitka for waterfowling for that reason, as weight doesn't matter there. I have nothing bad to say about any of my Sitka, KUIU or First Lite Gear. Never worn or seen Kryptek.

Ultimately the answer to your question is always going to be the same..."it depends". Where are you hunting, what are you doing, what's your bodytype, etc. all determine what pieces will work best in any given situation. If I were you I'd mix and match, that way you know you have the best piece FOR YOU in every category. No point in being a fan boy for any given brand because they all outdo each other is certain areas based off of the factors I mentioned above.

During my transition to mountain hunting this past year, I have learned to value my clothing as much as my boots, pack, and rifle.

 

[Pramo]

I think they are all good but I have no experience with Kryptec. I happen to use kuiu attack pants, shirts and jackets. First lite underwear and a stika jet stream vest and then Darn tough socks. The reason for all these is fit, Kuiu fits me perfect but I am 6'2'' with a 33inch waist and 180 so tall and skinny. My advice is don't get hung up on brand and more worry about fit; try a few pieces from each company and see what moves best with you.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I own em all but for places with serious weather, Sitka remains my go-to camo. Kuiu is a minimalists favorite, i prefer greater pocket options. Being a "bigger guy" I find my 6', 230lb frame fits into Sitka best. Then First Lite and then Kuiu & Kryptek. Kuiu is tighter on me, Krypek is longer. I particularly like the Timberline pants and Dewpoint rain suit...lighter is lighter in weight than other brands mentioned here. You'll probably be needing waders too.

 

[bojangles808]

check the classifieds, guys are starting to unload their gear after season and you can get some great deals.

 

[sr80]

I run a mixed kit as well. I dont like mixing camo patterns, my OCD maybe. But I wear grey sitka timberlines in late season, and EB guide pants or corrugate pants early on. First lite merino base, and vias outers. Uncompharge puffy. I mainly go by what fits me best, and that is how i chose my kit.

 

[RyanC]

I currently run Kryptek but in the past I have used Sitka and before that mountaineering clothing. Running synthetics is a must in my opinion due to their ability to dry quickly and being lightweight. If you need help with any of the Kryptek pieces PM me and I can answer all of your questions. For a grand you can get set up pretty well. Good luck with all of your research.

RC

 

[DaveC]

Fit is pretty different between them. Sitka medium fits me perfectly, medium in Kuiu and First Lite is usually too boxy. The quality of the Kryptek stuff (both sewing and materials) I've seen in shops has but me off taking them seriously until something changes.

Plenty of non-hunting companies that make better stuff than any hunting company, and typically at far more competitive prices.

 

[Lawnboi]

I prefer Sitka of them all. Might have something to do with 40% discount. But Sitka would still be my choice, even if I had to fork over full price. I would just not get as much.

I think Sitka is a stand up company. Makes awesome gear, IMO their tree stand gear is in a league of its own. I appreciate that they offer a discount through Leo adventures, and everything in medium fits me perfect.

 

[Cgeb]

Complete honesty here, I have been building a couple different sets of Sitka over the past few months. It is expensive, but I have been very happy with it. Take your time watch for sales, the classifieds here and Ebay.

I bought a used set of Ascent pants, and then later a new set of Mountain pants. My thought was I sell the Ascents and just go with the Mountain pants. The Ascents are so comfortable and when hunting in warmer weather like our turkey season and the beginning of archery, I just can't get rid of them. Haven't worn the Mountain pants yet.

Also, my base layers are mostly wool (Icebreaker) and some Sitka base layers. I basically have a set in OC and Forest. The OC stuff is generally lighter weight stuff (Ascent and Mountain Pants, 90% jacket, Jetstream lite vest) and the Forest is heavier (Status jacket and Bibs. Kelvin vest, traverse hoodie). I don't mind mixing an matching, but my forest Kelvin vest will fit under my OC 90% jacket. I think it gives me a lot of flexibility.

Don't have any experience with the other brands you mentioned. Love the Sitka though.

 

[dunner543]

As others have said, mix and match what you like from each company. Personally I like Sitka for most of my stuff. You can get some excellent deals on it on camofire (or other ways if mil/leo). First lite also does great deals for mil/leo. If you can fit into a medium jacket I would take a serious look at the Sitka coldfront that shows up every few days on camofire for 60-70% off. IMO that would be a perfect piece for the brooks range.

 

[Kotaman]

As others have said, mix and match what you like from each company. Personally I like Sitka for most of my stuff. You can get some excellent deals on it on camofire (or other ways if mil/leo). First lite also does great deals for mil/leo. If you can fit into a medium jacket I would take a serious look at the Sitka coldfront that shows up every few days on camofire for 60-70% off. IMO that would be a perfect piece for the brooks range.

Yes, it is.

 

[Trial153]

I am pretty much 90% Sitka everyday thing and 10% First Lite. Just going buy what has worked for me over the years.
I dumped all my KUIU except for an icon pro1850 that maybe on the chopping block the end of October. As for kryptek I have little experiences with it except for a fuzzy hoody I picked up on sale and tossed it after the second wash. I didn't even sell it as it looked terrible. That said it's not much of a sample size to go on.

 

[Sky1926]

I'm a Sitka guy as well, at first it was because of the sweet discount but after wearing it, I'd have a hard time going to anything else because it's so nice..just bought Krypteks Valhalla set with the 20% code , will post up what I think


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[jspradley]

As others have said, mix and match what you like from each company. Personally I like Sitka for most of my stuff. You can get some excellent deals on it on camofire (or other ways if mil/leo). First lite also does great deals for mil/leo. If you can fit into a medium jacket I would take a serious look at the Sitka coldfront that shows up every few days on camofire for 60-70% off. IMO that would be a perfect piece for the brooks range.

+1 on the cold front deal. I picked one of those up and lawd Jesus that is a sweet jacket!



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[soggybtmboys]

Thanks for all the feedback, I took a look at Linton Outdoors and their package deals with Sitka, thus part of my reason of asking about a system or one manufacturer. Not a bad price on either of their packages for what comes with it. I saw a coldfront jacket over on camofire yesterday, but it was the charcoal color coat only.

 

[Yard Candy]

I'm new'ish to hunting. Could someone please share with me what the hatred/distaste for Kuiu is?

Not a fan of kuiu for reasons tangential to your question.

The only one I won't wear is Kuiu, but that's for personal reasons.

...KUIU for its outerwear (and being hated by just about everyone on this forum LOL)