I would just wait if you aren't in a hurry. There is no way Kuiu is discontinuing the 97 line. They might be making some updates since it hasn't been "updated", ever to my knowledge, because it's almost perfect!
Haha awesome thanks man!! Do you feel like you could put a thin base layer underneath them for super cold mornings?
That was my thought too, but would’ve been nice to snag a pair on the cheap as well. But I can wait for a sale. How short are they? They look like they’re kind of in between a full length and a 3/4 in the short video they have on them
I’d say that assessment is correct, not a true 3/4 but I have no issue with them hitting above 10” boots. They are always in my pack along with the 97 half zip, weigh nothing and provide a good amount of warmth, dry quick, great piece.
Nah too tight in the thighs. They don't stretch as much as the Merino 145 zips I have.
Don't overlook the Peloton 118s either, I run those and enjoy them a lot. They won't be as warm for the weight as the airy 97 but they'll be more durable and shouldn't really be heavier than most other company offerings. The Peloton 97 is kinda its own fabric, warm/light but not as robust depending on what you put it through.
What scenarios do you swap out the peloton for the 145? Also how thick are the waistbands on the kuiu pants?
This is good info… wonder if I could get away with just the pelotons as well. I can get into analysis paralysis pretty easy when it comes to clothes. Especially when I’m sitting at home in the off season and not actually out in the field wearing them haha
Yes. I use them over a another full length for added warmth.
I think those are a different idea tho from what I’ve heard? The 97s are a fleece and the 118s are more of a summer layer?
We're talking the baselayer bottoms right? I don't wear a baselayer bottom in the summer very often, just pants. The 97 is a airy fleece material (high warmth to weight but not as durable) where as the 118 is more comparable to the light merino baselayer bottom. If I had to guess it probably adds 20F to the comfort range of a pair of pants. Attacks + 118 bottoms are my typical combo in the fall until its <40F all day, then I might break out a pair of guide pants.
xl may work for you.....I have always thought kuiu runs a bit small and it is e-z to fold over the waist band and put a few stiches in it.
Honestly I've only worn the 97's once, they're too hot. I always wear the 145's, even down to single digits. I don't sit terribly long in one spot though so usually moving. If I'm gonna sit and glass a few hours I'll probably pack the 97's. The waistbands look thick and I thought would be too bulky but don't seem to be an issue under my pants even with a belt.
Sweet man thanks for the heads up on the 120. I’m thinking of picking up a lightweight 145-150 range base layer and the peloton set and run them under my Sitka stuff. Looking at kuiu and first lite tho I’ve heard FL kinda went downhill the last few years not sure if they’ve recovered or not yet. For your base layers you said you like them a bit looser?
I don't like them stretchy tight but don't like them baggy loose either, the tops I like a bit looser fit because I'll wear them in the heat as my only layer. I haven't bought any new FL Merino in years, because their old stuff never wears out. Best Merino out there as far as I'm concerned. Kuiu replaced my 145 hoodie once already, washed it and came out full of holes. They told me to hand wash the new one so it doesn't happen again, no issues washing my FL stuff for like 7 years now. I really love that 145 though so I'll just buy another one if it happens again.
Interesting. What do you like so much about the kuiu 145 over similar offerings from first lite? And I agree, I’ve typically worn tight to skin base layers but it doesn’t work for shedding layers down to the base without looking like a fool. Just wasn’t sure if there was a performance difference of looser vs tight tight
The fit with the hood is just perfect for me, seems to dry more quickly if I sweat. Don't get me wrong I wear the heck out of the FL Merino, have one of each weight for many years. The sleeve length and overall fit of the Kuiu I think just fits me better, and it's in Valo pattern which works well where we typically bow hunt so I can just wear it as an outer layer when it's crazy hot. FL hoods seem more like an after thought whereas the Kuiu hood is very functional and moves with my head and keeps the sun off my ears. I typically wear the hoodless FL base layers out West where I'm using a heavier Merino on cold late season hunts and the Kuiu 145 if it's a warmer day or down here in Texas. I've never been able to wear the FL Furnace though, I've never been cold enough to make it work.
