Colorado Elk Hunt Sitka or Kuiu or First Lite

Gummybear763

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Location
West Virginia
planning first ever trip out west next year for rifle elk hunt in late October or early November . Looking for some guidance or opinions on which brand of clothing to purchase. Narrowed it down to either Sitka, Kuiu, or possibly Firstlite. Any info and help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Troy
 
When I went on my first elk trip to Colorado last year, I was in the same situation as you. I couldnt decide on what to go with. My dad was using Sitka and First Light gear and was trying to convince me to go that route. That was until I saw the prices. It was a little pricey for my budget of $1000.
Then I started to research Kuiu. Their prices were more within my budget. I then went to one of their mobile show rooms in Dallas and got their advice and tried on their clothes. I told them where and when I was going and my budget and they recommended a few items. I was surprised with how few items they recommended and I had my doubts on keeping me warm. But it was high quality and below my budget, so I placed my order. All the items I ordered came out to $600-700.
When my order came in I tried on all the layers and was very impressed with the weight and how hot I got in just a few minutes. I was ready for my hunt.
The weather for our trip was low teen's to high 40's, if I remember correctly. The gear worked great. I didnt feel weighed down, it kept me warm and it wicked away moisture quickly. I would recommend Kuiu and have bought more items since then.
This is what they recommended for my trip:
DCS Guide jacket and pants
Kenai jacket
Peloton hoodie
Merino or peloton base layers
 
Kuiu Yukon Jacket and yukon gaiters
Cabela's Puffy synthetic
Wool vest and shirt
Kuiu zip off long johns
Pants? Gore tex fleece combo
Probably go Sitka.
Kuiu guide pants are ok just not great if wet!! See my avatar...
I have a new xl DCS guide jacket I would sell you
 
The weather can be all over the place for any hunts that time of year. I run a mix of clothing brands and have a few things I really like and a few things that are just ok. I really like the kuiu merino wool zip-off bottom base layers. And will be getting zip-off puffy pants of some brand before next season (for sitting and glassing and then be able to easily stuff the back in the pack for when I'm moving). A puffy jacket is a must also, down or the synthetic PrimaLoft. I carry a light rain jacket also just in case.

Merino wool base layers and good (not the cheapest grade any of the companies make) soft shell pants and jacket are a must though. I try to buy anything I can find on-sale. Camofire has been selling a lot of Sitka lately.

Temps could be anywhere from below zero to 60's for that time of year.
 
+1 on the merino base layers.

They all make a good product and I don't have enough experience with each product to guide you but I will say this, that subalpine pattern from Sitka looks awesome for CO terrain.
 
You won't be wrong with any of those brands. All make great stuff. If you not dead set on a camp pattern, don't hesitate to look at mountaineering clothing as it's usually the same if not better technology at a much lower price
 
I have used KUIU and Sitka gear. I usually buy my merino, puffy, etc from other companies that make more hiking/mountain gear as they are generally cheaper, as good if not better quality, and can be found on sale regularly if you look for them. My Sitka gear is all lighter weight stuff for early season hunting. The Kuiu is heavier gear for late season hunts. I hunted a lot this year in a pair of Prana Zion pants in a dark green color and never had any thoughts of "should have worn something else".
 
I have several items from all three and you're not going to go wrong either way. All work great if you build a layering systems starting with good base layers. As someone else mentioned look at other outdoor/hiking brands as well. I have a decent amount of outdoor research items that I've picked up MUCH cheaper than my Kuiu, first lite, or Sitka, and it functions as good (if not better in certain instances). Those dang critters still haven't figured out when I'm wearing the expensive vs cheaper clothes.
 
I have a lot of Sitka gear, only because a relative used to work for them and got a lot of it for dam near free. It's pretty nice stuff but I don't think I would ever have bought it for retail. That said I prefer first lite base layers, which I also wait to go on sale every year around the holidays. Oh yea, also killed most of my biggest bucks and elk in jeans and a flannel for what that's worth.
 
Buy what you cab get off the classifieds. Always good deals on clothing. You an mix brands and camo, they won't combust.
 
Got a new 700 fill Marmot puffy from Costco the other day for $89......seems warmer than my Kuiu one, which I will be replacing.....and it was 1/3 the cost. Big fan of most Kuiu items except base layers and now, puffys.
 
SKRE gear, their fabric is heavier than the competition. 18 oz vs 22 oz. I have used SKRE now for a couple of late hunts and it is excellent.
 
I have some Sitka inner wnd outer layers. Biggest suggestion is try and find it where you can try it on. I'll be damned if my Coldfront jacket didn't shrink on me...I mean they run athletic...
 

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