Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Need new hunting pants, wool vs Sitka/Kuiu

In past seasons I've always worn surplus wool, and been pretty happy with them.

This year I drew a any bull tag, so I've been walking hiking & jogging to get in shape. Now my pants won't fit so I'm looking to replace them.

What are the advantages of the newer fabrics? How do they the compare to wool when it's rainy/snowy?

I too have lost some weight since my last camo pant and jacket purchase so am looking at some of the newest fabrics. I saw one advertised in the Rocky Mountain Elk magazine but have since mis-placed or loaned the magazine to a friend. The ad made the outfit look really good as well as water proof and windproof and breathable. I just can't rememner the name.

The main advantage is, the synthetics are much lighter. And they're also more comfortable IMO. Disadvantages are, they're not as durable, more expensive, and not good around campfires--a stray spark = a hole.

I've used my kuiu attacks every elk season since kuiu came out and they are still my favorite all around pants.

I've been thinking about a pair of new style also, I'm having a hard time giving up my filsons! Ten years old and more comfortable each year! I do like the idea of lightweight, that you get with the new modern materials. I think it's personal preference, my friends wearing new material like them, but complain about wearing out too easy! Maybe ten years is long enough in one box, I'm ordering a new style! Talked myself into it!!!!

I always wore a pair of Canadian Pattern 49 Battle Dress trousers. The Canadian stuff is really nice!! They are cozy and very comfy. Then two years ago was in the bargain cave at local Cabela's and found a pair of Filsons Mack trousers for $60. Couldn't pass em up.

Last year's hunt was different. Only wool I wore was my mackinaw coat one morning! Wore a pair of Dickies canvas trouser all week. Never got cold enough for anything else.

I still take both pair of my wools!

I've had good luck with a pair of Sitka Ascent pants, first in Washington (Lewis River GMU) and now Colorado. Not my first choice if it's going to rain all day but they shed a light drizzle well, and if it's going to be cold I wear a silk long underwear underneath them. But really like how light and easy to move around in, climb over deadfall, etc.

Chris

Almost sounds like I could use both kinds. Not really in the budget though, Iook forward to reading more suggestions.

Can anyone chime in on the kryptek line? I was looking at the cadog pant and jacket for a mid September elk hunt in CO. Thoughts?

First Lite.

I used GI surplus wool for years and switched to Marmot softshell pants with a merino wool baselayer added when needed. Just as warm and much less tiring to move around in. They have been much more durable than I anticipated with just a little more noise than wool.

I've been happy with my First Lite and Kuiu attack and guide pants.

first lite wool pants.

Can find them on sale for around $100.

My legs don't typically get too cold when moving. I use the nylon fishing type pants and add layers of merino wool long johns as needed as the temps drop. It is a very flexible layering type system that works well for me. While not water proof, the pants shed water and snow pretty well and dries very fast.

I have a pair of the Krypteks but I'm not sure of the model name.

They are a windproof water resistant stretch type material with knee pad pockets and a lot of zippered pockets. They have a brushed liner so they are not for warm weather.

I like my Killik Vital Pants. Collect fewer burs than my favorite wool pants.

Blue's?

Yep, Lick Creek, modern any bull.

I bought a pair of the first light merino wool pants at the end of last season. I'm really happy so far and can't see any reason to go back to Sitka.

Very cool. Congrats

Agreed. Last year I wore these on a snowy high country elk hunt and throughout Midwestern states' deer seasons and could not have been happier.

I've been wearing the Sitka timberline pants the past 2 seasons and really like them. They are very comfortable, quiet, and the(removable) knee pads are awesome as is the reinforced seat that keeps your ass dry when sitting in snow.

The one thing I don't like about them is the built-in/ fixed belt can't be removed to wear something better, and the additional belt loops are not big enough for a tactical style belt (don't know if this has been changed with newer model). They come with suspenders which are nice until you have to take a deuce, which everyone knows occurs once you get all layered up for a late season hunt.

They are on the heavy side for an early season hunt, but do breathe well. I stick to standard lightweight BDU pants for early season hunts.

I hardly ever wear my surplus wool anymore since I switched to the attack pant. Also have been using that Alpine pant and I really like it so far.

Just got the Kuiu Alpine pants. Haven't hunted them yet, but trying them on they feel great

20% off for first time buyers
https://share.kuiu.com/x/qpf1X6

I decided to get the First Lite Kanabs first. Not sure which direction I'll go next, but wool has always worked. I can't believe how light these Kanabs are!

To my knowledge, PNUMA is the newest name in lightweight hunting clothes. They claim "Twice As Good, Half The Price", with a lifetime guarantee.

I have not yet tried it.

donsm70

A lifetime guarantee on their rain gear and a Moisture Vapor Transfer (MVT) rating of 120,000 and Waterproof rating of 20,000>. I might have to give the PNUMA a try even though it is pricey and new to the market.

I have a pair of wool codet. Nice pants but their sizing is off. If you wear 36s waist in jeans I'd suggest ordering 38s in codet pants. Especially if you want to wear long under wear.

I am a sucker for the "higher tech" new stuff. It seems I try most of them when they come out. I will say, for the money, you are very hard pressed to beat the Cabelas microtex (sp?). Don't get me wrong. I like my Kuiu, Sitka, First Lite and various mountaineering options. None of them really do more than those Cabelas ones which sell for significantly less.

Right now Cabela's and Midway have cold weather hunting parkas, pants & such on sale. I was needing a more weather proof parka and decided to go with the Midway offering. No I won't be in Siberia, just wanted wind, rain resistant and warm. I have some 'dry-plus' pants that work well.

I'll give another vote for cabelas microtex, but have recently tried some 511 Stryke pants and really like them. Same price and a little tougher.

MM

micro tex is great stuff from hot to cold damp weather. The breath ok, block wind and dry out quickly and you can get on sale for around $20 if you check cabelas from time to time

First lite wool is really good gear

I have sitka and like it but to me noisy when walking through brush

For years, every pair of pants I have hunted in, both wool and synthetic, including those worn in the 'Kodiak Double' thread, have been from Goodwill.

And, the nylon pants make a perfect windbreaker outer layer.

This.


Casey

nylon pants would make me sweat like a dog.....

Core4element makes some good stuff also..

If you can find it.