Is the solid color comment valid for turkeys? We're new to the turkey hunting game, but have been told they can see all colors and shades.
Full camo or not for them?
I have surplus military Gore-Tex in BDU (woodland), ABU (sage), ACU (old Army digital camo) and OCP (new joint service fleck camo). If I don't need to buy more gear for the sake of more gear, I won't.
Brad, hard copy on layering. I'm all in on that.
“Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils.” - General John Stark.
Really liking the Kuiu Guide Jacket. I am 6'1", 175 lb., and it fits snugly with a couple of layers, but not uncomfortably so. I bought the Large size, would do so again.
I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave....
I really like the Sitka Jetstream, mine ran small so I bought an XL instead of L. I carry a puffy in my pack for sitting any length of time, as well as the Sitka Dewpoint rain gear (very light). Have used these extensively in a number of locations and am very happy with this outfit.
I really like the Kuiu Guide jacket for that role.
I agree....
If you are set on a jacket, the Kuiu all seasons guide jacket is the one without the hoodie. I am not a fan of hoodies because I prefer to outfit with beanies and what not.
As to the hood, before I got the Sitka Jetstream several years ago, I didn’t like a jacket with a hood. This one, however, changes my mind. I find it very useful after hiking to a spot I want to sit, especially in a breeze, as it is very well designed and protects my neck.
David Don’t overlook the Kuiu Axis jacket either especially if much rain or snow might be encountered. I have had both the guide and axis and while the guide is nice the axis is awesome. I use the Axis when in colder/wet weather and normally just run a peloton 240 as my regular top layer.
I normally size up when ordering Kuiu jackets by 1 size. I have an XL axis and had an XL guide jacket and both fit good with layers under. I wear a L sweatshirt in everyday life.
Left mamma a Father’s Day hint for the kuiu Guide.
Which camo pattern is best?
I love the kuiu guide jacket. I’ve found the vias works well in rocky terrain where the verde works great in the timber and tundra. I have no opinion on that valo pattern.
I will say that the guide jacket is a good jacket.
I normally size up when ordering Kuiu jackets by 1 size. I have an XL axis and had an XL guide jacket and both fit good with layers under. I wear a L sweatshirt in everyday life.
I had to size up in the guide jacket. That is definetly good advice.
I normally size up when ordering Kuiu jackets by 1 size. I have an XL axis and had an XL guide jacket and both fit good with layers under. I wear a L sweatshirt in everyday life.
unfortunately there is no one jacket that's going to the trick; too many variables in weather and too many variable throughout the day big game hunting- hiking up a steep ridge vs sitting and glassing are polar opposites of what's needed
the best jacket in the rain/wet snow is a good rain jacket (my preference is the Sitka Dewpoint- lightweight, but still fully featured and durable)
the best jacket on the move is a good active layer jacket (my preference is the sadly now discontinued Patagonia Nano Light- extremely breathable, fast drying and warm while moving)
the best jacket glassing is a good warm puffy jacket (my preference is Nunatak's custom Apex insulated PCT jacket- can select how much insulation, sleeve lengths, overall length, fabric, etc)
I'll throw the First Lite Catalyst in for consideration. It's quiet, handles a little wet weather, tough, has a little stretch for easy movement and insulates well in the temperature range given. I have a Sitka Dakota Hoodie but it would be way to warm for the 30*-60* temperature range specified.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
All of the brands previously mentioned are all great brands but take a look at skre brand.
I bought the hardscrabble two years ago and it’s been a solid jacket that you can layer with. It’s got put zips and high quality zippers along with great range of motion and is wind proof. Great price on it too when. Compared it to the other brands. They also have a size guarantee if it doesn’t fit they pay for the shipping for the switch out.
After not hunting much for the last few years, I’m ramping up to hit it this year.
I live in the Pacific Northwest in Kennewick WA on the dry side of WA.
I’m looking for a general purpose hunting jacket. Temps range from 30-60*F and although this side is a desert, snow or rain is always in play.
Suggestions?
Backpack or camper hunting.
David Walter, What I said before about layering with wool isn't nearly as important still hunting near your camper. You've got shelter from rain. As to a particular camo for.bow season, I would look into this versatile pattern. It has the ability to show some green with strong light in a green season. It reverts to the browns and tan in winter like shown. If you want more green for warm months, go with the Mandrake version. Always remember the trade offs and you will likely be a happy shopper. Polyesters reflect more than natural fibers and most nylons. An identical pattern will reveal sooner with polyester than the exact same in the others. Dyes have something to do with it too, but fabric is most important. Solid wool earth tones can be ghillied with vegetation tie ons. If you don't move, you'll remain unseen when set up right. Those are general rules with some exceptions.
I’d rather have a marmot precip and a $26 dollar synthetic puffy from Walmart Swiss tech brand than any one of the high dollar kuiu/sitka/whatever else is trending. Versatile and should cover most of your temperatures you mentioned especially with base layering.
Actually that is what I hunt with. I have a big down puffy for real cold.
Not that there’s anything wrong with the boutique brands but just one of them wouldn’t work that great for me. I don’t think the performance justifies the price of them either but we all have different budgets.
