I'm another one with a full Kuiu kit.
I built my systems over years, and more or less copied the method for layering that I use for my ski and mountaineering gear. It is rare that I dont have 4 or 5 layers to choose from in my pack or on me. It may sound excessive, but it's versatile and I've gotten it to the point where it's as light or lighter then most 3 layer systems. Most of the kuiu stuff I have something similar in Arcteryx or Patagucci or similar. But I often find the Kuiu to be a better piece. I had some Sitka as well, but it's all failed me or irritated me in some way. So it's all gone. I also tried on some First Lite, it doesn't fit me well, so havent bought any.
The biggest changes this year have been switching from all Merino base layers to a Peloton 118 and 97 combo. So far I'm liking the Peloton, but more days and different conditions required before I switch completely. I've also added the Chugach to replace the Yukon. I think the jacket is a win, not sold on the pant, it doesnt have pockets.
Base: Peloton 118 and 97, tops and bottoms.
Mid layer: I dont really wear dedicated mid layers. Prefer the versatility of mixing and matching insulation and outer layers to suit conditions.
Insulation: Kuiu Kenai Jacket and an Ultra Top/Btm combo or a heavy down marmot outer layer but this is for -20 and below.
Pants: Arcteryx nylon pants... super light for warm days and dry ascents. Kuiu mountain pants (I think that's the name) probably the most versatile pant I own. Kuiu Yukon or Chugach, depending on the length of trip and expected precipitation, both can be worn as a stand alone pant as well.
Jacket: Patagonia soft shell, super light weight, extremely breathable, this can be worn as a mid layer or an outer layer. My most versatile jacket. Kuiu Yukon or Chugach, depends on the hunt and conditions.
Socks, toques, gloves - way too many options to list, lots of good options from lots of good sources.
It's funny, I dont give a sh!t how I dress day to day, but will spend whatever it takes to stay warm/comfortable in the backcountry in any of my sports. Versatility and lightweight have been the driving force of most of my gear changes in the last 10 years. Strangely I now have more pieces that do one thing extremely well, rather then a bunch of pieces that do everything poorly. I find this to be more versatile and generally lighter weight.
I built my systems over years, and more or less copied the method for layering that I use for my ski and mountaineering gear. It is rare that I dont have 4 or 5 layers to choose from in my pack or on me. It may sound excessive, but it's versatile and I've gotten it to the point where it's as light or lighter then most 3 layer systems. Most of the kuiu stuff I have something similar in Arcteryx or Patagucci or similar. But I often find the Kuiu to be a better piece. I had some Sitka as well, but it's all failed me or irritated me in some way. So it's all gone. I also tried on some First Lite, it doesn't fit me well, so havent bought any.
The biggest changes this year have been switching from all Merino base layers to a Peloton 118 and 97 combo. So far I'm liking the Peloton, but more days and different conditions required before I switch completely. I've also added the Chugach to replace the Yukon. I think the jacket is a win, not sold on the pant, it doesnt have pockets.
Base: Peloton 118 and 97, tops and bottoms.
Mid layer: I dont really wear dedicated mid layers. Prefer the versatility of mixing and matching insulation and outer layers to suit conditions.
Insulation: Kuiu Kenai Jacket and an Ultra Top/Btm combo or a heavy down marmot outer layer but this is for -20 and below.
Pants: Arcteryx nylon pants... super light for warm days and dry ascents. Kuiu mountain pants (I think that's the name) probably the most versatile pant I own. Kuiu Yukon or Chugach, depending on the length of trip and expected precipitation, both can be worn as a stand alone pant as well.
Jacket: Patagonia soft shell, super light weight, extremely breathable, this can be worn as a mid layer or an outer layer. My most versatile jacket. Kuiu Yukon or Chugach, depends on the hunt and conditions.
Socks, toques, gloves - way too many options to list, lots of good options from lots of good sources.
It's funny, I dont give a sh!t how I dress day to day, but will spend whatever it takes to stay warm/comfortable in the backcountry in any of my sports. Versatility and lightweight have been the driving force of most of my gear changes in the last 10 years. Strangely I now have more pieces that do one thing extremely well, rather then a bunch of pieces that do everything poorly. I find this to be more versatile and generally lighter weight.
Last edited:
