People who have spent significant time in the great outdoors have at least a remedial understanding of the concept of layering. However, it’s far more technical than just putting on a t-shirt, shirt, and jacket and calling it good, especially in dangerous environments.
Fortunately, there are people who have put a lot of study into the topic, learning what truly works best and why. For those who want to learn all there is to know about layering, the good folks at KUIU have elevated the concept into an art form, and produce garments for every purpose within their system.
Layering The KUIU Way
KUIU’s skin-to-shell layering system works two-fold by regulating your temperature on the inside during high- and low-level activity, and keeping you protected on the outside from adverse weather conditions. By keeping your temperature regulated, you’ll spend less time warming up, cooling down and drying out, which makes for more time actually pursuing game.
In a nutshell, any layering system for rough-weather hunting is made of three main layers: a base layer, a mid layer, and an outer layer. Of course, depending on conditions, those layers can be vastly different from day to day and hunt to hunt.
Something a lot of people don't realize is that every layer has to fit you differently. According to KUIU, each layer of the system features its own fit type and purpose. The base, mid, and outer layers gradually get larger with each layer, so they comfortably fit together. Once you know your measured size and the fit type of each garment, it helps take the guesswork out of building your kit.
The All-Important Base Layer
Of course, the first layer, the base, is worn next to the skin, making it an absolutely critical one for both comfort and insulation. The best materials for this layer are ultralight knits like merino and polyester. A base layer is meant to be worn in all conditions, and might be the only upper garment you have on during warm-weather hunts.
It is important that this layer be capable of wicking away moisture from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. KUIU’s base layer garments include short-sleeved t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, and zip-off bottoms in both synthetic and merino fabrics.
KUIU’s base-layer hunting tops are the foundation of their technical layering system above the waist. They take on the user’s stop-and-go exertion levels and draw sweat away from the body. Explore all KUIU’s hunting base layer tops, available in a variety of styles, camo patterns and solid colors.
The company’s hunting base-layer pants are the foundation of the bottom half of their technical layering system. They zip on or off without the hunter having to fully remove his or her pants or boots. Like the tops, these performance base layer thermal underwear are also made from odor-resistant merino wool or quick-drying synthetic fabrics.
Mid-Layer Magic
The mid layer is where things can start getting a little complicated. Vital to a robust layering system, KUIU’s mid-layers scale to an individual’s specific activity level and hunt conditions. The company crafts its hunting shirts, jackets and hoodies from the most technical and comfortable fleece, merino wool, synthetic, and hybrid materials.
KUIU’s system features two types of mid layers: mid-layer fleece and mid-layer insulated. Mid-layer fleece is worn over the base layer and sized slightly larger. Made of heavier weight knits like merino and polyester, it is designed to wick and transport moisture away from the base layer, along with adding insulation for warmth.
These mid layers are available in Zip-Ts, pullovers, and hoodies in the Peloton 97, 200 and 240 series, StrongFleece 190, 235, and 275 series, and the PRO Merino 200 series.
The insulated mid-layer is worn over a base layer and fleece mid layer, so should be sized slightly larger than the fleece mid layer to ensure comfort and ease of movement. These are synthetic and/or down-insulated garments that made for warmth and wind resistance. Categories include jackets, vests and insulated zip-off pants in the Kenai and Super Down LT series.
The Outer Layer
Of course, the outer layer is extremely critical as it is the layer actually in contact with the environmental factors that can turn hunts sour quickly. Whether bowhunting, busting brush or late-season rifle hunting, KUIU’s lineup of camo hunting pants has serious hunters covered, literally. Worn alone or layered with base, insulation or waterproof pants, these camo pants for men, women, and youth offer the best camo patterns and solid styles for any hunting climate or situation.
KUIU outer layer hunting pants are constructed from polyester and/or Nylon, and these garments are made for durability plus protection from light wind and rain. They can be found in the Tiburon, KUIU Kutana Stretch Woven, Attack, PRO and Talus Hybrid series.
KUIU's soft shell hunting jackets utilize comfortable fleece lined stretch woven fabrics to provide wind resistance, while protecting against thick brush and rugged terrain. DWR treated, they guard against rain and snow, so hunters can focus on the task at hand.
Sized slightly larger than the fleece mid-layer, these jackets are made of one to two layers of polyester and/or nylon. These durable tops protect hunters from light wind and rain, along with aiding in heat retention: critical in very inclement weather.
Outer Layers for Rain And Cold
Some of the most vital pieces of equipment a hunter can have in his or her pack on any hunt is the proper hunting rain gear. KUIU’s waterproof rain gear outer layer is worn over a base layer, mid-layer fleece and mid-layer insulation. KUIU has sized these garments slightly larger than its insulated mid layer and outer-layer soft shell, so upsizing is not required when selecting one.
These jackets feature a three-layer polyester and nylon, waterproof/breathable membrane and are excellent from protecting hunters from heavy wind and rain. KUIU's line includes waterproof hooded jackets and zip-off pants in the Chugach TR, KUIU Kutana Storm Shell and Yukon TR series.
Of course, the insulated outer layer is one of the most critical layers for those hunting in extreme conditions. KUIU’s insulated hunting jackets feature two insulation types. The first is Quixdown insulation that’s suited for locking in heat during stationary activities, like glassing or stand hunting.
The second is 3DeFX+ active synthetic insulation that’s ideal for handling high levels of exertion and activity, like hiking and traversing elevation in cold conditions.
The insulated outer layer is worn over a base layer, mid-layer fleece, and mid-layer insulation. It is sized slightly larger than KUIU’s insulated mid layer and soft-shell jackets, so upsizing is not required when shopping.
The high-loft insulation used in these garments is ideal for heat retention and protecting hunters from the harsh wind. They’re available in jackets, parkas and pants in the Super Down PRO, KUIU Kutana Gale Force and Super Down Burner series.
Layering Strategies
Not only does KUIU provide hardcore hunters with the clothing they need for all hunting conditions, but the company is quick to help its customers learn how to use those garments for maximum success. With their extensive line up, there’re many ways to layer, making the possibilities nearly endless.
As hunters build their own system, they are encouraged to choose the items that will best suit their personal needs and offer versatility for their expected hunt conditions.
In hot conditions in the 70-degree range, a Gila LS Crew base layer paired with Tiburon outer layer pants might be just the ticket for staying cool and punching a tag. In temperatures from 45 to 70 degrees, things are still simple, with a Gila LS Crew, StrongFleece 190 and/or Guide PRO softshell hooded jacket on top, with the outer layer Attack Pants on the bottom.
In truly frigid conditions below 32, however, things get more intricate. For the top, cold-weather hunters might start with an ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T base layer, a StrongFleece 290 or Kenai Jacket mid layer, and an insulated KUIU Kutana Gale Force hooded jacket up top. Something to consider: KUIU’s Super Down Haven jacket (below 32 degrees) is way warmer than Gale Force and built for stationary stand hunting.
A good pants combination could be the PRO Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom base layer, with the Kenai Pant insulated mid layer and KUIU Kutana Gale Force pants as an outer layer to ward off the elements.
A Few Do’s And Don’ts
KUIU has some suggestions for making sure hunters’ layering systems fit and do their job. First, do layer an outer-layer fitted item over mid-layer fit item. A base layer, mid-layer fleece, mid-layer insulated jacket and an outer-layer fit rain jacket, all in the same size, will comfortably layer together. Also, be sure to upsize your soft-shell jackets if you plan to add multiple mid layers underneath.
Don’t try to wear two outer-layer fit jackets in the same size together, KUIU warns. An outer layer rain jacket will compress the insulation of an outer-layer fit insulated jacket, reducing its ability to keep you warm.
Additionally, don’t try to wear a mid-layer fit insulated jacket over an outer-layer fit soft shell jacket. The overall fit on an insulated mid-layer jacket is designed to layer under a waterproof rain jacket or an insulated outer layer.
Wrapping It Up
Ultimately, KUIU makes top-quality garments made for layering to keep avid hunters warm and dry as they pursue their passion. And the layering system they’ve created is proven to get the job done in all conditions.
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