Kuiu Early Season Kit: The Ultimate Upgrade for Hot Hunts

If you’re a bowhunter, especially in the South where I hunt, you know just how brutal the early season can be. Between the mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, snakes, and the intense heat, it can feel downright miserable if you don’t have the right gear. This past 2024 hunting season, I made the decision to upgrade my early season hunting clothing from Under Armour to Kuiu. While I still use some Under Armour gear, Kuiu has quickly become my go-to kit for early season hunts. Here’s what I bought, why I love it, and how it’s made a difference for me in the field.

Kuiu Gila Pro LS Hoodie & Gila LS Crew in Verde Pattern

The first pieces I purchased were the Gila Pro LS Hoodie and the Gila LS Crew. Both are fantastic, lightweight options that keep you cool and protected during those sweltering early season days. While both are great, I personally prefer the hoodie due to its built-in face mask and chest pocket, which make it a perfect choice for a long day of bowhunting.

Key Features of the Gila Pro LS Hoodie:

Specifications:

The Gila line has quickly become my go-to. These shirts are designed to fit comfortably without bunching up or causing irritation. They’re long enough to stay tucked in, even when you’re bending or crouching, which is especially important for those long sits. The chest pocket on the hoodie is great for storing smaller items you don’t want to dig around for, and the built-in face mask offers excellent sun and bug protection when you need it.

The hoodie fits a bit loose for my preference, but that’s a small gripe. I rarely use the hood anyway since I don’t like anything obstructing my field of view, but if you’re looking for full coverage from the elements, it’s a great option. The fabric is breathable and dries fast, so no need to worry about soaking in sweat or odors.

With the Gila Hoodie priced at $99 and the Gila Crew at $69, these are some of the more affordable and long-lasting options available. Plus, Kuiu offers a lifetime warranty, so you can trust your investment.

Kuiu Kutana Pants in Verde

To complete my kit, I paired the Gila shirts with Kuiu Kutana Pants in the same Verde pattern. In my opinion, these pants are a must-have for any early season hunt. I’ve worn them through sweltering heat and chilly mornings, and they’ve kept me comfortable in both conditions.

Key Features of the Kutana Pants:

Specifications:

I wore these pants exclusively during my Colorado elk hunt in September, and they performed flawlessly. From temps in the low 30s to highs of 80 degrees, the Kutana Pants kept me cool during the heat and warm when the cold front hit. The pants are extremely versatile, and the zippered vents are an excellent touch for regulating body temperature during those hot midday hours.

These pants are an investment at $169, but in my experience, they are worth every penny. The comfort, durability, and adaptability to changing weather make them an indispensable part of my early season kit.

Why Kuiu?

The combination of the Gila Pro LS Hoodie, Gila LS Crew, and Kutana Pants makes for a versatile, durable, and comfortable early season hunting kit. Whether you’re dealing with hot, sticky weather or cool mornings, Kuiu’s gear helps you stay comfortable and focused on the hunt.

Kuiu offers top-notch gear at a fair price, especially considering their lifetime warranty. If you’re serious about bowhunting and want to upgrade your gear for the early season, I highly recommend checking out www.kuiu.com. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Happy hunting!