Looking into replacing some hunting clothes and also gearing up for a September Colorado elk trip. From my little bit of research, looks like merino wool is the ticket. I’ve always used Scentlok clothing for the whitetail woods, so this lightweight stuff is new to me. Is Kuiu worth the money? Are there quality alternatives? I don’t mind spending the money on good stuff, but I’m not purchasing it just to wear the name. Looking for a layered lightweight camo that packs easily and will hold up to the elements. Any recommendations? Thanks

If you are riding a horse your feet are more apt to get cold than if you are walking. Sometimes it helps to get down and walk to warm up, especially when returning to camp after dark. My guide wore cowboy boots. He only got cold when he rode.

Lots of companies offering merino items that are good stuff

Is it worth it?
I would say so, it is an investment.

I have some merino stuff that is probably 12yrs old and still functions as it should. (company is no longer in business)

I would also look into "layering" to get an understanding of the best way to dress in layers to be able to maintain comfort depending on what type of hunting.
Sitting and watching takes more clothes to maintain warmth vs stalking and moving

Check out First Lite. We've been buying some of their stuff.
From my personal experience nothing is as good as real fur or sheepskin. The leather blocks the wind and the fur or wool insulates.

I’m a big First Lite fan.


I did buy a pretty spendy set of “cold weather” Kuiu stuff last year. First time using their stuff. It’s one of the bigger let downs I’ve purchased. Really soured me on Kuiu in general.

Check out SKRE. It is a bit cheaper than kuiu. I have some of pretty much all the companies and they all make good stuff. Most is overpriced so I try and catch stuff on sale.
If paying full price I would opt for skre most all the time.

Alpaca fiber 'wool' is superior to sheep wool for moisture and insulation.

Merino is simply a method of processing sheep wool that produces a softer, user friendlier wool rather than the old scratchy wool we old-timers are familiar with.

Regardless what product used, you'll still need a breathable wind and water resistant outer layer.

X2...have several pieces of Skre, including their merino base layers...been very happy with it. Its currently on sale.....

Yes on the alpaca...good stuff.
No on the merino wool...its not from regular sheep and then processeed differently.

I have guided both firearms and Archery hunters in MT. and WY. for elk , All I wore was Merino wool long underwear. Whipcord pants , Cabela's Wosterlon shirt and layered from there with polar fleece and wool and used my Raingear top to cut the wind. If it is a pack in hunt , take one change of clothes , camp shoes , socks , toiletries , All your clothes should be in drab colors . Darn Tough Merino socks midweight , Kennetrek Boots and you are good to go... All the rest is Hype and extra un-needed weight.

Been wearing Merino wool under layers for years...I have the Swedish stuff, wool power....it's a terry knit wool which I find warmer than the smooth knit stuff, it ain't cheap, but it'll last for years, only thing is it does pill some, but is still warm....

a light under layer, a mid layer of standard fleece with a windproof outer layer and your good to go if your moving....

I outfitted with King of the Mountain before all these johnny come lately came along. Along with everybody else in a couple caribou camps. Loved it, as did everybody else. My sons a Sitka freak, I just shake my head.

Merino wool comes from a specific breed of sheep called Merino sheep.

I have chased elk in September in Colorado multiple times. Bring sunscreen, chapstick and I carry 6 liters of H2O in camelback bladders which I drink per day. 90% of the time I'm in a tee shirt. I will have a polar fleece jacket for sunrise and sunset. I'm on foot. I highly recommend thin silk socks under your hiking socks - which will save your heels from blisters and hotspots.

King of the Mountain here too for quality and warmth, not so packable... you'll be over a K for a set too... Lifetime investment (so far)

Reread the post... not what you want for Sept. IMO.

Yes on the merino under layers they can really help in the wet and cold.
We still wear our KOM, even in Sept., can't beat it for warmth and quietness.
My Sitka jacket is the bomb too, lightweight and wind blocking. Best jacket for antelope hunting.

You may well get an early snow storm so be ready for it.

I have some Kuiu stuff and like it. My Hooded Kenai Jacket and Superdown Jacket are good stuff, but the light weight comes at the cost of exteriors that will not stand up to brush busting. The easy answer is to use them under a light shell if you are going to be in brush. I use a camo milsurp wind jacket most of the time. They are cheap and tough.

Merino base layer uppers are warm and comfortable. Another plus is that merino has a natural antimicrobial that helps reduce human odor where it counts the most. There are also some mfgs that treat there synthetic fabric with an antimicrobial agent for odor reduction. Merino, or any wool for that matter, doesn't dry quite as fast as synthetic fabrics. Merino wool fiber is shorter than other wool fibers and because of that it isn't as durable. Some mfgs make merino/synthetic blends to boost durability. I don't think that matters much with something that isn't worn like an everyday shirt. There are lots of suppliers so I would find one with the best price that gets good reviews. Kuiu stuff is on the expensive side.

I don't bother with Merino for my bottom base layer. My favorite bottom layer is a Kings Camo 3/4 length with zip off legs. Zippers down the outside of each leg let you zip them on and off without taking off your boots or pants. Just drop your pants to your ankles and unzip or zip up. That comes in handy. Other mfgs make similar products. Good hunting!

Look up -33 Moreno Wool. Best on the market.

Totally agree on Minus 33. Three different weights of base layer.

Since I hunt the Adirondack Mountains and Tug Hill Plateau in November and early December. -33 merino wool base layer was the best money I've spent on hunting gear in a long time.