Mention KUIU to a hunter and they will most likely describe the company as being at the forefront of designing ultralight mountain hunting gear and clothing, engineered for extreme conditions and environments. Since its beginnings in 2011, KUIU has focused on big game, followed by waterfowl in the summer of 2023. In both instances, wingshooters have capitalized on KUIU’s innovative hunting gear and made it work for their upland pursuits for over two decades, as KUIU has not had a dedicated line for bird hunters. In mid-2023, KUIU began to ease into the upland hunting market with the introduction of their do-it-all PRO Brush Pant. It was a sign of things to come.
On September 19th, 2024, KUIU unveiled what it had teased earlier in the summer on the back of its catalog (bird vest), that it was ready to provide bird hunters with high-tech, innovative, purpose-built upland gear and clothing. This new offering would meet the demands of bird hunters in their pursuit of varied landscapes and the wild gamebirds that inhabit them.
KUIU’s current upland kit is centered around three main vital pieces of new, well-engineered gear and clothing that should hang in every bird hunter’s closet and one updated version of clothing.
KUIU Upland Field Vest – $249
This high-functioning, multifaceted, and ultralight bird vest is KUIU’s flagship. It combines the functionality of a strap vest (two front pockets, a large deployable game bag, two 32-oz water bottles/holders), and backpack with an assortment of integrated storage compartments and carrying capacity, all while allowing plenty of customization (side panels are MOLLE and PALS compatible). Built around an industry-first, patent-pending, removable, vertical back panel stay, the system provides weight-bearing capability when combined with the padded waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps. The vest comes in three colors; Blaze Orange, Khaki, and Valo. Sized: M/L (36” waist and under) and XL/XXL (larger than 36” waist).
*The discontinued KUIU Quick Draw Backpack Gun Holder easily attaches to the bottom compression strap webbing loops for hands-free shotgun carry.
Pro Brush Pants – $199
With a focus on durability to combat heavy brush and push through briars and thorny brambles, the lightweight PRO Brush Pant features reinforced panels in key areas (lower legs, articulated knees, and thigh), while still maintaining stretch through enhanced four-way fabric. Key ventilation points are located on the hip and inner thigh through zippered, mesh-lined vents that “dump” heat and provide circulation. Additional built-in features include zippered back and cargo pockets, gusseted crotch, and integrated boot hooks with keeper loops that create a gaiter-style wrap around the lower leg hems. PRO Brush Pants come with suspenders and are available in three camo patterns and four solid colors. Waist Sizes: 30-42. Inseam: Reg, Short, and Tall.
KUIU Upland Sporter Shirt – $119
KUIU has incorporated the timeless style of a relaxed-fit, collared button-up shirt with high-tech features. Its four-way stretchable, durable, and breathable fabric paired with underarm gussets and an articulated no-lift design offers unrestricted movement, which allows wingshooters to swing quickly and smoothly on flushing birds. Sizes: S-3XL. Colors: Ash, Gunmetal, Major Brown/Blaze Orange, Khaki/Blaze Orange.