My KUIU Kit: What I Wear for Whitetail
Whitetail hunting isn’t about convenience. It’s about adaptability, preparation, and being willing to do the hard work to earn your shot. And when you’re hauling gear in before dawn, hanging mobile setups, or glassing from a ridge line in shifting November winds — the last thing you want to question is your clothing system.
That’s why I wear KUIU exclusively.
This isn’t a sponsored post, and I’m not part of a pro team. I chose KUIU because their gear flat-out works, especially for hunters like me who value performance, weight, durability, and function over hype.
Here’s a breakdown of what I wear for whitetail season in various conditions, from early-season scouting missions to frosty all-day rut sits.
Early Season (60°– 75°F)
Base Layer (Top & Bottom):
Gila LS Crew
It is lightweight, breathable, and designed for heat. It has built-in thumb loops and provides great sun and bug protection. It dries quickly after a sweaty walk.
Pants:
Kutana Stretch Woven Pant
If you know, you know. Flexible, breathable, and nearly silent, the Kutana Pants are ideal for mobile setups. I can hike, climb, and crouch without restriction.
Bonus Gear:
Mid Season (45°– 60°F)
Jacket:
Encounter Jacket
Dead quiet in the woods and built for flexibility — perfect on its own during cool sits or layered under heavier insulation in frigid weather.
Base Layer:
Peloton 200 Zip-T
Great for layering when temps start to dip. Lightweight warmth without bulk.
Mid Layer:
Kenai Jacket
This is my go-to for chilly mornings when I don’t want to pack bulky outerwear. It breathes well and stays quiet when I draw or move.
Pants:
Encounter Pant
Silent in the stand, flexible in the field, it is ideal as a stand-alone garment in mild temperatures or layered up when the cold moves in.
Gloves/Hat:
StrongFleece 220 Gloves, Peloton 240 Beanie
Great warmth-to-weight ratio.
Late Season (20°– 45°F)
This is when public land hunting gets real — long sits, limited movement, and biting cold. This is where KUIU’s layering system shines.
Base Layer:
Peloton 118
It's a lightweight synthetic base layer with just enough stretch to dry fast and not sag. Although the bottoms are longer in production (you can find them in the outlet), they’re still my go-to for early-season comfort and quick-drying performance. For a current option, I recommend the ULTRA Merino 145, KUIU’s best-selling mid-weight Merino base layer. It’s naturally odor-resistant, breathable, and built for multi-day hunts without the funk.
Mid Layer:
Super Down LT Jacket
Serious warmth from high-loft goose down, windproof when the weather turns, and packable into its pocket for easy carry. The matte finish keeps it low-profile in the field—no shine, no noise, just performance.
Outer Layer (Top):
Proximity Insulated Jacket
Ultra-quiet and built for the stand, this insulated jacket delivers reliable warmth for cold whitetail hunts without giving away your position.
Outer Layer (Bottom) above freezing:
Kenai Insulated Pant (zip-off)
Easy to slide on over my base layer when I settle into a stand. Zip-off sides mean I can ditch them when hiking out or repositioning.
Outer Layer (Bottom) below freezing:
Proximity Insulated Pant
Ultra-quiet and built for long sits, these insulated pants keep you warm in frigid whitetail conditions without sacrificing stealth or comfort.
Extras:
Kenai Beanie
KUIU’s warmest beanie — high-loft sherpa fleece lined with 3DeFX+ insulation to trap heat and cut the cold on those bitter late-season hunts.
Proximity Hand Muff
Ultra-quiet, windproof, and insulated, it is built to keep your hands warm and ready when the cold bites and the moment matters.
Proximity Neck Gaiter
Soft, silent, and wind-resistant, it adds critical warmth and concealment without bulk, perfect for cold sits.
Merino Over-the-Calf Sock
Warm, breathable, and built to stay put — the ULTRA Merino OTC Sock delivers all-day comfort, natural odor resistance, and zero bunching during long hikes or cold sits.
Why KUIU Works for Whitetail
Stealth: Soft, quiet fabrics that don’t betray your movement in the stand.
Mobility: Built for hunters who move — not just sit.
Layering Flexibility: Easily adjust to unpredictable weather swings.
Weight-to-Warmth Ratio: When you're deep in, every ounce counts.
Whitetail hunting is hard enough. Your gear shouldn’t hold you back — it should elevate your hunt. KUIU has done that for me, season after season. Whether you’re saddle-hunting deep in state land or ground-sitting a creek-bottom funnel, having the right kit matters.If you're looking to overhaul your kit, I’d confidently recommend any of the pieces above. Build your system one layer at a time, and KUIU will prove its worth every step of the way.
About the Author:
Jamie Jent has been hunting for over 35 years and is deeply involved in habitat restoration and wildlife management through organizations like the Quality Deer Management Association and Pheasants Forever. A retired firefighter, he now dedicates his time to conservation and helping others succeed on public land. He founded LandsToHunt.com, Your DIY Public Land Hunting Resource, to make public land hunting more accessible, ethical, and rewarding.
