Harkila v Kuiu

[Yosemite Sam]

Just wondering what other members opinions are on Harkila clothing as opposed to Kuiu gear. I have several bits of each brand, and have to say Kuiu marketing and advertising is first class as well as their camo patterns. I’m of the opinion that Harkila are far superior in terms of quality and functionality for stalking in the UK & Ireland? Maybe a few others could share their experiences?

Cheers.

 

[Somerset deer stalking]

Sika gear is the one !

 

[Mungo]

My own experiences: American base, mid and insulation layers are better thought through, more suitable for extended exertion and true layering, allow a greater range of movement and feel more comfortable. By contrast, their waterproof layers are rubbish - very fragile and tear easily, not standing up to more than a few outings if you have to crawl or push through something like thicket stage Sitka restock.

German stuff tends to be bulkier and seems more adapted to standing or sitting still for long periods. Their waterproof layers are massively heavy, though do stay waterproof for much longer (though when they do finally saturate, take forever to dry out).

All of it is severely overpriced!

 

[lochty]

Harkila stuff was OK when made in Europe. Went massively downhill when they moved manufacture to China IMHO

 

[FISH BOY]

Depends on what kit your looking for.

Harkila base layers, sock, fleeces, and gilets are very good, but I no longer have any of their outers, as found them ill fitting and heavy when wet.

Nice patterns but never got on with Kuiu as its all such close fitting, short cut and a bit fragile for UK brambles.

Not brand loyal at all, one of my favourite jackets is a Seeland gamekeeper jacket - things indestructible.

As above, for serious waterproofing it has to be Sitka, but for something for everyday use I would thoroughly recommend Swedteam gear. In my opinion the Swedteam Titan range is better than Harkila Prohunter.

 

[Jagged77]

I like the Kuiu gear, I find it fits me well. It’s definitely more of a technical outdoor cut though. Seems tough enough.

 

[wildfowler.250]

Just wondering what other members opinions are on Harkila clothing as opposed to Kuiu gear. I have several bits of each brand, and have to say Kuiu marketing and advertising is first class as well as their camo patterns. I’m of the opinion that Harkila are far superior in terms of quality and functionality for stalking in the UK & Ireland? Maybe a few others could share their experiences?

Cheers.

The kuiu stuff is excellent . I do think their waterproof layers last maybe 3-4 years tops. All their stuff is very light and packable. I think you can pretty much pick the layer for what you want.

My Harkila jackets etc are still going strong. Had the prohubter trousers and they eventually died a death.

I think no shooting clothes last forever. I wouldn’t go as far as disposable but it depends how hard you are on the stuff.

 

[devon deer stalker]

Harkila, good but heavy, KUIU good but fragile, just like Sitka Gear
The KUIU/Sitka, waterproof stuff just not suited to many situations I encounter, more suited to the Rocky Mountains, but layering up is excellent, 99% of the time I just use a Sitka Jet stream windproof jacket as an outer, if its going to rain that much I stay at home!

 

[Tralle]

I have a harkila jacket with a detachable fleece liner, over 20 years old now.
Heavy, but bombproff and great pocket layout for hunting.
Cuff are fraying, elastic cord is not elastic anymore, zipper tab broke and replaced with a snap swivel I had on hand, fleece liner melted a bit on the bbq.
Still used to this day, mostly waterfowling muddy marsh conditions.
Probably not waterproof anymore.
Strongly doubt their new stuff is this durable.

Have a kuiu shell in the closet, pockets de-laminated after a year or two. Now has two very large chest pockets
The American fit on rainy wear is too short for my liking aswell.
It is hard to beat a stretchable hard shell for comfort though.
Dont use it that much tbh, hate looking like a muppet in that camo pattern, but thats a me problem.

Havent bought any outerwear from either company since.

To me the kuiu i have is not in the same league as sitka.
After my harkila a sitka coldfront shell is my most used jacket. That thing is solid! (And discontinued)

 

[Acm]

Really rate Sitka gear, quite like kuiu, but if it’s for hard use on the farm then I tend to go for Swazi or kaiwaka

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Post in thread 'Stalking trousers for the (Scottish) hill'

Oct 29, 2023

Nothing wrong with Harkila trousers except price.

and that they fall to bits and then Harkila won't repair them. I have a pair that have been repaired five times. Fine for standing about in the cold, but if perchance you have to do anything, then useless.
Regards
JCS

• jcampbellsmith

• 

Regards
JCS

 

[Dazb1967]

I tend to stick with my Kuiu gear in summer but moved away from cam patterns and went with the plain olive colour, I got rid of my Harkila Pro hunter jacket and trousers because they leaked like a sieve, I have a pair of Deerhunter Muflon trousers that I wear in cold winter they will be at least 10yr old now and have never let me down in harsh winter weather, I also wear a Rab or Berghaus Olive insulated waterproof jacket in the winter which seems to be better than most hunting jackets I own

 

[wytonpjs]

I've a lot of Harkila stuff but like others have said, I find their jackets heavy - my Prohunter jacket is virtually unused! However, I had my Prohunter trousers replaced in their 4th year when they started to leak (very easy, no quibble) and the replacements are now in their 6th year and are still waterproof and well able to take the abuse I give them in clear-fell, rock, etc. Being 6'4" I appreciate the Pro's longer leg length as I do with the Kuiu trouser range. I have substantially increased my Kuiu iover the last few years and use it for 80%+ of my stalking, I'll be in Kuiu jackets/tops - I find their fit to be excellent! All of my kit is bought in sales, reduced opportunities (50% off Harkila at the BSS/SS have been my best deals). As others say, the Kuiu waterproofs are very fragile so reserved only for seeing out torrential downpours - if it's sustained rain, I use a Sitka waterproof as a top shell. Kuiu gloves are excellent as are their beanies!

Items from each of those ranges ticks all of my boxes so its very much a mix and match to the weather/stalking.

 

[Mungo]

The KUIU/Sitka, waterproof stuff just not suited to many situations I encounter, more suited to the Rocky Mountains

I think American waterproofs fall down for two reasons.

First, I think the people who hunt where it’s really wet during hunting season tend to be largely static - in tree stands etc. So they can get away with it being fragile.

By contrast, the people who are really active during hunting tend to be in places that are largely dry, well below freezing or both.

So they have no need for gear that is both waterproof AND can stand up to crawling, pushing through vegetation etc.

The Kiwi stuff is better adapted to our needs, though Swazi has certainly taken a dive in quality.

Ultimately, the best I’ve found for the particular requirements of Scottish stalking (continuous wet, lots of crawling, lots of dense forestry, multiple days back to back) is Fortis, who are also UK based. I can’t recommend them strongly enough.

After that, the Scandi brands are pretty good. Norrona make some excellent stuff, even if it’s ludicrously expensive and designed for freakishly tall mutants with gangly long arms!

 

[Rutland lad]

I think American waterproofs fall down for two reasons.

First, I think the people who hunt where it’s really wet during hunting season tend to be largely static - in tree stands etc. So they can get away with it being fragile.

By contrast, the people who are really active during hunting tend to be in places that are largely dry, well below freezing or both.

So they have no need for gear that is both waterproof AND can stand up to crawling, pushing through vegetation etc.

The Kiwi stuff is better adapted to our needs, though Swazi has certainly taken a dive in quality.

Ultimately, the best I’ve found for the particular requirements of Scottish stalking (continuous wet, lots of crawling, lots of dense forestry, multiple days back to back) is Fortis, who are also UK based. I can’t recommend them strongly enough.

After that, the Scandi brands are pretty good. Norrona make some excellent stuff, even if it’s ludicrously expensive and designed for freakishly tall mutants with gangly long arms!

I have a bit of Fortis/Arktis kit. Very waterproof but I do find it too warm when on the move - particularly when climbing Scottish hills.

 

[wytonpjs]

Ultimately, the best I’ve found for the particular requirements of Scottish stalking (continuous wet, lots of crawling, lots of dense forestry, multiple days back to back) is Fortis, who are also UK based. I can’t recommend them strongly enough.

After that, the Scandi brands are pretty good. Norrona make some excellent stuff, even if it’s ludicrously expensive and designed for freakishly tall mutants with gangly long arms!

Interesting what you and @Rutland lad say about Fortis - my Fortis smock leaks and I loathe it because of that! Good designs, well implemented but it certainly doesn't keep the water out in mine.

I resemble your last remark

 

[Ranger22]

Kuiu, is decent stuff. Wait for sales before you buy it.

 

[Dickie]

Clothing is just the same as rifles, scopes, binoculars, knives etc etc some will love what they have and never have a bad word said about it find what you like, fits well and doesn’t burst the bank.

 

[Brighty3006]

Use loads of Kuiu gear. Brought the Chugach waterproof jacket and it is fantastic.. Also got the Yukon waterproof over trousers and i find the stretch in the jackets and trousers is brilliant. I have stalked in the worst Scottish hill weather and stayed dry. And find the normal garments soon dry. I've moved from Harkila as the weight is awful . As said earlier always wait for the sales and free postage over £250

 

[Mungo]

Interesting what you and @Rutland lad say about Fortis - my Fortis smock leaks and I loathe it because of that! Good designs, well implemented but it certainly doesn't keep the water out in mine.

I resemble your last remark

I think Fortis can be a bit hit or miss - they seem to still be quite small scale, using local seamstresses to do the bulk of the work, and I get a feeling that a lot can depend on who did your order!