I’ve been guiding in Alaska for 20 years now. Half my life. Have ran my own guide business for 14 of those years. I do my best to be honest with people, fair with my clients and treat the wilderness and game with respect. I have turned guides in for violations that I have witnessed, and addressed others on issue that I felt were unethical. I am not perfect, I have made mistakes. I have had bad hunts, trips where everything goes wrong, personalities don’t mesh, Game isn’t anywhere to be found. I’ve had success, bears behind every tree, clients like best friends, everything I touch turns to gold. That’s the life of a guide, sometimes it’s cherries and sometimes it’s hog slop. I have battled my conscience over the years with the direction to take my business, places to invest my money and organizations to partner up with. Some turn my stomach and build my frustration, some I am indifferent to. But a few I have not been able to avoid and have tossed my hat in with them in the hopes of bettering my business with a business relation ship with them. But in as much as I have tried to remain neutral, I have fallen short. It is with much sadness and embarrassment that I break it here in these forums first, as I’m sure word will get out at some point and it is best that I admit to it now and not face scrutiny behind my back. I wanted to let everyone know that today I broke down and crossed a line that I myself have picking on people for, ridiculed clients choices and pokes fun at friends for.

I ordered a Kuiu product.

There I said it. It’s out. The weight on my shoulders is lifted and my spirit free with confession. Don’t think less of me. I did get them in a solid color so I can scribble out the logo with a sharpie though. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement thru this process, it was a struggle for me.

Jake,

Your bravery and honesty "coming out" with this purchase is an inspiration. You are not alone, others have done the same and can sometimes hold their heads high.

Some may ridicule you, but most will still hold you in the highest esteem.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this process.

Do you think it's time for me to turn in my Woolrich Hunting suit?? Have had it Since 1969
It's still in excellent condition.

I can not believe it! Not you Jake. Now you've going to have to take back all those nasty comments when I wanted to get KUIU in my pics..ha. What did you buy...guide jacket?

I bought gaiters. I figure I’ll only wear them in tall grass so no one sees them.

Turn in your secret decoder ring and go sit in an alder patch until you realize the errors of your ways !

The shame is surprising, I’ve bought lots of gear. Never felt guilt when buying Coleman or even cabelas stuff. Crap even had an REI tent once, but man this purchase makes me wanna hide in that alder patch. Don’t tell any of the fellowship of the rings phil!! Please!! Last thing I need is lance kronberger sending me e-invitations to his Christmas party!!

Don't worry, Cole will still like you !

Funny thing is that at the last APHA dinner my wife won a COMPLETE outfit from Sitka !
I can't even see her now most of the time .

quote:

I ordered a Kuiu product.

Hmmm I supposed your picture in their catalog is next?

We need pictures of you in the alders with your new gaiters.

Your legs with the gaiters would be just fine no need to show your face.

To avoid the shame of it all.

next thing you know will be seeing you on the political forum

quote:

Funny thing is that at the last APHA dinner my wife won a COMPLETE outfit from Sitka !

Phil, I didn't know they made them in kid's sizes! :-)

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:

quote:

Funny thing is that at the last APHA dinner my wife won a COMPLETE outfit from Sitka !

Phil, I didn't know they made them in kid's sizes! :-)

He didn’t say they fit.

I dunno man, I think if I was you I would’ve fessed up to wearing the Danskin yoga pants under your rain gear before fessing up to the Kuiu stuff.
Just sayn

quote:

Originally posted by TREE 'EM:
I dunno man, I think if I was you I would’ve fessed up to wearing the Danskin yoga pants under your rain gear before fessing up to the Kuiu stuff.
Just sayn

That was only one time!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Fourtyonesix:
The shame is surprising, I’ve bought lots of gear. Never felt guilt when buying Coleman or even cabelas stuff. Crap even had an REI tent once, but man this purchase makes me wanna hide in that alder patch. Don’t tell any of the fellowship of the rings phil!! Please!! Last thing I need is lance kronberger sending me e-invitations to his Christmas party!!

Just don't wear the gaiters to Walmart and you'll be fine.

The other trick I have used is leave the Sheep blood on the Kuiu. No one will say a word then.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:

quote:

Funny thing is that at the last APHA dinner my wife won a COMPLETE outfit from Sitka !

Phil, I didn't know they made them in kid's sizes! :-)

They must as the women's small gloves were way too small

I’ll at least say it’s sheep blood!!

I find your post elitist, condescending and down right snobby.
You tell us and the world you buy and can fit into Kuiu.
I read an article in a magazine about the proprietor and he mentioned that he only makes gear for athletically built folks. Fatties need not apply.
"Rules me out." I thought to myself.
Thanks Jake for letting us all know you're athletically built and reminding me I ain't.

As I read the beginning, I thought it would be bad.

But not that bad!

while your in those Alders can you at least strip the bark off some wood for the smoker.

Could be worse, Jake. You could be wearing something branded by "The Bone Collector" or "The Crush".

quote:

Originally posted by Scott King:
I find your post elitist, condescending and down right snobby.
You tell us and the world you buy and can fit into Kuiu.
I read an article in a magazine about the proprietor and he mentioned that he only makes gear for athletically built folks. Fatties need not apply.
"Rules me out." I thought to myself.
Thanks Jake for letting us all know you're athletically built and reminding me I ain't.

And arms like a Gibbon. Everything they make is 4 inches too long for my arms. Still, great gear.

I have never heard of this brand, so I checked out the website. Not for me as looks like nothing in my chest size. 49" is largest. I guess they are interested in runners not weightlifters or football linemen.

It took me a while but I broke down and bought some and I love it. The layering system works great, the rain gear is excellent. It's all very light and you can stuff them in small pockets of your pack. I prefer the slimmer athletic fit as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Jerry Huffaker:
It took me a while but I broke down and bought some and I love it. The layering system works great, the rain gear is excellent. It's all very light and you can stuff them in small pockets of your pack. I prefer the slimmer athletic fit as well.

Prefer it is neato.
Just can't do it is another story.

I was afraid to book a hunt with Jake, because I have mostly their stuff. Now, I think the door is open ...

refreshing post, and I have no clue about the product being described, nor the need in my old age, wood, wool and leather still work for me and yes I like down jackets and vests, and yes I know down doesn't work well when wet, but my solution to that is don't get it wet!! if you do build a fire.

quote:

refreshing post, and I have no clue about the product being described, nor the need in my old age, wood, wool and leather still work for me and yes I like down jackets and vests, and yes I know down doesn't work well when wet, but my solution to that is don't get it wet!! if you do build a fire.

Down is part of the Layering System now. It is called Puffy. LOL I have always used it.