ORIGIN HUNT Camo Review - After a Full Season of Guiding

Cliff provides an in-depth review of Origin's hunting gear, including the Stealth Wool Jacket, Ninja Nano Wool Hoodie, and Field Pant. After testing these pieces on nine big game hunts, Cliff shares his insights on the material quality, technical features, and overall performance.
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - USA Made Bias
01:40 - Stealth Wool Jacket
04:50 - Ninja Nano Wool Hoodie
08:30 - Field Pants
13:30 - Layer Overview and Parka
14:00 - Kilo Hoodie
15:55 - Durability
16:45 - Where is the Puffy?
17:45 - Changes I'd Like
21:00 - Integrate a Belt!
24:00 - Knife Pocket
26:15 - Current Opinion
I greatly appreciate Ric Stovall's help on the filming of my hunts this last Fall. Much of the b-roll and still photographs are his work.
#hunting #elkhunting #muledeerhunting #backpackhunting #adventure #selfreliance #pursuitwithcliff
---
FOLLOW CLIFF on INSTAGRAM: / cliffgry
SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
To Get Updates on New Videos, Hunting Courses and Articles PursuitWIthCliff.com/Newsletter
Cliff's OnX Maps DISCOUNT: SAVE 20% - CODE: CLIFFG www.OnXMaps.com
Checkout a Bunch of Gear Cliff Uses on His Amazon Store - amazon.com/shop/CliffGray
WATCH MORE FROM CLIFF:
Hunting Skillsets - • Hunting Skill Sets
E-Scouting Series - • E-Scouting
Hunting Gear - • Mountain Hunting Gear
Glassing - • Glassing
Catch, Clean, Cook Adventures - • Catch, Cook, Clean Adv...
Hunt Preparation and Logistics - • Fall Hunt Preparation
Hunting Horseback - • Horseback Mountain Hun...
Marksmanship - • Mountain Hunting Marks...
Wildlife Tracking - • Wildlife Tracking
PLEASE NOTE:
*Cliff no longer takes on new guided hunt or expedition clients. He sold all operating outfitting/guiding businesses prior to 2021.

[@brandonbrown6544]

As a ex mountaineering/ backpacking guide I can say you are 100% right about the belt. A thicker belt does not work with a heavy pack, the pack will actually catch the top edge of the belt and push your pants down… My favorite pants always had integrated belts!

[@CliffGray]

for sure!

[@theycallmekevin03]

I use a stretchy baseball style belt. It's not big, the buckle is small and it's extremely adjustable

[@paulcupka5179]

I own so much Origin its crazy. 100% behind them since before they were cool. Haven't taken the leap into the hunting line yet because of all the things you mentioned. My Kuiu, Sitka, Prana, and non hunting related layers and gear are on point with years and years of fine tuning and trial and error IN THE FIELD. I absolutely love what they are doing but---- and this is not a knock---- none of their guys, with the exception of Kip maybe, are living in this gear for 1/4 of the year. None of them are backcountry hunting for 10-14 days a chop....and thats who they need to listen to. Not celebrities, hardcore hunters who have been in the game for a long time. I'll fly up there with you Cliff. Line it up. 🤙🏼

[@CliffGray]

bwhaha I love it. let's do it. Or as Kip would say (i know he's reading this)... LFG!

[@daledouglass6723]

Great company! Thanks for the detailed review, very informative!

[@STIHLFIRE437]

I’ve been looking at getting some origin camo and your video was super helpful. Thank you so much!

[@jonathonmcmillan9410]

I definitely agree on the belt with a pack on. I use First Lite suspenders to keep my pants up when I have a heavy pack on, but I'd love a good integrated belt! Also, I LOVE the external clip knife pocket on my UA pants. I wish all my pants had them. Good call!

[@CliffGray]

I'm with you man!

[@striderwolf687]

Excellent review! Thank you Cliff for being balanced.

[@baraksinz2937]

My FAVORITE chest pocket is the magnetic closure pocket on the Drake Nontypical vest. Perfectly sized, secure, but easily accessible. Also, no zipper to get pushed into your chest by harnesses or shoulder straps.

[@thomasrothermich5633]

I agree about the Prana belt being an awesome feature. The next best one I’ve found for under a pack is an Arcade belt, made essentially like a big ski goggle strap.

[@CliffGray]

I'll check that out. thanks

[@Joeblk10]

I use the arcade as well. Stone Glaciers belt is solid too. Super simple and light.

[@warrior5890]

Watching now and thanks for reviewing them! I had been considering their hunting line but was giving it some time for more feedback to come through before purchasing anything. I was hoping you would do a review so again thanks!

[@CliffGray]

good deal. Hopefully the video gives you some insight if the Origin stuff is for you or not.

[@sully3acr]

I would LOVE to see some PUFFY gear!!! As well as some rain gear! I hear they make a great pair of boots too 😉

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Man it’s great to see your channel grow 👊🏻👍🏻

[@CliffGray]

As always man, really appreciate it

[@CB-st4lq]

Thanks for the review and great suggestions. I own several pieces that I like very much.

[@CliffGray]

nice! thanks

[@Lzyrslf1]

A internal belt is a game changer for backpack hunting. It also helps from an outside belt from digging in your hips.

[@joseygeorge9316]

Love my origin stuff!

[@RudyHassallPMP]

Helpful review, I really like my Origin Hunt and Origin everyday clothing. A challenge with outdoor clothing companies is designing clothing to fit everyone's likes, wants, and needs. I use the chest pocket on the Stealth Wool for chapstick. Personally, as an archery hunter, I do not need more pockets in the pants. Reason being, load your preferred pant with lots of pockets with all the stuff that you think you need. Find a good hill or some dark timber and take a run emulating you trying to cut off a deer or elk. (For me it is annoying to stuff moving around) Even when I am treestand hunting in the East for whitetail, I have trek uphill for .5 mile. (I pack my out layer clothing to the stand in cold weather, just wear the base layer in) I agree, I really like a puffy. I can wear it when it's chilly and throw it in my pack when I get warm. Regarding the belt topic, I would like to see Origin integrate the Versa's "Hollywood Belt". But, I use a cloth belt or suspenders, depending on the season and laying of clothes I'm wearing. I agree a knife pocket on the pant would be great!

[@CliffGray]

great stuff. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rudy!

[@Robert-no9jk]

Great video and great suggestions. I think this stuff needs to be tested in the woods of Japan, and I know the perfect person for the job!

[@CliffGray]

haha! for sure

[@surfearth1]

Thanks for this video. I have been looking for a USA made product. I first heard of Origin via “Gritty”. I like the ninja mask. I’ve found the best way to stay warm is a turtle neck. 80’s - 90’s throw back but it’s true. I’m not a big camo guy. The Vietnam zebra camo is ok, but I’d like to see some solid colors like a dark Logan green. I recently purchased a Duck Camp jacket in a “Loganish” color with a harness hole in the middle of the back for a safety tree stand harness that has become my go to. Thanks for the video. I’ll be checking Origin out further!

[@CliffGray]

thanks!

[@jaybrendel486]

Another homerun Cliff. Thank you for great insight. I like how you held review until had season worth of data. Why did Prana change their Zion fabric? It was perfect. I’ll be checking out Origins pants based on your knowledge sharing. More please.

[@CliffGray]

thanks Jay. The prana pants are frustrating because it seems to be ever changing. I had a new pair with the new fabric, then bought some later that had the old, better fabric again

[@mojomike3913]

I bought the Stealth Wool Jacket for myself before last hunting season and wore the hell out of it. Great piece of gear. Good enough I got the matching pants from my wife for Christmas but haven't had a chance to put them through the paces. I'm sure they will be just as good. I wish Origin would team up with Stormy Kromer and make a Stealth Wool Stormy Kromer hat.

[@CliffGray]

I love the stormy kromer idea! i'll pass that on

[@1bobharvey]

As far as belts go, the groove life belts are great under a pack belt. Mag buckle is great for taking a leak on the trail. Plus the belt it's self has some stretch but is tough enough to hang a pistol on if need be. Give them a try.

[@CliffGray]

thanks! I've actually used the groove belts quite a bit. If you look at a bunch of their ads on social media, I'm in quite a few of them - back when I had a giant beard - bwhahahaha! They are one of the few belts that I can wear under a pack waste belt in 90% of situations... but I still find myself removing them when my pack gets really heavy and I have to transfer a lot of weight to my hips.

[@destrywilcox6534]

Lot of valuable criticism here for any company looking to improve there products that integrated belt is for sure something I look for.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

I definitely can appreciate simple, sturdy and American 🇺🇸 made. I wish that I could afford these, maybe one piece at a time. That quiet 🤫 material is very nice and useful. I like those upgrade suggestions without going to over the top. Thanks for sharing your extensive experience with these in the field.

[@CliffGray]

thanks! glad it was helpful

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

@@CliffGray you are welcome 🙏 and absolutely it was. I can appreciate an after season review vs just initial impressions. Just like when I am looking at vehicles. 🛻

[@justinjones2882]

Completely agree w you on this video. I have been wearing it for a yr now elk,deer turkey. I love the wool jacket and their kilo100 goodies. The pants I like their split pocket it allows me to separate calls and other pocket stuff easier. I LOVE the camo pattern it harkens back to the og predator pattern that while it looks funky to a human it works for critters, I had a ton of up close deer and elk that didn't pick me out, at least from sight. The jacket chest pocket is too small, and after a yr of gambrel oak trudging has threads hanging off the tetra loc pants BUT no holes yet. Great American made product just need some updates.

[@CliffGray]

good to hear your experience!

[@Elkslaya1]

Great review! Agree 100% to regulate with baselayer

[@CliffGray]

thanks!

[@Elkslaya1]

@@CliffGray this is the first review I’ve seen done on the Origin camo. I have the light weight hoody and pant and actually love the fit. I too think more pockets are needed. But i love the comfort and leg room and look forward to tightroping some deadfall to see how good they move with me. Hiking in the foothills where i live is one thing. The deadfall is a whole other animal. Incidentally, i also have 6 pairs of the Origin work jeans. I could hunt in these jeans! I will continue to support this home grown company while they work the bugs out of their camo stuff!

[@XhaleSpearfishing]

I love the thin hooded shirt with the built in facemask. They are surprisingly hard to find I honestly can’t believe more big companies don’t make them. It’s my go to in Florida heat. I’m diehard on the kuiu attack pants though 😛

[@CliffGray]

I hear ya! btw we gotta get some spearing in bud!

[@XhaleSpearfishing]

ready when you are!@@CliffGray

[@Royaljelly007]

I agree about the pockets on hunting pants/ basically they all fail. My big peeve is that sitting down with legs propped up most cut their pockets poorly and all the stuff in your front pockets fall out. I too use my pockets a lot and specifically have spots for all kinds of things I carry regularly. However, the best non camo pant I have found that's surprising and actually priced right is... Wrangler ATG Performance Series found exclusively at Walmart... used to be $21 and now $26. Its the perfect stretch, sheds water, silent snag, and pockets in all the right places. I wear it over layers even into the late season Dec & Jan hunts and I agree with the preference for a outer layer light weight full general use type pant. Usually by mid season - my other guides will have a few pair too because they are so affordable and not some extreme pricy item by brands using China to source their stuff and then marked up triple the margins. However on all the other layers etc. I can't wear wool items and need synthetic layers and a light weight puffy has been one of the best ever since I switched to using that.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks. I'll checkout those pants. I think it would be cool to do a "budget" hunting layers video, including practical stuff like that.

[@Royaljelly007]

Here is my budget layers advice.... Usually the ski industry has more advanced technical later systems and for me because wool is out, more technical synthetics too. I like the Under Armour extreme Cold base layer for bottoms and top. But I do ALL my shopping for the pricy layer pieces in June & July when all the brands are closing out and discounting last season's cold gear models 60%-70% off to make room for the new models. That's the first trick. Second, and these days I use a camo sun shirt that has a lot of stretch and it goes over all my other layers and none of my inner layers are Camo anymore because the Brands have got so proud of their pricing. If I shed a layer or add a layer that sun shirt ends up on the outside,. I use that system from archery all the way to Jan cow Elk hunts. When I get snobby archery hunters who show up in a $800 system. I remind them that Fred Bear who hunted in plad flannel and denim jeans, said, "Go to the woods, sit down and be quiet". His response about camo. Then I tell them it works and that my closest archery hunter success is 3yds. Budget boots - I use military boots because they are specifically designed for body weight + pack weight (not all hiking boots seem to be) and I bargain shop those too online like LAPoliceGear dot com. I'm frugal these days.

[@CliffGray]

@@Royaljelly007 tons of great tips. I appreciate you sharing. I will be shamelessly stealing some of these concepts for the budget video. but i'll give Royal Jelly a shout out! bwhaha thanks

[@Royaljelly007]

@@CliffGray no worries, share away. I'm a full time Guide who doesn't want to be an Outfitter. We also probably have some of the same connections too because I'm originally from the West End/SW Colorado too. It may ght be fun to get in touch sometime. I enjoy your common sense straight forward delivery of info people can actually use.

[@user-cs5up9qx8s]

Thanks cliff good video. I like this company alot for its america first mindset.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks! Me too

[@mikefromoh2925]

Interesting to me that the color configuration is very similar to window camo made by day. One, another Colorado company. Also looks similar to the Browning camo pattern.

[@CdnElJefe]

I picked up the Nyloc pants and body pic jacket last fall for hunting northern Alberta. I was impressed with the fabric’s durability, tear and wear resistance. However, the stitching on almost every pocket came undone rendering them unusable on the longest hunt I did last fall, requiring getting them all sewn back together.

[@CliffGray]

really? that is interesting man. I haven't had an issue but the pockets on the pants, in particular, feel like the stitching isn't as intense as other pants. Could just be how I utilized them.

[@CdnElJefe]

@@CliffGray I chalked it up to a first run of clothing and something that would get fixed as they move forward.

[@tsnellyville]

Agree on the integrated belt. SG does that in theirs and I have no need for additional support, even with a very heavy pack. Is their stretch in the origin gear? That is also a must for me. I can’t do static fabric that does not move with you.

[@CliffGray]

I haven't noticed a big difference on that front but the pants are not as stretchy as "soft shell" type of pants, like Sitka Timberlines. I think the field pant is in line with the same stretch as the other light weight pants I own

[@zacktaylor3441]

I agree with more pockets and an integrated flat belt for the pants. I hate when my love handles get pinched between the pack belt and pants belt. Wonder how the 50/50 wool/polyester blend does when wet ?

[@CliffGray]

I haven't gotten it soaked but I have had it damp in the field. Standard wool performance - gets heavy but stays warm.

[@wesleymalik5132]

Awesome company! I'd love to see a removable integrated knee pad in their pants. They're great for stalking and helped to save my knee one time coming down a steep grade with meat in my pack.

[@TheDeathsmarch]

Although I love origins USA made mission, I've avoided them simply because I felt like they only wanted to grift to hunters to make a quick buck using celebs to push their half-assed clothes. If they take your advice and show they are serious about making hunting gear, I may reconsider. Good review.

[@CliffGray]

I think you are in the same boat as a lot of guys doing Western hunts... It's a valid concern. Personally, I think USA made should be correlated to quicker iteration on the product, higher standards, etc... Not just a marketing ploy. The current product, as I describe in the video, does the job within bounds of the handful of personal preference gripes. Where Origin really comes out in the hunting world will be based on what the future iterations look like.

[@chefdave22]

How loud or quiet are the pants? Thinking about brushing up against sticks, brush, etc while stalking in.

[@jason-bn4qw]

You touched on rain gear a bit -- what's you general take here? Dedicated outer wear or just a quality poncho? I'm in your neck of the woods (flat tops/medicine bow) so it's typically pretty dry and I've had good luck with a wilderness innovations poncho. I used it for PA flintlock whitetail where it rained non stop for a week and it did well (can't say the same for my powder). Also has eyelets to be used as a tarp or hammock. Just wondering if you find its worth the hassle and pack weight to go something less general-purpose?

[@CliffGray]

I prefer dedicated rain gear. Admittedly, I don't always take a full set if I am being really weight conscious and weather looks good so a guy could probably get away with a poncho in a lot of situations. I don't have much experience using one, particularly one of any quality. I like the poncho/tarp idea.

[@miker794]

Hey. Great info. I would agree on the changes. You didn’t really go over fit. Would you say it is a athletic fit or for folks with the belly. I struggle with finding gear that fits a person tall and lean. Goofy long arms as well. A extra large gets you more belly room. Not shoulder room.

[@CliffGray]

I am 160lb, 6'. Wirey body type, everything fits as expected. The pants are not an athletic fit on me, a little looser than my Pranas or Kuiu. Not much of a difference.

[@jacobmartin1212]

@@CliffGray What size did you purchase in the jacket and wool hoodie?

[@CliffGray]

large. I am 6' 165lbs. @@jacobmartin1212

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

On integrated belts - I've got a lot of snowboard pants with built-in elasticized straps on the inside of the waistline, secured and adjustable with velcro. They're minimal and work great. But also, perhaps adding an extra strap or loop on the outside to attach stuff that guys usually need a belt for (a belt knife, ammo pouch etc) would help belt guys move to the integrated belt idea. I like running my pocket clip knife on a lower leg pocket, the leg pocket on carrhart work pants is perfect for that. It's not in the hand pocket causing all those problems, AND it's way easier to access when sitting down, particularly in a vehicle.

[@surfearth1]

I agree with the cathartic and Dickie cell phone pockets. I agree.

[@CliffGray]

Great input man. In the hunting context, I've never used a a lower leg pocket but I HAVE used the heck out of that carhart pocket your talking about. That would be a great way to do it. I wonder if in a hiking situation if that would rub at all... a bit more movement down there vs up near the pocket??? not sure.

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

@@CliffGray depends on how big of a folding knife you carry, I would guess. My work pants are baggier and heavier material than most hunting pants, so maybe that helps avoid some of the rubbing you’re talking about. I run a pretty small pocket knife and something more substantial on my belt. Since I make my own knives I can make sheaths that hang down below a pack belt too.

[@thejonesdirection]

I wish they had non camo options. Even archery hunting I have found it really doesn’t matter, and I prefer to own non camo stuff, as my nice jacket needs to be able to use it everyday in town or the mountain

[@brianp296]

I wish more of these companies were easier to access fro Canada! Hate ordering from south of the border incase i have to return an item. Any plans to do a Skre review?

[@CliffGray]

I’ve never tried their gear. Nothing planned now, but once I get through some other gear reviews I’ll check them out

[@sjmonty19]

Hmmm im gonna disagree about the pants pokjet thing, but im a bigger dude and use my pack and bino harness to hold everything.

[@ColdDesertPrepper]

Cliff, if you have the ability to talk to Origin, please let them know I dont want to look at their website because i get inundated with adds from them after i do. It's so annoying im hesitant to buy anything from them directly.

[@CliffGray]

Noted. I am sure some of the guys from Origin will see this review and comments. I'm with you, some of the marketing you get after being on these ecommerce websites is nuts.

[@DKsupreme69420]

Did you try the wool pants, cold weather pants, and the stow jacket?

[@CliffGray]

For me, the stow jacket doesn't fit in with my layers. I use my rain gear top as a windbreaker in high alpine winds, etc... Wool pants and insulated pants are also not something I utilize a lot within my layering system, so I don't have much experience with theirs in the field.

[@DKsupreme69420]

@@CliffGray thanks 🙏🏻 ,hoping they’re gearing up for an update of the line along with the rain gear release, some gloves and gaiters would be cool additions for the sake of matching and convenience.

[@CliffGray]

@@DKsupreme69420 for sure. I even think them teaming up with some other American made company for gaiters with their camo would be cool.

[@jasonard7227]

I wanna see them make whitetail stuff for us eastern dopes...

[@CliffGray]

Some of the warm weather stuff... the wool pants, etc... would probably apply.

[@jayfry905]

I hate the camouflage. My favorite is kings,you get a lot quality for the price

[@toxophilite1953]

“Bullshit pocket” Hahahahahaha!!

[@CliffGray]

ha!

[@ericm425]

I hate the camo patterns. If Origin put out some other patterns types, I might consider them

[@CliffGray]

i gotcha, i can understand that

[@surfearth1]

Solids! Solids! Solids! You’ll find most old school hunters hate to wear orange let alone camo. Stick with solids. Camo’s over-rated.

[@ericm425]

@@surfearth1 while I agree and wear very little camo for rifle seasons, I think camo for archery is pretty needed

[@Chasindinner]

Lol I have the same couch

[@CliffGray]

geniuses think alike. pretty damn good couch, given that my kids use it as a trampoline for 2-3hrs a day

[@McDanielRanch]

No bs realtree is grate stuff for the price. But if u got the money for it, my fav is kryptek puts lots of though in to there stuff. Never had this brand. So don't take me wrong, I ant talking shit.

[@CliffGray]

Oh yeah man, lots of good stuff out there

[@jeromystafford2537]

I bought some of their hunting clothes. I don't like any of it. stone glacier is the best and all this influencer bs is a scam

[@CliffGray]

Did you watch the whole review? It's pretty clear I don't view the Origin stuff as perfect. Stone Glacier, Kuiu, Sitka, First Lite, etc... all make great layers and they make it all in Asia. That aspect is relevant to me, another thing I make clear in the video.

[@pieceofparadise9338]

Influencer bs? I don’t think you know who you’re talking about. What about 100% American made? This is the first generation of hunting clothing they’ve made. Criticism is welcome and needed in order to make it better.

[@jeromystafford2537]

I wanted to like it to be fair. I prefer American made. i just don't think it's top quality. and tons of hunting influencers are pushing it. i don't like people getting fleeced out of their hard earned money. just my opinion. I was excited when I ordered it and then when it arrived and I started wearing it, I felt like I was a sucker that fell for the marketing. to be fair under armor hunting clothing stunk also so I should have known better. not trying to anger everyone, if you like it that's good, but I can't stay silent and let people get taken to the cleaners

[@CliffGray]

hey man, there isn't anything wrong with having a negative opinion on it. However, it's more useful for folks if you gave some detail why you didn't like it and which pieces you didn't like. I'm assuming folks that read these comments are considering purchasing it, so more info is best. thanks

[@jeromystafford2537]

true enough, I thought the synthetic base layer was too thick of material and didn't breathe well. I felt the wool hoody wasn't soft. I've been trying to wash it over and over to soften it up. I don't reach for any of my origin stuff unless the stuff I like is dirty. but to be fair I'm not the biggest fan of wool because it takes forever to dry when you have high exertion and sweat it up.