Why We Made It: Kutana Gale Force

KUIU's Shaun Ayers provides an overview of the Kutana Gale Force Hooded Jacket and Pant. Five years in the making, KUIU's latest cold-weather hunting gear will keep you protected from the world's worst conditions. This insulated shell performs in bitter cold, driving rain and snow, and punishing winds.

[@Lsutiger01]

I wore the Gale Force set snow skiing over the Christmas holidays in Colorado. We went out super early in the morning for first tracks during a snow storm. It was -40 with savage winds at mid mountain. I wore Merino 120 top and bottom, Super Down Ultra top and bottom, then the Gale Force outer layer. I also wore my ski helmet under my hood and Northstar Glomitt’s along with goggles & face mask. This set is amazing. I felt nothing of the cold. The wind was slamming my body all around as we came down the mountain but none of it got inside my clothing. Others in our group with very proper ski wear were freezing and went straight in. I felt like I could have stayed out in it for days. I finally went in for lunch when it was time to eat. I would say by itself this coat isn’t quite as warm as the Super Down Burner, but it feels waaaay more durable. Especially if you put Super Down Ultra beneath it, there is nowhere the Gale Force set won’t take you.

[@outdoorayres9605]

This is awesome I wish it would have hit the market years ago! This will be a must buy for the Alaskan winter's!

[@parkert2710]

The only dislikes are from sitka and first lite LOL

[@user-maxim_79]

I bought a set. LOVE IT WORTH EVERY PENNY.

[@bendrixbailey1430]

Kuiu, I have a question. The Gale Force system is everything in one garment, right down to the pant cuffs replacing gaiters. My question is, why is this better than individual garments that are layered? I have an extensive Kuiu gear closet and feel that I could closely duplicate the Gale Force setup by making selections from it and layering up. The ability to layer up with phenomenal gear is one of my strongest reasons for having Kuiu components. So since layers can get me there, and layers can be shed or added as needed, and because in the past I've been sorry that I had a heavy garment on when the exertion level peaked, or temperatures rose, why Gale Force? This video and the article just added to the website does a good job of exploring the features and technology, but it does not answer the question that I'm sure many other Kuiu customers have: Why is this a better alternative than layering up? Thanks.

[@kuiuultralight]

Hey Bendrix--we're not claiming this is better than layering up; in fact, there are many situations in which layering is a better solution, particularly on backpack hunts with heavy exertion. But there are other times or places where it can be more practical to have a piece that solves multiple problems. In the case of Gale Force, it's actually designed to be used with additional insulation layers underneath--it's very oversized. The hunter that chooses to use Gale Force is likely going to be in a situation where they know it will be rainy, snowy, windy, and super cold the entire hunt--meaning it's more practical to have an outer layer that always has some insulation, and is always going to be waterproof. Examples might be hunting musk ox from a snowmobile, or late-season Northeastern treestand rifle hunters, or Alaskan/Canadian hunters in the winters. Places where it's going to be rain, sleet, snow, or alternating between the three throughout the hunt. Gale Force won't be for every hunter, and we aren't replacing our complete layering system--it's designed to extend the functionality of the layering system such that colder conditions are now more practical.

[@guywhosleepallday8194]

Gale force is built for avoiding to continuous wearing layers upon layers. By wearing just the gale force alone u can eliminate those layers and layers that you are wearing underneath. Gale force is build to fight extreme cold weather. "Extreme cold" vs "cold"

[@bendrixbailey1430]

KUIU Ultralight Hunting Thank you for the response. That is what I was looking for, the why of when I would choose Gale Force over all my other super functional Kuiu gear. Now I know. If I’m lucky enough to get signed up for an adventure appropriate to the gear, I’ll be back for a set. Keep innovating !

[@scottfalagan5551]

This is good stuff here!!! Great question, great response!!

[@marktaylor688]

I’m about the pull the trigger on the set. IMO when you are stand hunting and literally sitting idle for 5-6 hours or sometimes all day, you’ll need multiple layers.....heavy layers. One can only wear so many layers comfortably, therefore those layers need to be heavier and be able to stand up against the elements. I know this coat has some insulation but one will likely need 2 or Probably 3 layers under it. Lemme tell ya there is a world of difference between a slow stop and go and sitting totally idle.....once your body temp begins to lower, you’ll need this coat and everything else u can possibly stand to wear. They say it’s sized larger for layering but I’m ordering a full size up. I’d bet the rent money I’ll need the room.

[@Cacodominus6969]

How did it end up working out for you If you don't mind me asking? I'm thinking of doing the same as you

[@spindoggytheexplorer2915]

Yeah I’m also interested to know if you needed that full size up and if the insulation is as effective as the rep made it sound.

[@aqua.scape69]

Ok, so I bought the jacket and pant set. Haven’t used them yet but, I know I’m going to love them. My question is, what’s the best way to pack this set in my backpack? I’m running the Stone Glacier 6400 sky guide.

[@kuiuultralight]

This set doesn't pack down super small--our recommendation would be to wear them in, if conditions are going to be bad enough that you'll need them a lot. If the weather is unexpectedly mild, you could try rolling them into a dry bag, and compressing it down before sealing it to squeeze out excess air.

[@cobain2261]

I imagine this would flex well as a snowmobile jacket as well.

[@kuiuultralight]

We designed it with a hood that should be large enough to go over some helmets.

[@spindoggytheexplorer2915]

The time is now to squeeze every penny, cancel all subscriptions, abandon all other ventures, we need this.

[@stevenlaubach7222]

Im seriously thinking of adding this to my collection, i probably will regardless, I am curious if this would block wind like a windbreaker?

[@kuiuultralight]

Yes, the waterproof membrane does block wind quite well.

[@The-GreenHornet]

So which is better for long exposure to cold weather. The Gailforce jacket or the down parka? What would be the difference between the two and application?

[@kuiuultralight]

The Burner Parka is for colder conditions (like, sub-zero Fahrenheit) and is more packable. The Gale Force is not quite as warm, less packable, with synthetic insulation, but it is more durable (it will still handle really nasty conditions).

[@user-vl3cx1ik2d]

which jacket is warmer than Super Down Burner Parka or Kutana Gale Force?

[@vajikosilagadze]

Help me understand, is the Gale force set enough on its own for extreme cold hunts or does it still need other layers?

[@kuiuultralight]

Gale Force is designed as a waterproof and insulated outer layer, with enough room in the cut for additional layers underneath should you need it. Everyone's physiology is different, so for those who need more warmth, they can add it--those who don't can wear it on its own.

[@alexwolf3733]

Great gear! What about Winter White or Artic camo pattern?

[@user-maxim_79]

And a grass pattern for duck hunting. I'm sure it's on it ways.

[@damienchin4473]

Would you consider this for oregon coast range?

[@kuiuultralight]

Maybe for the late season? This is definitely not the piece to wear if you're going to need flexibility on your layering in mixed weather, but if you know it's going to be cold and wet the whole time, it will work great for that!

[@OG33flavors]

Why doesn’t my gale force have fleece lined pockets ?

[@anthonys1965]

I wonder how well this gear will hold up walking through thick brush every day on the tree farm here is oregon, seems like all my expensive gear just cant handle the daily work battle in the forest out here... i need a friggin climate controlled space suit made out of titanium, partner up with elon musk and make it happen and i will be the first to buy one haha.