Every season hunters become beat down by the physical and mental difficulties they face in the mountains. That's why training is everything. You need to be as prepared as possible for the strenuous situations that a hunt can put you in. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato)
June 21, 2021
By Joe Ferronato
I pride myself in the fact that I have found a training regimen that allows me to keep my body in a good physical condition that increases my chance of success in the mountains. Not only does being in good shape improve hunting opportunities, but it also keeps you safe. Not being physically able to move efficiently or under heavy load can lead to severe injury when in the mountains.
Since playing high school sports, I have consistently found myself in the gym. While my training methods have changed throughout the years to better fit my lifestyle—I know train specifically to match my style of hunting—one thing has stayed consistent: my distaste for most training brands.
Keeping in peak physical condition improves all functions in life, but it truly molds you into a better hunter. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato) When going to the gym I was wearing comfortable performance equipment that, albeit great for training, didn’t align with my personal values or align with the lifestyle that so many outdoorsmen hold deer. That all changed this year. KUIU is a top-of-the-line company in the outdoor space and has spent the last 10 years designing gear that will work for hunters. Now they have taken their dedication to hunters and designed a line of training gear that will perform when you’re in the gym, on the trail, or on the track.
This new line of athletic gear will cover you head to toe if you so choose with offerings from beanies to socks. Over the past several weeks, I have been wearing KUIU’s new gear in all of my workouts from CrossFit, to MTNTOUGH, to long trail runs—I plan on wearing this gear in an upcoming 38K trail run through the mountains near Bozeman.
Advertisement
My go-to items from the line include the Lined Training Tech Short, the Training Tech Shirt (short sleeve), the Pursuit Tech Hoodie and the Training Tech Socks. When I put these pieces on it was easy to tell to that KUIU took their intimate knowledge of clothing design and function from their mountain gear and transferred it to this line.
Lined Training Tech Short Lined Training shorts make laundry one step easier by including a comfortable and quick-drying liner. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato) Comfort and uninhibited movement should be at the core of every good training short. These shorts fit well and move with you. These shorts are made from a 4-way stretch, quick-dry woven polyester and they are comfortable and perform.
CrossFit has a lot of movements that require a great latitude of mobility and these shorts easily move with me, and the lining offers great support and comfort. When running, the polyester is gentle. I have no issue with chafing and the quick-dry technology keeps me from having uncomfortable sweat build-up. In other training shorts, I found it common to have the shorts weighed down by sweat causing issues with mobility and chafing, these shorts stay dry and comfortable even after multiple miles on the trail.
Training Tech Shirt (Short Sleeve) A quality performance fabric shirt can keep you comfortable during the grind of a good workout. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato) I have never been a huge fan of training shirts. The material never seems to be comfortable and fit never seems to move with me. I usually find myself training in cotton t-shirts. The new Training Tech Shirt changed my mind though, the fit is comfortable and the material wicks away sweat and keeps you cool during extended activity.
These shirts are made with Coolmax Core Technology. Being at the core of its construction, this technology will never lessen, even after multiple workouts and wash cycles.
The biggest success of these shirts is the fit. Most training shirts never seemed to be designed to move with you. When running, most shirts catch and snag or bunch up, KUIU’s shirts don’t. These shirts fit well on shoulders allow for sustained movement that won’t be interrupted with an uncomfortable, bunched-up shirt.
Pursuit Tech Hoodie This hoodie is a moisture-wicking improvement from your old nasty cotton hoodie. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato) This is my favorite piece in the new line. I have never had an athletic hoody that fit so well and performed just the same. This full-zip jacket fits snug but moves perfectly with you during any and all movements.
Made from insulating, sweat-wicking, high-performance fleece, this jacket keeps your body temperature regulated during any activity. Being that I live in Montana and our spring weather is variable, to say the least, this jacket has graced many of my trail runs over the past weeks.
Usually, when running in a jacket or hoodie, I find myself drenched with sweat by the end or desperately trying to regulate body temperature during my activity. With this jacket, I simply throw it on a start running. I stay warm, but never an uncomfortable sweat build up. With the Pursuit Tech Hoodie, I always feel dry.
KUIU also offers the same technology from the Pursuit Hoodie in a pant for those days when a little extra coverage is needed.
Training Tech Socks Socks may be a small item, but you should never underestimate their importance. Just like when you’re in the mountains, comfortably feet while training is a necessity. KUIU understood that necessity and made sure to add the Training Tech Socks to their lineup.
These socks are Nuyar Merino Wool and are designed to be foot-specific. With a left and a right, they perform great during high-impact activity. The wool helps with moisture and odor management during your workouts.
Make sure to check out the entire training line that KUIU has to offer. Whether you’re already on a serious, dedicated training regimen, or you’re just looking to get started, this new line of workout clothing will work for you.
You'll be ready to get after it with all of KUIU's athletic apparel line. (Photo courtesy of Joe Ferronato)
