Do we really need another brand carrying hunting clothing? After spending a few days in Wyoming wearing the never-before-seen Kifaru hunting apparel, I can unequivocally say, yes. Yes, we do.
If you’re not familiar with Kifaru, it’s a brand that specializes in making high-quality packs and hunting accessories with what I would call a Western, backcountry focus. Every piece of gear I’ve used from the company has been stellar, to say the least. The newly launched clothing line follows suit in both quality and performance.
A big part of that is thanks to Aris Sergakis, who designed it. Kifaru didn’t pick him up off the streets. He was a big part of designing First Lite apparel, and he brought that expertise to Kifaru. This stuff was built with purpose.
But enough of that. Let’s get into the new hunting apparel itself. I want to note that this is a brief overview of the entire line, and some standout pieces will receive full reviews in the near future. I’ll annotate that accordingly. I wore all of the apparel on a multiday coyote hunt in Wyoming, and tested some pieces further in my home state of Tennessee.
Editor’s Note: Most of these pieces are not available yet. We will update with links once you can get your hands on them.
Pointe Synthetic Puffy Jacket
The Specs
- Type of Piece: Puffy Jacket
- MSRP: $310
- Shell Material: 20D Ripstop Nylon with PFAS-Free DWR, and Windproof
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold, 133g
- Pockets: Two front zippered pockets, three internal mesh pockets
- Temp Range: 20-50 degrees
- Sizes: Small-2XL
Quick Thoughts
There are a few pieces from the new Kifaru hunting apparel lineup that I’m smitten with. The Pointe Synthetic Puffy jacket is one of them. It fits me fantastically, compresses down into the right pocket, and is warm as all get out. While I was in Wyoming, we faced high winds — weird, I know — and it blocked all of it. It’s windproof for sure.
This isn’t just another puffy jacket, and Sergakis put his own little spin on it. They’re small improvements that add up to a big difference. One of them is extended pit zips. They go super far down the jacket, and I love it.
Kifaru rates this jacket for use down to 20 degrees, but I’ve pushed it past that during a massive, record-breaking Tennessee ice storm. It kept me comfortable through it all, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite winter jackets.
I don’t want to give too much away, as I’ll be doing a full review on this piece in the near future. There are some pros and cons, but if you want the short version, yes, buy this jacket. It’s worth the money.
Roam Crosslayer (Hoodie)
The Specs
- Type of Piece: Midlayer Grid Fleece
- MSRP: $180
- Material: Patented single-layer weave that combines softshell and fleece
- Water and Wind Resistance: Wind and Water Resistant with PFAS-Free DWR Finish
- Zipper: Half Zip
- Pockets: Zippered Anorak-style pocket
Quick Thoughts
You know how I said that there are a few pieces I’m smitten with? The Roam Crosslayer is another one of them. It may be one of the best midlayer gridback fleeces I’ve worn. Further testing is needed to give it that full endorsement, but it’s up there.
Again, the designer’s attention to detail makes all the difference. Most grid fleeces are pretty skimpy in weatherproofing. This one is anything but. It’s borderline waterproof, yet still maintains the midlayer breathability I’m looking for in a top like this. The material used in the Roam Crosslayer is, in fact, unique, and I see why it’s patented.
Just like the puffy jacket, I’m going to tease you with this one. It will also get a full write-up, as it’s one of the cooler pieces in the Kifaru hunting apparel lineup. Worth the price? Maybe. I hate that midlayers are approaching $200, but it is one of the best, so … maybe.
Passbreaker Pant
The Specs
- Type of Piece: Early to Mid-Season Pants
- MSRP: $170
- Material: 100% Recycled Polyester with PFAS-Free DWR treatment
- Pockets: Two drop-in hip pockets and two zippered front thigh cargo pockets
- Hip Vents: Zippered on each leg with mesh
- Suspender and knee pad compatible (not included)
- Sizes: Too many to list. No matter your inseam and waist, Kifaru probably has it.
Quick Thoughts
All right, I’m done fanboying, which isn’t to say that these pants aren’t good. They’re great. I just don’t think they stand out as much as other pieces in the lineup. But they are 100% worth the money being asked.
The fit is excellent, which checks my first box with hunting pants. They feel a touch looser in the hips and lower leg than some, but not so much that it’s a bad thing. In fact, it’s quite good. If you order true to size, you’ll be perfectly happy and have a bit of room to layer underneath if needed.
That’s a good thing because the Passbreaker pants don’t have any insulation. They’re a fairly breathable, lightweight pair of pants that will excel in early to middle seasons. The material stretches just the right amount, and they don’t restrict your movement at all. There are ample pockets for storage, and hip vents with mesh backers for those times you go steep and deep in the early season.
It’s worth noting that I have them in the tan color, and they’ve become some of my favorite everyday pants. The Passbreaker pants pull double-duty with no problem.
They’re every bit as good as early-season pants from the competition. But that’s where it stops. They’re just like everyone else in the premium hunting pant game. Solid, and worth the money, but not noteworthy.
Torlander Pant
The Specs
- Type of Piece: Four Season, Do It All Pant (I’d say it leans toward mid to late season)
- MSRP: $300
- Material: 100% Recycled Polyester
- Construction: Hydrophobic shell, Monolithic laminate membrane, micro grid fleece backer
- Water and Wind Resistance: Windproof. Basically waterproof, but the seams aren’t taped
- Pockets: Two drop-in hip pockets, one zippered back pocket, four cargo thigh pockets (two zippered, two drop-in)
- Hip Vents: Calf-length vents on each leg (not backed by mesh)
- Suspender and knee pad compatible (included)
Quick Thoughts
And I’m right back to fanboying. To me, the Torlander pants are the most impressive piece of hunting apparel in the Kifaru lineup. I’ve absolutely fallen in love.
Yes, the price is steep, but they are so worth it. If you read my review of the SITKA Jetstream jacket, you’ll know I love that jacket. I swear, Kifaru took that exact piece and turned it into pants. That’s what this is: a softshell pant made to withstand anything.
They’re basically waterproof, with the caveat that the seams aren’t taped. I pushed the waterproofness to the max while clearing trees from people’s driveways in the recent Tennessee ice storm for hours on end. Technically, sure, they aren’t waterproof. But in the field, they are.
The grid fleece interior is so amazing in colder months. I wear them all the time. If cold weather is in the cards, the Torlander pants are the best pants, ever. They’re comfortable and have no bulk. When you wear them around town, no one knows you’re basically wearing pajama bottoms.
And, if things get hot, they have massive thigh vents that run to the mid-calf. You can really dump heat on big hikes. I would absolutely wear these on October hunts.
They’ll be getting a full review for sure, diving into all the details. But for now, yes, buy them. As soon as possible.
Spike 150 Merino Base Layers
This one takes a bit of explaining. There are two pieces in the base layer category: a tee (SS Crew) and a hoodie (LS Hoodie). There are no bottoms. Both tops share the same specs.
The Specs
- Type of Piece: Base layer tops
- MSRP: SS Crew ($95), LS Hoodie ($130)
- Material: 17.5 Micron, long staple, ultrafine merino
- Flatlock seams on both, thumb holes on the hoodie
Unfortunately, I’m not one to care much about Merino base layers. I swear, everyone is making them, and it’s pretty dang tough to tell the difference. Some are scratchier than others, some fit better, and there are different thicknesses for different seasons. But when compared weight to weight, they’re all pretty dang similar.
The Kifaru Spike base layers are similar to the rest, although they stand out above the average, and fall into the “recommend” category for me. The material is very soft on my skin, and I do wear both tops quite a bit. The fit is very athletic, which I like, especially on the hoodie.
But they’re merino tops. You won’t find any groundbreaking tech here. Worth the money? Sure. But if you already have a similar top or found a screaming deal on another one, there’s no discernible reason to go with these ones, assuming you’re looking at, or own, premium stuff.
I will note that it’s odd that Kifaru didn’t include a matching bottom. Both pieces are good, but uh, they’re merino tops. That’s that.
No Camo on the Kifaru Hunting Apparel?
You may have noticed that none of the included photos show camouflage clothing. That’s on purpose. For now.
While in Wyoming, I had the chance to sit down with the Kifaru team to discuss the new hunting apparel. The brand recognizes that it’s a crowded market and that trenches are dug. The brand is offering a kit you can add to your existing one where needed, or build a new one if that’s what you need.
Solid colors allow for that. Camo doesn’t. Who wants to wear KUIU Verde Pants with a SITKA Optifade top? (I do, but you get the point.)
All of these pieces are offered in three colors: Wallow, Steppe, and Burr. That brings me to my next point, which is a rant for the outdoor industry as a whole.
Can we pretty please start calling colors what they are? I’m begging. I’ll fix the names for you, Kifaru. The pieces are available in brown, olive, and light tan. See how easy that is?
There may have been whisperings about a camo line in the very distant future around the lodge in Wyoming. But it turns out that’s a bit more complicated than you’d think. Kifaru designer Aris Sergakis isn’t the type to cut corners, and he made that pretty clear about camo. If it does happen, I’m certain it will be awesome, but don’t expect it anytime soon. Perfection takes time.
For now, I love the solid colors. I don’t notice game reacting any differently to my presence, whether I’m wearing camo or solids. Try it out, and you’ll see. Plus, solids let me wear my awesome hunting clothes around town without looking like a dork. I think it’s a smart move on Kifaru’s part.
Final Thoughts on the New Kifaru Hunting Apparel: Will It Go Further?
From conversations at camp in Wyoming, it seems Kifaru plans to expand its apparel line. I hope it does. I’ve been very impressed so far. This isn’t a case of a brand hopping on the bandwagon because manufacturing apparel is becoming easier. New hunting apparel brands are a dime a dozen.
This new launch from Kifaru stands out, though. Some pieces are truly unique, and others improve upon what’s already been done.
What’s more, you’re supporting a killer company. I usually don’t go into the details about the people behind a brand for fear of sounding biased, but I will for a moment. The Kifaru crew is awesome.
It’s a company run by good people, which is so refreshing. It’s funky, fun, and entertaining. At one point, at a dinner, I said, “If one of you quits your job, it’s going to be worse than my divorce!” I meant that. Kifaru is a company run by great people who are now making great hunting apparel that will launch on March 5, 2026.
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