Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Kuiu feedback needed

I hunt Here in Co and Wy mostly, from muzz elk season to end of November deer. I currently use a Stormkloth ll jacket as my final layer. Lately, I have been in a few showers and realized it was resistant not water proof. I'm debating about replacing this jacket with a Kuiu jacket. I'm looking at either the Chugach or Yukon, with possibly a super down as a under layer as it gets colder in November.

Any thoughts? Which jacket will perform/ feel similar to my stormkloth but be waterproof?

Any help appreciated as this is a lot of money to spend without ever seeing or feeling the product firsthand.

Thanks
Bryan

I don't have either of the 2 you mentioned but I do have the guide jacket and it is rated water resistant but shed water very good during 3 days of rain in our 2015 Missouri deer season.

I am 6'2" and hunt at 205 to 210 lbs and had to send the XL guid jacket back because is fit ultra tight.

I have the 2X now and can wear a couple thin layers under it but no doubt couldn't get a puffer under it.

Kuiu must cut their clothing very very small because I don't own any 2X anything other than the jacket of theirs.

So you didn't get wet from the 3 days of rain? A few years ago we flooded and I was soaked after 5 days. I was thinking 3xl so I had plenty of room. I'm 6'02 and 270

It must have had a coating on it. The rain beaded up and rolled off....but after a washing it may not do as well

I'll try this out before my next trips

http://www.kuiu.com/hunting-accesso...color=Clear&cgid=field-gear#start=16

I have been considering some Kuiu gear as well. However, I am a little hesitant because Kuiu gear is marketed more towards the active/hiking hunter, who stays warm by moving about. I find myself doing more stand hunting than moving around and think I need warmer/heavier cloth. Any comments on my thoughts? Or am I misguided?

Thanks

I have Kuiu gear, very happy with it. Being from MN i use most of my Kuiu gear out west. But also use it here in MN for stand hunting. Going to stand in the morning,dont get over heated. And also for extra layer when in stand all day.
Its light weight enough compresses good in my pack. Last couple of years i have been mixing in more Kuiu gear when stand hunting,cause it fits way better and doesnt way you down like those big orange parka jackets do.

Hope this helps.

For my tree stand cold weather gear I use Graywolf Woolen as my outer layer

I have had all three of the KUIU jackets you are asking about. The Superdown jacket is very warm for its weight but does not vent well while hiking. I think the newer KUIU jackets with synthetic insulation do like the Kenai maybe. I have the old Spindrift jacket that does vent while hiking. As far as rain gear the Yukon line is meant to wear all day everyday when is constantly raining like Alaska. It is a heavier jacket than the Chugach and therefore warmer to wear by itself. The Chugach line is their rain gear to throw in your backpack for use when you need it. I have worn the Yukon pants alone in cold rain and such up north. Right now I just have the Yukon stuff.

PS KUIU has a 15% off sale going on now for the Yukon line. Lasts 4 days I think.

So Sheephunter2 for climbing the Mtns chasing elk, as a layer but a bonus if it rains, would you say the Yukon or Chugach?

If you are looking just for a jacket to wear that is waterproof and windproof and bulletproof I would get a Yukon. I wear mine with a long sleeved merino top and carry a down vest for glassing and it works for me. If you are looking for rain gear only I'd get the Chugach and I'd probably get the 3xl. I am 5'11' 210 and xl is perfect for me.

I would probably not wear a Yukon bowhunting unless it was windy and or raining. Not as quiet as the Guide Jacket which I used to have also.

So for my needs, which are more stand hunting than hiking/active hunting, the guide jacket would be my best option? I guess one could say there are better options out there than the Kuiu brand as a whole?

You could use KUIU for stand hunting but it is really designed for mountain type hunting - hiking, glassing, etc. I have used Cabelas MTO50 fleece rain gear when horseback, standing hunting, and in a duck blind as well as Rivers West fleece rain gear. Both are heavier and not too noisy. Sitka has some heavier stuff for stand hunting but it is pricey as hell.

I hear you about Sitka being expensive as hell. Lol
Thanks for your input.

So the Chugach is a rain jacket only, basically? For what I mentioned above, sounds like look at the Yukon (which is heavy) or guide (which isn't water proof just resistant)

Sound correct?

You can wear the Chugach for a light jacket but it is a hardshell like the Yukon only lighter. Hardshell is a rain jacket. The Guide jacket which is water and wind Resistant is a softshell and quieter. The Yukon is a brushed hardshell also and Waterproof and Windproof but is a bit noisier than the Guide jacket. They make a couple of synthetic jackets for layering you could put with any of these and be set. You gotta pick your poison. They take returns if you don't like something after you get it. Easy to work with.

Perfect thanks for the info. I think my stormkloth is a soft shell so I will try the guide.

Thanks for all the help

I bought the Kuiu Yukon jacket and pants for a Spring 2015 Kodiak bear hunt. It is totally bombproof. I wore it every day but once, as either as wind protection or for rain. And, when it rained, it rained down, up, sideways, etc. I was very, very, very impressed and can't say enough good things.

Take a look at First Lite.

Just took a look at First Lite's uncompahgre puffy jacket. Looks like a good layer for under a heavier coat.
Interesting.
Thanks

Kuiu runs small,get the next size or maybe even 2 sizes up.

Anyone wearing/owning their super down jacket? Thoughts? Debating between the jacket (non hooded) and vest.

I had one for a while. Good for glassing. Too hot for walking. Doesn't breath.

If you are 6'2" 270 you aren't going to have room to layer in any of Kuiu's gear. I am 6'4' 275 their crap just isn't made for guys our size. Oh and if you have long arms the sleeves are going to be short. I had bought a bunch of their crap sizes just plain suck. I would give you the crap I have left, but I am working in Brunei right now.

Pm sent to you Montana

Sorry for the delay working overseas so don't get online much. I responded to your PM.

Well, I ordered a super down jacket and its on its way. A guy at work bought a guide jacket about 4 years ago and brought it in. Are you kidding me? His 3xl fit smaller than my 2xl North Face fleece. Are the current guide jackets as small? I'd assume so but want feedback. Now I'm scared the super down will get sent right back.

How does the Sitka Jetstream fit?
Any help?

Are the Guide Jackets small for their size? Absolutely, yes.

Consider the Canadian-made non-dcs Kuiu guide stuff.
The newer Chinese stuff is way too tight.

At 6'6'' 227lbs the older 2x fits me perfectly (with room for a Kuiu puffy if needed.) I tried a newer dcs guide coat and it was tiny in comparison--quickly resold.

Hello
late on the topic... I'm a pro guide in Alaska. I have tested a lot of brands.... 4 years I use KIUI..... I spend 6 months a year in the bush.....

I'm not at all a"trendy brand" guy.... I test and I figure out if it's good or not.... right now KIUI is with Swazi the best you can buy....

IMHO, you should go with the Yukon suit.... the Chugach suit is too "light" in really bad weather and last not as tough as the Yukon.

About the Super Down Hooded Jacket.... it's THE BEST Jacket I have ever used..... for 3 years.

This year I'm trying Swazi cause one of my hunter had Swazi gear last year and I have been really impressed.... Kuiu quality can be up and down in fonction of their sourcing...

Anyway Kiui or any brands don't make you a better hunter or guide but make you definitely more confortable !

Thanks for the review UAE. I have my share of the stuff and have not had any failures - from New Mexico to the Talkeetnas.

Thanks for the info UAE, I will check out Swazi. The guide jacket is way too small so not an option.

Ok well I got the super down in and it doesn't fit by a mile. Mi can zip it up but that's it, no room for anything but a t shirt underneath. I wear a 2xl north face with plenty of room under but this is sad.

So back it goes tomorrow.

Does Sitka fit any better? Should I give up on my quest for a polyester soft shell other than my old stormkloth?

In my experience, Sitka is cut a bit more generously than Kuiu.

What camo did you get in XXL and would you sell it?

Hood?

Tedthorn I sent it right back. No hood.

I bought the chugach jacket two years ago and wore it to Alaska for a two week hunt. I wore the coat for both heavy daily rain and just for a shell to stop wind on days when the sun actually came out. It was worn everyday of my trip.
I love it it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Kuiu does run with a very athletic cut. I normally wear 2x in everything I own from t-shirts to jackets. But with kuiu I have to get my jackets in 3x to fit properly.

lol! ...did you read my posting here?? First generation C a n a d i a n-made or be a Chinese hunter.
Good grief...