Elk hunting rain gear?

[mad_angler]

I need a new rain jacket. I'm debating between the Kuiu Kutana and the Kuiu Chugach.

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For hunting Wyoming in October, what would you recommend?


For background info, I have been there elk hunting in October of 2024 and 2025.

• In 2024, it never rained a drop. There was no dew on the ground and it was extremely dry
• In 2025, it rained several times and also snowed a few days. One day, I spent most of the day under my tarp during a torrential rain storm with lightning and hail

 

[F16pointy]

So I dont have experience with the Katana series, but I own the Chugach set. My personal experience is if I am planning to wear it busting brush I go with something more heavy duty. But here in Utah I wear my Chugach when I am out in the woods. I also use it as an outer wind breaking layer/insulation when its cooler in the mornings.

 

[Coveyleader]

I carry a cheap pair of frogg toggs, very light, always in my pack, and i use them for those passing showers. They do everything I need.


If I know it’s going to rain and snow all week, I’ll wear/carry my helly hansens if I know I’m going to be hunting in rainy snowy conditions. If forecast is good, they stay in the truck.

 

[cole96]

I like my kutana set

 

[LostArra]

Since you have the tarp I wouldn't overdo the rain gear.
Wyoming in general is a pretty arid state until it's not (2013).
Chugach has worked well and held up for me (except 2013 when nothing worked).

 

[HunterGatherer]

Nice rain gear is stupid expensive. I only own cheap rain gear, like frog toggs and non-hunting type, basic stuff. But I’m mostly an archery hunter and I don’t hunt the coast, where it rains often. If it’s a passing shower I just hunker down under a tree or tarp for a minute or ten. If it’s REALLY raining, I’m probably not hunting anyways so it doesn’t matter that my rain gear is noisy and not camouflage. And even the “most breathable “ rain gear still gets wet from the inside…

 

[mad_angler]

Folks mention Frog toggs. Those are great for riding out short storms. BUT, they are completely unreliable for extended periods of rain.

A hunting partner took a pair on an Alaskan moose hunt. The frog toggs shredded on the first day or two.

Another hunting partner spent nearly 10X on a fill set of First Lite. His never leaked or had any issues.

I'm looking for something between Frog Toggs and the top of the line. An elk hunt is not a moose hunt.

 

[LongWayAround]

A hunting partner took a pair on an Alaskan moose hunt. The frog toggs shredded on the first day or two.

Well... That was retarded.

I think you would be fine with either. My hunting partner has the kutana stuff and I would probably have bought it if it was an option when I got the Yukon set.

One option would be to buy the tough kutana pants and the lighter chugach jacket. You'll be more likely to keep the lightest jacket in your pack. Break out the pants as needed.