First Lite vs Kuiu Rain Gear

[Retropnitsuj]

Hello, what’s everyone’s opinions on Kuiu vs First Lite rain gear? I’m looking at a set of First Lite Omen. I’ll be using it for all around rain gear from Steese caribou to a goat hunt in SE Alaska.

 

[Valumpessa]

I have lots of First Lite stuff, but for rain gear I've been really happy with Kuiu... Chugach and Kutana over the last 8 years in the Oregon coast range.

 

[Desk Jockey]

My FL rain gear is a couple of generations old but it was something of a disaster. Tore very easily and didn’t breath well. In fairness to them, they do some things very well and have probably made some progress on their rain gear in the last +5 years but I wouldn’t spend a few hundred $$$ to find out.

I use a mix of OR, Sitka and kuiu. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of those.

 

[StuckoYota99]

My first lite jacket was great but the pants didn't keep moisture out after several seasons. I switched to kryptek rain pants and haven't had an issue. Definetly test out whatever gear you get before your hunting trip.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Kuiu is at the top with rain gear and pants

 

[Bearwhisky]

Ive never had an issue out of something made of 3+ layer Gore Tex.


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[Tbone26]

I wore both the Kuiu Kutana and Yukon systems in Alaska and BC last season and I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[chindits]

I tried the FL years ago and had a serious condensation event where it was low exertion and I had a puffy on under the jacket. I moved on. Maybe they’re better now.

I tried the Kuiu years ago and I had soak through issues. I still use it as a towny jacket, but I moved on. It was the lightest model and I don’t remember what it’s called.

I tried Skree and have issues with its zipper wind flap design and Velcro cuffs. Both of which I have modified. I’m on my second jacket in maybe 8 years. CO is a pretty forgiving environment for rain gear though and my 2 weeks backpacking ANWR wasn’t really significant. I do a yearly wash with Nikwax TX direct right before hunting season and I don’t recall if I did that years ago. YMMV good luck.

 

[Alex.D102]

Any rain gear is going to make you sweat. There just isn’t much breathability in rain gear. I have multiple First Lite items including those Omen Stormshelter pants. I really like the pants. Have been durable for me, but haven’t busted a lot of brush in them.