Kuiu Axis vs Guide

[Dhbwa]

Am I the only one that doesn’t see a great difference in these two jackets ?
I have both and I better look at the label to figure out which one I just grabbed....

Maybe I am too ignorant of the finite details....

 

[eoperator]

axis is a bit thicker more wind resistant with waterproof panels

 

[Dhbwa]

The minor difference in thickness does not seem to make it that much warmer or more wind resistant but again maybe it’s lost on me. I’ll keep them both as the Axis is a XL and I can layer under it.

 

[AZ Ron]

As you said, difference is in the details. I passed my old guide jacket down to my son, and upgraded to the Axis. After owning both, not sure there is a reason for the guide jacket anymore. Guide is a pure softshell. Only good for a slight chill in the air, as wind penetrates it and and the guide jacket will eventually leak at the seams during a downpour.

Axis seems to do better in the wind (close the pockets!), and with the taped seams on the upper body it means I probably don't need to carry a rain jacket (hardshell) for late season hunts when wet weather (snow) is expected. I only got to wear mine a couple of times last year before it got too warm, but it did great in a couple of storms I wore it in, and seemed to breath very well while hiking around in it shed hunting. In my mind it fixes a couple of problems that kept me from wearing my guide jacket in inclement weather, blocking moisture and wind, while still being very breathable.

 

[1000yrds]

I have a pair, i didn't get them until after hunting season though. I have put them on and walked outside in the 40's, with the wind blowing about 20 to 25, and i could not feel anything going through them.
I think they are going to finally be the perfect mid season bowhunting pants. I have a bunch of sitka, first lite and kuiu, these seem to the perfect mix insulation wise b/w the stratus pants and say a jetstream jacket.
The fleece is thicker than on the jetstream, but not as thick as the stratus. I bet i will wear these pants more than anything i have. now i just have to decide if i want to get this jacket and sell my jetstream, which i love.
What really sets them apart from others is having those big side vents to dump heat while walking, that is a fantastic feature to have, along with being wind proof.

 

[nantzh]

I was actually going to make a guide vs axis post this morning!

I will be in CO this November for 4th rifle and have been going back and forth on which to purchase between the guide and axis jacket. Your comment on having to look at the tag makes me wonder if the extra $50 is worth it.

 

[Gonewest]

I had the guide jacket and returned it for the Axis. I could tell the difference between the to. The hood/collar on the Axis is a big improvement to me.


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[Dhbwa]

I will be in CO this November for 4th rifle and have been going back and forth on which to purchase between the guide and axis jacket. Your comment on having to look at the tag makes me wonder if the extra $50 is worth it.

If I was buying one I would pay the $50 but I still would not buy the Axis if I already had the Guide....

 

[nephewjephew]

Not to derail but how does the kutuna compare to the guide? In terms of warmth and wind? I have a Guide I like it, but I don't feel it's all that wind resistant. I've only been cold in it when stopping to glass in 20 and below weather. It's like a budget merging of the other two (even though the guide came first), where as I think the kutuna and axis would be a more useful combo (if they would only do a loden axis).