Kuiu Guide Vs Sitka 90%

[mauidiver]

I've been wanting the guide for about 2 years now and waiting till they get in stock, but was at our new bass pro shop that just opened here in Austin Tx the other day and tried on the 90%. This was a really nice piece and wondered the difference between the two? Are they similar in anyway or not? I just wish they had this Sitka in solid. People are getting good deals on this jacket as their new line is out now. Which would you pick and why? Thanks all

 

[Kotaman]

Older versions of the 90% Pant (prior to this years version) are similar to the Guide pant. This years 90% pant is nothing like the guide pant.

 

[mauidiver]

Thanks Kotaman, I'm actually talking about the jacket. My bad, should have clarified that one. So, with that said. This year KUIU guide jacket, and this year 90% (which is same I believe) any difference or pretty similar?

 

[RustyHazen]

The new 90% is much, much lighter than the guide jacket. Good and similar wind resistance. Obviously no hood on the 90%. I would say my guide jacket has better water resistance than my 90%. Breathability, packability, and weight go to the 90%. Warmth, water resistance, features, go to the guide. They're just two very different jackets. Both great, just going for two different things. I love my guide, but I don't take it backpacking. I have a shell for rain, and a puffy for warmth.

 

[Kevin Dill]

There was a time when the 90% and the Guide were very comparable. I've had 2 different 90% setups in the past. First was an original of the Mothwing camo, and then later I owned the Optifade Forest in 90%. I noticed several features were dropped in the 4 year interval, and I wasn't real happy to see that. I noticed that the fabrics seemed pretty identical, though. When I finally switched out to the Guide series, my impressions were that the fabrics and materials were substantially better. The Guide had a tighter face fabric and more wind resistance. It was also a bit thicker and warmer which was perfect for my uses. In the end they are both very nice garment lines. The Guide wins my vote due to its very premium fabrics and good build, plus it is considerably less expensive (I believe) than the 90% lineup.

 

[castandblast]

I bought the new version of the 90% jacket primarily based on the claims of wind resistance. I didn't find that it blocked wind much at all. Looking at a light through the fabric shows a pretty loose weave. I'd put it more in the fleece category than the softshell category. My guide jacket functions more like a true softshell with a tighter weave to the outer surface.

 

[Double Creek]

Is it just me or is the newer 90% stuff way thinner than the old? I have an older 90% jacket that I consider a fairly thick jacket. It is at least 5 years old and at one time had the pants that go with it. They were pretty thick pants and I would call them the upper end of mid weight. I purchased a pair of 2014 90% pants this past season and they seam way thinner than I remember. They aren't much heavier than my Ascent pants.

 

[Kotaman]

Is it just me or is the newer 90% stuff way thinner than the old? I have an older 90% jacket that I consider a fairly thick jacket. It is at least 5 years old and at one time had the pants that go with it. They were pretty thick pants and I would call them the upper end of mid weight. I purchased a pair of 2014 90% pants this past season and they seam way thinner than I remember. They aren't much heavier than my Ascent pants.

I believe the '15 is thinner yet, but the new technology is fantastic. I love the "waffle" design. How they kept the 90% line so light but maintained the wind cutting ability is almost baffling to me. The '15 line is very nice, some great improvements IMO. The 90% is a great early season mountain hunting set up.

 

[blutooth]

I would say the Guide jacket is much more comparable to the Sitka Jetstream. I have a Kuiu Chinook on order that should arrive today. I am thinking the 90% is closer to the Chinook (no hood, lighter, etc). But I will know better later today hopefully...

 

[mauidiver]

Right on guys. I love this site and the knowledge y'all have on our gear. Bluetooth, give us your feedback after you have your moment with your new jacket

 

[blutooth]

Fedex man just came. After seeing them both I am sticking wiht my opinion that the Chinook is VERY comparable to the 90% (I haven't seen the new 2015 90% yet so I cannot comment.) And I have only tried both on at my house or Cabelas for the 90%. No in the field use of either.

A little further clarification on the Guide. Having both the Guide and the Jetstream, the Jetstream is a little bit warmer but not by much (and I like the cut of the Jetstream a little better). At double the price of the Guide, the Jetstream isn't worth the extra $ though in my opinion.

 

[mauidiver]

So how you liking your new Chinook?