Rain jacket-- Sitka or Kuiu

[wyosteve]

Need a new rain jacket for this fall's sheep hunt. Have narrowed it down to either a Kuiu Yukon or a Sitka Cloudburst. Same price, but wondering if anyone feels there is a real difference and if so, what? Thanks in advance.

 

[Mmcan]

I have the Yukon, and think it's an amazing jacket. Read/compare the specs about breathability and weight, and I think you'll look more closely at the yukon for functionality. If you're dying for Sitka camo, that might make your decision for you, but realize that most studies reveal that camo patterns are more important to the purchaser than the prey.

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks Mincan, that is the type of info I am looking for. I was leaning toward the Yukon even before this thread so sounds like the way to go. I agree with you on the camo patterns. In fact my opinion is that camo is somewhat overrated. I've been sitting in the open within 15 ft. of elk wearing blaze orange and they haven't noticed me unless I moved.

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

FYI, KUIU us having Independence Day savings.

 

[todd kelly]

I can't comment on the Sitka, but the Yukon is a pretty decent jacket. It is really tough, a ton quieter than the average hard shell, has some decent stretch to it, breathes pretty well, and keeps you dry in really bad weather. My dislikes are the water resistant zippers (wish they would use water proof zippers), not offered in a solid colour, and the DWR sucks (wore out the first day).

Would I buy it again? No, not unless they fixed the zippers and offered it in a solid colour.

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks for the insight Todd. My main concern is keeping me dry in all day rain type weather. I just ordered the Yukon and super down jacket. With the 4th of July sale, it was hard to resist!

 

[Riverwalker]

Are the Chagach zippers waterproof?

 

[todd kelly]

Nope, only water resistant zippers on all kuiu rain gear. The main vislon zipper has not failed me yet, but after a few hours of rain, I end up with water in all of the pockets. Not a huge deal breaker, but it sucks not being able to leave stuff in them that I want to keep dry. And, I'm also finding that the main leg zippers on my chugach pants are starting to let water through after two years of use.

 

[Az Hunter]

I have the Sitka Stormfront jacket and the Kuiu Yukon pants. I am going on a mountain goat hunt in Alaska in Sept. Living in Arizona , I have not had the chance to test them outside. However, I did test them in the shower. After 20+ minutes, I remained dry as a bone.

 

[todd kelly]

I have my Yukon jacket for sale if anyone is interested.... Vias size large. I just don't like wearing camo....

 

[Fixitman]

Mr Todd how much are you asking ?? About sizing I here they run big ?

 

[todd kelly]

Mr Todd how much are you asking ?? About sizing I here they run big ?

Just sold it, sorry......., Can't believe how fast that sold...

FYI, they are cut on the larger size. I have the L but a Med would probably have been the better choice for me at 6'. 180.

 

[Fixitman]

Ok thanks !! It would of probably been to big for me also . 5'6" and 162

 

[Ryan R]

I have the Sitka Cloudburst jacket and love it so far. Been caught in the rain a few times with it, no complaints. It handles bush whacking as good as any rain jacket. Breathes really well too. But if Kuiu is on sale right now.....

 

[7mag.]

The Yukon and the Cloudburst aren't a real even comparison. The Chugach and the Cloudburst are more alike. I looked at the Sitka rain gear and ended up buying the Kuiu Chugach. I haven't looked back. I've been using the Chugach for two years now with zero complaints.

 

[edg1967]

Has anyone heard ship dates on the back ordered sizes of the Yukon? I'd like to order one but don't care to wait for three months to get it.

 

[Matt W.]

I've tested a lot of rain gear over the last year. Sitka stuff is expensive, but it keeps you dry.
If a solid color versatile jacket is your desire its hard to beat the First Lite Stormtight.
Light Weight? Not much is as light as the Sitka Dewpoint line.

 

[Riverwalker]

I've tested a lot of rain gear over the last year. Sitka stuff is expensive, but it keeps you dry.
If a solid color versatile jacket is your desire its hard to beat the First Lite Stormfront.
Light Weight? Not much is as light as the Sitka Dewpoint line.

Are you talking about Sitka or First Lite or do they both have Stormfront jackets?

 

[Matt W.]

Are you talking about Sitka or First Lite or do they both have Stormfront jackets?

I fixed my post... First Lite has the Stormtight. Gotta slow down when typing!

 

[Lindley]

I have the Sitka Stormfront jacket and the Kuiu Yukon pants. I am going on a mountain goat hunt in Alaska in Sept. Living in Arizona , I have not had the chance to test them outside. However, I did test them in the shower. After 20+ minutes, I remained dry as a bone.

Hi AZ Hunter-

I know this is an old thread, but I was doing a search on rain gear and saw that you have the same setup I decided on (but have not field tested).

After an embarrassing amount of buying and returning items (over $3,000 worth of various hunting clothing), for the rain gear I settled for the KUIU Yukon rain pants and the Sitka Stormfront jacket. I tend to like heavier weight material that will last longer and put up with some brush (I have ripped a hole in every piece of rain gear I've owned up to this point).

Anyway, I was hoping you could share your experience with your rain gear from your hunt last September and hopefully more hunts since then.

Thanks for your time.

-Lindley