Rain jacket

[Bcoonce117]

I want a good but lightweight rain jacket to add to my kit. My current rain jacket is 33 ounces and semi bulky. I never end up wet but it’s too heavy to bring backpacking all the time.

I’m stuck between the stone glacier x1 jacket or the kuiu chugach. I want something that will keep me dry but also perform for multiple years/ hunts. Nobody likes purchasing something that doesn’t last.

The X 1 is cheaper and lighter but according to the specs it’s similar to the kuiu chugach. But I will say the kuiu chugach is a has proven itself through the years.

All opinions are welcome

 

[doc holiday13]

Just bought a kuiu Northridge from the clearance page $160 and they weigh like 12oz or something in that range

 

[madcalfe]

arcteryx beta.
Chugach is good for what it is but not overly durable.

 

[Caseknife]

I've got both the Chugach and Yukon. Chugach has been wonderful for me, only issue was when my wife dried in a hot dryer and the seem tape came off. Emailed Kuiu and told them exactly what happened, they replaced the jacket no charge. The Yukon is quite a bit tougher, but it is also probably double the weight. So, if I am packing in somewhere, the Chugach goes.

 

[duchntr]

No such thing as a long term durable ( under heavy use) breathable shell imo. But if you only use rain gear once or twice a year than get the lightest flavor of your choosing and I’m sure you’ll be happy.

Of your listed options, I have used all the various kuiu chugach iterations and have been pretty happy with them knowing the service life of a breathable “waterproof” garment.

 

[MuleyFever]

Just bought a kuiu Northridge from the clearance page $160 and they weigh like 12oz or something in that range

The Northridge is 16oz on the Kuiu site.

 

[Bcoonce117]

No such thing as a long term durable ( under heavy use) breathable shell imo. But if you only use rain gear once or twice a year than get the lightest flavor of your choosing and I’m sure you’ll be happy.

Of your listed options, I have used all the various kuiu chugach iterations and have been pretty happy with them knowing the service life of a breathable “waterproof” garment.

I actually don’t know the service life of rain gear then. I don’t live hunt in a very wet climate such as Alaska. Mine is more summer thunderstorms with the occasional all day rain storm here and there. I figure for 300 dollars jacket should last 5 years and might have to wash with the tech wash a couple times. But I could be wrong

 

[duchntr]

I actually don’t know the service life of rain gear then. I don’t live hunt in a very wet climate such as Alaska. Mine is more summer thunderstorms with the occasional all day rain storm here and there. I figure for 300 dollars jacket should last 5 years and might have to wash with the tech wash a couple times. But I could be wrong

I should have looked at your location ( for climate reasons) before responding and hope I did not come off as condescending. I would view the chugach rain gear on the heavier/more durable side. I think if you would be happy with the performance of said shell, but would maybe steer you towards a lighter/breathable option if it lives in your pack more than your body if that makes sense.

 

[thegrouse]

I have the OR Helium, Patagonia Torrentshell, Marmot Precip, North Face Cyclone and an Arcteryx shell. Eventually they all wet out. The rubber suits you will get wet from the inside with any movement at all. I would go for lightweight and realize the limitations, I like ones with pit zips.

 

[fngTony]

I actually don’t know the service life of rain gear then. I don’t live hunt in a very wet climate such as Alaska. Mine is more summer thunderstorms with the occasional all day rain storm here and there. I figure for 300 dollars jacket should last 5 years and might have to wash with the tech wash a couple times. But I could be wrong

Your location says California, is that were you plan to use it? X1 looked nice but a bit fragile for hunting uses and a narrow window of when I’d use it for what it cost. Lots of options from non hunting brands to consider, many would split the difference between the two you mentioned.

 

[TaperPin]

Patagonia Torrent shell is in the same weight range as the Chugatch. That seems to be a good compromise between durability and weight. Slightly used on eBay for under $100, so I rarely worry about replacement cost.

 

[Bcoonce117]

Your location says California, is that were you plan to use it? X1 looked nice but a bit fragile for hunting uses and a narrow window of when I’d use it for what it cost. Lots of options from non hunting brands to consider, many would split the difference between the two you mentioned.

I will be using it in California and Colorado

 

[Bcoonce117]

I should have looked at your location ( for climate reasons) before responding and hope I did not come off as condescending. I would view the chugach rain gear on the heavier/more durable side. I think if you would be happy with the performance of said shell, but would maybe steer you towards a lighter/breathable option if it lives in your pack more than your body if that makes sense.

You didn’t come off as condescending. I don’t actually know what to expect from rain gear. I was thinking it would last many years of service before wetting out and losing its water repellency

 

[Bcoonce117]

Your location says California, is that were you plan to use it? X1 looked nice but a bit fragile for hunting uses and a narrow window of when I’d use it for what it cost. Lots of options from non hunting brands to consider, many would split the difference between the two you mentioned.

Yeah I always forget about the non hunting brands. Hikers utilize the same type of gear as we do

 

[alderchokedhellhole]

The cut is a bit weird but my Outdoor Research Foray jacket has been great. Packs down super small and has full length zips from the pits to the waist, essentially making a poncho if you want.

I live and hunt in coastal SW BC and it has held up great.

OR usually has some decent sales through the year as well.

 

[2Stamp]

The Northridge is 16oz on the Kuiu site.

There are two: the one in the Outlet are the old model. You're referencing the newer one. Different fabrics.

 

[fngTony]

There are two: the one in the Outlet are the old model. You're referencing the newer one. Different fabrics.

That’s strange that the new one is heavier but that’s probably because of limited options to go pfas free

 

[DaveBarrows]

Been really happy and dry with Carhartt Shoreline jacket and bibs.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I think it is a balance of weight and durability / protection / performance. I started with my old heavy army goretex that is basacily bulletproof. Then I shredded a gen 1 set of first lite lightweight gear hunting in a northeast thicket the first day out.

These days I am an OR helium fan for dryer places like California and Colorado. I sized mine up so I can throw it on over anything I might be wearing. I have some Sitka and kuiu pieces but they don’t see much use. I keep a heavy duty goretex jacket in my stash but I rarely need that kind of protection.

I also do a bit of hiking and have a lightweight dyneema poncho and some rain chaps. The poncho is a pain in the ass in wind but is awesome coverage for a storm and actually is far more breathable than nearly any options out there. Mine doubles as a ground cloth or tiny shelter in a pinch.

 

[dgfavor]

I think it is a balance of weight and durability / protection / performance. I started with my old heavy army goretex that is basacily bulletproof. Then I shredded a gen 1 set of first lite lightweight gear hunting in a northeast thicket the first day out.

These days I am an OR helium fan for dryer places like California and Colorado. I sized mine up so I can throw it on over anything I might be wearing. I have some Sitka and kuiu pieces but they don’t see much use. I keep a heavy duty goretex jacket in my stash but I rarely need that kind of protection.

I also do a bit of hiking and have a lightweight dyneema poncho and some rain chaps. The poncho is a pain in the ass in wind but is awesome coverage for a storm and actually is far more breathable than nearly any options out there. Mine doubles as a ground cloth or tiny shelter in a pinch.

Ditto the poncho! With other rain gear I was either wet from the rain or wet from sweat. The poncho really seems to hit that magic spot of waterproof and breathable. . I use the Altus poncho - pondered pairing with chaps but it's long enough waterproof gaiters seem to be sufficient.