Sitka Jetsream or Kuiu guide

[cali_hornhunter]

For those of you that have worn both what were the pros and cons of each and why you would pick one over the other.

The reason I ask obviously is cause I'm looking to currently upgrade my outer shell I currently use the Russell gale jacket and I'm looking for an upgrade definitely hopefully I can get some good insight as always. Thanks!!!!

 

[Matt W.]

What will you use it for? What rain gear are you using?

 

[Lawnboi]

Id say it depends on the use.

the Jetstream has a laminate in it, which hinders the breathability quite a bit, the other does not.

the jetstream is completely windproof, the kuiu is not.

The KUIU has a really good dwr, and the laminate in the Jetstream seems to keep water out as well.

The kuiu has a nice long tail, where I found the Jetstream (this was 2 years ago, im not sure the cut changed recently) a little short.

If your doing a lot of hiking with it on in colder weather, then I would, and did get the guide for that application.

If your sticking it in your pack till you sit for a while and pulling it out to cut the wind, then the Jetstream will work great

I only had a Jetstream vest. But I would happily use the jacket, I also have the kuiu guide right now. IMO you cant go wrong.

 

[AZ Ron]

I agree with what Lawnboi said... I tend to wear my guide in earlier season and my jetstream later season. For me, if I could only keep one, it'd be the guide most likely. That is dependent upon where and what hunts I personally do though...

 

[Rucker61]

I found the Jetstream way too warm to use while moving, so I switched to the Jetstream Lite this year. Haven't tried the Guide.

 

[cali_hornhunter]

Thanks guys for the input most of my hunting is spot and stalk from the high country in mid august to the foothills during the rut in October and the AZ desert in January I can see the upsides and downsides to both I think I've just been wondering what would be best for the dollar thanks for the replies!!

 

[Lawnboi]

Thanks guys for the input most of my hunting is spot and stalk from the high country in mid august to the foothills during the rut in October and the AZ desert in January I can see the upsides and downsides to both I think I've just been wondering what would be best for the dollar thanks for the replies!!

For 1 jacket to do it all I would opt for the guide like said above. It wont cook you when your moving around.

Hard to say though, both good jackets

 

[cali_hornhunter]

For 1 jacket to do it all I would opt for the guide like said above. It wont cook you when your moving around.

Hard to say though, both good jackets

I had a feeling someone was gonna say this thanks Lawnboi. Decisions....decisions

Thanks again

 

[Roy68]

I've have / had both. My Jetsteam was NOT the lite version Had meaning I sold the Jetstream. I hunt southern CO in the San Juans during the late season, the eastern plains of CO, and the central plains of Kansas. Both are great jackets and solid built.

My reasons for selling the Jetstream:
- To short in the tail when sitting
- To snug in the wrists, and forearms for me
- To hot when on the move even with the pit zips wide open. I usually had to unzip the front as well. The windstopper membrane is the cause of this
- When sweating I found that the Jetstream held moisture inside longer than the Guide as well

The Guide doesn't suffer the above issues for me. The heat / moisture build up with the Guide Jacket on is slower as well. However, I badly miss the wind stopper. I find that when the wind is up that I'm putting on my rain gear to stop the wind from cutting through the Guide Jacket. In the end I went with the Guide Jacket due to the fit & coverage, and the breathability. I don't think you can go wrong with either jacket. If you are looking to buy new either way; I believe the guide jacket is a better bang for the buck, and you can use the saved cash for more gear or Rain Gear to stop the wind. My $.02

 

[dryflyguy]

I hunt in Wyoming and that means I hunt in major league wind. I was in 65 mph gusts last weekend on a ridge in northwest Wyoming with the Jetstream on. It cut the wind, period. The hood works very well, meaning it rotates with my head and doesn't restrict my peripheral vision too badly. It is quieter than the Guide jacket, but I agree that the forearms are a little snug. I think it is warmer, bulkier, and heavier than the Guide. I like that the Jetstream Lite jacket has useful chest pockets and would recommend it for consideration. The Guide and Jetstream have totally useless chest pockets if you wear a bino harness, whereas the Lite is less bulky, less weight, same wind cutting as the Jetstream, and not as hot (if that is an issue).

I run with the Jetstream Lite vest almost exclusively until the wind & snow get ridiculous (like last weekend). Once the weather is nasty, I really like my Jetstream.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I like the Jetstream for temp swings of 30 degrees or more. I pack in and out wearing the ziptee but the jacket is nice when still hunting in the early morning and dusk. I like the features it offers, better pockets and overall design IMHO. That said, it's not ideal for AZ where everything pokes, stings or bites you. Nat Gear seems like a better choice in the rough country. Arizona is tough on clothing. I wear Cartharts alot there.