Did they actually test for breath ability or just toss in a score based off MFG claims?
I've seen a lot of actual lab tests... None of Goretex's lines beat: toray's Nx, omnidry, cocona's 37.5, and a couple others. With that said your still going to sweat, but all of them will keep you dry.
Goretex's isn't the best WPB by the numbers. But they where the best at eliminating competition in the market place for years... But that's another subject.
I don't think one line Sitka, kuiu or firstlite is really better then the other. Each company has a different "fit". What we all tend to judge by is actually the "fit". They all have great technology, from WPB laminates, to outer fabrics. But each person has a different shape, so fit is a relative perspective.
As far as the OP. Rock what ever is the best deal you can get !!!in the long run none of it will last forever and you will eventually replace it anyway. As far as Kuiu you can call and see what they have in stock.
I'm the guy that did the rain test.. Below is my quote from the article.
"
Breathability is difficult to measure objectively across a wide variety of jackets without controlled test conditions. To make the test realistic and consistent I combined real world activity with a controlled environment by using a spin bike in the relative comfort of my home. In this way I could control the temperature, effort, and duration to ensure a consistent measure for each jacket. This test was performed with each jacket zipped to just below the chin and with the pit zips closed. "
Breathability is a PITA to measure. The only way I can vouch for it is that it either breathes or it don't, or it kinda does.
For light weight, hard working, high country pursuits; where every ounce counts, I have not found a better solution than the Sitka Dewpoint. Some mountaineering companies may come close, but I have not tested those jackets. Lab tests may help guide us, but nothing beats field tests. I really like the Chugach rain gear, it performed great; but its heavier than my Dewpoint. As an ounce counting wannabe sheep hunter the Dewpoint won my loyalty.
Kotaman and I seem to have had very similar experiences and he seems to be every bit the rain gear junky I am in. I've ran through a ton of gear the last 5 years or so. I only own the Sitka & First Lite offerings having passed the others on. KUIU's new stuff seems intriguing, but I'm pretty darn happy with my Dewpoint, Stormfront, Boundary Stormtight, and Coldfront rain gear. I will be testing the new Blizzard jacket this fall.
I have beat the tar out of my Boundary Stormtight jacket. Fishing, camping, hunting, rafting, etc. Biggest weakness is how much water it seems to hold, and how long it takes to dry out. But, its quieter than most of my other rain gear and it does keep me dry. The loose fit in the chest is VERY conducive to fishing and packing a chest holster.
The Dewpoint set is a high country, backpack hunter's ideal companion. Breathes extremely well, dries amazingly fast, and it has yet to ever fail on me. My set has some serious mileage on it and just keeps ticking on.
I spent a week on Raspberry Island battling the elements in my Stormfront set. If you have ever busted brush there you know its rough on rain gear. Biggest complaint would be the knees. I utilize integrated knee pad pants and after a week of kneeling in mud and busting brush the knees wetted out. I'd love to see Sitka double layer the Stormfront knees.
I utilize my Coldfront gear as my winter snow gear here in AK. Its like having a waterproof soft shell. Its heavy, waterproof, yet breathes surprisingly well. My set is in the solid gray color and its one of my most used daily wear jackets in the winter.
The Blizzard is new to me, but it was designed to keep you warm while sitting in cold, windy, wet weather. It will be the jacket I sit in this fall as I glass and call moose. Should be interesting to see how it performs. Its like a puffy jacket and the Stormfront had a baby.. : )
Rain gear is fun, but like we have said, matching the right rain gear to the right task is key..
