Soft shell recommendations

[CodyB]

I am looking to get a new softshell jacket for hunting. Currently, I am using my Simms Guide jacket which work well but I try to keep my fishing and hunting clothing separate. I would like to get a softshell that is windproof and has a hood. Any reviews on the softshell from Kuiu, Kryptek, or other manufacturers would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Maah Daah Hey]

I have the Kuiu guide jacket and love it. It can get extremely windy here in ND and the guide jacket really helps block the bite of the wind. I was finally able to try the Kryptek Dalibor (I believe that is the model I tried in the store) and it seems like a great jacket. When I tried it on I noticed a fleece like liner inside the body of the jacket. This should do really well with adding some warmth while still being light. I haven't used the jacket however.

 

[Matt W.]

I've been running the original KUIU Guide jacket for the last 2 years. I picked it up used on a whim and swore it had no place in a sheep hunter's gear list. Yet somehow every year that jacket ends up in the pack.. I, contrary to expert opinion, find that a soft shell is a great addition to my kit. I cut gear elsewhere to keep weight down and spend most of my non hiking time in that jacket. It does well in a light rain or mist, but is not as windproof as I would like. Where it needs improvement is the front zipper (winds gets through pretty easy). IMHO, a soft shell is a great asset, just look at the new KUIU one (hopefully they addressed the zipper leak) or one of the other options.

 

[KMT]

I bought a Kryptek soft shell in 2011. Overall it has performed as advertised, but it it not water proof or wind proof. It is wind resistant, though. I honestly don't wear it much. I instead use a down puffy by Eddie Bauer and a waterproof shell jacket in any combo that is appropriate for the situation.

 

[black525]

I really like the Sitka Gear Jetstream. It blocks the wind very well and is fairly water resistant.

 

[Lawnboi]

If you want complete wind blockage the Sitka Jetstream is what you want. Good jacket, and good material. Doesn't breathe as well as a normal softshell though.

KUIU guide will provide wind and water resistance and still be breathable if your hiking around.

 

[SDHNTR]

Another vote for Sitka Jetsstream.

 

[Kotaman]

I've run the KUIU Guide Jacket, Sitka Jetstream, Sitka 90% but now tend to lean towards the "one jacket to fit all needs" type of coat. The KUIU Yukon and the Sitka Cold Front eliminate the need to carry a softshell and rain gear. I don't have a problem with any of the 5 jackets listed above but if I could only choose one, it would be the KUIU Yukon.

 

[Lawnboi]

Kotaman is the Yukon bowhunter quiet? How would you compare it to the guide, chugach and Jetstream?

Interested in this myself, but its got to be atleast as quiet as the guide.

 

[idig4au]

And another vote for the Sitka Jetstream. I think its just a tad lighter than the Kuiu guide jacket....

But as mentioned above, I'm also starting to leave the softshell at home depending on the hunt and expected weather conditions. On my stone sheep hunt last month, I used the Yukon and Kuiu Superdown jacket, and that was a good combo in either windy or windy and cold conditions. It seems quieter than the Chugach jacket.

 

[Kotaman]

The Yukon is close to being as quiet as the Guide Jacket. Mine is fairly new yet, but would guess it will soften up and be pretty much silent. Definately quieter than the Chugach. For mountain hunting the trade off is worth it for me to not carry separate rain gear.

 

[Screamrider]

Sitka Jetstream is incredible. With a baselayer underneath it's a great wind blocker and gives a nice bit of warmth. Throw on a mid layer and you're good for some colder temps. Put a puffy jacket underneath and you're laughing in way sub zero weather. For a do everything jacket, it's hard to beat. The only time I don't bring it along is early season, then I just carry a puffy and rain jacket to cover all my bases.