Two camps, long post, rain gear for sheep and goat hunts????

[WVELK]

I hate rain gear, but hate being wet even more. I generally understand breathable gear and rubber. I understand why gear can get wet on the inside absent enough venting even if breathable. I am darn sure I do not want to carry an umbrella in British Columbia. I want rain gear this is not so stiff that I feel I am fighting it every step.

Having read a ton on line, it appears as though for an active hunt like sheep or goat there are two camps that only agree on one thing. One camp goes for the gear that is NOT manufactured by hunting companies (such as Foray 3L or Arcteryx Beta). It seems as though people believe those manufacturers create superior products in terms of performance and fit. I think that is likely because the sell more have more resources to create better products.

The second camp is true and loyal to the hunting industry and they seem to follow KUIU and Sitka most. SG not getting the most love in my informal poll via reading. Again I talking about on the move mountain hunting, not a treestand in Iowa. Chugach and Kutana Storm Shell get the Kuiu nod most often. Sitka has a variety of favorites.

The only thing I see both camps have in common is that rarely do you read about someone using the same pant and jacket model and manufacturer.

If you hunt like this, mountain on the move and you are in a camp, let us know why and what you like. I a really interested in the non hunting manufacturers. I am equally looking for why pant and jacket differs so often. It appears folks go with a little heavier pant at times. Thanks for the help.

 

[chizelhead]

I think these days, they've converged in that you'll get the same fabric tech from both. The difference I see between non hunt and hunt manufacturers is maybe slightly different cuts, pocket layouts, and colors - earth and camo available from hunt manufacturers vs non earth, non camo, vibrant colors from the nonhunt manufacturers. For what you're asking about, I like Kuiu Kutana solid color jacket and pant. I wear different colors, but I don't think it matters as much. I will likely be getting a set of Yukon pants so I can have pockets and a little more durability, but the Kutanas have been great. For what it's worth, I wear a lot of non hunt manufacturers rain gear as well for non hunt activities.

 

[mtwarden]

I think 10-15 years ago a person was wise in most cases to go with a non-hunting brand; I don't think that's true today. The hunting clothing manufacturers in most instances have caught up with the non-hunting clothing manufacturers. In some regards, they have surpassed non hunting clothing manufacturers in things that matter to hunters— like fabrics being quieter, withstanding more of a beating due to off trail travel, etc.

I've got to use several brands and styles of rain gear; for the last three years it's been Sitka's Dewpoint line. It strikes a pretty good balance of performance, weight, features and durability.

 

[WVELK]

I think these days, they've converged in that you'll get the same fabric tech from both. The difference I see between non hunt and hunt manufacturers is maybe slightly different cuts, pocket layouts, and colors - earth and camo available from hunt manufacturers vs non earth, non camo, vibrant colors from the nonhunt manufacturers. For what you're asking about, I like Kuiu Kutana solid color jacket and pant. I wear different colors, but I don't think it matters as much. I will likely be getting a set of Yukon pants so I can have pockets and a little more durability, but the Kutanas have been great. For what it's worth, I wear a lot of non hunt manufacturers rain gear as well for non hunt activities.

Thanks, the pant brings a whole different set of factors into play. If you are packing a down pant for stationary activity, even a light rain will get a Kuiu Super Down (which I like), so are we getting pants big enough to cover the down????? If so, my guess is they may be too big for hiking.

I have the Yukon Pant and it is a tank. Will hold up to a lot, no doubt.

 

[WVELK]

I think 10-15 years ago a person was wise in most cases to go with a non-hunting brand; I don't think that's true today. The hunting clothing manufacturers in most instances have caught up with the non-hunting clothing manufacturers. In some regards, they have surpassed non hunting clothing manufacturers in things that matter to hunters— like fabrics being quieter, withstanding more of a beating due to off trail travel, etc.

I've got to use several brands and styles of rain gear; for the last three years it's been Sitka's Dewpoint line. It strikes a pretty good balance of performance, weight, features and durability.

Thanks. I do a LOT of work with game wardens (in a good way, not the bad) and Sitka gives them a good discount, as they should, and they love the Dew Point.

 

[chizelhead]

Thanks, the pant brings a whole different set of factors into play. If you are packing a down pant for stationary activity, even a light rain will get a Kuiu Super Down (which I like), so are we getting pants big enough to cover the down????? If so, my guess is they may be too big for hiking.

I have the Yukon Pant and it is a tank. Will hold up to a lot, no doubt.

I haven't experienced that use case. If it's wet, I don't tend to sit much. Also, I usually run hot, so merino wool or nothing is what I usually wear under the pants, and I haven't been cold yet. If I needed more warmth, I would likely add another merino layer under the Kutanas. Others should chime in with actual experience.

 

[MountainTracker]

I hate rain gear, but hate being wet even more. I generally understand breathable gear and rubber. I understand why gear can get wet on the inside absent enough venting even if breathable. I am darn sure I do not want to carry an umbrella in British Columbia. I want rain gear this is not so stiff that I feel I am fighting it every step.

Having read a ton on line, it appears as though for an active hunt like sheep or goat there are two camps that only agree on one thing. One camp goes for the gear that is NOT manufactured by hunting companies (such as Foray 3L or Arcteryx Beta). It seems as though people believe those manufacturers create superior products in terms of performance and fit. I think that is likely because the sell more have more resources to create better products.

The second camp is true and loyal to the hunting industry and they seem to follow KUIU and Sitka most. SG not getting the most love in my informal poll via reading. Again I talking about on the move mountain hunting, not a treestand in Iowa. Chugach and Kutana Storm Shell get the Kuiu nod most often. Sitka has a variety of favorites.

The only thing I see both camps have in common is that rarely do you read about someone using the same pant and jacket model and manufacturer.

If you hunt like this, mountain on the move and you are in a camp, let us know why and what you like. I a really interested in the non hunting manufacturers. I am equally looking for why pant and jacket differs so often. It appears folks go with a little heavier pant at times. Thanks for the help.

I have used and still use the kuiu Chugach. I’ve also used the Arcteryx, it’s a bit loud imo. My brother uses the kuiu Yukon.

I’ve used hunting and non hunting gear. If you are breaking brush or experiencing heavier rain then the Yukon and Arcteryx will work great. That is why people go with a heavier pants bc it is going to have the most contact. If breaking brush it’s only a matter of time before you wet out.

I use the Chugach bc of weights savings. I’ve never needed to up my pant size to make down pants fit under the rain gear.

I typically only wear a merino shirt under my jacket, vents open, and start cold, bc you’re for sure going to warm up.


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