KUIU Chugach and Yukon Jackets

[7mmfan]

I just got done reading through the past threads on these two jackets and I have basically made up my mind to go with a Chugach jacket and Yukon pants.

Before I push the order button, I'm curious if anyone has an opinion on how much more durable the Yukon jacket may be over the Chugach, and if there is a significant packability/comfort difference between the two.

Is it worth the extra $80 or is it just heavier/bulkier slightly more durable and similar waterproofness?

[Wolfdog2314]

I was in the same dilemma and ended up going Chugach top and bottoms. I feel the Chugach set is plenty durable and still very breathable. Having this stuff I'd say I'd only be getting the Yukon set if I was going to be in the extremes of weather.

I wear gaiters for extra protection on the lower legs while in blackberry country.

 

[Jonathan_S]

If you're busting brush and hunting in wet, wet stuff then the Yukon for both. The Yukon is pretty beefy though, I don't hunt the west side much anymore but if I Were still chasing blacktail and Roosies all the time, the Yukon is a solid choice I think. Remember wet abrasion is the number 1 killer of any waterproof system.

[Jonathan_S]

Go ahead and order whatever you want because you'll definitely have time to amend it 

[7mmfan]

Says everything's in stock, but I'm sure that statement is covered with grains of salt.

[7mmfan]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

[Duckslayer89]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I researched this like crazy and ended up going with military surplus goretex and its crazy good raingear. Doesn't have the pit zips and stuff which I don't like because they always seem to end up leaking. Just a thought. I had the Yukon in my cart about to check out when someone mentioned this other stuff to me. It's all made in USA

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-Extreme-Cold-Wet-Weather-Rain-Jacket-p/geniii-ecw-rain-jacket-multica.htm

[7mmfan]

That's interesting. That's almost cheap enough to buy and tryout and just keep as a back up or something. Theres a bunch of interesting stuff on that site.

[Wolfdog2314]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I can't compare it to the Yukon as I have never worn the Yukon. But the Chugach compared to every single other piece of rain gear/gore Tex/whatever it is awesome and significantly better. I don't get that wet feeling underneath my jacket.

I'm sure you'll be happy with either. I just went for better breath ability, lighter, more pack able, and more "movability" 

Like I said too, I strap the Yukon gaiters on my legs and they take the brunt of any brush and berry bushes.

[7mmfan]

Sounds good, I guess I have decisions to make. Anyone in Marysville area have a Medium Yukon or Chugach a guy could try on?

[kentrek]

I love my chugach nx top.....its very very breath able compared to my previous sitka rain jacket and it drys out remarkably fast....it's awesome....

I'd still do Yukon bottoms tho for durability reasons

The pnuma gear looks pretty awesome as well....might give that a try if your not in a hurry

[Duckslayer89]

That's interesting. That's almost cheap enough to buy and tryout and just keep as a back up or something. Theres a bunch of interesting stuff on that site.

It's pretty awesome stuff man. Super lightweight and like 1/4 the price of the Sitka lightweight stuff and that is made in China this is made in USA. Ive heard the Yukon stuff is really hard to dry out if it ever does get wet? Not sure if it's true, but it's also not goretex or even E-vent. Idk I read every single online forum/chat about Kuiu Yukon vs Chugach and Yukon got the nod but guys were saying after beating brush they ended up soaked anyways. I was beating brush up in the alpine Monday and stayed dry completely.

[kentrek]

I got caught in a storm that spit out 7 inches of rain that day and I stayed dry in my kuiu

[buglebrush]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I researched this like crazy and ended up going with military surplus goretex and its crazy good raingear. Doesn't have the pit zips and stuff which I don't like because they always seem to end up leaking. Just a thought. I had the Yukon in my cart about to check out when someone mentioned this other stuff to me. It's all made in USA

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-Extreme-Cold-Wet-Weather-Rain-Jacket-p/geniii-ecw-rain-jacket-multica.htm

What does this weigh? 

[Duckslayer89]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I researched this like crazy and ended up going with military surplus goretex and its crazy good raingear. Doesn't have the pit zips and stuff which I don't like because they always seem to end up leaking. Just a thought. I had the Yukon in my cart about to check out when someone mentioned this other stuff to me. It's all made in USA

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-Extreme-Cold-Wet-Weather-Rain-Jacket-p/geniii-ecw-rain-jacket-multica.htm

What does this weigh?

Idk it's about as light as the sitka downpour jacket I tried on at sportco but the material seemed a little thicker. Which made sense because it's 2x layer goretex. I'm 6ft 210 pounds and the large regular fits over my puffy with room to spare. I'm usually a XL. The military stuff is sized a little larger. It's definetly ultralight for backpacking and stuff. Pretty damn tough. The only complaint I have would be the Velcro on the strap on your wrist could be bigger, the part on the strap. I might have one of those Asian sew shops sew a bigger piece on eventually for like 3 bucks but its fine for now.

[7mag.]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I researched this like crazy and ended up going with military surplus goretex and its crazy good raingear. Doesn't have the pit zips and stuff which I don't like because they always seem to end up leaking. Just a thought. I had the Yukon in my cart about to check out when someone mentioned this other stuff to me. It's all made in USA

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-Extreme-Cold-Wet-Weather-Rain-Jacket-p/geniii-ecw-rain-jacket-multica.htm

I own the Kuiu Chugach set, and I spent several years in the military Gore-tex stuff. Night and day difference. First of all, Gore-tex doesn't breathe, the Chugach does. It doesn't breathe like cotton, but for rain gear, it is the best I've found. Second, Gore-tex is noisy. The Chugach isn't silent, but it's a lot quieter than the military stuff.

I'm on my 4th year with my Chugach set and I've never had a leak. Busting brush in the pouring rain, even with a pack on, water has never pushed through, even around the shoulder straps or waist belt.

For the money, the military rain gear works and is durable. If you sweat like I do, you're going to be soaked inside your rain gear any way, unless you have more breathable gear.

[jackelope]

Sweating is a really important thing to consider. If you sweat a lot and don't have good breathable rain gear, you might as well be wearing your t shirt in the rain.

[deerhunter_98520]

I have recently purchased the Yukon set after months of research of all different brands...kuiu Yukon was at the top of every list that I found and it has not been a disappointment ....it's very comfortable and can't wait to really test it out this fall

[Duckslayer89]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I researched this like crazy and ended up going with military surplus goretex and its crazy good raingear. Doesn't have the pit zips and stuff which I don't like because they always seem to end up leaking. Just a thought. I had the Yukon in my cart about to check out when someone mentioned this other stuff to me. It's all made in USA

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-Extreme-Cold-Wet-Weather-Rain-Jacket-p/geniii-ecw-rain-jacket-multica.htm

I own the Kuiu Chugach set, and I spent several years in the military Gore-tex stuff. Night and day difference. First of all, Gore-tex doesn't breathe, the Chugach does. It doesn't breathe like cotton, but for rain gear, it is the best I've found. Second, Gore-tex is noisy. The Chugach isn't silent, but it's a lot quieter than the military stuff.

I'm on my 4th year with my Chugach set and I've never had a leak. Busting brush in the pouring rain, even with a pack on, water has never pushed through, even around the shoulder straps or waist belt.

For the money, the military rain gear works and is durable. If you sweat like I do, you're going to be soaked inside your rain gear any way, unless you have more breathable gear.

I sweat like a mofo and haven't experienced that with goretex. Goretex is THE breathable raingear standard. I've heard E-vent is really awesome though but some company's don't use it because goretex will drop them if they use anything else? This stuff is different then the military uniform raingear which is quiet a bit thicker I heard and heavier. Do you know if that's what you had in the military?

[WAnoob]

Sweating is a really important thing to consider. If you sweat a lot and don't have good breathable rain gear, you might as well be wearing your t shirt in the rain.

Exactly! I have some sub par rain gear that doesn't breath and before you know it you have more moisture on the inside then from the rain.

This is a good thread, makes my decision easy for chugach rain gear. I have some of their gear, but have yet to test it out yet.

[7mag.]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I researched this like crazy and ended up going with military surplus goretex and its crazy good raingear. Doesn't have the pit zips and stuff which I don't like because they always seem to end up leaking. Just a thought. I had the Yukon in my cart about to check out when someone mentioned this other stuff to me. It's all made in USA

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-Extreme-Cold-Wet-Weather-Rain-Jacket-p/geniii-ecw-rain-jacket-multica.htm

I own the Kuiu Chugach set, and I spent several years in the military Gore-tex stuff. Night and day difference. First of all, Gore-tex doesn't breathe, the Chugach does. It doesn't breathe like cotton, but for rain gear, it is the best I've found. Second, Gore-tex is noisy. The Chugach isn't silent, but it's a lot quieter than the military stuff.

I'm on my 4th year with my Chugach set and I've never had a leak. Busting brush in the pouring rain, even with a pack on, water has never pushed through, even around the shoulder straps or waist belt.

For the money, the military rain gear works and is durable. If you sweat like I do, you're going to be soaked inside your rain gear any way, unless you have more breathable gear.

I sweat like a mofo and haven't experienced that with goretex. Goretex is THE breathable raingear standard. I've heard E-vent is really awesome though but some company's don't use it because goretex will drop them if they use anything else? This stuff is different then the military uniform raingear which is quiet a bit thicker I heard and heavier. Do you know if that's what you had in the military?

I'm not sure if it's the same stuff I was issued, the military is often changing contractors. I'm glad it's working well for you, the price is very reasonable. You're right that Gore-tex is supposed to be the breathability standard, but compared in lab testing against E-vent, Kuiu, and First Lite, the Gore-tex was way behind.
My opinion is just an opinion based on personal experience. Others are sure to have different experiences and opinions, especially about gear.

It's also important to note, I'm using my gear primarily for backpack type hunts, where performance from your gear is very critical. If I wasn't backpack hunting, I wouldn't be as concerned with light weight, high performance gear.

[Duckslayer89]

If doing a significant amount of hiking or exertion, does the Chugach breath noticeably better?

I researched this like crazy and ended up going with military surplus goretex and its crazy good raingear. Doesn't have the pit zips and stuff which I don't like because they always seem to end up leaking. Just a thought. I had the Yukon in my cart about to check out when someone mentioned this other stuff to me. It's all made in USA

http://www.fortbraggsurplus.us/GEN-III-Extreme-Cold-Wet-Weather-Rain-Jacket-p/geniii-ecw-rain-jacket-multica.htm

I own the Kuiu Chugach set, and I spent several years in the military Gore-tex stuff. Night and day difference. First of all, Gore-tex doesn't breathe, the Chugach does. It doesn't breathe like cotton, but for rain gear, it is the best I've found. Second, Gore-tex is noisy. The Chugach isn't silent, but it's a lot quieter than the military stuff.

I'm on my 4th year with my Chugach set and I've never had a leak. Busting brush in the pouring rain, even with a pack on, water has never pushed through, even around the shoulder straps or waist belt.

For the money, the military rain gear works and is durable. If you sweat like I do, you're going to be soaked inside your rain gear any way, unless you have more breathable gear.

I sweat like a mofo and haven't experienced that with goretex. Goretex is THE breathable raingear standard. I've heard E-vent is really awesome though but some company's don't use it because goretex will drop them if they use anything else? This stuff is different then the military uniform raingear which is quiet a bit thicker I heard and heavier. Do you know if that's what you had in the military?

I'm not sure if it's the same stuff I was issued, the military is often changing contractors. I'm glad it's working well for you, the price is very reasonable. You're right that Gore-tex is supposed to be the breathability standard, but compared in lab testing against E-vent, Kuiu, and First Lite, the Gore-tex was way behind.
My opinion is just an opinion based on personal experience. Others are sure to have different experiences and opinions, especially about gear.

It's also important to note, I'm using my gear primarily for backpack type hunts, where performance from your gear is very critical. If I wasn't backpack hunting, I wouldn't be as concerned with light weight, high performance gear.

I couldn't find any hunting type gear using E-vent but I heard it's great. I bought these compression sacks from sea to summit that are e-vent and they are pretty cool can't believe I've never used them before now

[jtw]

Gore tex is the standard in breathable waterproof material, however the toray nx fabric is rated better waterproofness and breathability. Before I bought a chugach jacket I was worried about durability but after a year of hard use its as good as new. Goretex has a cult following but theyre not the best material in town anymore. Event I havent as good of luck with. I destroyed an event jacket on a trip where it got really scuffed up and dirty and failed in a storm. Ive heard it gets better breathability by being less layers but that means its more susceptible to dirt and grime.

[Jonathan_S]

Gore Tex has taken a back seat in my opinion. The first lite rain gear is noticeably better as well.

[Tbob]

I like my rain gear just super light weight and just a shell with no insulation.. I ended up getting the Kuiu Teton rain gear and am super happy with it so far. I sweat like crazy and i like just being able to weat a t-shirt and rain coat.. So far this stuff fits my bill and keeps me nice and dry.. If it's super cold out, I just layer up under it.

[Eric M]

That's interesting. That's almost cheap enough to buy and tryout and just keep as a back up or something. Theres a bunch of interesting stuff on that site.

I have the BDU version which is an older generation. I have the top and bottoms. It's all I've ever used. Really durable. They won't compress down as much as the KUIU stuff and the pants are pretty loud if it isn't actually raining. That said the jacket is $35 on Fort Bragg Surplus. The newest military pattern is pretty good. Before spending $400 on rain gear go down to Tillicum and check out the surplus stuff (they probably won't have the newest generation) and see what you think.

[7mmfan]

So I guess my wife has been paying more attention than I thought. My birthday was Saturday and I was surprised with a Chugach jacket and Yukon pants, both in Vias Camo.   

My first impression of both is exactly as described by other. The Yukon pants are heavy duty, but light weight and comfortable. The stretch is great and I like the reinforcement in core areas.

The Chugach jacket is lightweight and will pack nicely, but doesn't feel TOO lightweight or cheap in anyway.

My initial gut was to go with the Vias Camo, but I'm questioning it now after I got it. Its really dark overall, and I'm wondering about exchanging it for Verde. Is there anyone in the Marysville/Arlington/Lake Stevens/Everett area that has either of these pieces in Verde that I could take a look at? It would really help me make my decision.

[deerhunter_98520]

If your down towards the coast anytime soon I have the Yukon pants and jacket in verde

[7mmfan]

Thanks for the offer,  I'll keep it in mind.

[jtw]

I live slightly closer in Olympia but something to keep in mind is Verde has changed recently from what I've heard. So what you see someone else with may not be what you get if you order a new one. I believe they added grey sections to it.

[7mmfan]

Good to know. I don't mind a little gray, its a good neutral color. The Vias just has A LOT of gray in my opinion. I can see if you were hunting in the rock a lot, it would be fine (I think RadSav mentioned this pattern was developed for sheep hunters, makes sense), but I'm just not sure its what I want for where I do most of my hunting.