Rain/outer shells

[Hunter mike]

My rain/shell layer is getting a bit tired.  What's the bomber thing to get these days?  I've looked at some Sitka etc at the store and they seem a bit flimsy (although lighter) than what I've been running.  I'm not too worried about camo.  Will be used in conjunction with other layers in all types of conditions.  Bush whacking like I do, I get a bit queasy with high dollar stuff but...

How is Marmot precip in real life PNW conditions?  I would pay up a bit if necessary, but want to get a return on lifespan and performance.

[kselkhunter]

The Marmot Precip stuff is pretty light.  A little thin for my liking when it's really coming down, doesn't hold it's waterproofing long in the heavy rains like some of the higher quality gear.  But it's a fraction of the cost of the good stuff.  I have a Marmot Precip in dark green that I'll pack along when it's only expected to be drizzle.  The Sitka stormfront is heavy, but holds water out great...albeit quite a bit more expensive....if doing a late season or coastal hunt it's my go-to gear.  My everyday jacket is the LL Bean NeoShell which is pretty much a knockoff of Arcteryx....but half the cost and works just as well.  And it's in bright orange/reddish color so no worries wearing it during rifle season if I want to go with something lighter than the Sitka. 

[RB]

I like my Kuiu Chugach used it on my Goat hunt last year and it worked well and stretches well. 

[Magnum_Willys]

I like my Kuiu Chugach used it on my Goat hunt last year and it worked well and stretches well. 

[northwesthunter84]

x2 on the Chugach, the Kuiu Yukon is even heavier duty.  HH Impertech might be a cheaper option but breathability is less.

[Tjv28]

I bought core4element torrent jacket and pants years ago. It's done it's job for a fraction of the price of Sitka and kuiu. It has a slightly brushed outer so it a little bit quieter than other options. I also have Patagonia H2no jacket and pants for backpacking that work fine too.

[trophyhunt]

I've had the Yukon set for one season, the stuff feels bulletproof.  It was a bit noisy at first, I think it's getting quieter or I'm just getting used to it.  I walked through very wet huckleberry bushes all day last archery season and when I got back to the tent, I was pretty dry, just a slight dampness that I'm sure can't be avoided. 

[JoeE]

I have been using the KUIU chugach set for the past four seasons and love it. I also have a Yukon jacket in brown that I use as my everyday winter jacket for work and stuff.

[T-Dozzer]

I think the cloudburst is more quiet and lighter than the storm front, right?
Pit zips are a must in any rain gear. Especially if doubling as an outer shell when back packing.

[ian_padron]

KUIU Yukon is the thing to get if bomber is what you're looking for. It's my go-to and breathes like a champ.

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[fishngamereaper]

Picked up a McKinley Aqua Max at Sierra TP a while back for $20... It's been a bullet proof outer shell. Brushed exterior, taped seams and air vents. I found it in black, sometimes it's nice to not be all camo.

[spoonman]

KUIU Yukon is the thing to get if bomber is what you're looking for. It's my go-to and breathes like a champ.

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[Hunter mike]

Thanks for all of the replies - lots of good info.  Can anyone give the waterproof/breathable ratings of stuff that works?  So far I've found that nothing is up to the task of complete dryness out in the rainforest (except Grundens, and then you just get wet from the inside).  I have big plans for hunting season this year and a low budget 

[swanny]

Thanks for all of the replies - lots of good info.  Can anyone give the waterproof/breathable ratings of stuff that works?  So far I've found that nothing is up to the task of complete dryness out in the rainforest (except Grundens, and then you just get wet from the inside).  I have big plans for hunting season this year and a low budget 

It all works, it's whats going on inside the jacket that doesn't work. Waterproof jackets/pants work best if you are moving slowly or sitting, not layered heavily on the inside, etc. A 3 layer GoreTex shell will be phenomenal you just have to properly layer to the conditions. The more you move, the more of a moisture system you create inside the jacket that is working against the materials.

[SemperFidelis97]

I think the cloudburst is more quiet and lighter than the storm front, right?
Pit zips are a must in any rain gear. Especially if doubling as an outer shell when back packing.

Definitely lighter the cloudburst falls between the dewpoint, and stormfront on weight.  I use the cloudburst myself I wanted something that was light enough I didn't mind packing it around in the mountains, and durable enough to hold up in a heavy downpour.  There are some good options out there including the Kuiu stuff, as far as what is better there has been some comparisons over at Rokslide.  I think you could track down the thread the guy really did a non biased review on allot of the top brand rain gear from a standpoint of a backcountry hunter.

[Magnum_Willys]

Thanks for all of the replies - lots of good info.  Can anyone give the waterproof/breathable ratings of stuff that works?  So far I've found that nothing is up to the task of complete dryness out in the rainforest (except Grundens, and then you just get wet from the inside).  I have big plans for hunting season this year and a low budget 

There is Best Available but Complete Dryness is the Unicorn.
Get the Chugach and you won't have complete dryness but you will take comfort in knowing you have the best available.

[T-Dozzer]

I think the cloudburst is more quiet and lighter than the storm front, right?
Pit zips are a must in any rain gear. Especially if doubling as an outer shell when back packing.

Definitely lighter the cloudburst falls between the dewpoint, and stormfront on weight.  I use the cloudburst myself I wanted something that was light enough I didn't mind packing it around in the mountains, and durable enough to hold up in a heavy downpour.  There are some good options out there including the Kuiu stuff, as far as what is better there has been some comparisons over at Rokslide.  I think you could track down the thread the guy really did a non biased review on allot of the top brand rain gear from a standpoint of a backcountry hunter.

I read that before buying mu cloudburst stuff. Good article. Just couldn't remember how  the stormfront compared.

[couesbitten]

swanny nailed it.  The "problem" with all of this rain gear is that if you are working any harder than the energy it takes to walk down the mall, you'll be creating more moisture (sweat) than the "breathability"of this gear can manage, which means you're going to get wet from the inside. 

Girlfriend and I use the Kryptek Koldo rain coats, not the lightest, but they're built ''hell for stout" and do a great job.

[aaronoto]

If you don't need camo go Arcteryx.

[swanny]

swanny nailed it.  The "problem" with all of this rain gear is that if you are working any harder than the energy it takes to walk down the mall, you'll be creating more moisture (sweat) than the "breathability"of this gear can manage, which means you're going to get wet from the inside. 

Girlfriend and I use the Kryptek Koldo rain coats, not the lightest, but they're built ''hell for stout" and do a great job.

To add to this, basically, make sure you are wearing minimal layers inside as you hike to your spot. We all know that after 5 minutes of hiking from the truck you are much warmer and need to shed layers. Do yourself a favor, shed those layers before you leave, basically a mositure wicking t-shirt and then put layers on when you get to your glassing spot. It will help a lot with that "damp feeling" inside your rain jacket.

[Magnum_Willys]

You may find yourself staying  dryer with more than just thin baselayer under raincoat for whatever reason.  Skin temp too close to goretex seems to inhibit breathability.
Balancing act - jacket needs insulation you dont.

[Tjv28]

Kuiu chugatch=$250  Kuiu Yukon=$350   this is without pants (which you will need). I don't doubt that these are quality products, but I'm sure you could find something that would work for less$

[CGDucksandDeer]

If you don't care about camo (I don't either for rifle hunting, though I prefer dark, muted colors) you'll get the same or better quality with Patagonia or Arcteryx for half the price of KUIU or Sitka. Patagonia in particular carries some nice earth tone options now.

I've gone through two of these Torrentshells over about 10 years and dozens of backpacking, climbing and hunting trips. I clean and treat it once a year with Nikwax and it works great and packs down tiny for an under $100 jacket. 
https://www.rei.com/product/894313/patagonia-torrentshell-jacket-mens

[huntnfmly]

I have a set of kuiu Chugach  headed my way can't wait till it's here. I've read a lot of good things about them😆

[jackelope]

I'm still rocking my Sitka Nimbus stuff when I wear the camo raingear.  It's not very breathable and I definitely sweat in it. When I'm not worried about camo...pretty much when I'm rifle hunting or just hiking, I've had really good luck with my Marmot Precip stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

[fillthefreezer]

will it spend more time on or in the pack? will you be leaving camp wearing it? what is your budget? how much do you care about weight?

[Alchase]

Her is just one review of breathable (cough cough) rain jackets.
http://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-rain-jackets

Marmot Preclip was the cheapest one tested $100 (you can find them for as little as $79 at times on Amazon) and has came out in the top 3, 4 years in a row.

I use a GRUNDENS PETRUS 762 HOODED WATERPROOF SHIRT, and only wear it if it is to wet for fleece, LOL

[Hunter mike]

will it spend more time on or in the pack? will you be leaving camp wearing it? what is your budget? how much do you care about weight?

I hunt the coast so day-long deluge will happen several days a year.  I also tend to wear my shell in cold or windy conditions over a puffy and/or light fleece.  I'd say up to $150 or so - I have a lot of other purchases before hunting season so trying to space them out.  I've been running a jacket and pats that are just over a pound each but pretty bomber.  Wouldn't want to go any more than that...

[fillthefreezer]

Idk, how precip continues to rate highly. Sure it's cheap, and not too heavy, but it's garbage. You need to search 3 layer. eVent can be had in your range on sale. Used chugach would be a great choice I'd think. Neoshield or gore pro would be a great option, but likely out of your projected budget


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