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.