Sitka Cloudburst or Kuiu Yukon Rain Pants

[cougforester]

Trying to make a decision on which to go with. I hunt backcountry mulies up to about 7k elevation in NCW and archery hunt elk on the coast. I'm trying figure which is the most durable to stand up to those conditions. I'm not easy on gear and looking for experiences from either!

[WAElkhunter89]

In for comparisons as well. Looking for a new camo set up for the upcoming season.

[trophyhunt]

Can only speak for the Yukon set, love it! Was out Sunday in west wa hunting, very wet day.  Brushy, wet, wet, wet!  Had my kuiu gaiters on, hung everything up in the afternoon when the sun came out for a bit, I was completly dry.  It’s not the first time I’ve worn these in those conditions, the pair have worked very well.

[ThurstonCokid]

I can also speak for the Yukon set. Love them and you will not regret them if purchased


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[elkaholic123]

I have the Sitka Cloudburst and only complaint is a little noisy, keep dry as a bone and comfortable.

[lewy]

Yukon gear has been legit for me as well

[Molon5labe]

I recently got the Yukon. Have only worn them once so far but I am already VERY happy with them

[GHETTO GUIDE]

I went through this  as well.  Im not easy on gear at all and the only rain gear Iv ever had hold up was the old style Rivers West neoprene stuff.  Not fun to hunt in.

For low land and coastal I went with the Yukon and Its been super. Im not a Kuiu poster but it was the only gear I found that I thought would hold up. It has lasted so far through the brush and breyers

For high pack in I got a set of the First Lite Stormlight. They were lighter and more packable.  Just got back from the high hunt actually with them.

 These things pop up on  here and on RockSlide in the Classified section for way less $if you hold out.

Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Tapatalk

[OltHunter]

I also run the Yukon set and can't complain. Very durable, but also like how stretchy they are.

I am actually going to post some pants up for sale, XXL Vias. I got them, then they ran a crazy outlet deal on the Yukon Brown's (I got 2 pair) so I got them and haven't got around to trying to sell the Vias. Kuiu runs a touch small. I'm a 36 waist, XXL is a perfect fit for me. PM me if you are interested to bypass the classified. I'll probably post them later this afternoon.

[spin05]

i have the Kuiu Chugach rain set.  They been great for here and Alaska. The yukon i can imigine is that much better

[Duckslayer89]

Neither. Save your money go with a better product and buy military surplus goretex off Ft Bragg surplus. 1/4 the price and better.

[Antlershed]

Neither. Save your money go with a better product and buy military surplus goretex off Ft Bragg surplus. 1/4 the price and better.

So you’ve used the Yukon and the Cloudburst before to be able to compare?



Like many others, I only have experience with the Yukon, but it has been bulletproof for me.

[MtnMuley]

I don't think comparing the Yukon to the Cloudburst is a fair comparison.  I'd compare the Cloudburst to the Chugach and the Yukon to the Stormfront. All of them are great for their purposes IMO.

Back to the OP's original question, I don't think I'd want to be chasing muleys in NCW at 7K' in Yukon rain gear.  I also wouldn't want to be chasing elk on the westside in the Cloudburst.  I personally would go with the Yukon in your situation and then get a lightweight pair of Frog Toggs or equivalent for chasing muleys in NCW.

[spoonman]

I have both. The Yukon is the more durable pant, the sitka is the more comfortable pant. Both have kept me dry so far, yukons are 3 3+ years old and sitka's are maybe a year old. That's my 2 cents

[BeerBugler]

I have the stormfront and the cloudburst from Sitka. Cloudburst is just the stormfront with a insulating layer on the inside. Both of these are true “rain gear”. You absolutely will not get wet in either. Not as noisy or bulky as most rain gear, it still a little of both. Very well designed pockets and extra features. Love the full length zippers. I use these for added warmth and complete protection from rain and snow. Very versatile piece of gear, I’ve worn the cloudburst with nothing else for really rainy days in October, ive worn it over Down on late season hunts, or just throw it on when glassing or when weather hits. Maybe not worth the cost of ownership for day hunts but absolutely necessary for backcountry all day type hunting.

[ian_padron]

Neither. Save your money go with a better product and buy military surplus goretex off Ft Bragg surplus. 1/4 the price and better.

LMAO

GoreTEX-riiiight

Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

[JWBINX]

Like MTNMULLY states, you can't compare the Cloudburst to the Yukon. The Cloudburst and the Chugach are similar comparisons
and the Stormfront and the Yukon are much alike. Neither has any insulation of any kind, that would be the Coldfront! The Stormfront has a little heavier laminates vs the Cloudburst. If your spending 50+days guiding
up north the  Stormfront and the Yukon would be the way to go, but if you are hunting local seasons go with
Cloudburst or Chugach and save some dough. The Sitka will have more feature and benefits vs the Kuiu.
Both are noisy since its hardshell rain gear, but when it's raining it will cancel the noise.
Hope this helps. PM me if you want a good price on Sitka Gear.

[deerhunter_98520]

I've ran the Yukon on the wetside for 2 years now and absolutely love it..I went from Cabela's rain suede to kuiu Yukon so there's no real comparison there but I'll vouch for the durability of the Yukon  I'm still paranoid somewhat of tearing it in the westside brush but has held up exceptionally well with no tears after 2 elk seasons and going on 2 deer seasons

[WAElkhunter89]

I just ordered the Cloudburst top and bottom, as well as a ton of other Sitka gear. Will report back once I receive it and use it in a few weeks.

[Lightning_Rider]

I've ran the Yukon on the wetside for 2 years now and absolutely love it..I went from Cabela's rain suede to kuiu Yukon so there's no real comparison there but I'll vouch for the durability of the Yukon  I'm still paranoid somewhat of tearing it in the westside brush but has held up exceptionally well with no tears after 2 elk seasons and going on 2 deer seasons

I’ve also used all the different Cabela’s goretex, dryplus, Riverswest, and so on. Bought a set of Yukon 3 years ago and another set in Vias last year. Being on the coast we get rain and lots of it along with briars and brush. So far no leaks!

[deerhunter_98520]

I've ran the Yukon on the wetside for 2 years now and absolutely love it..I went from Cabela's rain suede to kuiu Yukon so there's no real comparison there but I'll vouch for the durability of the Yukon  I'm still paranoid somewhat of tearing it in the westside brush but has held up exceptionally well with no tears after 2 elk seasons and going on 2 deer seasons

I’ve also used all the difference Cabela’s goretex, dryplus, Riverswest, and so on. Bought a set of Yukon 3 years ago and another set in Vias last year. Being on the coast we get rain and lots of it along with briars and brush. So far no leaks!

This is the first set of rain gear that has handled the wetside and has kept me bone dry, everyone else I hunt with except one person gets wet and he also had the Yukon gear. It's nice to be done with the day and go home and peel off my rain gear and be dry under it

[skagitsteel]

I really put my gear to the test with some of the wet nasty brush I hunt on the wet side.  I was really disappointed with the Yukon, I actually Returned two separate pairs because they wetted through as soon as they came into contact with wet brush.  Actually ended a hunt early once.  I have had a lot better success with the Kuiu chugach though. 

[fishnfur]

I picked up a set of Cloudburst pants on Sierra Trading Post for 75 bucks two years ago.  One of the reviewers said they would get torn up on the west-side of WA.  I figured for the price, I couldn't go wrong.  The first day out I hit some light blackberries, standard stuff I go through all the time.  I got two snags in the legs just minutes into the woods.  I kept them for backup pants because invariably I get wet by wicking up from my socks and pantlegs.  I use Cabelas w/ Gortex as my primary rain gear and stay very dry except for sleeves and lower legs.  I've not yet figured out how to sit and glass for hours in pouring rain without leaking a bit.

[Crunchy]

I purchased the KUIU Yukon tops and bottoms and they have been bulletproof.  Hunted in them during downpours and not a drop of rain penetrated.  Find someone with a pair and take a look at the quality.  Top notch

[deerhunter_98520]

I really put my gear to the test with some of the wet nasty brush I hunt on the wet side.  I was really disappointed with the Yukon, I actually Returned two separate pairs because they wetted through as soon as they came into contact with wet brush.  Actually ended a hunt early once.  I have had a lot better success with the Kuiu chugach though.

I'm curious what base layer you were wearing? Could it have been sweat? I've ran the Yukon in the wetside jungle with merino wool and have stayed perfectly dry

[TommyH]

Tag. I’ve got some cheap ones, looking to upgrade...

[Magnum_Willys]

Had best luck with thicker baselayers under the yukon, seems to breathe better.

[skagitsteel]

I really put my gear to the test with some of the wet nasty brush I hunt on the wet side.  I was really disappointed with the Yukon, I actually Returned two separate pairs because they wetted through as soon as they came into contact with wet brush.  Actually ended a hunt early once.  I have had a lot better success with the chugach

I'm curious what base layer you were wearing? Could it have been sweat? I've ran the Yukon in the wetside jungle with merino wool and have stayed perfectly dry

I was running a merino base layer.  It was definatetly not sweat.  The first time it was so bad it was wring the water out of your underwear kind of a soak through. Thick alder stands in a downpour.  I didn’t have a problem in straight rain it was the wet brush that did it.  I have yet to find truly waterproof breathable rain gear when it comes into contact with brush.  The brush ‘forces’ the water in and overwhelms the breathable layer eventually wetting out.  My personal experience was the chugach actually took longer to wet through than the Yukon. I have had two pairs of each to confirm.  The main reason I like the chugach is if you happen to wet it out you can still dry it out just by wearing it pretty easily. The Yukon is heavy enough once it’s wetted out it’s not drying out without a fire. For me rain gear lasts two seasons,  I am really hard on my gear with the places I choose to hunt. 

[deerhunter_98520]

Weird, you are the first one I've talked to have have got wet with the Yukon. I was in some pretty damn thick alder bottoms yesterday chasing elk around and made the mistake of wearing a cotton t-shirt and under armour sweatshirt under it and it made me feel like I was wet but it was just the sweat

[skagitsteel]

Weird, you are the first one I've talked to have have got wet with the Yukon. I was in some pretty damn thick alder bottoms yesterday chasing elk around and made the mistake of wearing a cotton t-shirt and under armour sweatshirt under it and it made me feel like I was wet but it was just the sweat

I thought it was for sure a bad pair until I had the same result with a brand new 2nd pair.  I have a way of really putting the word ‘waterproof’ to the test  The combination of melting snow, heavy brush and steady rain is quite the situation  that I find myself in every year and is the real test for my rain gear

[Skyvalhunter]

No matter what you are going to be wet in any rain gear if you wear cotton under it and are moving around. If you are just sitting there still hunting wearing cotton under rain gear is fine.

[ljsommer]

I really put my gear to the test with some of the wet nasty brush I hunt on the wet side.  I was really disappointed with the Yukon, I actually Returned two separate pairs because they wetted through as soon as they came into contact with wet brush.  Actually ended a hunt early once.  I have had a lot better success with the Kuiu chugach though.

I had the same experience. Base layers: multiple layers of merino wool - not one stitch of cotton on my body. I emailed Kuiu about it but haven't heard back. I plan on re-testing this week to see if I can replicate the effect. I was pretty darn wet at the end of the day.
Edit: I should clarify - I had the same experience in that I was also going through thick wet brush during a storm and I assume that's why I was so soaked through.

[chiwawadan]

I really put my gear to the test with some of the wet nasty brush I hunt on the wet side.  I was really disappointed with the Yukon, I actually Returned two separate pairs because they wetted through as soon as they came into contact with wet brush.  Actually ended a hunt early once.  I have had a lot better success with the Kuiu chugach though.

I had the same experience. Base layers: multiple layers of merino wool - not one stitch of cotton on my body. I emailed Kuiu about it but haven't heard back. I plan on re-testing this week to see if I can replicate the effect. I was pretty darn wet at the end of the day.
Edit: I should clarify - I had the same experience in that I was also going through thick wet brush during a storm and I assume that's why I was so soaked through.

This is surprising to me. With the Yukon pants and jacket on during elk season, I did maybe 2.5 miles off-trail in thick western WA forest during rain, crossed three creeks, was touching wet brush most of the hike, and didn't have a drop of wet from the outside. Only moisture was on my lower back from sweating underneath my over-filled backpack.

[ljsommer]

I really put my gear to the test with some of the wet nasty brush I hunt on the wet side.  I was really disappointed with the Yukon, I actually Returned two separate pairs because they wetted through as soon as they came into contact with wet brush.  Actually ended a hunt early once.  I have had a lot better success with the Kuiu chugach though.

I had the same experience. Base layers: multiple layers of merino wool - not one stitch of cotton on my body. I emailed Kuiu about it but haven't heard back. I plan on re-testing this week to see if I can replicate the effect. I was pretty darn wet at the end of the day.
Edit: I should clarify - I had the same experience in that I was also going through thick wet brush during a storm and I assume that's why I was so soaked through.

This is surprising to me. With the Yukon pants and jacket on during elk season, I did maybe 2.5 miles off-trail in thick western WA forest during rain, crossed three creeks, was touching wet brush most of the hike, and didn't have a drop of wet from the outside. Only moisture was on my lower back from sweating underneath my over-filled backpack.

I do intend to re-test, as it is possible that I was actually sweating without knowing it. I don't think so as I was pretty chilly all day, but it's worth verifying since everyone else has such good success with this combination.

[7mmfan]

That is interesting to me as well. I have Yukon pants and Chugach jacket. I hunted a few days this year, one in particular, where I literally waded through waist high blueberry bushes in a 24 hour downpour, and I stayed effectively dry. When I got to the truck that afternoon, I had one wet spot on one knee, but that was it.

I noticed the DWR on the pants wasn't repelling anymore, so I contacted KUIU and got their recommendation for washing/retreating. They referred me to some stuff they sell and after washing, I feel that the gear is basically back to new performance.

[Magnum_Willys]

4 hours crabbing yday in chugach with spray over the windshield all day. Surprised I was totally dry at the end.  Don’t usually use goretex for raingear on the boat - no need to as sweat not an issue.  But in a pinch it worked.

[deerhunter_98520]

Here's another testiment to the Yukon....I wore my danner boots with the tall Yukon gaiters and the Teton stretch woven pants clam digging to test them out....my legs stayed dry until I didn't pay attention to a wave that came crashing on me when I was pulling a clam out  and I was in almost knee high water most of the time

[skagitsteel]

That is interesting to me as well. I have Yukon pants and Chugach jacket. I hunted a few days this year, one in particular, where I literally waded through waist high blueberry bushes in a 24 hour downpour, and I stayed effectively dry. When I got to the truck that afternoon, I had one wet spot on one knee, but that was it.

I noticed the DWR on the pants wasn't repelling anymore, so I contacted KUIU and got their recommendation for washing/retreating. They referred me to some stuff they sell and after washing, I feel that the gear is basically back to new performance.

That is true! washing and treating your gear will improve performance. 

The science of 'breathable and waterproof' my understanding is that it can be penetrated if water is 'forced' into the membrane with heavy contact from brush or if dirt clogs the pores of the material.  Ever tried kneeling on wet, dirty ground butchering an animal for an hour or two? Every pair of breathable I've owned soak through in that scenario.  My 2nd experience with the Yukon I actually waited to test the brand new pair until I had the worst possible conditions to make sure it wasn't dirt in the DWR or something else, it definitely failed miserably. The shoulders, arms, thighs, shins, and crotch all had enough water through them to soak the layer underneath.  Basically, my entire front side that had been in contact with the brush. 

 I run the Chugach gear now and I like it but I can get it to wet through mildly in the thighs, lower leg and shoulders given the right conditions and brush, although I feel it holds the water off longer than the Yukon.  The other difference is the Chugach can dry out from wearing it, so if it stops raining, wear it for an hour and your good to go.  The Chugach is not perfect by any means but the best I've tried.    I get two seasons out of my Chugach gear before its scrap fabric, but its comfortable, light and until I find something better I'll buy a new set every couple of years.   Maybe I'll cut the feet out of a pair of breathable waders and try that next   

[Jessec]

I have the Cloudburst pants and could not recommend them. I'll be sending mine back for repair and then selling at a discount. They are not durable, and do not stand up well to backcountry hiking through any kind of brush.

I spot stalk blacktail here on the westside - kitsap, olympics. I bought them halfway through the season, used them maybe 8 times. I don't waste my time going through black berries, trust me, learned my lesson the hard way on that.

But, these pants didn't hold up to the other bramble - lots of small tearing and punctures, with threads coming loose out of the tears. Obviously - that'll affect their waterproofing.

Going to have to find something different. That's a bummer - because the fit and pattern are great. I still can't get into the KUIU patterns - they look like they were designed for some alien planet I've never seen... certainly don't seem like a good match over here on the westside. For me blending in is key - I don't think the animals care as much, but I don't like being seen by other people - as I hunt some urban areas as well.