Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Hunter mike on March 11, 2017, 09:17:29 AM


Advertise Here
Title: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Hunter mike on March 11, 2017, 09:17:29 AM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: kselkhunter on March 11, 2017, 09:34:32 AM
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. 

Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: RB on March 11, 2017, 09:48:26 AM
I like my Kuiu Chugach used it on my Goat hunt last year and it worked well and stretches well.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 11, 2017, 10:03:04 AM
I like my Kuiu Chugach used it on my Goat hunt last year and it worked well and stretches well.  :twocents:
:yeah:
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: northwesthunter84 on March 11, 2017, 10:06:14 AM
x2 on the Chugach, the Kuiu Yukon is even heavier duty.  HH Impertech might be a cheaper option but breathability is less.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Tjv28 on March 11, 2017, 10:53:09 AM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: trophyhunt on March 11, 2017, 11:12:16 AM
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. 
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: JoeE on March 11, 2017, 12:00:48 PM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: T-Dozzer on March 11, 2017, 01:56:32 PM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: ian_padron on March 11, 2017, 02:09:36 PM
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.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: fishngamereaper on March 12, 2017, 07:47:10 AM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: spoonman on March 12, 2017, 08:52:32 AM
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.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 :yeah:
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Hunter mike on March 12, 2017, 09:50:29 AM
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  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: swanny on March 12, 2017, 10:07:06 AM
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  :chuckle:

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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on March 12, 2017, 10:16:29 AM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 12, 2017, 10:17:07 AM
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  :chuckle:
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: T-Dozzer on March 12, 2017, 11:03:02 AM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: couesbitten on March 12, 2017, 04:04:50 PM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: aaronoto on March 12, 2017, 04:16:11 PM
If you don't need camo go Arcteryx.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: swanny on March 13, 2017, 12:00:01 PM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Magnum_Willys on March 13, 2017, 12:14:23 PM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Tjv28 on March 13, 2017, 02:57:00 PM
Kuiu chugatch=$250  Kuiu Yukon=$350   this is without pants (which you will need). I don't doubt that these are quality products, but I'm sure you could find something that would work for less$
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: CGDucksandDeer on March 17, 2017, 02:03:52 PM
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
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: huntnfmly on March 17, 2017, 02:44:55 PM
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😆
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: jackelope on March 17, 2017, 03:05:11 PM
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.
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 17, 2017, 06:42:34 PM
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?
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Alchase on March 17, 2017, 07:03:07 PM
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

Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: Hunter mike on March 18, 2017, 07:12:52 AM
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...
Title: Re: Rain/outer shells
Post by: fillthefreezer on March 19, 2017, 12:38:07 PM
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


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal