Post by: Westside88 on August 11, 2024, 09:16:32 AM
I waited awhile to post this because I'd hoped I might hear back from one of the emails I sent the company, but I never did. I realize that there's a trade off in everything and light flexible raingear won't be as waterproof as heavy grundens or the like. I sent the below email a couple times and never received any response. At this point I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a wash in or spray on product that might help? I've seen them state this is the set for Alaska and I would caution anyone headed that direction or even those who hunt coastal WA that their idea of waterproof and mine are not the same.
Hello, I purchased Yukon rain gear in September of 2022. I have only used it three times now and I'm disappointed to say that I have gotten wet every time. The first time I chalked it up to unzipping my jacket frequently to retrieve binoculars. This year while hunting elk in the rain I was very conscious to stay zipped up and wear an appropriate layer underneath. Unfortunately, I was soaked through within a few hours (it was worse after the first 3) When deciding what to buy I was very careful to choose a product that clearly stated "waterproof". The Yukon seemed like a top choice for all day in the elements. Unfortunately, this has not been my experience. Will you accept a return on warranty since the product is not as advertised? I appreciate any help you may be able to provide.
Post by: Rainier10 on August 11, 2024, 09:32:36 AM
Post by: LDennis24 on August 11, 2024, 09:39:02 AM
Post by: Westside88 on August 11, 2024, 09:53:56 AM
And that's why I don't buy that over priced junk. Doesn't make you a better hunter and it just seems to be a status thing. Not bashing anyone particular but a coat that costs $400 should be absolutely waterproof. Don't buy KUIU! Buy the new Louis Vutton parka!
The disappointing part is I like everything about them except the overstated waterproofness. $400 is a lot of money for a jacket, but if it keeps you dry and out there hunting for several years it’s worth it. I’ll keep using this stuff and will like it most of the time. I’ll just have my fishing rain gear or a poncho available as well
Post by: vandeman17 on August 11, 2024, 10:33:19 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on August 11, 2024, 10:39:58 AM
Just out of curiousity what are you using for base layer underneath, and what's your average ambient temp?
Post by: Crunchy on August 11, 2024, 11:17:08 AM
Post by: jackelope on August 11, 2024, 11:18:27 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240811/68c02850deef64778968711b417c85f2.jpg)
Post by: OltHunter on August 11, 2024, 11:58:06 AM
The other thing I've recently realized is how often you're supposed to wash and recharge your DWR. I was always hesitant to wash them cause it would delaminate something. But you shouldn't be worried or scared to wash them, just need to wash them right.
Nixwax is good, but is a 2 step. I use Grangers 2 in 1.
Should do it after every season now and anytime dirt or grime is introduced.
Post by: Westside88 on August 11, 2024, 06:34:07 PM
I have used nikwax detergent and goretex wash in repellent with good success. Haven't treated the yukon yet, but it rejuvenated my sitka downpour prior to all out breakdown.
Just out of curiousity what are you using for base layer underneath, and what's your average ambient temp?
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Under armor, I think some lightweight wool would be better. Probably 60 degrees and 4 inches of rain in 12 hours
Post by: elkslayer069 on August 11, 2024, 08:06:53 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on August 12, 2024, 12:15:46 PM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on August 12, 2024, 01:19:10 PM
Post by: O. Nerka on August 12, 2024, 01:34:42 PM
In the past in similar conditions the best option I've found is a synthetic t shirt and underwear.
Post by: Bob33 on August 12, 2024, 02:25:07 PM
They work by blocking large molecules of water like rain from penetrating the membrane, but allowing smaller molecules of water like perspiration to pass from the inside out.
One common cause of failure is when perspiration can’t escape, which causes the user to be wet and is misinterpreted as the fabric not being waterproof. This situation can be caused by oil or dirt on the exterior fabric which is why it needs to be periodically cleaned. Water collecting on the exterior fabric and not beading up can also act as a barrier preventing the moisture from escaping. Treating the exterior fabric with something that causes water to bead up and not sit on the fabric helps. In situations where there is constant moisture on the exterior fabric (i.e. heavy rain) and heavy bodily perspiration the ability to expel the moisture can be exceeded. There’s not much that can be done about that.
I concur with trying to get in touch with someone at Kuiu to talk through the situation. I expect they will find a solution that satisfies you.
Post by: Westside88 on August 16, 2024, 10:10:20 AM
Have you tried calling them?
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240811/68c02850deef64778968711b417c85f2.jpg)
thank you for the contact info. I'm not sure why the previous attempts didn't get through, but they have been extremely responsive and helpful.
Post by: screedler on August 19, 2024, 11:39:12 AM
Did they replace the piece or provide guidance on restoring the waterproof quality?
I've got some of their chugach rain gear is why I ask.
Post by: Westside88 on August 19, 2024, 01:22:32 PM
Post by: spin05 on August 20, 2024, 03:37:31 AM
Nothing but great things to say about the lighter version of their rain gear, the Chugach line. Works great. Keep trying and see if u can get someone on the phone.
My son i both have had the Chugach line for years. Also have never had a problem getting wet so far
Post by: Nmarth88 on August 20, 2024, 06:41:47 AM
Post by: blusc21 on August 22, 2024, 11:12:09 AM
i've found the through-hiking forums are the places to learn about rain gear, the folks doing the PCT and Appalachian use their gear more than any hunter and have really found what works. they dont have the luxury of walking back to the truck and cranking the heater!
if you want to stay dry, then you have to give up on packable. nothing work as well as rubberized cloth rain gear. there is a reason it is what alaskan fishermen wear, its tough and it keeps you dry. I personally went with helly hanson's gear because it was 40$ cheaper for the set at the time than grundens. Ive fallen asleep in it lying on the when the fog has come in during rainy afternoon glassing several times and only been wet where the rain in the collar.
Post by: Westside88 on August 31, 2024, 08:10:55 AM
Post by: ipkus on August 31, 2024, 10:52:08 AM
Hunting clothes have come a loooong way in the last 15 years. With that said, you can't treat it like you treated old hunting clothes and expect miracles. High tech fabrics require care and upkeep to keep performing. Every fall before the first hunt they get washed and re-treated. If it's a busy fall or they get particularly dirty on a trip it gets done again.
I also don't wear them unless it is actually raining or snowing, I don't just hunt in them. Yes, if the moisture has passed and I'm bucking through thick stuff that is still dripping wet I will put them on, but that's pretty rare. They live in my pack for 'when' moisture happens, not 'if' it might.
The only time I've ever had a leak is when they have been too far past a DWR re-treatment and eventually wetted through (i.e. I was lazy or short on time)
I own three sets of KUIU rain gear (the original Chugach that is still my pack rain gear, Yukon, and another set of Chugach that spends it's time in my boat). They've all got a purpose and they aren't cheap, but my experience has been that if you take care of it you will be dry and they last long enough that the cost isn't so prohibitive since you aren't buying new gear nearly as often.
I can't attest to what some of you guys are doing on the wet side, and agree that something rubber/vinyl coated is probably the answer if you're doing a lot of it. But I've also been in rain storms in Alaska that were hours long and felt like you might as well have jumped in a lake and I still stayed dry.
This is to say nothing about the original posters experience, like anything there is bound to be a bad piece of gear once in a while. Glad to hear they took care of you.