Best rain gear for Western WA Elk and Deer

[AKBowman]

What's everyone's opinion on the best raingear currently available on the market? I'd want it mostly for hunting archery elk early and late season (Western WA) and for alpine/back country.

What brands does everyone like and why?

[Eric M]

When I'm at work I wear Grundens, but they're bulky and you'll sweat. Gage make some good work wear too with liners for comfort. Usually though I just wear my old military Goretex. They make some noise, but if it's raining hard enough to wear rain gear it probably doesn't matter. I've been wearing it for years. Look up some surplus stuff it's like 1/3 what guys are paying for fancy name brand stuff.

[davk]

I'm considering switching to the cheaper Gander Mountain stuff that I have for day hunts.  I used it for a week this year since everything else I have started leaking due to a few too many trips through thorns.  Fleece outer is dead quite, and I dont destroy my high end stuff that I rely on in the backcountry.

With that said Ill probably be replacing my old leaking rain gear with First Lite.  I own a few of their other pieces and really like them.  Have heard good things about the rain gear.

They make some noise, but if it's raining hard enough to wear rain gear it probably doesn't matter.

I dont really agree with that ... in a few ways.  Your going to get wet in a prolonged light rain.  Its also frequently on/off rain all day.  So your either going to be making noise or constantly changing in and out of rain gear every 15-30 minutes.  Yes if its raining hard it usually doesn't matter but that's usually not the case.

[Eric M]

I'm considering switching to the cheaper Gander Mountain stuff that I have for day hunts.  I used it for a week this year since everything else I have started leaking due to a few too many trips through thorns.  Fleece outer is dead quite, and I dont destroy my high end stuff that I rely on in the backcountry.

With that said Ill probably be replacing my old leaking rain gear with First Lite.  I own a few of their other pieces and really like them.  Have heard good things about the rain gear.

They make some noise, but if it's raining hard enough to wear rain gear it probably doesn't matter.

I dont really agree with that ... in a few ways.  Your going to get wet in a prolonged light rain.  Its also frequently on/off rain all day.  So your either going to be making noise or constantly changing in and out of rain gear every 15-30 minutes.  Yes if its raining hard it usually doesn't matter but that's usually not the case.

I see what you're saying. When it's a light rain like you are saying I have a heavy wool shirt thing my wife made me. It gets heavy though. I guess it depends on what kind of hunting you are doing too.

[Magnum_Willys]

Get Kuiu Chugach  Done ! 

[davk]

I'm considering switching to the cheaper Gander Mountain stuff that I have for day hunts.  I used it for a week this year since everything else I have started leaking due to a few too many trips through thorns.  Fleece outer is dead quite, and I dont destroy my high end stuff that I rely on in the backcountry.

With that said Ill probably be replacing my old leaking rain gear with First Lite.  I own a few of their other pieces and really like them.  Have heard good things about the rain gear.

They make some noise, but if it's raining hard enough to wear rain gear it probably doesn't matter.

I dont really agree with that ... in a few ways.  Your going to get wet in a prolonged light rain.  Its also frequently on/off rain all day.  So your either going to be making noise or constantly changing in and out of rain gear every 15-30 minutes.  Yes if its raining hard it usually doesn't matter but that's usually not the case.

I see what you're saying. When it's a light rain like you are saying I have a heavy wool shirt thing my wife made me. It gets heavy though. I guess it depends on what kind of hunting you are doing too.

Yeah that's very true.  I do a lot of backpack hunting and dawn to dusk day hunts a good distance from the vehicle so I like to keep my layers as dry as possible.

[dreadi]

I have a suit of ECWCS that I wear.

[huntingbaldguy]

I have Under Armor gore tex.  Only thing that would make me happier with it is pit zips.  I'm bone dry unless i hike a lot and sweat.  Yesterday my buddy and i hiked a few miles.  I don't recommend doing that in gore tex but the bad thing is we were under trees dripping snow and there was a rain/snow mix the whole time.  So no real choice. 

I've used it a lot this late season though.  In wind rain and snow.  Gore tex is the way to go imo.  It sweats a little onto your inner layer but i'd prefer that over the alternative.  Bad thing is $450 for pants and jacket.

[Tbob]

Helly Hanson Impertech stuff is awesome!!
For backcountry lightweight rain gear, I've been using the Kuiu Teton rain gear.. Crazy light weight, keeps me dry, but probably not the most durable if hiking through heavy brush or stickers..

[whuppinstick]

I have been using the same Arc'Teryx for years without any problems.  Light and durable and I can count on it to always be waterproof.  I have the Theta SL jacket and the name of the pants begins with a Z I think?  But they're about a pound each.  Expensive off the shelf but can be had for good sale prices or at the Tulalip outlet.

[trophyhunt]

kuiu Yukon, rocks.

[AKBowman]

Thanks all. I've been looking at the Kuiu Chugach line. Expensive and a bit heavier than some of their lighter lines but double the breathability raiting of even last years Kuiu Chugach line.

I like the idea of it being a little heavier so it holds up on sticker brush. That and I can just pack a couple different weights of layering then throw the Chugach rain gear over the top and that is all I would need for an entire system.

Do any Kuiu Chugach wearers have experience wearing them on tough brushy hunts?

[Magnum_Willys]

With gaiters Ive never had a problem with Chugach.   Ive worn outside gaiters many days without issue also. 
If you are going thru heavy brush a lot no goretex item will stay dry - abrasion defeats goretex water repelancy.

[7mag.]

Thanks all. I've been looking at the Kuiu Chugach line. Expensive and a bit heavier than some of their lighter lines but double the breathability raiting of even last years Kuiu Chugach line.

I like the idea of it being a little heavier so it holds up on sticker brush. That and I can just pack a couple different weights of layering then throw the Chugach rain gear over the top and that is all I would need for an entire system.

Do any Kuiu Chugach wearers have experience wearing them on tough brushy hunts?

My Chugach rain gear is 4 years old now, and its still awesome. I use it from September backpack hunts, to November Blacktail hunts. I got it covered in blood this year packing out an elk. Threw it in the wash, came out like new.

[Harbor_hunter]

I think the Chugach is a good compromise between packable raingear and heavier duty rain gear.  I have a Chugach jacket and  it seems to be pretty durable so far in the two years I have had it.  As far as repelling water it works really well, better than other rain gear I have had that is not rubber.  The coat finally met its match last weekend as I was out of the truck all day, and was in some pretty nasty rain.   The water had soaked through, but in those conditions I don't think any rain gear is going to keep you 100% dry.  This performed as good or better than any other high end brand would have I am assuming.  Proper layering helped keep me comfortable.  I would give the Chugach stuff a 

[kukusya]

Helly Hanson Impertech will keep you dry no matter what.

[Magnum_Willys]

Helly Hanson Impertech will keep you dry no matter what.

Hiking Uphill too ?  Do they breathe at all ?

[renrutbocaj]

I bought the Core4Element Torrent jacket and pants to take on my Sheep hunt in 2013 with me as I was not wanting to go too cheap, but also not able to spend the kind of money that Sitka or Kuiu would have set me back. They were great for hiking, very compact, and I have used them out on the Peninsula for the past 3 years as well in sticker brush country. Would highly recommend them for the price if you are not wanting to drop 400-500 on a set. I think I paid 95 for tops and the same for the bottoms. 

[renrutbocaj]

Dropped off ready to hunt.... Im in my Core4 Torrent Jacket and Pants they held up great on a 7 day trip and for the three years since.

[ian_padron]

if youre busting brush, KUIU yukon is the ONLY choice in my opinion. Yes it is heavy (29 ounces I think) but that thing is like wearing your own personal little tent while you hunt haha. It is just as breathable as the Chugach, but far more durable. I lived in mine for a couple days during the high hunt, and was thoroughly impressed.

That being said, if you end up hunting WAY BACK or in open spaces high up, I'd opt for the Teton or Ultra NX. 

[Skyvalhunter]

But did you get an animal on the high hunt

[Tbar]

Is anyone running Sitka dewpoint? Opinions?

[ian_padron]

But did you get an animal on the high hunt

How does that affect my ability to recommend gear?

[Magnum_Willys]

Is anyone running Sitka dewpoint? Opinions?

I have the deepoint set.    Once I got the chugach I put the dewpoint away.  Dewpoint wouldnt holdup to all day wet like chugach would.   I like chugach so well I pack it always even though its 50% heavier than dewpoint (which isnt much)

[DJoakNuts]

After spending thousands of dollars on gore-Tex pro stuff and eVent stuff I have finally gone all the way around to ponchos. Waterproof AND breathable is something that only works in brief rains in desert country. Something like the Exped Pack UL Poncho and gaiters will keep you as dry as you need to be and because there is a draft it will not steam you to death.
Save your money on permaloft Gold synthetic insulation that stays warm even if it’s wet. Check out the Sitka Kelvin hoody(2019) and use Vaseline on your feet.

Also, in regard to sleeping bags, check out mountain laurel designs and get a synthetic SPIRIT QUILT 28 ° and wear your clothes and non-gore-tex boots (with fresh socks).

[Crunchy]

kuiu Yukon, rocks.

This right here!!!!

[Sliverslinger]

I’ve tried all kinds of rain gear including high end stuff, both as a hunter and when I worked in the woods. I’ll keep a Kuiu chugach set for if I’m sitting in the rain and glassing and that keeps me bone dry. For Western WA real rain when busting brush through the jack firs and hiking all day, there literally is no rain gear out there that will keep you completely dry without sweating to death- so you’re wet either way. I don’t actually mind being wet so I just wear wool to keep me thermoregulated and accept that fact that I’ll be dry once I get back to the truck and change.

[spin05]

KUIU Chugach

[nwmein199]

I’ve tried all kinds of rain gear including high end stuff, both as a hunter and when I worked in the woods. I’ll keep a Kuiu chugach set for if I’m sitting in the rain and glassing and that keeps me bone dry. For Western WA real rain when busting brush through the jack firs and hiking all day, there literally is no rain gear out there that will keep you completely dry without sweating to death- so you’re wet either way. I don’t actually mind being wet so I just wear wool to keep me thermoregulated and accept that fact that I’ll be dry once I get back to the truck and change.

 

[MtnMuley]

Thanks all. I've been looking at the Kuiu Chugach line. Expensive and a bit heavier than some of their lighter lines but double the breathability raiting of even last years Kuiu Chugach line.

I like the idea of it being a little heavier so it holds up on sticker brush. That and I can just pack a couple different weights of layering then throw the Chugach rain gear over the top and that is all I would need for an entire system.

Do any Kuiu Chugach wearers have experience wearing them on tough brushy hunts?

I would highly recommend the Kutana line over the Chugach line if you're leaning that route. Personally, I'd go Yukon if I was buying KUIU.

[MtnMuley]

if youre busting brush, KUIU yukon is the ONLY choice in my opinion.

Have you personally tried Sitka's Stormfront or the Takur line from Kryptek in the same situations you've used the Yukon?

[gee_unit360]

Sitka Cloudburst is awesome! Never been wet in it busting brush, or hunting all day in rain. Just wear Costco synthetic base layer and cloudburst over the top.

[rackattack]

Do any of the above garments mentioned hold up well when you have a backpack on?  Curious if the pack will allow moisture thru.

[lokidog]

How does that Kiui blend in in the green stuff? Looks better for eastside cover....

[Skyvalhunter]

depends on the color they have solid colors too

[huntnnw]

I have had KUIU chugach for about 6 years now with 0 complaints. Its been the best rain gear I have ever owned . I bought it because they dont use Gore as I cannot stand it and will refrain from buying anything lined in gore.

[Tschaefer72]

I have the Sitka downpour for elk hunting in November and have been super pleased with it. The brushed finish keeps it quiet as well.

[Grit dog]

I couldn't imagine taking my high $ goretex gear on a blackberry hunt lol. We are talking western wa right?
I'm not a local, but lived here long enough to know that unless I'm doing it wrong. My Klim snomachine coat might survive for a while, but even it would get tore up I think. 
Been wearing a Gander Mtn jacket hunting coat that doesn't tear and is quiet. And long enough to cover my @ass when I sit on a stump or log.
Pants, Filson double front, plenty of oil. Best pants for busting brush, with some underarmor long johns never cold.

[OltHunter]

I settled on Kryptek Takur when the 50% off sale ran from a store without tax clearing them out.

I would never pay more than $700 for each piece, but $350, yes.

I really like what schoeller puts out too plus Kryptek run up to 35" length which is the longest I've found for what I need.

Good combo of packability, breathability, and durability.

Haven't ran it through the gammit of stress tests so we will see how they hold up! DWR is insane, but also haven't found great reactivation instructions.

[Piscatory_5]

How does that Kiui blend in in the green stuff? Looks better for eastside cover....

Either of their patterns will work West side. I think I get more concealment from vias than Verde too be honest

[MtnMuley]

I settled on Kryptek Takur when the 50% off sale ran from a store without tax clearing them out.

I would never pay more than $700 for each piece, but $350, yes.

I really like what schoeller puts out too plus Kryptek run up to 35" length which is the longest I've found for what I need.

Good combo of packability, breathability, and durability.

Haven't ran it through the gammit of stress tests so we will see how they hold up! DWR is insane, but also haven't found great reactivation instructions.

Anxious to hear future reports on yours. Mine has been flawless.

[444Marlin]

During the worst of the worst of rainfall on the coast, I like the Helly Hanson and other brands of the rubber/pvc gear.  No, it doesn't breath worth a darn, so I layer some poly-fleece in there and try to air out when it lets up.

For the waterproof breathable stuff, I like the First Lite rain gear.  Stormlight and Stormtight has held up well for me and is durable, waterproof and breathable.

[Vo2max]

I have the Chugach and Yukon set ups from KUIU. I also hunt Western WA for Elk and the high alpine for BT and Bears. The Chugach is perfect for high alpine pursuits in my opinion especially before the snow falls. It is not as light weight as some of the ultra light gear you’ll see elsewhere but it is rather durable when busting through brush. The Yukon line is absolutely bomb proof and I wear that when I know cold and wet days are going to happen or as an outer layer when temps drop and snow falls. I do no have the Yukon pants (yet) but the jacket is great and has elbow pads perfect for prone position shooting or when crawling in on a stalk. I do wish my Chugach pants had knee pads like the Yukon’s do but under the Chugach I am typically wearing either KUIU Alpine or Pro pants or Sitka Timberline or Mtn Pants which both have pads. Good luck with your decision!

[optic2]

I have the Chugach and Yukon set ups from KUIU. I also hunt Western WA for Elk and the high alpine for BT and Bears. The Chugach is perfect for high alpine pursuits in my opinion especially before the snow falls. It is not as light weight as some of the ultra light gear you’ll see elsewhere but it is rather durable when busting through brush. The Yukon line is absolutely bomb proof and I wear that when I know cold and wet days are going to happen or as an outer layer when temps drop and snow falls. I do no have the Yukon pants (yet) but the jacket is great and has elbow pads perfect for prone position shooting or when crawling in on a stalk. I do wish my Chugach pants had knee pads like the Yukon’s do but under the Chugach I am typically wearing either KUIU Alpine or Pro pants or Sitka Timberline or Mtn Pants which both have pads. Good luck with your decision!

I muzzleloader hunt elk on the coast (2nd week October) and nothing is above 2000ft so it never really get too cold but can have some very rainy days. Would you recommend the Chugach or Yukon for my situation?

[trophyhunt]

yes, you wont regret it.

[Piscatory_5]

I have the Chugach and Yukon set ups from KUIU. I also hunt Western WA for Elk and the high alpine for BT and Bears. The Chugach is perfect for high alpine pursuits in my opinion especially before the snow falls. It is not as light weight as some of the ultra light gear you’ll see elsewhere but it is rather durable when busting through brush. The Yukon line is absolutely bomb proof and I wear that when I know cold and wet days are going to happen or as an outer layer when temps drop and snow falls. I do no have the Yukon pants (yet) but the jacket is great and has elbow pads perfect for prone position shooting or when crawling in on a stalk. I do wish my Chugach pants had knee pads like the Yukon’s do but under the Chugach I am typically wearing either KUIU Alpine or Pro pants or Sitka Timberline or Mtn Pants which both have pads. Good luck with your decision!

I muzzleloader hunt elk on the coast (2nd week October) and nothing is above 2000ft so it never really get too cold but can have some very rainy days. Would you recommend the Chugach or Yukon for my situation?

Chugach.