Rain Gear

[tdot]

Thats too bad that Kuiu doesnt fit you. I have a 6 year old set of their Yukon rain gear that is noticeably better then the different gear in the Arcteryx Alpha, Beta and Leaf lineups that I have been using for the past 20+ years. The Leaf I wore out in 2 seasons of moderate use, I've never had any of the Arcteryx gear fail in less then 5 years, I wasn't impressed.

I also had a Sitka jacket that leaked, it delaminated after less then 20 days of use and they wouldnt cover it under warranty. Apparently it was a treestand jacket and not designed to be hiked in. I treat my gear well, and was pretty shocked by that answer.

Outdoor Research and Mountain Hardwear have some pretty solid options in their lineups. The OR gear is generally a looser fit on me.

Both Mountain Hardware and Arcteryx have significantly different cuts throughout their lineup. Some are very form fitting, some are quite loose. I haven't found gear from either company that isnt loud, which to me is one of the best reasons to look at a hunting company's lineup.

[Ruger.270]

It rains a lot on the Island and when timber hunting black tail deer much of it is in scarily steep terrain (i.e. you're gonna sweat). I've had Kuiu Yukon for years and would recommend it without hesitation. Durable and water proof even in extreme island downpours pushing ugly bush. Make sure you wash it in the stuff that cleans the pores once and a while. It also has zippers both the jacket and pants to vent to dump heat when doing steep hikes in the rain (this is a critical feature to look for in my opinion).

Some of the sitka gear and other stuff that has a brushed face will absorb water (if it is raining hard enough or you are pushing wet bush for long enough), eventually wet out and stop breathing, and then start to leak through. So you need to consider whether you want the slightly quieter brushed fabric or not.

To me the non-breathable rubber stuff is great if you aren't doing a bunch of steep hiking or a really long walk at moderate speed to get into you're hunting area. If you have to do either of those things I've found I sweat so much from the inside that I got just as wet as if I wore no rain gear at all. Accordingly, for most of my hunting I moved away from it.

[NMO]

Have gone through five pairs of breathable rain gear in 5 years and some HH Impertech, worn them every month of most of those years, and a lot of time trailing horses through willows in the rain. 1 pair of early gen Kuiu Chugach, 2x Sitka Stormfront, 2x Kuiu Yukon. Currently use the Yukon's most of the time with the Sitka occasionally.

- Kuiu Yukons are the most bombproof breathable rain gear of the bunch that I've used, but also not nearly as breathable and they are heavier. Face fabric can hold a lot of moisture as well making them super heavy when saturated (still keeping me dry). Great option for later season colder weather, or a bomber pair for horseback. HH
- Sitka Stormfronts have both leaked on me, which maybe over saturation from bashing willow covered horse trails in the rain, or pinholes from busting through pines/ doing camp work in them. Either way not as durable as the Yukons from my experience, but lighter and much more breathable.

If you aren't super active in them, HH/Grundens will keep you totally dry. Each company will have a different cut/fit to them. IMO when it comes to clothing, mountaineering companies do it just as good if not better than hunting companies in a lot of cases, and I am a firm believer than no single company does everything exceptionally. Buy your pack from a pack company, boots from a boot company, tent from a tent company etc.. Everyone has their own flavour though.

*Both Kuiu & Sitka have pretty solid warranty on leaking rain gear for what it's worth. Have used both with no grievances

[bighornbob]

I run Sitka cloudburst tops and bottoms. Bought at wholesale sports when they were going under for 60% off.

BHB

[Squamch]

I've been using pioneer rubber for years. I'd love some breathable waterproof kit, but it's a big price tag for "i hope it's good enough."
No mention of the first light gear here, not worth bothering with, or just no experience? I like their stuff, it fits me quite well, no experience with kuiu or sitka.

[Huntingtyler123]

I have firstlite seak jacket and kuiu rain pants. I love them keeps me dry except my feet, need to buy better boots.
I had to sit this spring bear hunt during some thunder showers with it pouring rain and I was dry. Also a plus is that it drys fast

[Jimbob]

I had an OLD pair of sitka waterproof pants (before they were purchased by GORE). The laminating started coming off so I phoned up Sitka. They said "Oh ya that is the old stuff we have have much better now. What's your address?" Next day brand new Sitka Dewpoint headed my way. Teh dewpoint have served me well for many years.

I think they are overpriced though.

[Rackmastr]

Sitka Stormfront. I have had a Stormfront jacket since 2010. Amazing gear.

So many reasons I support Sitka. The biggest being their amazing customer service and commitment to quality, and the second being the ridiculous support for wild sheep fundraising efforts in the province. Nuff said.

[Harvest the Land]

Consider Kryptek Takur series. Buy once cry once

[Hose Dragger]

I use ARC’TERYX LEAF Alpha Lt pants and jacket in Multicam. Does not leak at all ( I live on the Island and most “rain proof” gear does not hold up to our weather), breathes and has full side zip in pants for easy on and off when the weather cannot make its mind up. Definitely worth the $$$$ and the lifetime warranty provided on a Canadian Made product helps too. Bonus! I use it for nasty weather fishing as well.