Kuiu guide dcs or first lite catalyst softshell jacket?

[Lone Tree]

Anyone have any experience with either of these? Breathability and durability are key factors, but also needs to be quiet and functional. The first Lite is a bit lighter but doesn’t have pits zips. What about fit? I’m 5’10” and 160lbs, but want to be able to layer underneath, thinking of getting large in either option, any feedback on sizing?
thanks!

[SR80]

I’m 6’1 185 lbs and wear a large in the guide, I can layer mid layers
under it but wouldn’t fit anything like a puffy . I had a catalyst for a bit before it started to fall apart at the seams Wasn’t impressed to returned it. The slightest breeze blew through that thing too. Like a cotton sweat shirt would Be more wind resistant. The guide isn’t wind proof either but it does a pretty good job.

[khoffnbud]

I’ll second SR80, the guide is a pretty decent jacket.

[dirtyminer]

Kuiu’s quality and customer service are much better than first lite.

[835]

I have a Guide as a daily wear around town jacket. Im 5'10 190 and wear an XL. I am a shell and layer hunter tho.
I have a Yukon that goes hunting. If i dont need rain protection i wear wool and fleece up top.

Two problems with the Guide.. it isnt water proof and wind goes through it. If either of these things are not a problem it is a great jacket.

[Linksman313]

Two problems with the Guide.. it isnt water proof and wind goes through it. If either of these things are not a problem it is a great
jacket.

Wow would that even qualify as a "Jacket" or a $321.00 overgarment, what are we paying for here? Camo pattern, Branding?

Thanks for the great info here, I was going to query Santa for the Catalyst but may be altering the list already

[khoffnbud]

Wow would that even qualify as a "Jacket" or a $321.00 overgarment, what are we paying for here? Camo pattern, Branding?

Thanks for the great info here, I was going to query Santa for the Catalyst but may be altering the list already

Going to have to disagree with 835. The guide jacket was never labeled as a waterproof jacket, water resistant more like it. I find mine to be both fairly decent at both. Never been wet in mine. Blocks wind. But that might come down proper care and washing, who knows. I can say without hesitation it’s the best jacket I’ve had in the last 15 years and is my go to. I think people expect things to be more than they are, the guide jacket is not rain gear. People can’t expect it to perform as such.

[835]

Going to have to disagree with 835. The guide jacket was never labeled as a waterproof jacket, water resistant more like it. I find mine to be both fairly decent at both. Never been wet in mine. Blocks wind. But that might come down proper care and washing, who knows. I can say without hesitation it’s the best jacket I’ve had in the last 15 years and is my go to. I think people expect things to be more than they are, the guide jacket is not rain gear. People can’t expect it to perform as such.

I know it wasnt marketed as water proof. But i also live on the coast in a super wet climate. Maybe you are in a dryer area? I do wash it all the time. I just wanted to make sure the OP knew it wasnt water proof.. that said it does keep you dry in light rain..

All said i totally aggree with you, i really like my Guide jacket. I just wear my Yukon when its really wet

[khoffnbud]

I know it wasnt marketed as water proof. But i also live on the coast in a super wet climate. Maybe you are in a dryer area? I do wash it all the time. I just wanted to make sure the OP knew it wasnt water proof.. that said it does keep you dry in light rain..

All said i totally aggree with you, i really like my Guide jacket. I just wear my Yukon when its really wet

I don’t think Kamloops gets the wet like the coast does lol. When it’s raining out or I gotta bust wet brush, it’s base layers and rain gear!

[Frank grimes]

I’l second going with a shell jacket. I was debating this earlier this year, and ended up getting a really good deal on a Yukon jacket. I keep it in the pack, and wear a wool or fleece, heavy enough for the temp. The Yukon jacket fits over nicely when I need it for wind or rain or abit if extra warmth. I also scored a rab puffy super cheap. So I should be good for the season. My Yukon is a xl. I’m about 5’10 and maybe 190-200lbs. It fits good with layers. Or without