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.

[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

[Lone Tree]

Yeah, I have a shell that’s waterproof and wind proof that I put on when necessary. But I find a soft shell is a great option most of the time; way quieter and more comfortable than a shell and it sheds snow well and can handle a bit of rain. I find the wool or fleece gets soaked instantly, while a good softshell insulates and gives way more protection from wind/rain than a fleece or wool, and if the weather gets really bad you pull out the shell... I find for things like skiing and mountaineering, when your really getting “in” the snow I don’t use a softshell, but for hunting, which is mostly hiking and glassing for me, I like to have a softshell as my main outer layer with a light insulation layer underneath, and a shell in the pack if there’s any chance of precip. I always ways pack a puffy if it’s cold out too, just incase. It’s personal preference, more than one way to stay warm and comfortable out there.
So for me the softshell doesn’t replace the shell, rather it’s a part of what replaces the fleece/wool layer.

[835]

Then its a great Jacket.
I really like mine. The fit is "Athletic"... for sure.
So if you dont have an "Athletic" body order size up..
Read.. if you normally wear large, but are like me amd love beer.. order an XL.

[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

[835]

Because i like it and the OP asked for an opinion.
Guess i make more money than you

[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!

[Lone Tree]

If it’s completely windproof/waterproof it won’t breath well at all-my 3 ply gortex is wind/waterproof, but it doesn’t breath well under heavy exertion despite the marketing. Sounds like the first lite may breath better, but not as windproof. Still undecided between the two, need to see them in person. Having a jacket that’s silent, insulates a bit, provides some wind protection-yet breaths and can handle a bit of rain isn’t really a useless overgarmet to me... thanks for all the info, good to know this before pulling the trigger.

[Sharpish]

I like my KUIU AXIS jacket and TALUS pants. They shed water well and breathe very well. If it's pouring I wear a stanfield and a helly hansen stretchy rubber suit.

[GimpsWithGuns]

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!

I have the First Lite Catalyst and love it. I think you should get the large size and the two chest pockets can be opened for venting as they are mesh on the side. I found mine to be slightly over sized and easily fits my grid fleece underneath and It's plenty warm and quiet.

[Lone Tree]

Thanks Gimps, I did end up getting the catalyst and it is a great softshell! Love it so far.