Kuiu: Chugach Rain Gear vs. NX Ultra Light

[Montana]

Here's that question again... anyone have experience with both? Lots of Chugach reviews but can't seem to find too much on the NX Ultra.
Is it just too light weight? Not durable enough? I pretty much am after the NX exact description but what if I'm sitting on abrasive rocks etc.
Thanks in advance.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[sneakypete]

Montana, I have the Chugach rain gear, I had bought KUIU's lighter rain gear I'm not sure of the name of it. I do know the Chugach is durable enough for a horseback hunt. The lighter version wasn't going to hold up on the horse going thru the willows. Not sure if this helps but it's my experience.

 

[sneakypete]

Montana, I was wrong I have the Yukon rain gear, I had the Chugach and exchanged it after talking with my BC Guide.

 

[mcseal2]

I have no personal experience with either, but did just read an article about DIY Alaskan moose in Western Hunter magazine (I read the competition too). The author said the Yukon raingear was the best he had ever used. I looked at it myself after reading that, headed up there in 2018. Lots of other Alaskan hunters recommend Helly Hensen Impertech raingear, but it's not as lightweight or breathable an option. Cheaper though. I bought the Impertech suit and it has done well on the ranch so far but haven't had it to long.

 

[BigSurArcher]

I wore the Ultra NX jacket and pant on about 18 rainy mountain hunting days last season in CO, NV, and the Sierras in CA. Plus a snowy overnight climb up Mt. Whitney. I've also spent a lot of time in Chugach seasons prior, and only bothered with the Yukon on one hunt in AK (where if doing it again I'd take Chugach or Ultra NX). The Ultra NX is a lot tougher than a guy might think, and I'd have no reservations relying on it on 90% of hunts in the US. The face fabric on the Ultra NX is nylon with a rip-stop weave which actually has a tear resistance very close to that of the "heavier" Chugach line. My Ultra pants have handled lots of climbing through alpine willow and seated glassing in the rocks. Still, it's a style that's best suited for those looking for ultimate weight savings on the majority of their hunts.

Otherwise, a guy is better off going the Chugach route for a little more longevity insurance (more so abrasion-wise, not so much tear-wise), and it's still pretty light too. It sure is nice though to pack the Ultra NX and have both the pant and jacket weigh and take up the same amount of space as most other jackets alone. And it does as good a job at keeping you dry as either of the other two styles.

 

[Montana]

I wore the Ultra NX jacket and pant on about 18 rainy mountain hunting days last season in CO, NV, and the Sierras in CA. Plus a snowy overnight climb up Mt. Whitney. I've also spent a lot of time in Chugach seasons prior, and only bothered with the Yukon on one hunt in AK (where if doing it again I'd take Chugach or Ultra NX). The Ultra NX is a lot tougher than a guy might think, and I'd have no reservations relying on it on 90% of hunts in the US. The face fabric on the Ultra NX is nylon with a rip-stop weave which actually has a tear resistance very close to that of the "heavier" Chugach line. My Ultra pants have handled lots of climbing through alpine willow and seated glassing in the rocks. Still, it's a style that's best suited for those looking for ultimate weight savings on the majority of their hunts.

Otherwise, a guy is better off going the Chugach route for a little more longevity insurance (more so abrasion-wise, not so much tear-wise), and it's still pretty light too. It sure is nice though to pack the Ultra NX and have both the pant and jacket weigh and take up the same amount of space as most other jackets alone. And it does as good a job at keeping you dry as either of the other two styles.

I was hoping you would chime in. I appreciate the report.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Jdavis9753]

Does anyone have any sizing advice on the Yukon rain gear?

 

[Montana]

I am learning but not 100% confirmed... sizes actually run a little big, yes big. Couldn't believe that for Kuiu
But basically they have already taken into account it will be an outer layer.


Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Montana]

I put this out there since I couldn't find anything. For future folks looking.

https://youtu.be/RMGHoOGQ2bU



Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[mnhoundman]

Thanks for the video! Looks like some nice lightweight stuff

 

[Montana]

I'm pretty impressed... see how it holds up.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[mnhoundman]

I'm pretty impressed... see how it holds up.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Hopefully it holds up, I looked at the price tag. Wowzzers!
If it does It's always worth it though.

 

[Retterath]

I put this out there since I couldn't find anything. For future folks looking.

https://youtu.be/RMGHoOGQ2bU

Awesome review,I have been looking for that exact review. Couldn't decide if I wanted to get the ultra or chugach cause of durability and quality. I was using the kryptek Koldo in Montana spring bear hunting this year and it is just to heavy to always have in the pack so wanted something lighter and I can leave it in there at all times. Now trying to decide on the ultra or the first lite rain gear. I know the first lite will be a bit heavier but love there products.

 

[Montana]

Glad you liked it... for me I went with the lightest possible because truly it stays in my pack 98% of the time. When I would go on my back country trips I would dread packing my old stuff because I knew most likely I wouldn't use. But then sure enough I'd bring it along. And of course, when I do need it, it's a life saver... so pretty it goes everytime.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Retterath]

Looks like you just got it lately, have you had any field use with it yet. i was wondering with that xl you got if it was cold you could put a puffy on and also the ultra nx over it to block the wind and elements.

 

[Montana]

Looks like you just got it lately, have you had any field use with it yet. i was wondering with that xl you got if it was cold you could put a puffy on and also the ultra nx over it to block the wind and elements.

A little... but not for any extended periods. And yes... the XL was good for tshirt, Peleton 240, Super down Jacket and then the rain gear... in the video I was wearing my bino harness, which made it look smaller than it is. I would normally wear the harness on the outside.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Retterath]

A little... but not for any extended periods. And yes... the XL was good for tshirt, Peleton 240, Super down Jacket and then the rain gear... in the video I was wearing my bino harness, which made it look smaller than it is. I would normally wear the harness on the outside.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Thanks for the review on it.Great info

 

[Collins]

I have used the Chugach, and I think it would be hard to beat that jacket. The Ultra is a few ounces lighter, but only has 2 way stretch compared to 4 way stretch on the Chugach. The Ultra is priced about $30 more, which I cannot understand. That's my vote.

 

[Retterath]

i wish i could compare the chugach and the new first lite side by side. I think im going to order the new vapor stormlight jacket.

 

[Montana]

Just a note on the chugach vs ultra... mentioned few ozs lighter, it's actually half the weight and compacts to half the size. I'm not saying one way or another because it is more expensive and durability is unknown at this point. Just a fair review.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk