Anyone have any experience with the KUIU Guide DCS Jacket? I'm looking for a good jacket for archery hunting in Wyoming in September. I'm pretty mobile when I hunt and this looks like a nice lighter weight option for unpredictable weather.
KUIU Jacket
- Thread starter Jeeper
- Start date
I have it but it never became a favorite. I should probably throw it on Ebay now that I'm thinking of it. The Kryptek Dalibor II is a similar jacket that I have liked much better. It has a better hood and is quieter. I have heard (read) good things about the First Lite Catalyst that's coming out this month by those who got to review it.
sneakypete
Veteran member
I'll check out the first lite Catalyst when its released. I did take a trip over to to the KUIU outlet store and tried the jacket on. Felt pretty good and I liked the stretch feeling of the jacket. Not sure how useful it would be in sub 30 degree weather.
Add Sitka's Mountain Jacket and Active Jacket to your list. Truth be told though, rain gear has functioned as my outer shell for so long that you might just consider going that route.
Take a look at the Ascent series as well, there is a lot to the series that is well worth investigating and based on your needs it might work.
I haven't used Skre yet, so I don't know what their offerings are. Sounds like a few here have some good insight on First Lite. If you have thought about going up in price at all, take a look at THIS JACKET from Kryptek.
I always have my Guide DCS jacket in my pack. I rarely wear a jacket while moving, but when I am glassing and sitting still I'll wear it if it's cold. It has worked well for me in < 30 degree weather, but I am fairly warm natured and get by with less layers. The material has been plenty quiet for me, but I am not a bow hunter. The only thing that keeps the Guide DCS jacket from being 'perfect' for me is the fit. It is built more for thinner builds vs thicker body types. I wear a 46" jacket and the Guide DCS XL is a fairly close fit for me. If I went to the XXL, it would be too long. The fit may be better for archery since there is less material to interfere with your bow string.
It is not wind proof like a GoreTex outer shell, but it has blocked the wind fairly well for me.
Also, it will shed a light drizzle fairly well, but it in not 'water proof' like real rain gear.
Overall I like mine a lot.
Hope this helps
It is not wind proof like a GoreTex outer shell, but it has blocked the wind fairly well for me.
Also, it will shed a light drizzle fairly well, but it in not 'water proof' like real rain gear.
Overall I like mine a lot.
Hope this helps
PeteD
New Member
The Sitka Jackets Scott mentioned are my go to. Very well built and durable. Also the warranty at Sitka is awesome. I had a issues with my Coldfront zipper that I ran over with my truck on accident of corse. I sent it in with prepaid postage and had it back in 2 weeks with a new full zipper! That pretty hard to beat and it cost me nothing for the repair.
That Sitka Mountain jacket is a good one too. I use mine quite a bit when I don't need a hooded jacket. As I get more hooded base layers it gets used more. It stops wind really well and is very light. I wish it had a hood, if it did I'd use it all the time.
What rain gear are you using as your outer shell? I haven't found anything quiet and breathable enough yet to make me go this route yet but I haven't tried all of them. I'd like to make the switch if I ever found the right one. Thanks.
Well, I have used 4 different coats in the last two years. Here they are with brief thoughts on it.
Sitka Stormfront-- This one has been a workhorse for me for two years.
Sitka Cloudburst- Used this on my mule deer hunt last fall. Performed flawlessly in the rain, cut the wind as expected and when moving it worked very well.
I will comment on Kryptek and First Lite tomorrow, the afternoon got away from me.
Thanks. I'm curious to hear more about the Cloudburst especially from someone who has used it extensively. I'm curious how loud it is, I saw some reviews saying it was a big noisy. I might consider picking one up for my AK moose hunt this fall and taking it and my SEAK along instead of the SEAK and Mountain jacket. 2 rain coats might not be a bad idea up there, that way I could switch every other day if we get bad weather so one could dry. If the weather is good the SEAK could stay in the pack dry just in case and the Cloudburst could be my standard jacket.
Might not be a bad idea. I used the Kelvin Active Jacket(Insulation) and the Cloudburst pretty extensively for my mule deer hunt and in soft terrain with shots being at best 200 yards noise really wasn't the end all be all. The bowhunters in the office really like the Thunderhead from a noise perspective.
Any of the pullover, fast and light rain gear is usually going to be less breathable and more noisy. I use that type of stuff in the summer.
Alaskabound2016
Active Member
I will second the KUIU Guide Jacket should be your first purchase if you decide to go to the KUIU brand route. And if you like it, follow it up with the Attack Pant.
Winchester
Veteran member
I agree. Take a look at the Sitka line of products also. My Sitka rain jacket performs very well.
Ok, I have a few minutes to talk Kryptek, will hit First Lite later this afternoon.
I was lucky enough to be able to test the Kryptek Altitude line for a review in EHJ. The new materials are top notch and without rewriting the Hardcore Field Test...I have to admit that I really enjoyed using that Jacket. It performed well and I did some high level activity during elk season when the rain was pouring, it breathed really well and kept me warm and dry.
Fit was good for me, sleeves were long enough, etc. I was actually really pleased with how quiet it was and how well it cut the wind out.
I was lucky enough to be able to test the Kryptek Altitude line for a review in EHJ. The new materials are top notch and without rewriting the Hardcore Field Test...I have to admit that I really enjoyed using that Jacket. It performed well and I did some high level activity during elk season when the rain was pouring, it breathed really well and kept me warm and dry.
Fit was good for me, sleeves were long enough, etc. I was actually really pleased with how quiet it was and how well it cut the wind out.
tdub24
Veteran member
Eastmans and KUIU had a falling out so we take over KUIU threads to push other companies still in bed with Eastmans......interesting!
Winchester
Veteran member
The OP said he was looking for a good jacket so I let him know my Sitka jacket works well. Thats it. Sorry if you're reading something else into it.
I picked up Kuiu Guide jacket last fall and used during rifle deer season here in NE. Temps ranged from 22 in morning to some days in teh 70's. I really liked the Guide. A very different fit from my old Cabela's coats, but once you get used to it, worked well.
Also got Merino wool base layer and Attack pants. Merino performed great, as did the Attacks, although I found them a little to warm for my taste. The hip vents helped a bunch, but in 55-65 degree temps, just too warm. I know, not what they were designed for.
I did find Sitka Mt. Pants at bargain cave...they are a bit lighter weight than the Attacks, but i like Kuiu's layout better.
Also got Merino wool base layer and Attack pants. Merino performed great, as did the Attacks, although I found them a little to warm for my taste. The hip vents helped a bunch, but in 55-65 degree temps, just too warm. I know, not what they were designed for.
I did find Sitka Mt. Pants at bargain cave...they are a bit lighter weight than the Attacks, but i like Kuiu's layout better.