Kui chinook

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

Any one have the Kuiu Chinook pants and jacket?
Thinking of possible upgrading if I get the funds!

[Brendan]

Depends what you're looking for - what would your use be? What seasons?

I had a Chinook, sold it off. But, I absolutely LOVED the Kuiu Guide jacket - but not as an early season elk jacket so I sold that too, but I still want to buy another one because I love softshells, and I wear them all the time when not hunting. When Hunting - Now I use a rain shell + puffy because the soft shells aren't waterproof like a rain shell, and don't insulate like a puffy.

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

I am looking for something water resistant at least for archery elk. Wind braking and water proof would be a plus.
Was the jacket to warm?

[N2mywake]

I'm thinking about upgrading my rain gear from the gortex mt050 that I've been using for years to a Kuiu Chugach NX. But now that's got me looking at some of these puffy jackets too. are they noisy? I hunt archery season Muzzleoader-late archery and usually pack a legacy fleece jacket with windshear. Some hunts I never even put it on but it's nice when you need it. I figured I could drop some lbs by switching to a newer material jacket.

[VT Sasquatch]

I have had my eye on the Chinook or Guide as well. I like soft shells. I didn't used to see the point but I like how quiet they are compared to the rain gear that I have used. I have the lightweight KUIU Teton rain set and it fits in a small stuff sack in my pack. I prefer to use that over a softshell in a situation with intermittent rain. I have a heavier Goretex rain set that I wear for heavy rain but I don't like the noise if it isn't raining.

The Chinook appears to be lighter than the Guide. It isn't cheap for what it is though.

[Brendan]

I am looking for something water resistant at least for archery elk. Wind braking and water proof would be a plus.
Was the jacket to warm?

The Chinook wasn't all that warm, waterproof, or wind breaking. In my opinion the Guide Jacket was better in every way if you're looking for a soft shell. But remember, the Guide isn't waterproof either, so if the conditions warrant rain gear - you'll likely be leaving that at home too. My current setup is a Kuiu Kenai plus Chugach - which gives me an insulation layer, plus a waterproof / windproof layer for a total of 8 extra ounces as compared to the guide jacket.

[VT Sasquatch]

Is that the Chugach NX? Is it quiet?

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

Thank you for the info Brendan! I will keep that all in mind for when/if I make the upgrade. Just trying to shave as much weight as I can afford. I really like my kuiu pack so far and think I want to get more kuiu gear! I packed a whole sika hind out this fall in it. Total weight was 75 pounds and it felt like 50 compared to my eberlestock. Can't wait to see how my long hikes feel with it in the next month. It really seems to fit me better.

[jmez]

I am looking for something water resistant at least for archery elk. Wind braking and water proof would be a plus.
Was the jacket to warm?

Rain jacket over a vest

[Brendan]

Yes - the Chugach NX. I would not classify it as quiet, but, quiet enough if it's actually raining or drizzling. It is your typical hard shell rain jacket and works well for that. I certainly wouldn't wear it in a whitetail tree stand unless it was raining steadily...

Regarding the Guide Jacket - I really did love mine, but if I'm bringing a rain jacket anyways, I couldn't justify bringing that too. If I were to wear a softshell though, this one is my choice so far, but would be nice if they could waterproof it like a Marmot softshell I have for skiing...

By the way - another great piece of Kuiu gear - the zip off long underwear bottoms... It's pretty nice to be layered up leaving camp in the morning, and to be able to take them off without having to take off boots and gaiters!

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

but would be nice if they could waterproof it like a Marmot softshell I have for skiing...

That is what I am waiting for thathe way I can leave the rain jacket at home. My current rain gear is almost 2 pounds if I remember correctly.

[VT Sasquatch]

I agree. I like having some kind of soft outer layer but a waterproof liner.

[Brendan]

but would be nice if they could waterproof it like a Marmot softshell I have for skiing...

That is what I am waiting for thathe way I can leave the rain jacket at home. My current rain gear is almost 2 pounds if I remember correctly.

My rain jacket plus puffy jacket together weigh 8 oz more than the Guide jacket, and is more versatile in more conditions.

If you were going to bring an insulating layer in addition to your Guide jacket- it would be heavier, while being not as wind or waterproof...

There's something about a soft shell though...