Kuiu Kutana Storm Shell vs. First Lite SEAK Real World Review
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- Just purchased the new Kutana Storm Shell and put it to the test against my First Lite SEAK Stormtight. The Kutana seems to be an improvement over the Kuiu Yukon except for a design issue that results in leaky front pockets. It's unfortunate because I liked everything else about the jacket. I've had the SEAK for a few years now and it does what it's supposed to with no issues - BUT, I actually prefer the fit and material used in the Kuiu if they ever get the bugs worked out. Until then I'll wear the First Lite.
I 100% agree with you about First Lites sizing. I don't understand why they make their sleeves so tight. I have seen a number of their sponsored guys and they're not all little pipsqueeks, so I'm sure it's not the first time they've heard this. I have alot of First Lite gear, and all the coats are that way...plenty of room in the chest, and little sleeves. The older I get, my circulation isn't what it was in my 20's, so I like to have layers on my limbs. I used to duck hunt in 30° weather in a tshirt and wool sweater, and the top of my waders over my chest, and that be plenty...those days are over with unfortunately.
Anyhow, thanks for an honest review!
Good information. I was debating the Yukon vs the Kutana. I've had the SEAK and had it "fail", but mostly I just wanted something that fit my body in a less baggy way. I think the Yukon is less baggy.
If you are looking for fit, I'd go with the Kutana over the Yukon. I've worn both and returned the Yukon due to cuff issues and an interior fabric that just didn't want to dry out. The Kutana is also less baggy. I still have the Kutana after I fixed the pocket seams. I think the Kutana is an all around better jacket.
@@NCMirage257 I don't want it to fit too slim. The SEAK was just huge on me. I'd like to fit a few layers underneath if need be.
I am curious as to how water gets into the pocket unless its on purpose? I live/hunt on the westcoast of british columbia and rain gear is mandatory out here. I cannot think of ever having water in any raingear pocket regardless of the brand of rain gear I have used. Mabey its because I seldom use my rain gear pockets. I am wondering how the scenerio played out in which water entered your pockets?
Any steady rain where the jacket exterior was getting soaked for 5-10 minutes or more and the pockets were pooling with water. You can make it happen within a minute or so if you run water along the seam where the zipper is attached - I did this once I started trying to figure out where the water was coming from. A quick fix is running a strip of Gear Aid Tenacious tape right over the stitches next to the zipper. That stopped the problem.
@@NCMirage257 interesting. I was looking to purchase the kutana rain gear. have you ever used kuiu chugach?
@@nissan180sexy I have not tried the Chugach, just the Yukon and Kutana. I like the Kutana better, and after "fixing" it with the Gear Aid tape I've kept it to use as a colder weather shell for those days when I don't want a heavy winter jacket. I will still use the SEAK for warmer wet weather when I don't need to layer much.
Would you make a video and show how you fixed the leak issue. I have that jacket and would like to do the same.
@@NCMirage257 are you talking about running the tape on the outside stitching or inside the pocket?
Is the stormtight quieter than the yukon? I have the yukon but am not satisfied with the noise and super baggy fit of the sleeves.
It is not. I'd say it's actually noisier. But the sleeves definitely aren't baggy.
Thanks for the video
Just buy a tube of Seam Seal and coat the leaking seam. Problem Solved.
Thank you Sir 👍💯
I have had the Seak for about 2 years and finally had some long sits in the rain. I feel like the shell material gets saturated and around the hood it seems to roll it's way around to the inside and run down my chest. Have you noticed this at all. May be looking for a new jacket that has a better shell that beads the rain off better without leaching in.
I've never had the Seak leak in that manner, but the DWR finish goes away pretty quick, so the outside will get wet (but I've never really had it leak through). My main issue with it is that it's so breathable and form fitting in the arms that there's been times when I thought it was leaking, but it actually wasn't (my arms would feel cool and potentially wet)... so it wasn't the perfect waterproof shell for me because it just didn't keep me comfy enough in cooler weather even with layering. That's why I tried the Kutana storm shell, which has ended up being my go-to hunting / fishing waterproof shell. The DWR finish on it has lasted longer, I can comfortably wear it with a t-shirt or layer up with down jacket and use it in pretty cold weather, and it's worked great.
@@NCMirage257 Thanks for the reply, yes I've noticed the same/ very cool almost wet feeling you described as well.
Just remember the people who makes Kuiu most be little people. Always order one size bigger.
Have you tried the Chugach ?
No I haven't.