What soft shell for bowhunting

Jtelarkin08 · Sep 22, 2014

So I have decided I do need a soft shell. It's to loud wearing a puffy or rain jacket if it's not a downpour. So what soft shell? Which is the quietest?

The new kryptek windsheer?
The first lite? North branch?
Or a kuiu?

MuleyFever · Sep 22, 2014

Only you can decide which is best for you.
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/clothing/296-soft-shell-shoot-out

Jtelarkin08 · Sep 22, 2014

MuleyFever said:
Only you can decide which is best for you.
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/clothing/296-soft-shell-shoot-out

Ya I read that. It says the kryptek isn't the quietest but doesn't mention how quiet the first lite or guide jacket are

William Hanson (live2hunt) · Sep 22, 2014

I like my dalibor. Never considered it too noisy.

Jason Snyder · Sep 22, 2014

I really like my Jetstream.

CaseyU · Sep 22, 2014

Jason Snyder said:
I really like my Jetstream.

+1 for my jetstream

doverpack12 · Sep 23, 2014

I think the guide is quieter then the first lite but the first lite could quiet down more with use. The new 90% is the quietest I have tried

Whisky · Sep 23, 2014

I am in the same boat as you. Quiet and somewhat packable are my criteria. The 90%, Chinook and Einar would be nice to get my hands on and decide. However 2 of the 3 are not available. I have a suspicion the 90% that is a available may win in the noise department anyways.

One thing I've learned what may be quiet to some is loud as shit to me. Keep that in mind. Not everybody bow hunts. And the terrain a person hunts in is a big factor too.

conhawa · Sep 23, 2014

The new 90% is silent, lightweight and virtually windproof....my new favorite.

Jtelarkin08 · Sep 23, 2014

How do you know if your getting the old or new 90% jacket

airlocksniffer · Sep 23, 2014

The FL is decently quiet but also pretty burly. I'm planning on using it for colder or later season hunts.

doverpack12 · Sep 23, 2014

If you are looking at the new 90% in person you can tell because it has a waffle grid fleece pattern that almost shows through the outside as well. If you look on top of the shoulders its really easy to see. And I too am very very picky with how quiet all my stuff is and I can assure you no one is going to call the new 90% loud its very very quiet. Reports I have heard say the Chinook is a little louder than the guide and I thought the guide was as loud as I was willing to wear. The Einar is supposed to be even louder. Not to mention I haven't seen a piece of Kryptek yet that didn't have a bad shine in direct sunlight.

Matt W. · Sep 23, 2014

doverpack12 said:
I think the guide is quieter then the first lite but the first lite could quiet down more with use. The new 90% is the quietest I have tried

Dover, I concur with this statement.

The 90% jacket is one of my favorite jackets. Some folks have complained of a lack of pitzips, but it breathes darn well and has not been an issue for me.
Like you stated, one can tell the 90% by the backing.
http://www.sitkagear.com/insight/darkroom-90-series

Whisky · Sep 23, 2014

doverpack12 said:
If you are looking at the new 90% in person you can tell because it has a waffle grid fleece pattern that almost shows through the outside as well. If you look on top of the shoulders its really easy to see. And I too am very very picky with how quiet all my stuff is and I can assure you no one is going to call the new 90% loud its very very quiet. Reports I have heard say the Chinook is a little louder than the guide and I thought the guide was as loud as I was willing to wear. The Einar is supposed to be even louder. Not to mention I haven't seen a piece of Kryptek yet that didn't have a bad shine in direct sunlight.

Good info...so from what I gather I have two viable Quiet options.
Guide or 90%.

Is that Guide jacket identical to their pants in regards to noise? I have the pants.

Appears everybody loves the 90%.

Matt what would make you chose the Guide over the 90, and vice versa?

Thanks

Whisky · Sep 23, 2014

Jtelarkin08 said:
How do you know if your getting the old or new 90% jacket

Also look at Linton Outdoors. They have one listed for NEW for $289 and one for 269. The 269 would be old product and I would be confirming with anybody I was buying from at that price what I was getting, if not specified on their website

Matt W. · Sep 23, 2014

Whisky said:
Good info...so from what I gather I have two viable Quiet options.
Guide or 90%.
Is that Guide jacket identical to their pants in regards to noise? I have the pants.
Appears everybody loves the 90%.
Matt what would make you chose the Guide over the 90, and vice versa?
Thanks

From what I could tell the guide pants and jacket are the exact same material.

As for 90% vs. Guide, here is my take (pulled from the end of the review):
2014 Sitka 90% - Lightweight, High Exertion Activities, early to mid-season temps
KUIU Guide – Mid-weight, Medium to High Exertion Activities, early to mid-season temps

The 90% is lighter, sheds wind better, and is highly breathable. The Guide is not as windproof and you need to open the pits up to get the same breath-ability as the 90%. But, the guide has a hood and the 90% does not. Each soft shell really has its unique place, you just have to really think through how you are going to use it.

The 90% is my choice for backpack hunts. Both are quiet. I'd take the other jackets if operating out a base camp.

Jtelarkin08 · Sep 23, 2014

Ok guys i went with the 90%.. I ordered the 2014 model from blackovis.. Used the 10% off coupon with free shipping.. I need the wind backer.. Thats what makes me cold when the wind blows in..

Whisky · Sep 24, 2014

I did as well.

What soft shell for bowhunting

WKR

WKR

WKR

Super Moderator

WKR

WKR

WKR

WKR

Lil-Rokslider

WKR

WKR

WKR

Super Moderator

WKR

WKR

Super Moderator

WKR

WKR

Similar threads

Featured Video

Stats

Latest Articles