KUIU Chinook Jacket and Pant Review powered by

KUIU’S CHINOOK JACKET AND PANT REVIEW

Editor: Randy Johnson, Lead Field Editor
HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES
www.highdesertsheepguides.com
Alti2ude Outdoors Pro Staff

Basic Description:

KUIU’s Chinook Jacket is designed to be their lightest and most breathable soft-shell product. Toray has now bonded the 30 denier Stunner®Stretch 100% micro ripstop nylon fabric used in their Super Down products to a brushed polyester micro check fleece backer. This highly technical and light-weight fabric has been perfectly designed for Mountain Hunters. The fabric combination and product features of the Chinook Jacket offer superior temperature regulating performance for the wide range of hunting conditions that you may face.

The microcheck fleece backer reduces weight and increases performance. During strenuous hiking the “check pattern” of the backer fabric increases the airflow and aids in moving moisture away from the wearer to evaporate and increase drying times. The two hand pockets are set high to allow hunters easy access, especially if wearing a backpack. The chest pockets are sewn to the outside of the jacket and use the exterior of the face fabric as the back of the pocket. This design increases the surface area of the microcheck backer fabric on the interior of the jacket, improving airflow, durability and overall performance.

The Chinook Jacket is perfect for early season hunts for those who want to push the limits of light and fast when temperatures are cool, and yet maintain the protection from the elements when required.

The development of KUIU’s Chinook Pant to accompany the jacket and soft shell product line was greatly appreciated. At a mere 17.5 ounces, the Chinook Pant is made with 30 Denier Toray® Stunner Stretch face fabric that’s bonded to a brushed polyester micro check fleece backer treated with Toray’s Kudos DWR® to make the Chinook Pant extremely durable, breathable and water resistant. These pants also include a darted Primeflex® and Dermizax® NX Waterproof knee pads with EVA foam that effortlessly molds to the knee and provides added durability in high abrasion areas.

Chinook Jacket Facts and Technical Features:

• Toray Stunner®Stretch Micro Ripstop Face Fabric
• Toray Brushed Polyester Microcheck Fleece Backer
• Toray Kudos® DWR
• YKK Zippers and Duraflex Hardware

TECHNICAL FEATURES
• 18.7 ounces
• 2 layer technically advanced soft-shell jacket – 215 g/m2
• 30D nylon Stunner®Stretch face fabric
• Brushed polyester micro check backer
• Microcheck backer increases air flow
• Wear alone in mild temperatures
• Layer underneath in cooler conditions
• Pit zips for added breathability
• 2-way mechanical stretch fabric
• No Hood

PATTERNING
• Reinforced bonded elbows
• Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
• Articulated elbows
• No-lift gusseted underarms
• Drop back laminated hem
• Adjustable hem draw cord

POCKET CONFIGURATION
• 2 Chest pockets
• 2 Full hand pockets
• 1 Internal chest pocket
• 1 Left sleeve pocket

ZIPPER CONFIGURATION
• Reinforced zipper stitching
• Pit zips with YKK Aquaguard coil zippers
• Main zipper – YKK Vislon Aquaguard zipper

Chinook Pant Facts and Technical Features:
• Toray Stunner®Stretch Micro Ripstop Face Fabric
• Toray Brushed Polyester Microcheck Fleece Backer
• Toray Kudos® DWR
• Toray Primeflex® & Dermizax® NX knee pad

PANT TECHNICAL FEATURES
• 17.5 oz
• 2 layer technically advanced soft-shell pant- 215 g/m2
• 30D nylon Stunner®Stretch face fabric
• Brushed polyester microcheck backer
• Microcheck backer increases air flow
• Wear alone in mild temperatures
• Layer underneath in cooler conditions
• Side vent zips for added breathability
• 2-way mechanical stretch fabric
• FX7641 Dermizax® NX Waterproof knee pads with EVA foam for added durability in high abrasion area

PATTERNING CONFIGURATION
• Antomical shaping for fit and comfort 
• Gusseted crotch 
• Articulated knee pad for added comfort

POCKET CONFIGURATION
• Double zippered cargo pockets on both sides
• Two zippered hand pockets
• Two zippered back hand pockets

ZIPPER CONFIGURATION
• Reinforced zipper stitching
• Fly zip – YKK zipper
• Cargo pocket zips with YKK Aquaguard coil zippers
• Side vent zips with YKK Aquaguard coil zippers
• Front and back hand zips with YKK Aquaguard coil zippers

My Story:

When I read that KUIU and Toray were in the process of developing a new microcheck backer fabric in their soft-shell lightweight Chinook Jacket and Pant I couldn’t wait to get my order in. Designed by Toray, the fabric is similar to what they use in their Super Down products so I knew it would be perfect for my Mountain Hunting demands of regulating temperature and performance under changing weather/hunting conditions. I’m always looking for products that will move the moisture away from my body so that it can evaporate and not keep me cold and wet. The new microcheck fleece in both the Chinook Jacket and Pant directly addresses this issue.

Although my early fall hunts generally take place in hot conditions the temperatures can swing to the cold side so I need a jacket and pant that are capable of standing up to either issue. This is exactly where KUIU’s Chinook line steps forward to score a major touchdown in my opinion.

I’ve worn the Chinook Jacket and Pants on several very demanding fall backpack trips while chasing desert sheep and I have absolutely loved the versatility and comfort that this new system has given me. This clothing exemplifies “lightweight” but tough and it provides you with the necessary warmth when you need it. I love the waterproof fabric. The articulated foam knee pads were designed perfectly for my hunting needs as I’m constantly kneeling to glass, get into my tent, cook on my Jetboil stove, etc. Knee pads are also appreciated when sneaking up on a trophy ram in terrain with sharp rocks and sharp cacti.

I’m an individual who can’t tolerate restrictive clothing that limits my movement in any way. Believe me, both the Chinook Jacket and Pant give me the flexibility that I demand and are extremely comfortable.

The pocket configurations on the jacket and pant were designed with a great deal of thought and consideration for the Mountain Hunter and guide in mind. The zippered pant cargo pockets are roomy and have met my expectations in every way. I’m constantly losing items out of my other pant pockets that don’t have zippers when scrambling around on a mountainside. Now, I know that the items I place in my pockets are safe and that I won’t lose them.

The Chinook jacket is light as the Stunner Stretch fabric is very comfortable. The zippered, deep pockets are roomy and greatly appreciated. Also, there have been several trips this fall where I encountered some windy and nasty cold weather conditions. To insulate myself against the cold I slip on my incredibly light Super Down Jacket underneath my Chinook Jacket to keep me warm and insulated. This duo works very well in tandem together.

The Chinook Jacket and Pant can both be ordered in KUIU’s Vias or Verde Camo patterns. I highly recommend the purchase of KUIU’s Chinook clothing to compliment any gear list. When heading out onto the mountain on my adventures this fall I found myself reaching for these two items of clothing first and foremost. The Jacket is available in sizes S to 3XL and is priced at $199.99. The Chinook Pant comes in sizes 32-40 and also sells for $199.99. Both items of clothing have fit my lanky body frame perfectly.

Other information about KUIU:

Please remember that you won’t find KUIU clothing or gear in any of the outdoor stores or catalogs. Jason Hairston chose to market KUIU by not using any retailers. He keeps the middle-man out of the process and only sells online direct through the KUIU website or by calling their customer service. This was a conscious effort to provide hunters with the very best products and to keep the prices down.

KUIU partners with the greatest manufacturers in the world to provide products that are made with only the finest ingredients. Their partners include Toray, The Merino Company, Cordura Brand, Pittards Leather, YKK, Duraflex, Easton, and Polartec. This concept is what allows KUIU to produce the highest quality gear for ultimate performance at prices less than anyone else can offer. It’s what will allow KUIU to continue to lead the industry with cutting edge innovations that will push the hunting gear market further than ever before

If you are not familiar with KUIU, you should seriously consider checking out their blog for updates and information on their product and visit their website at www.KUIU.com. If you are really into technology then KUIU can also be followed on Twitter (@KUIU) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/KUIUultralight). I really appreciate the fact that Jason and his team don’t hesitate to ask you, their customers, to give them direct feedback on your experience with any of their gear, good or bad. KUIU’s customer service has always been outstanding and they are extremely customer oriented. The team at KUIU is always willing to treat you as if you are part of their Mountain Hunting family.