A good hunting jacket can add hours to your hunting trips. That’s why people go for top names like Kuiu.
Rubicon and Guide are two of the most popular jackets in the Kuiu lineup. Both are pretty similar but some factors like the fitting, design, durability, and cost make them different.
Rubicon and Guide jackets are so close that people usually get confused about which one to pick. If you’re one of those people, here is a side-by-side comparison between them to help you out.
A Quick Summary of Comparison
| Feature | KUIU Rubicon | KUIU Guide |
| Fitting | Slightly loose | Form-fitting |
| Design | More pockets and zippers, full camo | Fewer pockets, not fully camo |
| Durability | Good | Good |
| Cost | More affordable | Less affordable |
Still here? Let’s get to the details then.
Key Differences Between KUIU Rubicon And Guide Jackets
Side-by-side comparisons are pretty difficult when both options are pretty much the same. And that’s the case with these two jackets.
Both have different use cases and attributes. That makes differentiating between them a little harder but not impossible.
Fitting, design, durability, and cost are the most major differences you’ll spot between them. Let’s see how Rubicon and Guide jackets stand apart in these departments.
- Fitting
Hunting jacket fitting comes in two ways- form-fitting and athletic. Rubicon goes for an athletic fit with the cut while Guide jackets take the more form-fitting approach.
What kind of fitting you want will depend on what you hunt.
Some people prefer a comfortable, slightly bigger fitting.
Others prefer the form-fitting option for better movement control.
Rubicon jacket prioritizes comfort with its larger fit.
The jacket is supposed to be a slightly loose fit on you and that’s what it does.
The sleeves on Rubicon are slightly longer than those of Guide. If you want it to be more form-fitting, you’ll have to go down one size.
The extra room makes it easier to carry any small spare gear you might have. But there is another issue with the loose fit. When you layer it up with something, the fitting might make you bulkier than you’d like.
The guide jacket is precise with its fitting. The jacket will fit you like a glove and you can easily put extra layers over it.
Not that you’ll need them with the jacket, but the option is always there. The sleeves are standard length too. You can go for your real size with this one.
Also Read: Differences Between KUIU Verde And Vias Camo.
- Design
This is the most visible difference between Rubicon and Guide jacket. Rubicon takes more of an everyday approach with the jacket while Guide goes for a comparatively more tactical design.
Rubicon jackets come in two options- camo and regular. But the camo jacket isn’t fully camo-like Guide jackets.
The area under the armpits has a pretty big black lining. You may not notice it when you’re window shopping from Kuiu’s websites but you’ll see it once you get your hands on it.
Rubicon also has fewer zippers and pockets. It comes with two zippered hand pockets and a chest pocket.
As for zippers, it doesn’t have the pit adjusting ones like Guide. So basically it is a hunting jacket aimed mostly toward protection and warmth.
Guide jacket doesn’t cut corners like that. This jacket comes with six pockets and adjustable zippers. There are two chest pockets, one shoulder pocket, two hand pockets, and an inside pocket.
So whatever you need to have on you, you can put it right in.
The pit zippers on Guide jackets help adjust the fitting. You can go as form-fitting or as loose as it gets. Plus the jacket is full camo so you can blend in easier.
And if you want non-camo, there is another version (all season) that does regular fabric.
- Durability
KUIU jackets have a pretty solid reputation for being durable. This is probably their most important marketing factor too.
And when it comes to durability, the competition between Rubicon and Guide gets harder.
The usual problem with lightweight jackets is the risk of wear and tear.
Most manufacturers sacrifice some durability to achieve a light feel.
That makes the jackets vulnerable especially when you’re on rough terrain.
This isn’t a problem with Rubicon or Guide jackets, but Rubicon is slightly behind in terms of this.
Guide jackets stand stronger against tears with their heavier material and lining.
However, Rubicon takes the point back when it comes to water resistance. Both jackets are claimed to be water resistant by Kuiu but they aren’t 100% resistant.
And the Rubicon jacket does better against wetness (whether it is rain or snow) than the Guide jacket.
The wind protection level is pretty similar for both jackets. Both of them will protect you against the wind, but the guide jacket can feel too warm if you’re wearing them in earlier days.
- Cost
Rubicon is much less expensive than Guide jacket. It retails for $159 compared to Guide jacket’s $259. Both are very much worth the money but Rubicon wins the trophy for affordability.
Which KUIU Jacket Should You Choose?
As you know now, both products are really similar. That makes it harder to choose one of them, but it isn’t impossible.
Everything will come down to your personal preference and what you want in your hunting gear.
If you want something affordable, lighter, and basic for less chilly days then go for the Rubicon. It is easy to carry around, has pretty much everything Guide jackets have (except the pockets), and won’t break the bank.
If you’re willing to splurge and want something more heavy-duty, go with Guide jacket with your eyes closed. This will help no matter how rough your area and weather are.
This is also more tactical and better suited for windy weather.
Overall, Guide jacket is the better choice here. But if you specifically want something lighter or cheaper, feel free to give Rubicon a shot.
Also Read: Differences Between KUIU ULTRA And Super Down Pro Jackets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are a bunch of questions people usually ask about Rubicon, Guide, and other hunting jackets in general.
Unfortunately, no. Kuiu’s guide jacket is water resistant but not waterproof. This means you’ll only get partial protection against water.
Yes, Kuiu jackets are some of the best hunting jackets you’ll find. They’re durable, lightweight, and a great value for money. They also have solid reputations.
Kuiu’s Rubicon jacket is a lighter and less tactical version of the Guide jacket. It is durable, water and wind-resistant, and more affordable.
Final Verdict
The comparison of KUIU Rubicon and Guide jacket debate will go as much as you stretch it. Both are amazing jackets but the choice will ultimately come down to you.
The Guide jacket is a better choice overall, but feel free to give the Rubicon jacket a shot if it fits the bill.
