2013 90% and 2014 90%

[doverpack12]

I have been looking at Sitka's 90% Jackets. Some stores still have what I believe is the 2013 model which is much stretchier and almost faded a little bit, has grey inside not white. 2014 was the first year with pit zips right? The 2014 to me lost alot of stretch in the fabric, which is probably a result of the added wind resistance. Anyone else try or own both and have more comments on which you prefer and why. I am really liking the huge amount of stretch in the 2013 but like the pit zips in the 2014.

 

[Matt W.]

There is a pretty big difference in the 90% between 2013 and 2014. Sitka Gear could almost have kept the 2013 version and added the 2014 as a new offering. I have both the 2013 and 2014 pants, and just the 2014 jacket. It does not have pit zips, but is highly breathable and super light. Its one my favorite pieces of gear right now. I did a detailed write up on a good selection of soft shells that should be published here on Rokslide in a bit. The 2014 line has a "body-mapped, microgrid fleece backer" which is grey. I believe it was the 2013 line that had the white backer.

Check it out here:
http://www.sitkagear.com/insight/darkroom-90-series

 

[doverpack12]

Maybe I had them backwards. The stretchier jacket is the 2014?

 

[Matt W.]

Thinner, lighter, and more flexible. IMO

 

[doverpack12]

Thanks for the info. I found a few old catalogs. From what I can tell 2014 has the little grey stretch fabric at the wrist cuffs, no pit zips, and grey inside with the checkered backer. 2013 has pit zips, and grey inside wrist cuffs do not have velcro. 2012 inside is white, pit zips, and wrist cuffs have an internal liner and velcro. 2011 is the same as the 2012 but i'm sure has some differences when examined in person.

 

[Steve O]

Initially, I was ticked off that the pit zips are gone but after wearing the new 90% jacket and pant in Africa last month, I am impressed. It IS much more breatheable than the last version, plenty of stretch, AND definitely is much more wind resistant. I rode in the bed of the pickup a number of times with the trackers and I was very happy I had that new jacket. It cut the wind big time.

 

[Matt W.]

Initially, I was ticked off that the pit zips are gone but after wearing the new 90% jacket and pant in Africa last month, I am impressed. It IS much more breatheable than the last version, plenty of stretch, AND definitely is much more wind resistant. I rode in the bed of the pickup a number of times with the trackers and I was very happy I had that new jacket. It cut the wind big time.

Nice! I am in Alaska, but have used the jacket in a variety of settings and terrain. Its a great design!

 

[doverpack12]

Anyone have experience with the new 90% compared to the Kuiu Chinook? I am reading the chinook is ever so slightly noisier than the guide and I know for a fact from handling the now 90% it is quieter than the guide. I can get them both for almost the same price so I am leaning toward the Sitka.