Help needed with Whitetail Bowhunting Outer Layer (Alternative to Fanatic)

[SloppyJ]

The stratus is the answer you're looking for however you mentioned the fanatic. Those are two different temperature ranges. The stratos is a direct replacement of the Jetstream but with a brushed fleece exterior to quiet it down. The fanatic is my last line of defense and something that absolutely cannot be worn on a walk in. Apples and oranges.

My stratos set is the most versatile clothing option I have. If you get it, go with the bibs so you can vent the legs.

 

[adamm88]

Kuiu proximity, I froze in my stratus gear. I can get into the 20's with mine with the right layering probably even more.

If the proximity was a full bib vs Belly Pant(im not sure what to call the pants on the proximity they ride high) i could get into the teens. I know its advertised as being able to get into the teens but if i did id have enough layers i might as well wear my fanatic stuff(which is a pain to carry into public).

 

[DirtyTerp1]

Have you used it at all? I’ve looked it over a few times at my local shop.

I personally have not, pretty much run the fanatic below freezing. I have a buddy who has some of the pieces and likes them well enough. Bill Winke I believe is running it and has reviews on his channel.

 

[ckk416]

After a successful whitetail season bowhunting thus far, I am thinking through how to improve my hunting apparel arsenal. My layering system this year went as follows:

• Stone Glacier LS Merino
• Sitka Midweight Grid Fleece
• Stone Glacier Zenith Fleece Jacket
• Stika Jetstream Jacket

Now when it came time to actually throw the Jetstream on I realized how LOUD it was and I literally took it off and dropped it out of the stand. When temps got below 40 with wind I was pretty damn cold when only layered up to the Zenith Fleece Jacket. I am looking for a jacket to either replace just the Jetstream Jacket or replace both the Zenith Fleece Jacket and the Jetstream Jacket. I considered the Fanatic lineup from Sitka, but realistically it's just out of the budget for now.

Does anyone have any idea to help fill the void in my lineup - maybe a good budget berber fleece product with some wind protection?

(Picture just for fun - 2024 Buck)

Take a look as AsioGear. I purchased their Midweight Sherpa jacket along with the Midweight Sherpa Bibs and couldn't be happier. Dead quiet and very warm. Highly recommend.

 

[Primal-Understanding]

Kuiu proximity, I froze in my stratus gear. I can get into the 20's with mine with the right layering probably even more.

If the proximity was a full bib vs Belly Pant(im not sure what to call the pants on the proximity they ride high) i could get into the teens. I know its advertised as being able to get into the teens but if i did id have enough layers i might as well wear my fanatic stuff(which is a pain to carry into public).

Im leaning towards this set right now. Couple questions for ya:
How does it do on stopping the wind?
What was sizing like for you? Ive heard you need to size on Kuiu.
Do you carry it to the stand or walk in with it on?

I personally have not, pretty much run the fanatic below freezing. I have a buddy who has some of the pieces and likes them well enough. Bill Winke I believe is running it and has reviews on his channel.

I am interested in the Code of Silence as well. Looks like a bootleg Fanatic. For what its worth, it does seem to be pretty dark colored without must contrast.

 

[south man]

Sitka Stratus is quieter than the Jetstream, warmer also. Especially paired with the Stratus bibs.

That said, I also have the Solitude jacket/bibs and the Fanatic set. Bought the Fanatic set first, but haven’t used it in a couple years. Not really cold enough in N Georgia.

I do use the Solitude when temps dip into the mid 20’s. Definitely warmer than the Stratus set. Would probably break out the Fanatic if single digits were in the forecast.

I use the Stratus set most of the year and often throw the fanatic vest over the top as an extra outer layer. When layered properly I am goof for most of the season in N GA. I do own the Incinerator and Fanatic sets and will use when temps drop below 20 or into the teens

 

[adamm88]

Im leaning towards this set right now. Couple questions for ya:
How does it do on stopping the wind?
What was sizing like for you? Ive heard you need to size on Kuiu.
Do you carry it to the stand or walk in with it on?

It does ok at stopping wind, I bought my proximity stuff early fall last year i believe they added windstopper to it, If you have never bought kuiu id suggest size up, Im a bigger person i could fit in size 40 waist eddie bauer pants but 42s in kuiu would be tight. Iv never returned anything to Kuiu but people say they are good about retruns.

It depends where i hunt if i carry it or wear it, I always carry the jacket, iv been wearing the pants all year vented as much as possible but i am pretty toasty when i get in usually(i average a mile walk in probably), I make it work like this, i have found moisture control and not over heating walking in will keep me warmer in my stand

 

[deezs]

I recently got a Kryptek Vellus jacket, I am returning it because I felt the wind proof lining was too loud for archery hunting

 

[Luck10pt]

I have the kuiu proximity bibs and jacket. I really love the entire outfit but after a few sits and normal use I have holes all over it. The outer layer is way to thin.

 

[Szwampdonkey]

Personally i dropped most of the trendy expensive stuff. It’s all way overpriced, loud, and generally not warm enough. It all went into permanent storage in my attic or sold. Minus my beloved Kuiu Kenai jackets, vests, and zip off pants, my First Lite merino Llano, Chama, and Furnace based on temps, and i kept most of my Kryptek stuff for back up.

The last 6 years or so i’ve been buying up and using old school Predator Camo. It really is the best from Sept through Jan 31 for whitetail. Several different weight jackets and 1/4 zips to get you from 90 degrees in Sept to -20 degrees Jan 31 in WI. All of them are dead silent. My favorites are the Performance long sleeve crew, 1/4 zip Performance fleece, Lightweight Jacket, G2 Whitetail Jacket, Micro Fleece Jacket (with a Kuiu Kenai jacket under if needed), and the Ambush insulated vest i got a size bigger to go over the Micro Fleece if it’s really cold. They also have a packable insulated jacket called th e Airstream that is next up to buy but they are currently out of the Fall Grey which is unbeatable in winter. The Fall Grey destroys any other camo for breaking up your outline in winter. Some say camo doesn’t matter but it absolutely does for cagey late winter whitetails. I always have the Kuiu Kenai stuff with me to go under the jackets if i need a little more warmth once the temps get cold enough. It’s the only whitetail quiet pack in insulation i’ve found the rest is all WAY too loud.

I’d say anything Kryptek would get second place. Their Vellus Fleece is warm, windproof, and pretty quiet. The Aegis is mega warm, windproof, and also pretty quiet. Their camo will get you picked off in winter in a tree though. And if it’s really cold and still those two pieces can have a little sound i think due to the windproof layer. I still use it a bit for Rifle and when i’ll be on the ground.

 

[Primal-Understanding]

I have the kuiu proximity bibs and jacket. I really love the entire outfit but after a few sits and normal use I have holes all over it. The outer layer is way to thin.

Thats kind of a deal breaker then…. Im way to hard on my clothes to be wearing anything fragile. I have First Lite Catalyst pants and they have holes all over them from one season.


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