How Cool is a Sitka Ascent Jacket?

[Rucker61]

It doesn't seem like it would be light enough for hot weather, like late August Wyoming pronghorn hunting. How does it compare to the Core T-shirt or other lightweight tops?

 

[bounds]

I have the Ascent jacket and have worn it mostly for September elk hunts. It is a little heavier than the Core material, but it's also a very different material than the Core. I usually have it on first thing in the morning when it's cool, but once late morning hits and the temps start climbing, I put it in my pack and just wear my base layer shirt until late in the evening when it starts cooling down again.

I would think you would use it the same way. It's perfect to give you that little bit of extra in the morning and evening, but it packs away easily during the day when it's warmer.

For reference, my elk hunts are probably low 50s at daylight and I'm probably coming out of the jacket mid morning when it gets to the mid 60s.

 

[Rucker61]

How would you compare its usefulness for elk hunting to the Traverse shirt?

 

[bounds]

The Traverse shirt is a great piece, but it is not near as durable as the Ascent for all the time use as your outer layer. That being said, I have worn it a lot as an outer layer, but it's not going to shed water or stand up to abuse like the Ascent. The Traverse is made as a heavyweight base layer/midlayer for added warmth, so while it works as an outer layer, that is not it's intended use.

 

[rodney482]

Pretty thin, perfect for on the move in 50-60 temps.