Is the Sitka Ambient a must have?

[wnelson14]

Where did you find this? Never heard of them!

Ive had their grid fleece it’s very similar to SG Helio, I knew they made military USA made items but that one in particular is new. I think I saw it on someones YouTube

 

[Drenalin]

What other pieces in the hunting and outdoor space are comparable to the ambient?

I picked up an Outdoor Research Ascendant jacket on eBay for $75 with the Polartec Alpha. It's black, but it's like 14 ounces, full zip, has a hood, chest pocket, and two hand pockets. I had planned on giving it a try before springing for the more expensive Sitka version, but I think I like this well enough that I won't bother with the Sitka.

The Polartec Alpha is nice, but it's not magical for me. If it's cold (say low 40s and down), I prefer it over grid fleece as a mid. But above that, I still prefer grid fleece.

 

[wnelson14]

What other pieces in the hunting and outdoor space are comparable to the ambient?

Outdoor Vitals Ventus and vario
Arcteryx Atom LT-
Stone glaciers new cirque lite
Beyond clothing New stretch jacket
Outdoor research has a couple I’m sure
Mountain hardware has some light synthetic puffy stretch jackets that would work

 

[sr80]

im curious if sitka makes any changes to the ambient line up, seems like a lot of guy would love a kangaroo pocket. I am 6'1 185-190 lbs. XL was too big and use the large tall. Sleeves could be a tag longer still and the torso could be shorter but it works for me.

 

[sr80]

I picked up an Outdoor Research Ascendant jacket on eBay for $75 with the Polartec Alpha. It's black, but it's like 14 ounces, full zip, has a hood, chest pocket, and two hand pockets. I had planned on giving it a try before springing for the more expensive Sitka version, but I think I like this well enough that I won't bother with the Sitka.

The Polartec Alpha is nice, but it's not magical for me. If it's cold (say low 40s and down), I prefer it over grid fleece as a mid. But above that, I still prefer grid fleece.

its too bad they stopped making that jacket. It looks like a great piece

 

[Ryan Avery]

What other pieces in the hunting and outdoor space are comparable to the ambient?

Men's Vigor Plus Fleece Hoodie | Outdoor Research

When it comes to winter layers, this hooded fleece is as good as it gets. Streamlined, warm, weather-resistant, and made with 93% recycled materials, this 4-way-stretch jacket is a go-to for backcountry, climbing, and crushing the cold.

www.outdoorresearch.com

 

[Desk Jockey]

Why can't sitka just do both for us lol. Pockets and a hood dangit!

I was in the same boat until I found out The military version from Sitka arrowhead has both. I am not sure if arrowhead (their military line) is still going but I scooped one up. Mike Moore did a good review.

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment MDWi Hoody Review

MDWi Hoody Review. Mike Moore reviews the Sitka Arrowhead Equipment MDWi Hoody while hunting and hiking in MT.

www.rokslide.com

 

[Drenalin]

The Outdoor Research Vigor Plus that Ryan linked is also really nice, but can be a PITA if your torso and arms are on the longer side. But it's comfortable enough that I still use it.

 

[wnelson14]

Why can't sitka just do both for us lol. Pockets and a hood dangit!

My guess is during pandemic it was probably harder to source zippers so they eliminated pockets on the hoodie and made them both with minimal material, and also a marketing strategy for the second version to have pockets etc and minimal improvements and everyone who bought the 1st version will upgrade.

 

[prm]

Where is the Sitka Ambient made?

 

[carsonkeys]

I’ll likely get dragged in following comments, but I’ll go against the grain here and say I was underwhelmed with the ambient. On a cold day, I overheated wearing it and a base layer…no different than if I would’ve worn a grid fleece.

I also found it much more fragile than a grid fleece. After one backpack hunt I have several spots that are torn/cut.

Finally, I don’t like the fit. I’m a pretty stout guy and wear a L tall in everything sitka with no issues. I found the ambient to be too tight in the shoulders and chest, and an XL to be way too big.

Overall, I think there’s certainly a fit for it, as confirmed by the many glowing reviews above me. For my purposes though, I haven’t found an instance where a fleece wouldn’t perform the same, or better.

 

[svivian]

Why can't sitka just do both for us lol. Pockets and a hood dangit!

My guess is during pandemic it was probably harder to source zippers so they eliminated pockets on the hoodie and made them both with minimal material, and also a marketing strategy for the second version to have pockets etc and minimal improvements and everyone who bought the 1st version will upgrade.

Midlayer Hoody - MDWi (Black)

An insulated hooded jacket that is worn in a stand-alone manner or as a midlayer in conjunction with a wet weather protective jacket when conducting Special Reconnaissance tasks. PRODUCT FEATURES Wet Weather Jacket Compatible allowing the jacket to be functionally worn as insulation with a Wet...

arrowheadkred.com

You can get exactly what you want here.

... Looks like someone else already posted above as well.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

On comparable pieces - anything with an inner face fabric is not comparable in my expereience. Atom LT and the Cirque Light may be called active insulation, but I have found there's a huge different in the temperature range I can wear the ambient in vs a more traditionally constreucted synthetic lightweight piece. I think the Atom LT and similar garments shine in "all around" stop/go use when it is colder and they are the outer layer, but when it gets warmer, I personally build sweat in my layers a lot quicker with a piece like that. With these unfaced active insulation pieces, while not being a miracle worker, they open up a wider range of comforatble temps to wear it in, where you have to take it off and put it back on a lot less.

 

[Erussell01]

I was in the same boat until I found out The military version from Sitka arrowhead has both. I am not sure if arrowhead (their military line) is still going but I scooped one up. Mike Moore did a good review.

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment MDWi Hoody Review

MDWi Hoody Review. Mike Moore reviews the Sitka Arrowhead Equipment MDWi Hoody while hunting and hiking in MT.

www.rokslide.com

I can't find one in my size anywhere....

 

[Erussell01]

Ive had their grid fleece it’s very similar to SG Helio, I knew they made military USA made items but that one in particular is new. I think I saw it on someones YouTube

I will be checking it out for sure! Looks like I need more info

 

[SMOKYMTN]

What other pieces in the hunting and outdoor space are comparable to the ambient?

North Face has a new hybrid Summit Series Ventrix piece that is really outstanding. Active insulation across the front body panels and upper back, but the lower back and inner arms are made of nylon softshell with no insulation to accommodate for a backpack and active wear. Lightweight and an overall outstanding jacket for regulating body temperature when active.

Men’s Summit Series Casaval Hybrid Hoodie | The North Face

Reliable, lightweight warmth never looked so good. The Men’s Summit Series Casaval Hybrid Hoodie is an innovative mid layer, insulated with synthetic Ventrix™, that delivers breathability and mobility no matter the activity. By eliminating shoulder seams, this jacket is comfortable even when...

www.thenorthface.com

 

[sconnieVLP]

I was in the same boat until I found out The military version from Sitka arrowhead has both. I am not sure if arrowhead (their military line) is still going but I scooped one up. Mike Moore did a good review.

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment MDWi Hoody Review

MDWi Hoody Review. Mike Moore reviews the Sitka Arrowhead Equipment MDWi Hoody while hunting and hiking in MT.

www.rokslide.com

Sitka discontinued the Arrowhead line, so whatever is out there now is what’s left.

We got these jackets at work, perhaps my favorite piece of clothing I’ve been issued.

It had a place in my ruck 100% of the time and I have spent a ton of time wearing it. The face is a little heavier duty than the Ambient (30D vs 20D if my memory serves) but it’s pretty close otherwise. Can’t say enough good things about the piece.

 

[2531usmc]

Where is the Sitka Ambient made?

Mine was made in Vietnam

 

[Erussell01]

Midlayer Hoody - MDWi (Black)

An insulated hooded jacket that is worn in a stand-alone manner or as a midlayer in conjunction with a wet weather protective jacket when conducting Special Reconnaissance tasks. PRODUCT FEATURES Wet Weather Jacket Compatible allowing the jacket to be functionally worn as insulation with a Wet...

arrowheadkred.com

You can get exactly what you want here.

... Looks like someone else already posted above as well.

When the world did they come back in stock?
Dead serious I've looked there before!

How much different is the mdwi garment and the ambient?

 

[Erussell01]

Sitka discontinued the Arrowhead line, so whatever is out there now is what’s left.

We got these jackets at work, perhaps my favorite piece of clothing I’ve been issued.

It had a place in my ruck 100% of the time and I have spent a ton of time wearing it. The face is a little heavier duty than the Ambient (30D vs 20D if my memory serves) but it’s pretty close otherwise. Can’t say enough good things about the piece.

Is the insulation the same?!