Is the Sitka Ambient a must have?

[Erussell01]

Since it released, I can't remember if that was spring or summer. I've used it camping, running, waterfowl hunting, big game archery/rifle, and travel. All used as 2nd layer fleece replacement. I've lost track of an exact number of hunting days with it, I would say 15ish days.

The comments on the sleeves are true, they are too short. I like the torso length, but it is longer than anything sitka produces it would seem.

I've used it enough to say that debating it is a true waste of time - it's great. There's not a whole lot I could say to convey its uniqueness and effectiveness. Again I am talking about the quarter zip hoody.

That's what I'm looking for as well. Quarter zip hoodie that I can use for everything like my heavy hoodie, but faster drying.

How is the hood?

 

[Erussell01]

See comments above. It is certainly quiet enough to hunt with.....

I am a goofy one, I fit perfectly in large heavy hoody, but need xl lw hoodie and jetstream jacket so I'm never really sure for new sitka pieces.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

Yes and Yes. The Ambient is the biggest tech advancement in hunting clothes in the last few years. It's a true technical piece that delivers true performance.

I think it only negative so far is the outer fabric isn't the most durable.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

That's what I'm looking for as well. Quarter zip hoodie that I can use for everything like my heavy hoodie, but faster drying.

How is the hood?

I am unsure how it compares to the heavyweight fleece piece or jestream. It's one of my favorite hoods and fits "close" like a midlayer hood.

 

[Erussell01]

Yes and Yes. The Ambient is the biggest tech advancement in hunting clothes in the last few years. It's a true technical piece that delivers true performance.

I think it only negative so far is the outer fabric isn't the most durable. no Bush brusting without being cautiou

Yes and Yes. The Ambient is the biggest tech advancement in hunting clothes in the last few years. It's a true technical piece that delivers true performance.

I think it only negative so far is the outer fabric isn't the most durable.

So basically cover it with a shell if I'm gonna bust hard brush?

 

[Texasbuckeye]

I would agree with most of the above, great piece(s) (i have both) and it would be good if everyone posted their dimensions when talking about fit. I am a normally sized 5’10’ 180-185# 47yo with a size 32 arm in shirts and the large fits me perfect, arms are not too ling and the fit at tue bottom is appropriate. A 6’2” 180# dude isnt going to feel the same, nor will a 5’8” 200# dude. Information is helpful on fitment related issues.

Regarding the actual use, i used the hoody almost exclusively during early to mid archery season in south OK. Cool mornings were easy in low to mid 50’s with simply a LW underneath. The ambient is quiet enough if there is some wind, but on dead calm days it does have enough noise to spook deer at bow hunting range. As season progressed i would use either the hoody or jacket with a base under the stratus into the 30’s easily for treestand hunting.

I have also used the jacket in non-hunting as a stand alone jacket. In ireland it did great with a light shirt, bit temps there were mild and not wet wet, mild drizzle one day and temps around the 50-60’s most days. I used the jacket while skiing in Park city as an after day jacket and it did great in the 30’s and 20’s for night time activities.

I have used the hoody as a mid layer while skiing in park city. Base, ambient hoody, and north face shell, and it did great moving moisture and keeping me warm. I typically would get hot and sweaty while skiing and i didnt as much despite some good runs, and when i did the moisture wicked away quickly and didnt last long.

Overall, very impressed with both pieces. If the hoody had pockets i would really love it. If the jacket had a hood, i would really love it. As they both are, i just really really really like them. They aren’t perfect, but dang close! And they perform really really well!

 

[Erussell01]

I'm 6'2, 220 pounds. I coach crossfit so my build is athletic ish but with gorilla arms. From what it sounds like I'd need a large tall. Is that about on point with what others have experienced?

 

[Erussell01]

I would agree with most of the above, great piece(s) (i have both) and it would be good if everyone posted their dimensions when talking about fit. I am a normally sized 5’10’ 180-185# 47yo with a size 32 arm in shirts and the large fits me perfect, arms are not too ling and the fit at tue bottom is appropriate. A 6’2” 180# dude isnt going to feel the same, nor will a 5’8” 200# dude. Information is helpful on fitment related issues.

Regarding the actual use, i used the hoody almost exclusively during early to mid archery season in south OK. Cool mornings were easy in low to mid 50’s with simply a LW underneath. The ambient is quiet enough if there is some wind, but on dead calm days it does have enough noise to spook deer at bow hunting range. As season progressed i would use either the hoody or jacket with a base under the stratus into the 30’s easily for treestand hunting.

I have also used the jacket in non-hunting as a stand alone jacket. In ireland it did great with a light shirt, bit temps there were mild and not wet wet, mild drizzle one day and temps around the 50-60’s most days. I used the jacket while skiing in Park city as an after day jacket and it did great in the 30’s and 20’s for night time activities.

I have used the hoody as a mid layer while skiing in park city. Base, ambient hoody, and north face shell, and it did great moving moisture and keeping me warm. I typically would get hot and sweaty while skiing and i didnt as much despite some good runs, and when i did the moisture wicked away quickly and didnt last long.

Overall, very impressed with both pieces. If the hoody had pockets i would really love it. If the jacket had a hood, i would really love it. As they both are, i just really really really like them. They aren’t perfect, but dang close! And they perform really really well!

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

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

So basically cover it with a shell if I'm gonna bust hard brush?

Yes. Don't get me wrong it's not delicate but it is 20D.

 

[Ryan Avery]

For me, the short answer is no.

 

[Dos Perros]

I don't like the Core Heavyweight enough to have 2 of them. Just lose too much heat to wind when wearing as an outer layer, and not very durable for crawling around on the ground.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

For me, the short answer is no.

Ryan did you shred yours or something? Or have you just found a better 2nd layer piece? I'm asking since I've been so impressed and preaching the Ambient gospel.

 

[wnelson14]

Stretch Alpha L5 Jacket

The Stretch Alpha L5 Jacket is proudly made in the USA. It's one of the most versatile jackets we offer. Delivering 3 technical layers that all support moisture wicking properties.

beyondclothing.com

Anyone compared this to the ambient seems decent, USA made 1/2 price ? Probably warmer

 

[Maverick1]

“Must have” is a bit excessive. Been hunting for several decades without one, with plenty of success, so definitely not a “must have”……maybe a “nice to have”….at best…..

 

[Desk Jockey]

How quiet is it for deer hunting?

on a scale of grid fleece to puffy, it is close to grid fleece. Very close.

as far as sizing goes, I am 6’3” 260#. I do some CrossFit as well. Mine is a xxl. Fit is good. Forearms are a little snug.

 

[Laelkhunter]

How long have you had it?

I bought it before last hunting season. I wore it every day during my elk hunt, and shows no sign of wear. Very comfortable, and it seems to be lightweight, but it insulates far beyond what it appears to be capable of. We had temps in the teens in the morning, with it warming a little during midday. Evening temps dipped back into the low 20's but the Ambient kept me very comfortable.

I'm 5'11 225, and bought the 2X. I prefer things loose fitting with the idea of possibly adding more layers under it if necessary. 2X fits me perfectly (to my liking), but some might prefer a snugger fit. I could get by with an XL, but as stated earlier, I like comfort and being able to move without that "too snug" feeling.

 

[Erussell01]

For me, the short answer is no.

Any particular reason? Thanks for weighing in

 

[Erussell01]

Stretch Alpha L5 Jacket

The Stretch Alpha L5 Jacket is proudly made in the USA. It's one of the most versatile jackets we offer. Delivering 3 technical layers that all support moisture wicking properties.

beyondclothing.com

Anyone compared this to the ambient seems decent, USA made 1/2 price ? Probably warmer

Where did you find this? Never heard of them!

 

[Erussell01]

“Must have” is a bit excessive. Been hunting for several decades without one, with plenty of success, so definitely not a “must have”……maybe a “nice to have”….at best…..

Haha cmon man you're killing me. That made me laugh pretty good. Point taken, as of course nothing is really a must have

That said- do you have one and do you like it?

 

[Mitten32]

For me, the short answer is no.

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