let's talk active insulation!

[Beendare]

My go to setup is the merino with a Sitka Traverse or similar stretch hoody ...then a Kenai jacket if needed.

[An alternate for that Kenai would be the Sitka Kelvin series which looks to be good stuff]

I prefer this over the stuff with a wind stopper lining. When I'm moving, that wind stopper heats me up quick.

I do like my Chugash or NX rain shell if I'm stopped, when I need to keep the wind off of me.

This has proven to be a great layering system in extreme temp swings....and its all really light stuff.

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[Oregonhuntrboi]

Digging up an old thread here but lots of good info!! I am thinking about trying to the kuiu snap shirt in hopes that it’s not as hot as my current Sitka ambient when hiking in low 30s/ high 20s. I currently run SG merino baselayers, either the SG grid fleece mid layer or Sitka ambient, then the Sitka mountain evo as a wind/ light precip shell. Overall the system works great but I seemed to be way too hot during Idaho whitetail with light hiking. In your opinions would the snap shirt be warmer than the grid fleece or is just redundant to have that and the grid fleece as options?

 

[Buckhead]

Bought a gen 1 Ambient jacket (150g) on closeout. Am in between a L and XL with Sitka, bought a L to use as a mid layer. One of my favorite Sitka garments. Layer under it with a variety of lightweight/heavyweight tees and over it with a windproof pullover or Stratus jacket. Works well in a variety of conditions, from 20s to 50s. If layers are properly matched, I rarely overheat. I use exclusively for hunting, mostly stationary from stands. Great piece. Lot of warmth, thinner than a typical puffy. Was skeptical at first, amazed at how warm it is. Kind of fragile, always wear under a shell/outer layer.

 

[gaberoll9352]

Digging up an old thread here but lots of good info!! I am thinking about trying to the kuiu snap shirt in hopes that it’s not as hot as my current Sitka ambient when hiking in low 30s/ high 20s. I currently run SG merino baselayers, either the SG grid fleece mid layer or Sitka ambient, then the Sitka mountain evo as a wind/ light precip shell. Overall the system works great but I seemed to be way too hot during Idaho whitetail with light hiking. In your opinions would the snap shirt be warmer than the grid fleece or is just redundant to have that and the grid fleece as options?

In those conditions you might not need the mid layer at all. Your mileage may vary, but when moving the base layer and wind layer have been enough for me. Maybe try a lighter mid layer like one out of alpha direct 60 if the base layer shell combo isn’t warm enough.
The snap shirt is actually insulated, so it would be warmer than both layers when stationary, and probably cause you to overheat when moving. If I had to wear a puffy layer while moving my vote is on a vest (kuiu has some nice fleece and puffy ones, so does SG).

 

[mtwarden]

Agreed that the Evo and base layer might be enough on their own in those conditions. If not, maybe the mid-layer and base layer on their own.

Using all three is pretty much what I use in very cold conditions, on the move that is.

I don't think the snap shirt will help much in what you're describing.