Light Jacket

[KoolBreeze]

I need lighter jacket for stationary stand hunting in the 45 - 60 degree range. It would typically be an outer layer over a merino base and FL Klamath. Our season is long, so I try to avoid hunting when the wind is 10+ MPH, unless it’s during the rut. That said, the Stratus is held in very high regard, so I’m considering it. How would it work in this role?

I’m also considering the Traverse jacket, which could be used as a midlayer when temp really plunges.

Or maybe I should get them both or something else? I have the Fanatic jacket that love for the low 40s and less.

 

[Primal-Understanding]

Are you concerned about noise to a high degree?


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[KoolBreeze]

Are you concerned about noise to a high degree?


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Not particularly, I’m not overly concerned about it as I rifle hunt only these days, but I do occasionally take a close range shot.

 

[Gman12]

There are several good options depending on what you are looking for. My personal favorite is the Jetstream as it is so versatile and is great for cutting the wind. I find myself wearing it just as much for fishing as I do hunting. I also have the Traverse and Ambient. The Ambient is very lightweight and comfortable and I would choose it over the Traverse. The Traverse is basically a zip up hoody. It is nice but there is really nothing about it that makes it any better than a Cabella's brand IMO.

 

[Primal-Understanding]

Not particularly, I’m not overly concerned about it as I rifle hunt only these days, but I do occasionally take a close range shot.

If thats the case, I also would 100% recommend the Sikta Jetstream. It has windstopper and DWR making it a great softshell. Its pretty loud for bowhunting, but that wouldn't pose any issue with rifle hunting.

I can wear mine any temp from mid season to late, just adjust layering. The pocket layout is great. It has pit zips and good adjustment around the hood and bottom.

I have beat the hell out of mine over the course of several years and it basically looks brand new. Very durable.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have two KUIU Kenai jackets, and they are my go to from Fall through Spring for everyday use. I wouldn't hesitate using them for 40+ temps as needed for stand hunting.

 

[thegrouse]

I would opt for a wind jacket/shirt over another soft shell just for weight considerations.

 

[SloppyJ]

I love my stratus

 

[KoolBreeze]

Is the Stratus or Jetstream going to be warm enough for long sits in a tree with just a base layer and something like a Klamath under it at say 45 degrees?

Almost bought a Jetstream for everyday wear last year but ended up with a Nano Puff instead.

I’d like to avoid more 3 layers if possible. Once I’m beyond that, I’d rather just use less layers, pack in the Fanatic, and be done with it.

Have not looked at the Ambient much as thought it was geared more towards active hunting but will check it out. Will also check out the Kenai.

 

[barrister]

Jetstream or Stratus are perfect for your criteria. Stratus is quieter and built for stand/treestand hunting. Jetstream is not necessarily “noisy”, doesn’t have treestand features, but is more versatile if you want more than just stand hunting. IMO, you can’t beat the wind stopper that Sitka brings to the table with their jackets.

 

[SloppyJ]

Is the Stratus or Jetstream going to be warm enough for long sits in a tree with just a base layer and something like a Klamath under it at say 45 degrees?

Almost bought a Jetstream for everyday wear last year but ended up with a Nano Puff instead.

I’d like to avoid more 3 layers if possible. Once I’m beyond that, I’d rather just use less layers, pack in the Fanatic, and be done with it.

Have not looked at the Ambient much as thought it was geared more towards active hunting but will check it out. Will also check out the Kenai.

Okay man we are in the same boat. Treestand hunting and hating layers. I started with FL long ago and ditched it because it might be great for western guys but I'm not wearing 18 layers to stay warm.

I have the stratos set and the fanatic set. They cover me perfectly. Heres my take.

Around 45 I'm going to need more than just base layers and a stratus set. I use the old midi pants and a midweight jacket or hoody under my stratus set. When it dips in the 30s or under I hike in with base layers and light pants, get in my tree and put my fanatic set on and I'm beyond cozy.

You can't beat that setup at all. Maybe with heavier base layers the stratus set would get you lower? Maybe I'm a puss in the cold? It's subjective. But that is the best outerwear setup I've found and I've tried a bunch.

Hands down the stratus set is what im wearing 75% of the year until it's cold enough to wear the fanatic and sometimes I don't even want to mess with it so i layer up just a bit more. It's the most versatile setup I've found.

One recommendation, get the bibs over the pants. You can vent them and it makes all the difference. If they offer long sizes and you have a long torso, do that too. I'm actually going to grab a pair of the bibs this year and keep my pants in the boat and for beating around.

 

[aachey]

If archery hunting, my vote is the stratus. I did have a catalyst jacket, and that did the job perfectly. But i also just purchased a stratus jacket after liking my stratus bibs so much.