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.

 

[Beagle1]

If you are willing to spend the coin it is hard to beat the Stratus jacket and bibs. That being said at the temperature range you are looking at lots of cheaper jackets would work fine with a couple of layers underneath.

 

[KoolBreeze]

If you are willing to spend the coin it is hard to beat the Stratus jacket and bibs. That being said at the temperature range you are looking at lots of cheaper jackets would work fine with a couple of layers underneath.

I don’t mind spending the money on good gear to be comfortable, because it makes hunting more enjoyable.

My main goal is to replace a First Lite Woodbury jacket. It’s just not working well enough to suit me anymore. It’s too much for the warmer temps and my Fanatic jacket destroys it when it’s cold. So I’m looking for something lighter to use before I switch to the Fanatic jacket, which is around 45 degrees depending on other factors.

Not sure what I’ll do on the bottom. I have a pair of the first generation Solitude bibs that have worked fine for me across a wide range of temps, so I’m hesitant to spend the money on something like the Stratus bibs with less insulation. Plus I don’t have much trouble staying comfortable on my lower body, just the upper.

When it’s all said and done, being comfortable is the goal, which for me means cozy warm and with a free range of motion.

Thanks guys.

 

[Gman12]

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.

The Kenai is a great jacket as well. Very comfortable, lightweight and warm for it's weight. I have two as well. It layers under my Jetstream for an excellent combination.

 

[Skerhunter]

I don’t mind spending the money on good gear to be comfortable, because it makes hunting more enjoyable.

My main goal is to replace a First Lite Woodbury jacket. It’s just not working well enough to suit me anymore. It’s too much for the warmer temps and my Fanatic jacket destroys it when it’s cold. So I’m looking for something lighter to use before I switch to the Fanatic jacket, which is around 45 degrees depending on other factors.

Not sure what I’ll do on the bottom. I have a pair of the first generation Solitude bibs that have worked fine for me across a wide range of temps, so I’m hesitant to spend the money on something like the Stratus bibs with less insulation. Plus I don’t have much trouble staying comfortable on my lower body, just the upper.

When it’s all said and done, being comfortable is the goal, which for me means cozy warm and with a free range of motion.

Thanks guys.

I have used a wind proof soft shell in these conditions, down puffy, kuiu synthetic puffy (still cuts wind decent), and an extra wool sweater.

They all work better than the other in certain situations.

Maybe some light rain/snow or stiff breeze the soft shell is the best. It does restrict movement some which I don’t like for bow hunting.

Long walk - the puffy layers dry me out quick and I prefer those when needed.

Soft Layers - mid weight merino base - heavy Sitka fleece - heavy wool sweater. This is the most comfortable for me. I like that the sleeves of the base layer cover my wrists completely. Most cool nights - 40-60 this is all I need, but have the fanatic in case. I use this same layering plus the fanatic with bibs to hunt in below freezing temps as well. So it covers a wide range of temps!