Puffy/Shell vs Sitka Fanatic

[Matt H]

I'm a Kansas guy that runs cold. I also hunt the Rockies every year.

The Sitka Fanatic jacket looks amazing, but one dimensional. I'm leaning towards a good puffy beneath a Stika Jetstream because it will offer more versatility in the mountains. But will that be as warm?

For the guys that have tried the Sitka Fanatic Jacket - would a puffy underneath a windstopper shell be as warm as the Fanatic?

Thanks for your time

 

[Mykolaivka887]

I wear a super lofty, though light weight, run-of-the-mill hooded puffy (not name brand) with a super-duper light weight knee-length rain parka (also not name brand) over that. Toasty!

 

[dreamingWest]

I hunt Kansas and west each year. To me it's worth having separate gear for each. Primarily because Sitka's whitetail line-up is so dialed for treestand archery, but agree very one-dimensional.

I do think you could run a puffy under the Jetstream and match the warmth of the Fanatic jacket. Likely get warmer depending on the puffy. But I don't think you will be as quiet and shooting may not be as comfortable.

 

[Jayhawkhunter]

Also a Kansas guy that does both and has used both set ups you describe above - a good base + good puffy + Jetstream will be similar in warmth but not as easy to draw and as quiet as the fanatic. What I really found to be the biggest difference is the fanatic bibs……they make a huge difference in the set up compared to pants and the Jetstream set up……I assume you hunt Kansas more than you do out west - I would invest in the Fanatic set it you can.

 

[cobbc03]

Will it work, yes. Will it work as well, no. The fanatic is hefty, but super warm and well thought out. The jetstream is a decent shell, but much louder, and not terribly warm. Even with the kelvin underneath it wouldnt be as warm as the fanatic.

 

[Whisky]

What about the Incinerator Aerolite?
More packable/less bulk than the Fanatic, supposedly warmer, and has insulation and shell built into one jacket?

 

[Matt H]

I appreciate the insight guys. Thank you!

Think I'll start with the Fanatic bibs and go from there.

 

[Kbhillhunter]

What about the Incinerator Aerolite?
More packable/less bulk than the Fanatic, supposedly warmer, and has insulation and shell built into one jacket?

I use this set. I love it, super warm and way less bulky. I'll wear a soft shell and pants with midlayer until low 30s and then switch over to this for stationary hunts.

 

[thewileyone]

I have used several jackets and combos to include a puffy/ wind shear combo, the fanatic is warmer than anything I have used. I used it in Illinois for a few days. That jacket is awesome but was way too hot for me. I prefer a puffy vest under a jacket when it’s super cold. It works but wont replace the fanatic if that’s what you’re needing. Last time I was using a Kuiu guide jacket and a puffy vest at first/last light and when we’d stop for long periods to glass. This combo was plenty for me and lighter than my fanatic would’ve been.


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