Review of the Sitka Ambient 100 vest

[wyosteve]

My Ambient vest arrived yesterday. My initial reaction is that I'm not in head over heels in love with it. Got it on sale so that helps. I don't believe I'd ever pay full price for it. Seems awfully thin and somewhat cheaply made, especially the main zipper. The zipper gives me the impression it may not hold up in the long run. As mentioned above, the side pockets feel a bit small. For now, it will mostly get used as a 'running around town' vest where I'm in and out of the truck a lot. Will report more after I use it a bit.

 

[P Carter]

Any comparison to that ornot vest? I love that thing, except I can’t get over the lack of pockets for a hunting application.

 

[mtwarden]

Any comparison to that ornot vest? I love that thing, except I can’t get over the lack of pockets for a hunting application.

I've only got to us it a few times; my wife glommed onto the vest and has been wearing it skiing as a mid-layer

I can say, that the fact that it only has a face fabric on the front makes it better if it's warmer or the activity level is higher. Conversely, not as good when it's colder or the activity level is a little lower. The actual insulation appears to be pretty close to identical in weight. The face fabric on the Ornate is more wind resistant (but not as breathable)

One reason I let my wife take it over is it's simply too short for me. It's a full 4" shorter than the Ambient. I think this possibly could be on purpose as it's a bike outfit and typically you're bent over with a bike, so you don't as much length.

An XL would probably add a little length, but guessing not 3-4".

 

[BreakingNews]

After reading and watching several reviews (Including Mindful Hunter) I decided to add the Ambient Hoody to my system to replace a 20y/o Patagonia fleece that's well past its prime but just cant seem to retire. I really like its two-function operation depending on movement. Worn it out hiking the neighborhood a bit and can't wait to try it in the field. The vest may be a future purchase but I'll enjoy the Hoody for now.
As to sizing, I've found Sitka's stuff usually fits pretty true to size as long as you're wearing it in the correct layer .

 

[Fritz D]

Been wearing mine around town on cool, windy days that we are having lately-I think I need to recalibrate what feels ‘breathable’ to me. This thing is the most breathable vest I’ve owned by a long shot yet still provides somewhat of a wind barrier and is fairly warm. Pretty impressive and I may have to try other Ambient garments in the future?

 

[BreakingNews]

Been wearing mine around town on cool, windy days that we are having lately-I think I need to recalibrate what feels ‘breathable’ to me. This thing is the most breathable vest I’ve owned by a long shot yet still provides somewhat of a wind barrier and is fairly warm. Pretty impressive and I may have to try other Ambient garments in the future?

I only got the hoodie because I wanted one more garment with a hood. At the time I only had a light puffer with a hood. I recently picked up the core light hoody so now I have options. I love options.

 

[Fritz D]

I only got the hoodie because I wanted one more garment with a hood. At the time I only had a light puffer with a hood. I recently picked up the core light hoody so now I have options. I love options.

I’m with you as regards to hoods. Never owned a vest with one, but 99 times out of a hundred any base layer or insulation/ shell piece I buy will have a hood.

 

[BreakingNews]

Late onset hunter and made some dumb purchases early on. Been trying to buy quality stuff (not all Sitka) on sale, some for specific purposes (blaze jetstream vest/ambient hoody) others with broader application (timberline pant/JS jacket) most in solids so I can wear them casually. In WWash the JS jacket gets a lot of use, along with Ascent pants. I have more pieces than I thought I would, but solids and sales made it easier to justify. Probably good for a while, just have to find time in the field.

 

[Hi-liner]

Does anyone here have experience with the Kelvin Aerolite & Ambient vests? If so, how do they compare?

I know the Aerolite is static insulation and the Ambient is active, just curious if anyone’s used both.

 

[mtwarden]

I had an Aerolite vest; just didn’t use it much and sold it.

You hit it on the nail, the Aerolite uses insulation that you would use for static conditions (and possibly on the move for low intensity stuff).

The Ambient insulation is designed for active stuff (but still provides some warmth while static).

I will say, if a guy could get by with just an insulated vest for static stuff, the Aerolite was definitely warm for the weight. I just prefer to pack a few more ounces for a jacket for static stuff.

 

[BreakingNews]

So many choices, so many variables in weather. I don't have a ton of experience as a late onset hunter, but I struggled with the same issue. I bought a Mountain Hardware 800 down vest on sale in a color I'll wear throughout the year. Lightwweight, warm, and superpackable. I've thrown it in for glaasing if i know conditions dont warrant my down jacked. (gray Eddie Bauer 800 which I wear all the time) It fits nicely under my Jetstream jacket which cuts the wind. The ambient hoody could be used the same way, but more likely as an outer layer while hiking or possibly under the jetstream if it were really cold. Haven't put it through the paces yet. That's my basic "system" because I'm on a budget and it can get really expensive really fast, even on sale.

 

[Hi-liner]

I had an Aerolite vest; just didn’t use it much and sold it.

You hit it on the nail, the Aerolite uses insulation that you would use for static conditions (and possibly on the move for low intensity stuff).

The Ambient insulation is designed for active stuff (but still provides some warmth while static).

I will say, if a guy could get by with just an insulated vest for static stuff, the Aerolite was definitely warm for the weight. I just prefer to pack a few more ounces for a jacket for static stuff.

Thanks Mike, you’re always providing great feedback and insight and it’s very helpful.

I mainly use my Aerolite vest for glassing in early rifle season. I’ll throw it on over my Ambient 75 and under my Evo. It’s a pretty lightweight combination that keeps me plenty warm while the weather is still decent.

Once late rifle rolls around and we get snow and single digit temps (sometimes well below zero) I’ll use the vest over a Sitka heavyweight hoody and under my Jetstream jacket while I’m walking from the truck. Haven’t worn that combo doing any serious hiking but it works well for light/moderate hiking when it’s bitterly cold out.

 

[Hi-liner]

So many choices, so many variables in weather. I don't have a ton of experience as a late onset hunter, but I struggled with the same issue. I bought a Mountain Hardware 800 down vest on sale in a color I'll wear throughout the year. Lightwweight, warm, and superpackable. I've thrown it in for glaasing if i know conditions dont warrant my down jacked. (gray Eddie Bauer 800 which I wear all the time) It fits nicely under my Jetstream jacket which cuts the wind. The ambient hoody could be used the same way, but more likely as an outer layer while hiking or possibly under the jetstream if it were really cold. Haven't put it through the paces yet. That's my basic "system" because I'm on a budget and it can get really expensive really fast, even on sale.

I’m a late onset hunter like yourself. The best advice I can give regarding gear is to read reviews, forums like this and do a lot of trial and error. What works for someone else might not work for you. Oh, and never pay full MSRP for any of your purchases! All of these brands will have sales throughout the year.

 

[BreakingNews]

Great advice. Wasnt sure of your exp. so I was cautious about giving advice. I've read and watch more reviews than I've spent time hunting. Life has been busy but hope ti get out this year for a week. I've picked up more gear than I need but coukdnt pass on the sitka JS. Vest 40% off for certain applications. So easy to buy more than you need.

 

[Hi-liner]

Great advice. Wasnt sure of your exp. so I was cautious about giving advice. I've read and watch more reviews than I've spent time hunting. Life has been busy but hope ti get out this year for a week. I've picked up more gear than I need but coukdnt pass on the sitka JS. Vest 40% off for certain applications. So easy to buy more than you need.

Getting out can be the hardest part, I know how that can be. Agreed, it’s definitely easy to end up with more gear than you need. I’ve got a few things in my wardrobe that need to go

 

[Texasbuckeye]

I agree about reading reviews and simple trial and error. There is something to be said for experience with gear that makes reviewers like mtwarden so helpful. However, what works for him in his environment may not be useful for what will work in Texas or Southeast or wherever you are....so sometimes the only way to learn is trial and error. Sales are great, used market can be very good. I have bought more used stuff on the classifieds here and it has all been great condition gear.

 

[TitsMcGee]

Hey Mike this is probably the 3rd review of yours I’ve dug through. Thank you for what you do.

Where do you see a vest best fitting into the layering process? I have the OR Vigor grid-fleece and have been considering a vest to compliment the jacket. As if when moving, the 1st mid-layer (and possibly wind layer) just aren’t quite cutting the chill enough. Would you consider a vest for a secondary mid-layer, or maybe as a pre-cursor to the puffy in extreme low temps?

Lastly, if not the Ambient 100 what would you like to see a vest made out of?

 

[mtwarden]

Hey—thanks!

Yeah I think it makes a good supplemental moving insulation piece as you describe. The vest does have a little wind protection over something like fleece, grid fleece or naked alpha pieces.

It also adds to the overall warmth when static under a puffy.

In early season, when warmer, it could be used as your sole mid-layer, over a base layer and if windy (or rainy) under a shell.

Like I said in my review, I was never much of a vest guy—this review changed my mind. It’s not going on every trip, but see it going on quite a few.