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.