sitka 90% jacket

[mattstanton]

Is this a good jacket for september/october hunting. Not for extreme weather but cold mornings, mild days and the occasional rain or light snow shower?

 

[ChadS]

Did you google "sitka 90% jacket reviews" ???

 

[MountainTracker]

I like mine and I use it in the type of conditions you mentioned, but if I plan on sitting for while I throw my puffy on underneath. If there is going to be any large amount of rain or snow I put my shell on over top.

 

[Steve O]

I like mine and I use it in the type of conditions you mentioned, but if I plan on sitting for while I throw my puffy on underneath. If there is going to be any large amount of rain or snow I put my shell on over top.

Right on. It is one layer of a system. Definitely a good outer layer in Sept/Oct most of the time but conditions sometimes require more or less (maybe 10% of the time!)

 

[wapitibob]

It's the only jacket I wear from now till the end of October. Machine wash will reduce the DWR but a bottle of Grangers from REI will bring it back.

 

[Buckman]

I have an older 90 jacket the one that has a hood. The wind goes thru it some. I believe the new ones are better. I have a Jetstream jacket to try this year.

 

[RustyHazen]

The 90% is a perfect early/mid season outer layer. It will be perfect for everything you mentioned, but I think it's best asset is it's durability. I do a lot of spot-and-stalk muley hunting in November, and I always wear it on the outside. After 4 years of crawling around on the ground, sliding down hills on my side, this thing still looks brand new. Not a mark on it. Perfect layer for first thing in the morning for an active hunter. A lot of other jackets are simply too warm if you're really on the move. A puffy to warm up when stationary, and a ultralight shell for strong winds/downpours and you can make it through anything.

 

[snowcamoman]

I've had 2 of the 90% jackets. Sold one and still have the other. They are a very durable outer layer as mentioned. For brush busting and mountain hunting, they are superb. The only complaint I have about them is about the lousy velcro cuffs or whatever that stuff is they use on the wrists. The stuff stops holding and they that stiff fabric/plastic just flops around. I'll likely cut that off and have some real velcro put on to replace the garbage that's on there from the factory. Maybe mine are defective, but it's happened on 2 of them. Anybody else have that problem?

 

[boom]

I've had 2 of the 90% jackets. Sold one and still have the other. They are a very durable outer layer as mentioned. For brush busting and mountain hunting, they are superb. The only complaint I have about them is about the lousy velcro cuffs or whatever that stuff is they use on the wrists. The stuff stops holding and they that stiff fabric/plastic just flops around. I'll likely cut that off and have some real velcro put on to replace the garbage that's on there from the factory. Maybe mine are defective, but it's happened on 2 of them. Anybody else have that problem?

my jacket is very old. the velcro cuffs are still intact. i know this because it hooks onto my velcro wrist release (i know, i know!)
besides the jacket being oversized for me, since i lost weight..it is amazing.

one layer of merino wool, a lightweight summer shirt (for the camo), a fleece vest, and the 90%..and i am good to very cold temps for active hunting.

i got down to 15 degrees in AZ this last winter. i was comfy.

 

[snowcamoman]

boom,
Is your velcro real velcro, or is it that harder plastic stuff? Very interesting to know though, thanks.

 

[boom]

boom,
Is your velcro real velcro, or is it that harder plastic stuff? Very interesting to know though, thanks.

I don't know. I'll post a pic for you tonight. I think it is real Velcro.

 

[snowcamoman]

Nice, thanks. Mine didn't have a real velcro per se. The stuff on the flap has some tougher plastic that just doesn't stick to the fuzzy side.

 

[Matt W.]

You guys probably already know, but the series is updated for 2014,
http://www.sitkagear.com/insight/darkroom-90-series

Look forward to seeing what they have done with it.

 

[snowcamoman]

Looks like they did away completely with the goofy cuff straps. My jacket is probably 4 years old now though...new one looks quite a bit different.

 

[boom]

You guys probably already know, but the series is updated for 2014,
http://www.sitkagear.com/insight/darkroom-90-series

Look forward to seeing what they have done with it.

Buying a new one is not an option. I need the second kidney.

 

[Matt W.]

Somebody always has a sale.. It just requires patience.. ;(

 

[boom]

Looks like they did away completely with the goofy cuff straps. My jacket is probably 4 years old now though...new one looks quite a bit different.

I'll be damned! It's the fake stuff. I've never noticed. Mine sticks alright.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

For morning/evening temps below 32 degrees the Jetstream is a better choice. A merino layer and a kelvin vest w/ the jetstream go together great for most situations. I add a dewpoint to the pack in case of rain.

 

[Browtine]

Are you guys packing in with the 90%? Mine is 22ozs which I consider a little heavy for a jacket on a backpack hunt that's not 100% waterproof. I love the jacket for active hunting, but lean towards my Chugach for backpack hunts. Saves me 3ozs and is waterproof.

 

[boom]

I did. It is fairly bulky too. But I don't have a lot of jacket options.