Sitka Alternatives for Sitka Stratus

[tam9492]

Moving mostly to solids, and looking to replace my Stratus Jacket and Bibs. Looking at the Jetsream jacket and Timberline pants in solid colors. Warmth-wise, Sitka ranks them the same, and the Jetsream and Timberline both outshine the stratus in just about everything else but quietness. For those who have experience with the Stratus set and pieces in the big game line, what are my options? Only interested in switching if I'm going to something with a solid color option. Perhaps something new in the 2020 line?

 

[Farmingdale's Finest]

Moving mostly to solids, and looking to replace my Stratus Jacket and Bibs. Looking at the Jetsream jacket and Timberline pants in solid colors. Warmth-wise, Sitka ranks them the same, and the Jetsream and Timberline both outshine the stratus in just about everything else but quietness. For those who have experience with the Stratus set and pieces in the big game line, what are my options? Only interested in switching if I'm going to something with a solid color option. Perhaps something new in the 2020 line?

I can’t help you but am curious as to why if you have the stratus jacket and bib already why you would want to switch to something on a solid?


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[tam9492]

The Stratus doesn’t breath as well as I’d like when hiking. I think the big game line is generally more breathable? I also like the looks better, and then I can wear the same items wherever, whenever.

 

[Meridian90]

The Stratus doesn’t breath as well as I’d like when hiking. I think the big game line is generally more breathable? I also like the looks better, and then I can wear the same items wherever, whenever.

I've never worn the stratus. I would like to, but elevated II doesn't interest me. If they had it in solids or ground forest I would be all over it. Preferably solids. I believe it is coming out in blaze orange solid, but hopefully that means also brown and green of some kind are coming as well.

I own a jetstream and wear it for everything from whitetails to ice fishing to turkeys. It's a great jacket. I have felt the stratus and would love the bibs and jacket in a solid because it would be quieter.

I just vary the insulation layers under my jetstream to account for weather if stationary. Anything from a light merino to a FL chamberlin puffy.

 

[Lxhuntinpa]

I had the Stratus set and currently have the Jetstream Jacket. I also have had the timberline pants since they came out. The Jetstream jacket is not as warm as the Stratus in my opinion however I use it for mobile hunting and like the pit zips along with the smooth outside. The timberline pants are no where near as warm as the stratus pants and do not have the wind stopper membrane. They are my go to pants for spring turkey season. I sold the stratus set because in my opinion it is WAY overpriced for what it is, and that is a thin fleece jacket and pants.Yes the fit is good but it’s still a thin fleece jacket and pants. I completely understand the thought process behind “layering” however if the stratus had a little bit of insulation it would make more sense for what they market it’s used for. However, if they added insulation they wouldn’t sell half of their “insulating” pieces because there would be no need for them. If you just want to switch to solids and don’t mind having to layer to cover the same temp ranges you did with the stratus you will be fine.

 

[Squirrels]

I had the Stratus set and currently have the Jetstream Jacket. I also have had the timberline pants since they came out. The Jetstream jacket is not as warm as the Stratus in my opinion however I use it for mobile hunting and like the pit zips along with the smooth outside. The timberline pants are no where near as warm as the stratus pants and do not have the wind stopper membrane. They are my go to pants for spring turkey season. I sold the stratus set because in my opinion it is WAY overpriced for what it is, and that is a thin fleece jacket and pants.Yes the fit is good but it’s still a thin fleece jacket and pants. I completely understand the thought process behind “layering” however if the stratus had a little bit of insulation it would make more sense for what they market it’s used for. However, if they added insulation they wouldn’t sell half of their “insulating” pieces because there would be no need for them. If you just want to switch to solids and don’t mind having to layer to cover the same temp ranges you did with the stratus you will be fine.

This was pretty much my first hand experience with the Stratus as well. Add to the fact that everything in the woods sticks to it. I had a lot of Sitka whitetail stuff about 2 years ago. Ended up selling it all and getting mostly First Lite stuff. I still haven't found a mid weight kit I like. I just sold my First Lite Catalyst jacket and pants. I may try something from Kuiu for that. I got spotted a lot wearing the EV2 Camo from Sitka. I hunt a lot of big timber and I think it's to light colored for that, even at 18+ feet up. I won't be buying any more of the Sitka whitetail stuff to even try until they change the Camo or start offering things in solids.

 

[tam9492]

All good info. Keep it coming!

 

[Desk Jockey]

I had a stratus. Basically the same as a jetstream with a fuzzy outer. I would put them on par warmth wise but the stratus is quieter. Stratus gets the warmth edge paired with a bib.

I bow hunt deer in a jet steam and timberline pants sometimes. Ground ambush on white tails. Their are quieter clothes for this purpose but when I get busted it is rarely my clothing noise.

Not sure about sitka 2020. I thought they were revamping the stratus. Not the solids you want but I had a good experience with first lite solitude for late season this year.

 

[tam9492]

Anyone have any other thoughts?

 

[Meridian90]

Anyone have any other thoughts?

I believe they are releasing stratus in a solid this year, just not the solid you probably want. Looks like it will be blaze orange solid.

Which I would be fine with for rifle season if it had a pattern. I think it's just big block orange. I plan to maybe get the vest and wear it over the jetstream for rifle season.

 

[tam9492]

I saw the Orange....the vest may be worth grabbing as you mention.

 

[Meridian90]

I saw the Orange....the vest may be worth grabbing as you mention.

I'm just hoping FL adds a catalyst with a wind layer and pit zips for next year. That would be the best addition to my gear right now.

 

[MidGAHunter]

Stratus Jacket and Jetstream jacket will be close warmth wise. Stratus bib/pant is significantly warmer for longer sits than Timberline. If any wind, it will cut through the Timberline after sitting still for a while. I love my Timberline pants for mountain hunting where I'm walking a lot, but for hours still in a stand they are not ideal.

 

[Meridian90]

Annoying that they don't offer a single solid pant with either windstopper or goretex

 

[Trial153]

Stratus Jacket and Jetstream jacket will be close warmth wise. Stratus bib/pant is significantly warmer for longer sits than Timberline. If any wind, it will cut through the Timberline after sitting still for a while. I love my Timberline pants for mountain hunting where I'm walking a lot, but for hours still in a stand they are not ideal.

This ^
No comparison between the status pants and Timberline for stationary hunting.

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[tam9492]

Is there a solid color option to replace the Stratus bib then - for stationary activity?

I have a pair of Kuiu Attacks that I wear when I know I'll be moving a bunch, but I'm really looking for something a step-up in warmth. Maybe it's not a matter of replacing the Stratus bibs but adding another pair of pants to the closet?

 

[tam9492]

Any more thoughts?

 

[Meridian90]

Is there a solid color option to replace the Stratus bib then - for stationary activity?

I have a pair of Kuiu Attacks that I wear when I know I'll be moving a bunch, but I'm really looking for something a step-up in warmth. Maybe it's not a matter of replacing the Stratus bibs but adding another pair of pants to the closet?

Nothing in solids for windstopper or goretex from Sitka.

I'm a bib guy, but they are also the harder to find solids. I typically ride a thick base layer and catalyst with suspenders.

They are extremely expensive, but the kutana gale force look like a nice pant for what you are describing. They come in a solid. The axis hybrids are also supposedly wind resistant. Never worn either.

 

[tam9492]

I’ve looked at the Kutana, but damn... The Axis pants intrigue me.

I may have to look closer at non-hunting brands, too.

 

[tam9492]

Can anyone speak to the warmth of the Axis?