Okay, I tested this out with some different layers underneath and on the outside. I see why John Barklow is excited about this jacket. It seems like it will work well for a ton of situations.
The shell has an interesting feel to it. It's soft, quiet, and stretchy but also feels like it will be durable at the same time. Some real testing will be needed on that obviously.
A base layer under the Ambient jacket is a loose, comfortable fit.
A base layer and a hooded fleece pullover under the Ambient are a comfortable fit.
The same combos above with a Kelvin Aerolite vest over the top is a great fit. Replace the vest with a Kelvin Aerolite jacket and the fit is great as well.
One interesting thing I noticed and my only gripe so far is the forearms and cuffs are a bit bulky/loose. It's odd because one of my complaints about the Aerolite jacket and some of the other Sitka tops is the forearms and cuffs are too tight.
Appreciate your thoughts.
If you had a silkweight syn base layer, or perhaps something like Aerowool, under the Ambient hoody, would that be a good combo for high elevation October spot and stalk in CO (think 1st rifle elk)? I know we‘re all different, just your general thoughts. Do you have any thoughts on how it would do with some wind compared to something like a 240 Peleton? Thanks!