Sitka Ambient UL 60 Hoody Review

[mtwarden]

Will have a review up in the very near future on the Ambient UL. Have put a lot of miles on it in the roughly four months I've had it- from early season rifle (warmish) to a recent snowshoe trip into the Bob Marshall (coldish ).

Stay tuned.

***Update 1/28/24*** Sitka Ambient UL 60 Hoody Review

 

[FishinGuns]

I’ve bought two on sale to compliment my MDWi hoodies. I’m a fan for warmer temps or higher exertion type activities. I’m glad to have both pieces to cover most of my kinetic hunting/fishing needs.

 

[mtwarden]

I have both and have been using both as well

 

[FishinGuns]

I have both and have been using both as well

Oh, your review and words of wisdom put me at ease buying the MDWi’s last year. It’s a really efficient layering piece. Looking forward to your new review coming up.

 

[ChrisAU]

Too bad it was such a short term piece. They already did away with the brown color. Think they used some excess Arrowhead material and once gone it’s gone.

 

[FishinGuns]

Too bad it was such a short term piece. They already did away with the brown color. Think they used some excess Arrowhead material and once gone it’s gone.

I think the materials (Alpha and Evolve) are here to stay. It’s still a new layer to most outdoor folks. I bet new iterations will be forthcoming as the masses figure out where these pieces fit in.

I personally like the 30D face fabric even if it hinders breathability ever so slightly. The durability trade-off seems to be in favor, from the anecdotal evidence I see folks talking about. The Alpha/30D face breathes just fine for me and I have no pilling under my heavy nylon chest holster yet.

 

[mtwarden]

Too bad it was such a short term piece. They already did away with the brown color. Think they used some excess Arrowhead material and once gone it’s gone.

I could be wrong, but I don't think this lower alpha/evolve insulation/gridfleece piece will be gone; it might get a new name and a few minor changes, but this pieces really ticks a ton of boxes.

Of course Patagonia was "famous" for coming out with a really good piece only to have it discontinued

 

[ChrisAU]

I could be wrong, but I don't think this lower alpha/evolve insulation/gridfleece piece will be gone; it might get a new name and a few minor changes, but this pieces really ticks a ton of boxes.

Of course Patagonia was "famous" for coming out with a really good piece only to have it discontinued

I hope not, still really like my MDWi full zip hoodies. I have the new Ambient full zip hoody as well though for some reason I don't find myself grabbing it as often as my MDWi's.

 

[Desk Jockey]

@mtwarden at some point I would be interested in hearing your comparative thoughts across the alpha / evolve line like I like this one for this but it is too heavy/warm for that, etc.

although I still believe you are a Sitka spy sent here to get me to spend more money.

 

[mtwarden]

@mtwarden at some point I would be interested in hearing your comparative thoughts across the alpha / evolve line like I like this one for this but it is too heavy/warm for that, etc.

although I still believe you are a Sitka spy sent here to get me to spend more money.

In my review I compare the UL piece directly w/ the MDWi/Ambient

I have not been able to discern any difference in performance in same (or close) weight Alpha vs Evolve insulation. Even on close inspection (not microscope) I can't tell difference on how it looks (sans colors).

If I'm not mistaken, I think Arcteyx (and maybe others) are using this same (or very, very similar) insulation w/ different names.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Mike's review is live on the homepage. Check it out!

Sitka Ambient UL 60 Hoody Review

 

[TX_Diver]

@mtwarden

Thanks for reviewing. Have you tried this compared to a Kuiu Peloton 240? Considering grabbing a second midlayer that could be used for town/work, as well as hunting if I want and was leaning towards another Peloton. This looks interesting too though.

 

[mtwarden]

I haven’t tried the 240, but have the 97. Fleece mid-layers work, but I think you’d find the new Alpha/Evolution work better at moving moisture.

 

[cgavason]

Ambient is a great piece. Excellent review!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stache Attack]

Great review as always! Intriguing piece your arrowhead review about got me to buy one and I wish I had as they were discounted and available. Might pick this up to try for spring hunts before it’s unavailable too.

 

[mtwarden]

Thanks Gents!

I have to say hats off to Sitka for jumping in with both feet in embracing Alpha/Evolution insulation and for offering several different options w/ this type of insulation.

 

[mtwarden]

Another small data point—was out today hiking, mid 30's w/ a mix of light rain/light snow, was pleasantly surprised that the DWR on the UL did pretty well. Was a little over an hour on the trail and the precip just beaded up—again this light precip; if it's raining, grab your hardshell

 

[pugwylde]

I'm a big fan of the UL Ambient... Used it as a mid layer under a Mountain Evo from late archery all the way through January driving snows chasing predators. I just adjust my base layer for how long I think I'll spend not moving.

 

[ccoffey]

I’m loving the ambient line. Need to get my hands on the 100 and the 60.

 

[Fever Buck]

Did they get rid of the 60 already? Can’t find it online at all.