Sitka Ambient UL 60 Hoody Review

[mtwarden]

Yup- Quieter than the Jetstream for sure, not as quite as an all fleece piece, but pretty quiet

 

[Blandry]

It is so quiet I can sleep in it, but I've also slept in my mountain evo a few nights since purchasing it. Both are quieter than the Jetstream.

 

[Carrot Farmer]

I have both and have been using both as well

I’m torn… would like your input.

I purchased the Ambient Hoody last season and coupled with the Evo. Absolutely loved the combo.

Dropped some weight, looking to downsize. Question:

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoody
Vs.
Sitka Ambient 100 Hoody(old Ambient had 200g)

Which would you go with for Active Insulation piece?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mtwarden]

I’m torn… would like your input.

I purchased the Ambient Hoody last season and coupled with the Evo. Absolutely loved the combo.

Dropped some weight, looking to downsize. Question:

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoody
Vs.
Sitka Ambient 100 Hoody(old Ambient had 200g)

Which would you go with for Active Insulation piece?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Depends

The Ventus has 25 grams of insulation, but because it has both an exterior and interior fabric it's actually warmer than the insulation amount would indicate, it also doesn't move moisture quite as well as those using Alpha Direct (no interior fabric used).

If it's very active activities (or warmer temps) I would add the Ambient 75 hoody to your list to look at. I've been using it more than my 100 gram piece, generally reserving the 100 gram piece to colder weather.

The Ventus is the lightest jacket I tested (7 oz) and for the weight is pretty darn warm; it's cheaper too.

The 100 gram will be warmer than the Ventus if that's needed. I'd put the warmth of the 75 pretty on par with the Ventus, but the 75 moving moisture a little better.

If I lived where the clime was a little warmer (or exclusively hunted earlier seasons), I've found the 75 hoody to best fill that niche. If you're going to be hunting colder conditions, probably the 100.

The good thing is they are pretty good pieces and a guy could probably get by with any of them

 

[Blandry]

I'm pretty sure the old ambient hoody/jacket had 150g. My ambient jacket does, and it's super warm. I don't think I'd want anything over 100 for a mid-layer piece in any double-digit temps. That and the EVO plus a good puffy and raingear is all you need, in my opinion. Then again, I hunt northern CO/Southern WY, not MT like MTWARDEN, but I think it's pretty much the same weather dynamics.

I spend more time worrying about my head/ears, hands, and feet being warm than my core, which makes me miserable! I carry some serious hats, gloves and socks

 

[tracker12]

Very similar to my favorite piece of clothing the R1 Hoody by Patagonia. Too bad they changed it but I still have the originals.

 

[mtwarden]

Similar, but different. Alpha Direct has changed the playing field as far as active insulation goes IMHO.

The R1 (and similar grid fleeces) are still a good choice, but Alpha Direct has some real advantages over grid fleece.

 

[Ditt44]

@mtwarden I have a 2023 Ambient Hoodie, so that is "100" weight... Recently picked up a Kelvin Active Hoodie from a member here... Wondering where the active hoodie fits in the "weight class"? Is it closer to the lightweight 60 or the newer 75?

NOT that I need either the 60 or 75 but ...

 

[mtwarden]

@mtwarden I have a 2023 Ambient Hoodie, so that is "100" weight... Recently picked up a Kelvin Active Hoodie from a member here... Wondering where the active hoodie fits in the "weight class"? Is it closer to the lightweight 60 or the newer 75?

NOT that I need either the 60 or 75 but ...

It’s 90 gram iirc; I have one too. Without the full sleeves it’s not as warm as the 90-100 weight Alpha would be.

It’s a great piece for early season. I’ll sometimes use it as both my active layer and puffy (especially layered under a wind or rain layer).

 

[Ditt44]

Thanks! I thought it might be closer to the 75 initially. Either way, like them both but as a predominantly whitetail tree stand hunter it's hard to maximize them for their best attributes.

 

[mtwarden]

^ yeah I can see that; where they (Alpha and the like) shine is on the move.