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.

 

[veronicasmith]

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.

sounds good, I was thinking to buy it and there are good reviews will consider buying deffo

 

[kbraune]

I’ve had great luck with a senchi 90 hoodie but wanted something a little more durable. Rab just released a new hoody. Full zip, evolve lining. From the specs it’s a 75 gsm so would compare favorably to the Sitka piece and comes in at $165. Mine arrived the other day and it seems great from initial inspection. Looking forward to trying it out once it cools down enough.

Men's Evolute Hoody

Responding to your output and regulating your temperature, this adaptive midlayer is key to your layering system on tough ascents in mixed conditions.

rab.equipment

 

[sr80]

I’ve had great luck with a senchi 90 hoodie but wanted something a little more durable. Rab just released a new hoody. Full zip, evolve lining. From the specs it’s a 75 gsm so would compare favorably to the Sitka piece and comes in at $165. Mine arrived the other day and it seems great from initial inspection. Looking forward to trying it out once it cools down enough.

Men's Evolute Hoody

Responding to your output and regulating your temperature, this adaptive midlayer is key to your layering system on tough ascents in mixed conditions.

rab.equipment

that rab one looks nice, except the colours

 

[kbraune]

that rab one looks nice, except the colours

Yeah. Wish they had some earth tones like some of the other. Went with the black.

 

[Hi-liner]

I’ve been wanting to jump on the Ambient train since last fall and after reading through A LOT of posts decided to go with the 75 over the 100. I typically run pretty hot so I thought the 75 would work better for me, plus if I get cold once I stop moving I’ll just throw on a puffy over everything.

I typically wear an XL and tried on an XL 75 the other day. It fit pretty well except for the sleeve length; it was too short. Every time I lifted my arms it came up several inches past my wrist. I’m really glad I was able to try one on in person, because I ended up ordering an XL tall in “deep lichen” for 35% off at mountain archery.

 

[mtwarden]

No doubt a huge benefit to be able to try on (that's for any garment); especially if a guy is somewhat between sizes or your case needs a Tall.

 

[Hi-liner]

No doubt a huge benefit to be able to try on (that's for any garment); especially if a guy is somewhat between sizes or your case needs a Tall.

I know you reviewed the UL 60, but you’ve got the 75 as well, right? Did you have any issues with sleeve length?

 

[mtwarden]

I know you reviewed the UL 60, but you’ve got the 75 as well, right? Did you have any issues with sleeve length?

I haven’t tried the 75, just the 60 (I do have a 90 as well—the MDWi (Sitka Arrowhead) I reviewed as well)

 

[Hi-liner]

I haven’t tried the 75, just the 60 (I do have a 90 as well—the MDWi (Sitka Arrowhead) I reviewed as well)

Gotcha. I’m assuming that the 75 and 60 are pretty comparable. I almost ordered a 60 when they had them on clearance but by the time I had talked myself into it they were sold out of everything but mediums. Oh well, such is life….