Sitka Core HW vs Firstlite Klamath vs Mtn Ops Grid Fleece: initial thoughts

[RangerRick]

Warmth: Firstlite Klamath, then a tie between other two.

Fit: Sitka HW easily. Longer tail which is nice, appropriate arm lengths too. Klamath had super long sleeves which causes bunching, Mtn Ops slightly less long sleeves. Both don’t have thumb loops like the Sitka does(elastic band). The chest zip is way deeper on the sitka as well which is great for cooling off if need be. Zippers are better on Sitka, then FS, Mtn Ops are cheap feeling and loud.

Packability: see photos.

Price: Sitka 139. Firstlite 119, Mtn Ops 90. That’s what I bought them for.

The kangaroo pouches are nice, but the overall fit of the Mtn Ops leaves something to be desired.

Conclusion:

Sitka will be early season
Klamath if it’s colder
Mt Ops for kicking around town

 

[HaydenLane]

Interesting, the Mtn Ops fits me about perfect. Sitka sizing is strange imo, the Core LW stuff I have is all medium, outerwear is all large. Not sure how the Core HW fits. Haven’t tried any FL outerwear, but the baselayers have all been sized consistently for me.

I also think the weight and zippers are almost identical between the Mtn Ops and the Eddie Bauer full zip I picked up for $29 that was linked in another thread. The EB has longer arms, built in thumbholes (which I never use), and a slightly better hood (the chin part is less prone to slapping me when not zipped all the way up.

I still haven’t found a fleece I like nearly as much as the Hood from Swazi. I wear the others just to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on it.

 

[fishslap]

I have the older FL Halstead in medium that I like a lot but the fit on the newer Klamath is not good IMO. Medium is too fitted and the sleeves on the large are way long. Not top end gear but I do have a couple rothco military issue grid fleece and I like them for the price.