Sitka fanatic jacket vs vest

[Desk Jockey]

Swapping to Sitka for this years whitetail season. Looking for some thoughts on a cold weather piece. PA and New York. Stand and blind hunting. Temps 15-40.

I picked up a set of Stratus pants and jacket. Plan to layer under those as season progresses.

I was looking at a heavier top for the late season.

I read a lot of threads that mention using a fanatic vest over a stratus.

Looking for pros and cons of the fanatic vest over the jacket.

I don’t plan on buying bibs as I don’t really find in need them in these temps as long as I have a good jacket.

 

[Claytonputman]

I got the same Stratus system this year that you have, and then I added a Celsius Midi to go under it for warmth. You might want to look at that as an option. Given the awesome reviews regarding windproofness and low temps the Stratus system can handle (from reviews on Sitka site), I decided to add underneath instead of on top of the system.

Granted I haven't used the setup yet, but all my other Sitka gear performs amazingly so I have high expectations for the Stratus. I also have a Cabela's Wooltimate vest which I really like for either moderate temps, effective in the field and very competitively priced. Good luck this year!

 

[Desk Jockey]

Thanks. I have a kelvin lite vest I thought I could layer under the stratus.

I expect I will walk in and then layer up which had me thinking about something to go on top.

 

[cuttiebrownbow]

Depends on how cold you get and what your preferences. Personally, the stratus didn't really add much to my kit as I don't need wind proof clothing in the 40s and the Fanatic Jacket covers everything from 40 degrees and below.

Was better for me to go stratus pants, fanatic jacket, plus base layers & Celsius jacket for added insulation if really cold. Anything above 40s just stratus pants, base layers, and Celsius jacket.

If i was you I would try the celsius jacket for layering. You won't be warm enough without more insulation around your arms with the stratus (i know I wouldn't be for long sits anyways)

 

[dreamingWest]

The fanatic vest is my favorite piece of any of my hunting clothes. With the stratus jacket I can get super low in Kansas bow season. The vest puts the bulk where you want it and keeps your arms free. And it's setup perfect for a treestand. The handwarmer pocket is a luxury. Keeps some hot hands in it and you get away with a very light gloves to keep much needed dexterity in the tree.

I can't compare it to the fanatic jacket, but I've got no reason to buy the jacket. I wear the vest every sit October through December. Over either with fanatic hoody or stratus jacket if windy.

I did pick up a Celsius midi this off season but I'm not sure how I'll use it.

 

[1shotgear]

I have run both the Fanatic Vest and the Fanatic jacket. I would say that temps under 20 outside especially when the wind starts hitting me you just have to upgrade to the jacket. The cold on my arms will turn a all day sit into just a few hours. I would say with the temps you are looking at I would get the fanatic jacket.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

one advantage to the vest over the stratus is the kangaroo pocket . I may have went that way, but i am a left hand shooter and have the left hand fanatic jacket, the vest has the zipper the other direction . honestly I would look into the celsius midi . in ny and pa you will get plenty more use out of this. its a very versatile. i plan to have it on every hunt. it will layer nice under the stratis or fantic

 

[Desk Jockey]

Is the Celsius midi the same build as the kelvin active?

 

[Trial153]

Is the Celsius midi the same build as the kelvin active?

The midi is a little warmer, slight different material. They are both equally quite.
I wouldn't own both again, one or the other is fine. I think the kevlin active is more versatile.

I have both Straus jacket, fantic jacket and vest..I was just hunting the NE...I would go with both jackets. For the midwest I would go Stratus jacket and fanatic vest