Sitka jacket stratus vs fanatic lite

[pyroducksx3]

I've been searching for a softshell for awhile, I don't know why but it's been a trying journey. I loved my guide jacket it was the best ever but sold off all my kuiu, no need to get into that. Tried kryptek, favorite pattern but jackets are way too short to be usable for me at 6'2. I love first lite but they just haven't got a solid softshell yet. I like all my sitka products in solid but that opti fade is terrible. I think I can deal with the elevated but still don't love it. Anyway I think I got it down to the fanatic lite but really apprehensive about that zipper and the stratus. The stratus also has windstopper. Like I said replacing the guide jacket and using for Oct to November hunts in washington/idaho. Temps probably 50-30. I have a kryptek aegis gen 2 that they got right for colder Temps. Anybody used both or any input?

 

[tipsntails7]

Nether would I consider softshells and I wouldn't be caught dead wearing either in 50-30 degree weather if I'm moving at all. Both are relatively heavy as well. I really like the fanatic series and the zipper is actually the biggest draw to me(I love kangaroo pockets.) and why I ended up getting it. The stratus is more of a regular coat, while the fanatic is a much more specialized piece.


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[pyroducksx3]

Guess, I need to see these pieces in person then. Sportsman doesn't carry any of them so I might have to go to cabelas.

 

[Brendan]

I own the fanatic lite - it's a whitetail treestand only piece for me. Not a softshell at all - no real windblocking or dwr - just soft, quiet, camo, lighter insulating layer with great pocket layout for treestand hunting. I do find it comfortable for that use, but have never considered using it for my more active hunts.

I've used the guide jacket too, currently have a first lite north branch but not sure how much use it'll get - wish it had pit zips. This year I'll be relying on puffy and rain gear.

 

[Trial153]

I have both jackets, they are both dedicated whitetail jackets for sure. For what your describing you'd be much better served with a Sitka Jetstream jacket or the new Sitka cold weather hoody...or better still a combination of both.

 

[pyroducksx3]

Looks like I'll just stick with their solids in the big game line then, wish they had a grey. Thanks for the input guys. Saved me some return shipping $$.