SITKA Mountain EVO jacket, Review **Updated 9/20/23**

[Hi-liner]

I did find the Mountain Evo to be what I would call a 'super athletic fit'. It's a pretty close-to-body wind shirt, for sure. I typically go XL and went XXL in the EVO, and I'm super happy I did.

I’m in the same boat as you, typically wear an XL in everything from t-shirts to hunting jackets. I originally bought a black EVO for 60% off earlier this year and went with an XL because I just wear it around town or hiking with the family. I just ordered another one in Subalpine for backpack hunting but this time I ordered a 2XL so I can layer more easily.

 

[BoilerBowHunter]

Yeah I had to size up a bit as well. We should know pretty soon if it's just being restocked as is or of they've tweaked it (or I guess possibly have $hit canned it???)

If it's gone for good, I expect we'll never hear John Barklow on another podcast. He'll just fade into the mountains never to be heard from again...

 

[Hi-liner]

I generally think that is true but sometimes it feels like the user, me included, may try to use a specific piece 'out of spec'. I bought an EVO last fall and ended up with a Large Tall because it fit over an Ambient hoodie better than a regular Large, with more under-arm space. I guess in that way, it is not intended to fit over that piece in a 'like' size?? Over a Large heavyweight hoodie, no problem really. The XL for me was definitely more loose, but too loose without an underlayer. So I went LT.

When I bought my Stratus set I ignored online research and still bought an XL instead of a Large and while it fits fine enough and layers easily, I sometimes get annoyed that in mild temps, it's a big baggy. That's on me. I would prefer Sitka do one simple thing.... normalize/standardize their 'ratings' of wind/water/warmth/durability etc. They're still all over the place with those categories and it's really hard to get a straight comparison at times and would be much easier if EVERY piece had the same categories, even if one or two are zero rating, be consistent!

Agreed, it would be nice if their warmth, wind protection, breathability, etc. ratings were more consistent across their product lines. To expand on your point, I think it would be great if they went with a 10 point scale for their product features instead of a 5 point. It would help give a better idea of the differences between different products.

 

[Blandry]

I won't be selling mine in green or sub-alpine anytime soon. It can take the place of multiple layers imo but yeah they are going nuts on this stuff. It's a FINE high output, layer that blocks wind.

 

[Hi-liner]

I cannot imagine they would drop the item, right? What else do they have to fill that role? And I am a HUGE fan of the thing in extremely limited use but it is fantastic under a pack and without. I would think something based off of it will be back, evolution is a Sitka hallmark and what they do well... maybe best.

I'm 6'2 190+ and most all clothing used to be XL tops and L bottoms for me / 44 chest 34 waist. But with the ummm "widening" and "rotunding" of America, who knows what size to get these days. A couple days ago I was in a Duluth Trading store and their wind jacket-like item fit me in a ....... MEDIUM....... da fa?

Sounds like the Duluth line is for the cheese curd and craft beer crowd.

 

[Blandry]

Sounds like the Duluth line is for the cheese curd and craft beer crowd.

I recently moved up north, but you have my attention with craft beer and cheese curds

 

[Hi-liner]

I recently moved up north, but you have my attention with craft beer and cheese curds

I love me some cheese curds and craft beer, unfortunately my waist line doesn’t

 

[Erussell01]

I love me some cheese curds and craft beer, unfortunately my waist line doesn’t

But man how good does a beer sound right now

 

[Bump79]

I bet the new Evo will have pit zips with windstopper all the way around.

This is what I'm looking for. Maybe a different back panel that is wind resistant but not windproof.

 

[Blandry]

I like the jacket so much that I have two solid color and one in subalpine. I wear the solid-color ones just about every day unless the temps drop below 20 during the day, which is uncommon here in CO, especially this year. It's been a crazy warm winter. The back panel hasn't been an issue for me yet. The jacket doesn't need pit-zips because it has that mesh back that continues under the arms. I can wear this jacket in the broadest range of temps of anything I own and be comfortable.

 

[Oregonhuntrboi]

I’m curious if there already is a new model of the mountain coming soon due to Sitka putting all of the evo’s on clearance recently.

 

[dtrkyman]

I just got mine, totally spaced on the reason I sold my Jetstream I had, the thing fit like a glove but had little room for layers!

This jacket is the same, literally fits like they tailor made it for me, I can get a heavyweight hoody or even an ambient under it snugly so for the price I am good with it, but 1 size up would likely have been the move!

 

[Blandry]

I just got mine, totally spaced on the reason I sold my Jetstream I had, the thing fit like a glove but had little room for layers!

This jacket is the same, literally fits like a tailor made it for me, I can get a heavyweight hoody or even an ambient under it snugly so for the price I am good with it, but 1 size up would likely have been the move!

It is a very 'athletic' fit. Even at 6', 200/220 lbs (my weight) the XL would be form fitting. I went XXL, and it's perfect for when I gain/lose weight, which I do throughout the year.

 

[n816kc]

Had to learn the sizing lesson the hard way also. The medium fits great, but with nothing more than base layer and core hoody. Bought a large to wear my ambient under - great combination! Have to thank mtwarden for the recommendation.