Sitka Stratus VS FL

[Mudflap621]

What in the First Lite line would be most comparable to the stratus set? Ive been running the stratus for years now very happy but im getting the itch to try some FL. Im a treestand hunter 90% of the time and the stratus can get me through 3/4 of my season. Without being able to see or touch them im thinking eigther the catalyst or solitude? I really like the looks of the obsidian but what temps would they be good to in the treestand? I run good quality merinos as baselayers.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Catalyst is a soft shell with a thin fleece liner. Not going to be quite as warm as the stratus but close. Solitude is a different animal. It is more of an insulated jacket on par with the sitka fanatic but maybe not quite as warm and not a a fleece face. This year I used the catalyst until temps got to the 40s with some layers. Solitude Set worked for me from 40s down to 20s.

 

[Mudflap621]

thanks for the comparison although not what i wanted to hear haha! Most my season is between 20-50 and for me the stratus was able to work through most of it. I really dont want to have to buy two different outer layers i was hoping to get away with a puffy vest and be set for those temps.

 

[Ace12]

I would hold onto your stratus. I love my first lite, but Damn I wish they catalyst was warmer and/or solitude was windproof

 

[KoolBreeze]

Solitude might get you down into the 20s with the right layering, depending on your comfort zone. I have a Woodbury jacket (which is a touch heavier on the insulation than the Solitude) that I pair with the Solitude bibs and I'm fine down to 25 in it. I layer a 250 merino base (top & bottom), a Klamath, and a thin pant underneath. I've not been in colder temps with it yet, but I suspect I'll have to add a layer or step up to a heavier base like the Furnace if it gets much colder and I sit for long. It was 30 this morning, I was in the above, calm winds, and I was toasty.

That might not work in the wind though, I don't know as I don't hunt often on windy days and not from a treestand when I do.

 

[Mudflap621]

I would hold onto your stratus. I love my first lite, but Damn I wish they catalyst was warmer and/or solitude was windproof

I do wish that there was some wind stopper type material in some of the first lite. While in stand the wind can get to you pretty quick and I do beleive that the blocker in the Stratus has helped me more times than not. I rarely wear jacket in and bibs are usually opened wide up so vents good enough. Sounds like the Stratus is probably right between the catalyst and solitude.

 

[Mudflap621]

Instead of starting another thread Im gonna bump this back up. Seems like since my last post that FL has incorporated some Windblock fabric into their line. Would like to hear if anyone has any firsthand experience with the new stuff and if they could compare it to the stratus.

From just looking at their offerings it looks like the Solitude would be most comparable to the Stratus set.

 

[sneaky]

Instead of starting another thread Im gonna bump this back up. Seems like since my last post that FL has incorporated some Windblock fabric into their line. Would like to hear if anyone has any firsthand experience with the new stuff and if they could compare it to the stratus.

From just looking at their offerings it looks like the Solitude would be most comparable to the Stratus set.

Read a post on here the other day about the solitude set. They said any wind over 10mph cuts straight through it. They liked it otherwise. No comparison between it and the Stratus for wind blocking capabilities. The Stratus wins that by a long shot.

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[Alalaheyoo]

+1 for stratus. Can layer under the jacket. When its really cold I walk in with the stratus jacket and put my Fanatic over it once I’m at my stand