Whitetail Stand Jacket

[PSDBowhunter]

I'm sure this has been discussed throughout the years, but there always seems to be new offerings. I tried making my Sitka Stratus setup work down into the low 30's and the 20's but have found myself wanting a little more warmth during the cold days of November rut here in northern PA. I don't necessarily need to be down to single digits, but comfortable in the 20's would be ideal.

It seems like the Sitka Fanatic is the standard by which all other jackets in that category are measured. There are a lot of good deals right not (the Fanatic not being one of them). There are some other jackets that that some competitive specs (insulation/weight) and price. Wanted to see what first hand experience anyone has with the Fanatic and any of the following:

Asio Heavyweight (currently 50% off, primaloft gold, a little heavy at 4lbs)
Pnuma Highpoint (moderately priced, primaloft silver)
Kryptek Vellus (good price, light weight)
Kuiu Proximity (Looks like a warmer version of Stratus)
Kuiu Super Down Haven (expensive, but looks warm and light)
Huntworth Warren (not well known, but the price is right).
First Lite Thermic (expensive, primaloft gold).

I usually run pretty hot when I'm moving and feel like it's easier to dress for active hunts out west. Sitting here in the whitetail woods with cold and windy conditions with humidity in the air can be difficult. Open to other ideas as well.

 

[wildace]

My favorite setup is my sitka dewpoint rain jacket with a heavy wool jacket over the top of it to keep it quiet. I hunt montana, so its usually super cold , I've never found a good option for wind/water proof but also silent enough for bowhunting

 

[cofen380]

Unfortunately I can’t offer any insight to the jackets you listed.

Have you looked at Code of Silence? I have a few of their pieces and just got their new Riverwolf systems full zip jacket. I’m impressed with it and have no intentions of looking elsewhere for a quiet jacket for colder weather.

The coldest I’ve worn it is low 30’s with a light baselayer and I was very comfortable. No doubt it could go colder. I also hunt with a recurve, so mobility when drawing and quietness are very important to me. Happy to answer any other questions about their gear. I’ve had the zone 7 dialed in parka as well, but sold it for this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PSDBowhunter]

Unfortunately I can’t offer any insight to the jackets you listed.

Have you looked at Code of Silence? I have a few of their pieces and just got their new Riverwolf systems full zip jacket. I’m impressed with it and have no intentions of looking elsewhere for a quiet jacket for colder weather.

The coldest I’ve worn it is low 30’s with a light baselayer and I was very comfortable. No doubt it could go colder. I also hunt with a recurve, so mobility when drawing and quietness are very important to me. Happy to answer any other questions about their gear. I’ve had the zone 7 dialed in parka as well, but sold it for this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, forgot to mention them as well. I may try to handle more of these in person at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg this year.

Seems like it is hard finding a good balance of weight, mobility, and warmth for bow hunting.

Thinking about adding some heated base layers as well.

 

[cofen380]

Yes, forgot to mention them as well. I may try to handle more of these in person at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg this year.

Seems like it is hard finding a good balance of weight, mobility, and warmth for bow hunting.

Thinking about adding some heated base layers as well.

Definitely, it would be nice to be able to handle as many of the options as you’re considering.

I agree on trying to find the right balance. Ultimately I decided I’m willing to give up lightweight as a trade off for warmth, quietness and function in the stand. I’m ok with that at this point. Hope you can find something that works for you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[deezs]

I picked up the pnuma vintis at the beginning of this season. I'm in sw wi, strictly stand hunt whitetail, late October and early November were warm mid 40 to low 50. The jacket was way too much for that. But later it did get cold, low 20, and I was very comfortable with a heavy base layer and a cheap vest. Very quiet, lots of pockets, I'm happy with it.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Fanatic is fantastic, but super bulky. I pack mine to the tree then put it on there.

 

[HoosierHunter07]

Unfortunately I can’t offer any insight to the jackets you listed.

Have you looked at Code of Silence? I have a few of their pieces and just got their new Riverwolf systems full zip jacket. I’m impressed with it and have no intentions of looking elsewhere for a quiet jacket for colder weather.

The coldest I’ve worn it is low 30’s with a light baselayer and I was very comfortable. No doubt it could go colder. I also hunt with a recurve, so mobility when drawing and quietness are very important to me. Happy to answer any other questions about their gear. I’ve had the zone 7 dialed in parka as well, but sold it for this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What do you like about the riverwolf system over the zone 7 dialed in parka?

 

[TN2shot07]

I like the stratus and now the first lite phase but you have to keep in mind that it’s really a wind proof layer. Put it over some kind of puffy (FL source, Sitka ambient, Sitka midi) and you’re in business for way cooler temps.

The fanatic is awesome for sits but pack it in if you walk very far.

 

[PSDBowhunter]

I guess I should list how I typically layer for whitetail sits.

Baselayer - Cabela's with body mapped polartec grid fleece (have had these forever.)
Midlayer - Patagonia R1
Insulating layer - Core4 Element down vest
Outer layer - Stratus

If it's really cold I'll throw on an easter mountain sports puffy under the stratus.

Maybe a better mid or insulating layer would help?
Maybe better baselayers?

I definitely sweat when walking into the stand. I'm almost always carrying my outer layer and insulating layer in.

 

[cofen380]

What do you like about the riverwolf system over the zone 7 dialed in parka?

- The sleeves are longer on the riverwolf, and the zone 7 sleeves were a bit short on me (I’m 6’5 240).

- The riverwolf has hood adjustments unlike the zone 7.

- The cut and the actual fabric of the riverwolf feel much more mobile when drawing, reaching, twisting, etc. I felt constricted, especially in the shoulders, in the zone 7. Bc of this I can also layer much more comfortably in the riverwolf.

Those are my biggest advantages with the new jacket. The zone 7 is awesome, but I think my size and frame limited its benefits for me. The riverwolf feels like it was made for close range bow hunting


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Madstop14]

I'm in the same basic climate as you and do some treestand sitting about half the time. I can not stand cold or bulk and have spent quite a bit of effort trying to figure out what keeps me warm without feeling bulky and heavy.

I got the Pnuma heated layers and wear them next to skin along with some heated socks. I wear a very light mid layer over those if its at the bottom end of temp range. I wear the Stratus down to about 40 degrees. Any lower than that, I get into the Fanatic. If you minimize mid layers, it isnt too bulky. I add in a neck gaiter and good hat (game changer) and I'm good to go for sitting.

It looks like you're already pretty packed into that Stratus with all the layers. The Pnuma was pricey but completely worth it and negates the extra layers. The Fanatic won't be anymore bulky than what you are already wearing.

 

[dallas.kc]

I guess I should list how I typically layer for whitetail sits.

Baselayer - Cabela's with body mapped polartec grid fleece (have had these forever.)
Midlayer - Patagonia R1
Insulating layer - Core4 Element down vest
Outer layer - Stratus

If it's really cold I'll throw on an easter mountain sports puffy under the stratus.

Maybe a better mid or insulating layer would help?
Maybe better baselayers?

I definitely sweat when walking into the stand. I'm almost always carrying my outer layer and insulating layer in.

Sweating on the way in could be a big part of it. The only other suggestions I have if you are already putting a puff of some kind under the stratus is to try some heavyweight wool instead of the synthetic fleece base layers. Something like a lightweight merino followed by the Furnace or something equivalent you can put on over top of your base layer after walking in, then put the puffy on over that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dallas.kc]

I guess I should list how I typically layer for whitetail sits.

Baselayer - Cabela's with body mapped polartec grid fleece (have had these forever.)
Midlayer - Patagonia R1
Insulating layer - Core4 Element down vest
Outer layer - Stratus

If it's really cold I'll throw on an easter mountain sports puffy under the stratus.

Maybe a better mid or insulating layer would help?
Maybe better baselayers?

I definitely sweat when walking into the stand. I'm almost always carrying my outer layer and insulating layer in.

Sweating on the way in could be a big part of it. The only other suggestions I have if you are already putting a puff of some kind under the stratus is to try some heavyweight wool instead of the synthetic fleece base layers. Something like a lightweight merino followed by the Furnace from Firstlite or something equivalent you can put on over top of your base layer after walking in, then put the puffy on over that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[S-3 ranch]

LL Bean heavy wool guide parka is a sit all day coat, but it’s also heavy in weight

I wear a base layer, cashmere sweater, parka, usually good to 0* F
Yak wool socks & medium weight gloves

 

[Maverick1]

I guess I should list how I typically layer for whitetail sits.

Baselayer - Cabela's with body mapped polartec grid fleece (have had these forever.)
Midlayer - Patagonia R1
Insulating layer - Core4 Element down vest
Outer layer - Stratus

If it's really cold I'll throw on an easter mountain sports puffy under the stratus.

Maybe a better mid or insulating layer would help?
Maybe better baselayers?

I definitely sweat when walking into the stand. I'm almost always carrying my outer layer and insulating layer in.

Outer layer is not the issue here for these temps. It is your other layers.

Base layers and mid layer are fleece. Fleece has a very low CLO value and is not a good insulator.

Replace with merino fishnet baselayer. Get a high value CLO mid layer.

Wear just your base layers into your stand location. Pack your mid layer and outer layers to the tree. Take everything off your back and just stand there for 5 minutes to cool down before proceeding. Change your socks then put your other layers on before climbing.

 

[cofen380]

LL Bean heavy wool guide parka is a sit all day coat, but it’s also heavy in weight

I wear a base layer, cashmere sweater, parka, usually good to 0* F
Yak wool socks & medium weight gloves
View attachment 974032

I always thought this jacket looked interesting. I don’t know anyone with experience though


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PSDBowhunter]

LL Bean heavy wool guide parka is a sit all day coat, but it’s also heavy in weight

I wear a base layer, cashmere sweater, parka, usually good to 0* F
Yak wool socks & medium weight gloves
View attachment 974032

I have yak wool socks on the list to get.

That parka looks warm, but probably too bulky for archery.