Sitka Jacket Choice for Bow Season

by **Kessler10** » 02 10, 2015 • [Post 1]

Trying to decide what outer layer I should purchase from the Sitka line. I am thinking either the Ascent Jacket or 90% Jacket. This would be for late Sept bow season in Montana.

I thought maybe the Ascent jacket would be best because I can always layer underneath, but yet the Ascent jacket is light enough that I could wear it with just a t-shirt underneath during the day when it might get to 60 or 70 degrees. But in the mornings when it could be 20 degrees a couple base layers under the ascent jacket would keep me warm enough, and hold up in a light rain/wind.

Or the 90% jacket seems to be a little heavier and from reviews and product descriptions I have read, holds up better in light rain/wind. But was not sure if it would be to much to wear the 90% Jacket on a 60-70 degree day after I shed any base layers? My hope is whatever jacket I go with I can wear in 20 degrees with multiple base layers and hold up in light rain/wind, and also wear in weather up to 70 degrees with just a t-shirt underneath.

I have the Mountain Paints that I know can hold up in all these weather conditions with proper layering or lack there of. Now just deciding on jacket/top outer layer. As you know Sitka prices do not really afford you the option to buy both. Sop want o make the right call.

Any recommendations on which one to go with given these parameters?

Thanks!

by **Indian Summer** » 02 10, 2015 • [Post 2]

20 degrees! Jetstream hands down. Here's the thing: When it is warm out ... or when you are pumping uphill... you won't need any type of jacket. For that I'd suggest a camo merino base, or a simply polyester shirt and nothing else. If you really want to dump some money on something to wear under those conditions then the Ascent would be the way to go. It is super light.

One thing worth mentioning about all three of those: I wish they put pit zips on the Ascent and 90%. I got a price from them to add those. It was $160! Neither has any type of vents to open so it's all or nothing. But the Jetstream has zipper chest vents and really long armpit zips. I love those. So for me it's the polyester shirt for anything but sitting on warm days. Chillier I swap the polyester for merino. When I sit or if it gets cold I throw on the Jetstream. If it gets colder I add the Kelvin vest under that. I could count on one hand the number of times I've worn my Ascent. I should probably just sell it.

by **ElkNut1** » 02 11, 2015 • [Post 3]

I just got back myself & looked over the available jackets as it were & the Jetstream is my next purchase! It's a lightweight jacket but just right in thickness for Sept hunts if needed or hunts with temps down to zero with proper layering under it. The other two jackets you mentioned were just too light, sorta like Tyvek house wrap! (grin) During most Sept hunts I will say I rarely wear a jacket, I'm a layering guy with 2-4 layers depending on temps, it works well for us as we get heated when covering miles & pulling serious elevations. The jacket is for "in case" (grin)

ElkNut1

by **Kessler10** » 02 11, 2015 • [Post 4]

Ok, thanks for the feedback. So sounds like getting the Merino Wool Zip is the way to go. Is there much of a difference between the Merino Wool and the Traverse Zip or Hoddie? Are they different material and water repellant whatsoever?
Judging by the name is it correct saying the Merino wool is just that.....wool, but maybe with some sort of DWR finish? (if thats even possible

Does the Traverse have DWR?

The bummer part about this is I just cannot find a store around where I live that carries all these products so I can get a feel for them. I have a Cabelas where I live but they don't carry a large selection of all the Sitka products.

Could I get a way with buying the Traverse Zip or the Merino wool and have base layers underneath for the first light of a 35-40 degree morning with constant moving?

Thanks for feedback, huge help!

by **Ben Nicholson** » 02 11, 2015 • [Post 5]

I really like my 90% jacket. Pit zippers would be nice though. I should see if my wife could sew some in.

-Ben

by **Heartwood** » 02 11, 2015 • [Post 6]

I used the regular Jetstream jacket in 2014 and really liked the pit zips and hood. I think it is the only regular jacket with a hood. Was light enough for backpacking also. Like the others i spend much of the day with only a light merino camo shirt and the jacket is for mornings , night and storms. Overall, very happy with Sitka.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 7]

A merino shirt is a base layer worn against the skin. Traverse is outerwear. Completely different.

Elknut... did you check out those jackets for me in Boise? The Incinerator and the Blizzard?

by **ElkNut1** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 8]

Joe, I did check on the Blizzard & Incinerator jackets for you! There weren't any Blizzards at all or Coldfronts, most of their cold weather gear was not there this time. Must be getting ready for Spring! The Incinerator looked OK but too thin for my liking? I thought the Jetstream was the perfect thickness for all kinds of temps, it would depend on your layers underneath as to the outside temps. I know I now will be getting the Jetstream for sure!

ElkNut1

by **Indian Summer** » 02 12, 2015 • [Post 9]

In my opinion the Jetstream is a must have. It is my #1 go to piece of outerwear in bow and gun season. Blocks wind. Fairly water resistant. Add a layer underneath and you are set. Chest and pit zips for ventilation. I think it's the best piece of clothing they ever made.

Incinerator is down filled. Supposed to be for extreme cold. How thin is thin? Was the outer material fairly quiet?

by **BadgerStateBugler** » 02 21, 2015 • [Post 10]

I just purchased the Sitka Jetstream for myself and another for my buddy in CO as a wedding gift, I did this around Christmas time. I have been wearing mine here in WI in the subzero windy days, I am more than comfortable with just a T-shirt and merino wool hoody. I am very impressed with its performance in cold temps, based on that I would be a little hesitant to wear it during my late September CO archery elk hunts while hiking, but it would be a great item to keep in my pack for back at spike camp or idle time waiting to make a move on an elk. It is slightly warmer and noticeably noisier than my C4E Element jacket. I will likely weight both items and take the lighter of the two, every ounce counts!!!

by **ElkNut1** » 02 22, 2015 • [Post 11]

Agreed! I do not wear a jacket on my Sept hunts instead I layer. Layering is key for us. A jacket can come in handy on those wet miserable days as the season gets close to end of the month, it better be waterproof at that time as well. Most cases I wear 2 to 4 layers depending on temps. Merino is always my base layer after that I use about any materials that are generally long sleeve. Outside temps dictate my levels of layers!

ElkNut1

by **pointysticks** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 12]

The 90% jacket isn't that warm. I thinks is the perfect jacket if you're willing to layer. Merino, canoe merino, down vest -and then the 90%. I can suffer some cold temps on a hiking hunt.

It's the perfect jacket. Mine is so old and zero tears or pulls. I love the tight fitting arm sleeves. Perfect for bow shots.

by **pointysticks** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 13]

I wore it Sat on a pig hunt. 60's in the day. 40 evenings.

Yes, the grass is green already. It's the only jacket i'd buy again happily. I might need to cuz I've lost weight. My XL is kinda huge.

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by **pointysticks** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 14]

Oh. My Sitka 90% has put vents. Again. My jacket is a early version.

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by **pointysticks** » 02 23, 2015 • [Post 15]

Ben Nicholson wrote:I really like my 90% jacket. Pit zippers would be nice though. I should see if my wife could sew some in.

-Ben

See post above.