Sitka or?

[HappyJack]

Looking at spending some money on a new hunting jacket, something quiet, something water and wind proof, something with some insulation but not a winter parka. Something to use Sept into mid October. I have a one piece suit for cold weather and a Sitka Fanatic for later season if it's not too chilly out.

Any suggestions on what a fellow should check out? Been looking over some Sitka and Skre products but with a budget of 3-$800 or so what would you suggest I look over? Was looking at this one.....

https://skre.ca/collections/jackets-vests/products/hardscrabble-jacket?variant=34801326915737

[Bustercluck]

I think the Sitka thunderhead is the best option for an all around hunting coat. The only thing it lacks is pit zips to get some ventilation going. I have the downpour which is similar and it’s pretty good, but the cut is meant for tree stand archery. It’s pretty tight in the cuffs.

As far as insulation goes I believe the coat is the shell and insulate separately. I’ve used my downpour into the minus 30s with a couple layers underneath and it’s been just fine.

https://www.sitkagear.com/products/thunderhead-jacket/optifade-subalpine

[decker9]

I use the jetstream quite a bit into October with a light puff under if I need, quite pleased with it.

[huntcoop]

I use the jetstream quite a bit into October with a light puff under if I need, quite pleased with it.

How is that for sizing? ie: is the Jetstream sized up'd from the puffy?

[whitlers]

Without mentioning a specific piece of gear. I will say from personal experience that Sitka's warranty and customer service is some of the best I have ever delt with.

[BradC]

I like my Sitka thunderhead gear, waterproof and quiet. If I need new gear it would be thunderhead again or I’d go Kuiu. Have a look at the kuiu axis hybrid jacket and pants. If you’re feeling spendy get a set of gaiters while you’re at it and be done.

I crossed a “creek” one year moose hunting with buddy, thunderhead jacket, pants and gaiters. Over my waist. When we got back to the truck buddy in his browning hells canyon gear was soaked, I was dry. He now owns thunderhead gear.

[RobbieH]

I use the jetstream quite a bit into October with a light puff under if I need, quite pleased with it.

x2 on the jetstream. Had mine for 4 seasons. Super versatile soft shell. Lots of pockets and zips. Dress it up or down for different temps. Wind proof and water ‘resistant’. That being said I’ve never wetted it out. I have the older one. I think they revamped it sometime in last couple years with some improvements

[Bullreaper]

Check out Forloh gear. The Allclima soft shell jacket. Used that jacket this year hunting stones. It PISSED rain for 7 days straight. Windy as hell. The jacket performed flawless. Windproof, waterproof, breathable and their stuff is 100% sourced and made in the USA, if that matters to you at all. Lifetime warranty, satisfaction guaranteed, all that crap. Went and checked there stuff out at there headquarters in Whitefish before I bought. awesome company. Like Sitka and Kuiu, you gotta size up.

[SR80]

are you planning on hike in this jacket or or stationary sits kinda thing? Hard to beat the jetstream from sitka, windproof and breaths good. I prefer the stone glacier DH jacket though, mainly the fit for me.

[Bullreaper]

Was also gonna suggest the SG de havilland jacket. It’s the best hunting soft shell out there, in my opinion. It has DWR coating, but definitely not waterproof.

[dapesche]

Softshell - jack of all trades, master of none.

as SR80 alluded to, how do you hunt?

My experiece:
If you've moving at all up a mtn, don't bring a softshell in sept or early october. Especially if you are wearing a backpack.
If you're elmer pudding it on flat logging roads then I like my kuiu axis hybrid jacket but I really never wear it.


Honestly you could save the money and just go with:
- a basic long sleeve shirt from any outdoor brand,
- a neck gaiter and wear a synthetic vest
- lightweight gloves, and carry
- a lightweight rain jacket in your pack

You'll be good to go for the first 6 weeks of season.

I had both a jetstream and a SG deHav jacket for about a day and sold both. Fit was strange.
Had a kuiu kutana softshell and a kui guide. Sold both. Too warm and not weather resistant enough.

currently have the kuiu axis hybrid jacket because it has waterproofing on it vs. other softshells being water 'resistant'. I have only used it on my quad. If I don't use it next year I'll sell.





I am not a fan of softshells.

[HappyJack]

are you planning on hike in this jacket or or stationary sits kinda thing? Hard to beat the jetstream from sitka, windproof and breaths good. I prefer the stone glacier DH jacket though, mainly the fit for me.

I'll be combo hunting atv to hunting area, hiking and sitting in a climbing tree stand or ground blind.

Will check out this Jetstream as several people have mentioned it.

[decker9]

How is that for sizing? ie: is the Jetstream sized up'd from the puffy?

I have the older model and the fit seems spot on, im 6’ and thin, the large fits with enough room for layering. I have heard the newer model fits a little snugger.

I seen the SG de Havilland recommended. My personal experience is it’s not much of a hunting jacket, thin cold and a weird fit ime. Does look nice as a down town jacket though.

[hawk-i]

While I don't have other brands to compare it to, I have Sitka Downpour Pants and Jacket.

I'm very pleased with this gear to date.

[HappyJack]

Softshell - jack of all trades, master of none.

as SR80 alluded to, how do you hunt?

My experiece:
If you've moving at all up a mtn, don't bring a softshell in sept or early october. Especially if you are wearing a backpack.
If you're elmer pudding it on flat logging roads then I like my kuiu axis hybrid jacket but I really never wear it.


Honestly you could save the money and just go with:
- a basic long sleeve shirt from any outdoor brand,
- a neck gaiter and wear a synthetic vest
- lightweight gloves, and carry
- a lightweight rain jacket in your pack

You'll be good to go for the first 6 weeks of season.

I had both a jetstream and a SG deHav jacket for about a day and sold both. Fit was strange.
Had a kuiu kutana softshell and a kui guide. Sold both. Too warm and not weather resistant enough.

currently have the kuiu axis hybrid jacket because it has waterproofing on it vs. other softshells being water 'resistant'. I have only used it on my quad. If I don't use it next year I'll sell.





I am not a fan of softshells.

I don't think a long sleeved shirt and rain coat would cut the mustard. Several times in September we have had snow falling. I'd prefer a soft shell with the ability to layer under it for added insulation if required for the conditions.

[whitlers]

I don't think a long sleeved shirt and rain coat would cut the mustard. Several times in September we have had snow falling. I'd prefer a soft shell with the ability to layer under it for added insulation if required for the conditions.

Can't really beat wearing a long sleeve and vest then packing a puffy and rain jacket. But I can also see the argument for a soft shell. I just picked up a Jetstream to try out.

[Bustercluck]

Is the jet stream a comparable product to the kuiu guide jacket? I have a guide jacket here I have to return or size up, but I’d rather have Sitka.

[SR80]

Is the jet stream a comparable product to the kuiu guide jacket? I have a guide jacket here I have to return or size up, but I’d rather have Sitka.

Jetstream is better in my opinion, it has a true windstopper membrane. I always found the guide jacket too stiff and hot for me. Thats why i like the SG, great stretch and not overly thick and insulated. I also dislike the neck/collar on the guide jacket. I prefer the scuba style like SG and arcteryx use.

[swampthing]

The jetsream is more comparable to the kuiu axis coat, but not quite as warm. The sitka sizing is a bit more spot on. I run the 3xl in kuiu and the 2xl in sitka. I find the jetstream quite versatile in changing temps. I have worn mine from cold august conditions to november. The kuiu axis is certainly more of a colder weather coat.