Most hunters understand the struggle of layering enough to stay warm when stationary with sufficient breathability for hoofing it through the backcountry. You sweat after hiking in several miles then sit down and freeze in your damp layers. SITKA developed the Ambient Collection to solve this problem.
Featuring post-consumer recycled PrimaLoft Evolve insulation, each piece is designed to adapt as your activity level or the weather conditions change. Fibers of varying lengths and weights mimic the highs and lows in animal fur to maximize airflow while you're moving and trap air when you're not.
When you're sitting still and temperatures are low, the Ambient Collection provides great insulation to keep you warm. When you start moving and temperatures rise, it breathes to expel heat. It does all of this without adding unwanted bulk.
"These active insulation products adapt to changing conditions allowing for more efficient layering," said John Barlow, Big Game Product Manager for SITKA. "The Ambient Collection transitions seamlessly from outerwear when active to a mid-layer as activity slows and temperatures drop."
Each piece is also constructed with 20-denier ripstop nylon for durability as well as mechanical stretch for a full range of motion when drawing your bow or shouldering a rifle. A DWR finish sheds water and keeps you dry during light precipitation.
At $299, the Ambient Jacket features zippered hand and chest pockets for securing small gear. The women's jacket has a drop-away hood with a stand-up collar, but weighs just 15 ounces. The men's jacket comes in at 18 ounces but does not sport a hood.
The men's Ambient Hoody features four-way stretch panels for added mobility and a sculpted hood on the half-zip pullover design weighing 13 ounces. The men's Ambient Hoody is $279.
All the women's Ambient Collection pieces are currently available in Optifade Subalpine and SITKA Black, with the men's styles available in additional colorways.
"This collection increases the performance of any SITKA clothing system providing unmatched versatility during active pursuits in cool and cold weather," Barlow said. "Whether chasing bugles on a brisk morning, backpacking above timberline or making your way back to camp in the frigid darkness, the Ambient collection is your adaptive insulation solution."
I had the opportunity to field test both the women's Ambient Jacket and the updated Jetstream Jacket over the past two months. I've long been a fan of SITKA's dedicated women's pieces for their well-built designs and attention to detail, and these latest lines lived up to that reputation.
Field-Tested SITKA Women's Pieces
Women's Ambient Jacket - SITKA, $299
The women's Ambient Jacket is one of the comfiest, coziest jackets I've put on yet. The insulation—which also acts as the liner on this jacket—is incredibly soft and makes me want to wear this hug-in-a-jacket around the house all day long. It repelled light rain while I wore it on errands around town. I got it in black and would wear it just about anywhere.
Although the jacket is constructed with 20-denier ripstop nylon, I'd be hesitant to wear it through thick, thorny areas without an outer layer over top. Overall, it's an excellent jacket for the field or any activity.
I wore the women's Ambient Jacket for a few days in Alaska, and it kept me dry while fly fishing in a drizzle and warm through a breezy ride in a side-by-side. The pit zips were great when the weather heated up, and the zippered pockets were perfect for carrying my phone and a few small items. The high neck and hood provided great coverage in the variable conditions too.
Although completely windproof, the softshell jacket isn't noisy like a lot of wind gear. It's comfortable, and it's easy to move around in. I love the lead gray color for everyday use, and I would absolutely add a camo option to my hunting setup.
Women's Jetstream Jacket - SITKA, $379
In July, SITKA introduced its redesigned Jetstream Collection, an improvement on the already wildly successful line.
"We wanted to keep the proven and trusted DNA of the original Jetstream but bring a refined construction, fit and increased performance, making it one of the most versatile collections offered by SITKA," said Barlow. "We took an already exceptional line of products and made them even better."
Updates include 100% recycled polyester face fabric, a more relaxed fit, a micro-grid fleece backer, and skived and taped seams. The new pieces offer improved protection, mobility, comfort, and overall performance. The Jetstream Collection is still 100% windproof, with a DWR finish to keep you dry and pit zips to dump excess heat. In addition to jacket options for both men and women at $379, the Jetstream Collection also features vests in a variety of camo and solid color options for $209.
