Sitka users

[MnFn]

Looking at a new jacket for elk hunting in Colorado (backpacking ) in September.

Which jacket would be the most usable to me? I am thinking about the Sitka jet stream mostly for mornings.
Thanks, Gary

[Steve O]

Up until last month, I would have agreed the Jetstream is the one you wanted. I took the newly redesigned 90% jacket and pants to Africa and they impressed the heck out of me. Riding at night in the open Land Cruiser, they cut the cold wind much better than the old pieces. My 15 year old son is on the way to Utah to hunt elk with some of our PBS friends and he has my 90s; that is the one I would pick.

[Ulysseys]

I'd second the 90s, like the name states it'll cover 90% of the situations you encounter.  I'd check out the kuiu stuff too.

[sveltri]

I use the Jetstream vest, I've really only had a couple of occasions in the last 3 years the jacket would have been more comfortable but unnecessary.

[Tim]

I'll agree with sveltri...I'm heading back out in two weeks and my jacket is staying at home.  My rain jacket however, will be close at hand as both a wind block and an afternoon thunderstorm protectant.  

Last year I used a Sitka camo tee shirt, a traverse long sleeve shirt and a traverse hoody on top.  It warms up fast and I'd drop layers accordingly.  There was a need for the rain coat "every" afternoon.

[sveltri]

I agree with Tim, I used my raincoat almost every day last year for both wind and rain protection.

[Ulysseys]

They actually have a good point...I just did 5 days backpacking in colorados maroon bells and wore my rain jacket at least once a day if not for afternoon storms then for cold and wind at the passes I crossed...good rain gear is very versatile

[tracker12]

I live my 90% Jacket and it has been all I have used on my last three elk hunts.  The Jetstream is really noting more that the 90% with a hood.

[MnFn]

Thanks for the comments.

[Tim]

Just a side note.  On cold but clear mornings you can wear your rain coat under your traverse shirt as an extra layer and wind block while not compromising any quietness.   That way your taking advantage of every layer you bring in.  I hate to carry a rain jacket for only one purpose, this way it can be part of your normal layering process.        

I ride motorcycles quite a bit and I always carry a light wind shirt on the bike.  It's good for an extra 10 degrees of warmth.  You can find them at Dicks in the golf department.  I use them hunting quite often under my camo. They are slippery on the outside and don't bind you up when layering.  Very similar to primal loft.....just not near as heavy and great for nocking off some chill.

[Kevin Dill]

The 90% Jacket & Pants have always been my favorite Sitka pieces. Well-designed, and a standard in their product line since day one. I've hunted a lot of days and miles in them, and basically never a complaint.

[medic77]

I tend to go the other way in the fact that I wore my 90% jacket this turkey season and I was soaked with sweat by the end.  My phone was in one if the chest pockets and it was soaked as well.
 Love the jacket for Deer hunting but and somewhat regretting selling my ascent jacket for elk season