What is the Sitka Ambient Jacket? This garment is designed to be the mid-layer or outer layer that works for a wide range of temperatures, from high country elk hunts to brisk spring morning chasing turkeys. The Sitka Ambient Jacket is a mid-layer built with PrimaLoft Evolve to create an insulation layer built for the active hunter. Active insulation’s biggest benefit is its ability to adapt—it traps heat while you’re sitting, and breathes more efficiently than static insulation while you’re on the move. The Ambient jacket or hoody will increase the performance of your clothing system for any pursuit functioning as a mid or outer layer depending on the need.
First Impression: Sitka Ambient Jacket
The first thing I noticed was how light and packable this jacket is. It weighs just 18 ounces. Perfect for balling up and stuffing in a pack. 150 grams of Primaloft Evolve is the engine for this jacket. Sitka calls this “Active Insulation”. The point is to be breathable when you are active and to hold warmth when posted up in your stand or blind. 20D Nylon Ripstop fabric with a water-repellant finish provides a durable, yet quiet outer layer. The pocket positioning is typical with right and left-hand pockets where you would expect as well as a chest pocket. I’m a big fan of a chest pocket for two reasons. It provides easy access when being worn as a mid-layer and when wearing a saddle, it can be challenging to get to the hand pockets so the chest pocket is a must for me. Per usual, there are a variety of colors, 3 solids, and 5 camo patterns.
Sitka Ambient Jacket
This jacket is made to be durable, packable, and adaptable to changing weather conditions and activity levels.
Price: $299
- Weight: 18 ounces
- 150 Grams of Primaloft Evolve Insulation
- 20D Ripstop Nylon Fabric
- Durable water-repellent finish sheds moisture
Features
- 20D ripstop nylon fabric is built to take a beating
- 150 grams post-consumer recycled PrimaLoft® Evolve active insulation for breathable low-bulk warmth
- Mechanical stretch enables a wide range of motion
- Durable water repellent finish sheds moisture and keeps fabric from wetting out
- Zippered hand and chest pockets provide secure storage
- Full Zip Jacket
- Total weight: 18 oz.
Testing the Sitka Ambient Jacket
I was very eager to see how this jacket performed. I typically have walks ranging from a half mile to a mile so trying to regulate my body heat while not being bogged down with bulk was what I was trying to accomplish. The range of motion this garment provided was top-notch. I never felt restricted in any way. For reference, I’m 5’ 10” 175lbs, and wear a large when it comes to Sitka upper body pieces.
Hunt #1 – 50 Degrees
On this hunt, I wore a Sitka Core 220 Merino base layer and the Sitka Ambient Jacket. I was overdressed for this test but that was by design. I slowly crept through the woods and as expected, I did eventually overheat. However, when I stopped for a few minutes to cool down I was surprised how quickly my body temperature regulated. Due to the temps reaching the 50’s I eventually had to remove the jacket. I believe with a thinner, lighter base layer I could’ve been more comfortable.
Hunt #2 – High 20’s
For my second test, I walked in with just a Sitka Core 220 Merino top and waited to put on the Ambient Jacket until I was at my spot and had cooled down, just like a normal fall evenings. With the jacket on my body temps quickly stabilized and stayed consistently warm as I was in a static position for the next 1.5 hours. I then started my slow, methodical walk as temperatures were now in the low 30’s. I was as comfortable as could be. I wore the jacket until the temperature rose to 50 degrees and it was just getting too warm.
Hunt #3 – High 20’s
This hunt brought the same conditions as hunt #2. I was still wearing the Sitka Gear Core Merino 220 base layer and the Ambient Jacket. This allowed me to confirm my findings from a few days ago and that was exactly what happened. As I was walking around, the temperature hit 50 degrees and I found myself shedding the jacket. While on stand in the same temperatures, wearing the jacket over a base layer is very comfortable. As designed, it held heat very well in static conditions and provided plenty of warmth for cold weather hunts.
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Final Thoughts
My test findings are complete and the Ambient jacket might just be the perfect mid-layer insulation piece, you can walk and stalk very comfortably from the 20’s to mid-40s. When on stand the jacket provides good warmth at those temps but you’ll likely want an outer layer when the temperature is in the low 30s and below. When temperatures hit the low 50s and I was moving around I started to sweat. If I stopped my body temp cooled down quickly. I think with a lighter base layer I would’ve been a bit more comfortable in those conditions, but that does not take away from the Ambient Jacket. It’s the perfect mid-layer for my layering system throughout the majority of hunting season.
The Ambient Jacket provides ultimate flexibility as it can be worn as an outer layer and a mid-layer. It covers a wide range of temperatures in which it can be utilized. The warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent. I can’t fail to mention that the packability is very good. There is a premium price associated with this garment, but I believe it will get a lot of use depending on your latitude and longitude. Need a hood? Then check out the Sitka Ambient Hoody. Both options make for a great mid-layer in your laying system and the Ambient Jacket will be your favorite Sitka product for years to come. For more information on Sitka Gear, check out these Sitka Gear Reviews and Blogs:
Ready to buy? The Sitka Ambient Jacket can be purchased directly from Sitka, or from a variety of online retailers that carry Sitka.
Thanks to Matt Poissont for submitting this review. Hunting Gear Deals is funded by affiliate commissions. We may receive a small commission when you buy from our partners using the links provided. There is no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us by using our links when making your purchases.
AUTHOR BIO
Matt Poissant grew up in the Green Mountain State of Vermont. Here he was able to learn the fundamentals of deer hunting from his father. That introduction to deer hunting turned into a true passion once his athletic days were over. Matt now archery hunts all over the country and enjoys the process of going to new places and chasing mature whitetails. In addition to hunting, he enjoys bass fishing, sports, whiskey, and trying new restaurants
