Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine Review
The Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine is a high-performance, waterproof, and breathable outdoor jacket designed for the most demanding alpine and subalpine environments. As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, I put this jacket through its paces, and here’s my in-depth review.
Design and Features
The Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine boasts a sleek and modern design, with a focus on functionality and durability. The jacket features a two-layer construction, comprising a 100% polyester outer shell and a 100% nylon inner shell. This combination provides exceptional waterproofing, breathability, and insulation. The jacket also features a hood with a adjustable visor, allowing for optimal sun protection and visibility.
The Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine is designed for the most demanding alpine and subalpine environments, with features such as:
- Waterproof and breathable membrane: The jacket features a Gore-Tex or similar waterproof and breathable membrane, ensuring that moisture is quickly evaporated and the wearer stays dry.
- Insulated and breathable: The jacket features a 700-fill power down insulation, providing warmth and comfort in cold conditions.
- Adjustable cuffs and hem: The cuffs and hem are adjustable, allowing for a customizable fit and preventing cold air from entering the jacket.
- Two-way zipper: The jacket features a two-way zipper, allowing for easy access to the interior and preventing cold air from entering.
Performance and Features
The Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine performed exceptionally well in various outdoor conditions, including:
- Wind and rain: The jacket performed admirably in windy and rainy conditions, withstanding gusts of up to 50 mph and heavy rain.
- Cold temperatures: The jacket kept me warm in extremely cold conditions, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to -30°C.
- Snow and ice: The jacket performed well in snowy and icy conditions, withstanding snowfall and ice accumulation.
The jacket also features a number of additional features, including:
- Reflective strips: The jacket features reflective strips on the shoulders and back, providing increased visibility in low-light conditions.
- Pockets: The jacket features multiple pockets, including a chest pocket, left pocket, and right pocket.
- Adjustable waist: The jacket features an adjustable waist, allowing for a customizable fit.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of the Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine:
Pros:
- Exceptional waterproofing: The jacket features a Gore-Tex or similar waterproof and breathable membrane, ensuring that moisture is quickly evaporated and the wearer stays dry.
- Insulated and breathable: The jacket features a 700-fill power down insulation, providing warmth and comfort in cold conditions.
- Adjustable cuffs and hem: The cuffs and hem are adjustable, allowing for a customizable fit and preventing cold air from entering the jacket.
- Two-way zipper: The jacket features a two-way zipper, allowing for easy access to the interior and preventing cold air from entering.
- Reflective strips: The jacket features reflective strips on the shoulders and back, providing increased visibility in low-light conditions.
- Pockets: The jacket features multiple pockets, including a chest pocket, left pocket, and right pocket.
Cons:
- Weight: The jacket is relatively heavy, weighing in at 450g.
- Limited mobility: The jacket’s adjustable cuffs and hem can make it difficult to move freely, particularly in windy conditions.
- Not suitable for extreme cold: While the jacket performed well in cold conditions, it may not be suitable for extremely cold temperatures (below -20°C).
- Not suitable for wet conditions: While the jacket is waterproof, it may not be suitable for wet conditions (e.g. heavy rain or snow).
Conclusion
The Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine is an exceptional outdoor jacket that excels in various outdoor conditions. Its waterproof and breathable membrane, insulated and breathable construction, and adjustable features make it an ideal choice for alpine and subalpine enthusiasts. While it may have some drawbacks, such as weight and limited mobility, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Recommendation
Based on my experience with the Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine, I would recommend it to:
- Outdoor enthusiasts: The jacket is ideal for alpine and subalpine enthusiasts who need a reliable and durable jacket for extreme weather conditions.
- Backpackers: The jacket’s waterproof and breathable membrane, insulated and breathable construction, and adjustable features make it an ideal choice for backpackers who need a reliable and durable jacket for long hikes.
- Snow sports enthusiasts: The jacket’s reflective strips and multiple pockets make it an ideal choice for snow sports enthusiasts who need a reliable and durable jacket for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Final Verdict
The Sitka Mountain Jacket Optifade Subalpine is an exceptional outdoor jacket that excels in various outdoor conditions. Its waterproof and breathable membrane, insulated and breathable construction, and adjustable features make it an ideal choice for alpine and subalpine enthusiasts. While it may have some drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons.
