Sitka Gear Ambient Jacket – A Comprehensive Review
The Sitka Gear Ambient Jacket is a high-performance, open-country jacket designed for outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best. As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, I was eager to put this jacket through its paces and see if it lived up to its reputation. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the Sitka Gear Ambient Jacket, highlighting its pros and cons.
Design and Features
The Ambient Jacket is a versatile, technical jacket that excels in various outdoor conditions. Its design is inspired by the Sitka Gear’s iconic gear, with a focus on functionality and durability. The jacket features a sleek, streamlined silhouette with a fitted silhouette, making it ideal for both men and women. The main features of the Ambient Jacket include:
- Water-resistant and breathable membrane: The jacket is treated with a waterproof and breathable membrane, ensuring that moisture is quickly evaporated and preventing the buildup of condensation.
- Four-way stretch fabric: The fabric is made from a four-way stretch material, allowing for a full range of motion and comfort during outdoor activities.
- Multiple pockets: The jacket features multiple pockets, including a chest pocket, left and right side pockets, and a utility pocket, providing ample storage space for gear and accessories.
- Adjustable cuffs and hem: The cuffs and hem can be adjusted to customize the fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable seal.
Performance and Features
The Ambient Jacket is designed to perform in a variety of outdoor conditions, including:
- Wind and rain protection: The jacket’s water-resistant and breathable membrane and four-way stretch fabric ensure that it can withstand wind and rain without compromising comfort.
- Insulation: The jacket features a built-in insulation system, providing warmth and comfort in cold conditions.
- Breathability: The jacket’s breathable membrane allows for moisture to escape, preventing the buildup of condensation and ensuring that the wearer stays dry.
- Durability: The jacket’s construction is built to last, with a focus on durability and reliability.
Pros
Here are some of the key pros of the Sitka Gear Ambient Jacket:
- Water-resistance and breathability: The jacket’s water-resistant and breathable membrane and four-way stretch fabric ensure that it can withstand wind and rain without compromising comfort.
- Four-way stretch fabric: The fabric is made from a four-way stretch material, allowing for a full range of motion and comfort during outdoor activities.
- Multiple pockets: The jacket features multiple pockets, including a chest pocket, left and right side pockets, and a utility pocket, providing ample storage space for gear and accessories.
- Adjustable cuffs and hem: The cuffs and hem can be adjusted to customize the fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable seal.
- Durable construction: The jacket’s construction is built to last, with a focus on durability and reliability.
Cons
While the Ambient Jacket is an excellent product, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Weight: The jacket is relatively heavy, which may be a concern for those who prefer a lighter weight jacket.
- Limited mobility: The jacket’s four-way stretch fabric may limit mobility in extremely cold conditions.
- Not suitable for extreme cold: While the jacket is designed to perform in cold conditions, it may not be suitable for extremely cold temperatures (below -20°C).
- Not suitable for wet conditions: The jacket’s water-resistant and breathable membrane may not be sufficient to keep the wearer dry in extremely wet conditions.
Conclusion
The Sitka Gear Ambient Jacket is an excellent product for outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best. Its water-resistant and breathable membrane, four-way stretch fabric, and multiple pockets make it an ideal choice for a variety of outdoor activities. While it may have some drawbacks, such as weight and limited mobility, the benefits of this jacket far outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for a high-performance, technical jacket that excels in various outdoor conditions, the Ambient Jacket is definitely worth considering.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation:
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best, including hikers, backpackers, and campers.
- Not recommended for: Those who prefer a lighter weight jacket or are sensitive to wind and rain.
- Use in: Cold and wet conditions, including snow, rain, and wind.
Price:
- MSRP: $229.95
- Discounts: Available for bulk purchases and loyalty program members.
Warranty:
- Warranty: 2-year warranty on the jacket’s waterproof and breathable membrane and four-way stretch fabric.
- Return policy: Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase.