Sitka Fanatic Jacket – Lefty Optifade Elevated II Review
The Sitka Fanatic Jacket is a high-performance, lefty-oriented windbreaker designed for outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best. As a seasoned reviewer, I put this jacket through its paces to assess its performance, features, and overall value. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the Sitka Fanatic Jacket, highlighting its pros and cons.
Design and Features
The Sitka Fanatic Jacket boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design that’s perfect for windy conditions. The lefty orientation ensures that the jacket’s left side is the windward side, providing optimal protection from the elements. The jacket features a 2-layer, 100% polyester fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, making it water-resistant and breathable.
- Fabric: 2-layer, 100% polyester
- DWR finish: Water-resistant and breathable
- Lefty orientation: Windward side is the left side
- Pockets: Two side pockets, one chest pocket, and one zippered pocket
- Zipper: 2-way zipper with a secure closure
Performance
The Sitka Fanatic Jacket performed exceptionally well in various outdoor conditions. Here are some of its key features:
- Wind resistance: The jacket’s aerodynamic design and 2-layer fabric helped reduce wind resistance, making it ideal for windy conditions.
- Water resistance: The DWR finish and 100% polyester fabric ensured that the jacket remained dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
- Breathability: The jacket’s breathable fabric and mesh panels allowed for excellent airflow, keeping the wearer cool and dry.
- Insulation: The jacket features a removable, insulated jacket liner for added warmth in cold conditions.
Pros:
- Wind resistance: The jacket’s aerodynamic design and 2-layer fabric made it an excellent choice for windy conditions.
- Water resistance: The DWR finish and 100% polyester fabric ensured that the jacket remained dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
- Breathability: The jacket’s breathable fabric and mesh panels allowed for excellent airflow, keeping the wearer cool and dry.
- Insulation: The jacket features a removable, insulated jacket liner for added warmth in cold conditions.
- Comfort: The jacket’s comfortable fit and adjustable cuffs ensured that it stayed in place even in windy conditions.
- Durability: The jacket’s 2-layer fabric and DWR finish made it resistant to wear and tear.
Cons:
- Weight: The jacket is relatively heavy, making it less suitable for high-intensity activities.
- Limited pockets: The two side pockets and one chest pocket are relatively small, limiting the amount of gear that can be carried.
- Not suitable for extreme cold: While the jacket is warm, it’s not suitable for extremely cold conditions (below -20°C).
- Not suitable for high-intensity activities: The jacket’s weight and limited pockets make it less suitable for high-intensity activities like skiing or snowboarding.
- Not suitable for wet conditions: While the jacket is water-resistant, it’s not suitable for wet conditions (e.g., heavy rain or snow).
Conclusion
The Sitka Fanatic Jacket is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who demand high-performance, wind-resistant, and breathable gear. While it may not be suitable for extreme cold or high-intensity activities, it’s an excellent option for windy conditions and wet conditions. The jacket’s comfortable fit, durable fabric, and adjustable cuffs make it a great value for the price.
Recommendation:
- Use: The jacket is suitable for windy conditions, wet conditions, and cold conditions.
- Target audience: Outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, campers, and skiers.
- Price: $129.99
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Overall, the Sitka Fanatic Jacket is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who demand high-performance, wind-resistant, and breathable gear. While it may not be suitable for extreme cold or high-intensity activities, it’s an excellent option for windy conditions and wet conditions.
