The popular outdoor gear company Sitka has continued to update and improve its product lines, including several additions for the big game hunter of late. One exciting update is the ever-popular Jetstream jacket, available in both men’s and women’s sizing.
In 2022 Sitka changed their Jetstream outerwear to update the fit and improve the outer shell to include recycled materials. Having worn an older jacket for several years, I was curious to see if the new design and material would hold up like my tried-and-true model of years past.
On a whim, I added the new jacket to my pack for an Alaska sheep hunt. At the time I had no idea how fortuitous the decision would be. What had looked like a straightforward hunt at the onset morphed into a week-long struggle fest with brutal coastal weather pounding us 6 out of the 7 days. Hunting above timberline, there wasn’t a break from the conditions until we crawled into our backpacking tent soaking wet at the end of most days. Despite wearing rain gear, the wind pushed moisture into every cuff and hood opening leaving mid-layers damp at best or soaking at worst. With limited clothing options, I wore the Jetstream to bed in my sleeping bag and dried it overnight with body heat as best as the conditions would allow until it was time to get up and go again.
The outer shell cut the wind well and resisted moisture as advertised, the micro-fleece interior provided warmth wet or dry. After a few minutes of exertion, the jacket would begin to dry quickly, usually just in time for the next rain front to replace the outgoing one. I noticed the cut of the jacket allowed for better movement than many others I’ve tried- a notable feature when hunting the rocks and cliffs of Dall sheep country or any other rugged terrain.
Trying to pick a favorite attribute of the jacket is difficult as there are several- durability, the micro-grid fleece interior, and mobility while wearing are notable and worth mentioning. MSRP is $379.00 for the jacket and shoppers can buy with confidence as Sitka backs their products with a warranty from manufacturer defects and a reasonable cost repair service if a garment needs to be mended. If you’re in the market for a durable, quality jacket – be you a man or woman – give the Jetstream a look, you won’t be disappointed. Go check them out! Specifications are below:
Jetstream Jacket Feature/Benefit Points
• Recycled polyester fabric with polyester micro-grid fleece interior
• GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Technology makes the jacket 100% windproof
• Durable water-repellent finish sheds light precipitation and keeps fabric from wetting out
• Taped and skived seams for added weather protection without added bulk
• Zippered hand and chest pockets provide secure storage
• Pit zips allow you to dump heat when you’re on the move
• Updated fit for a relaxed, comfortable feel with plenty of mobility
• Total weight: 26 oz.