Sitka Fanatic Jacket Review

Review of the 2019 Sitka Fanatic Jacket (and a little bit of the Fanatic Pack). Here is the link to the jacket: bit.ly/31RUxRM
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[@joneshat11]

Another great Video. I've been running Stratus Pants and Jacket the last two seasons. I need to get something warmer and was really thinking down the same line as you were Incinerator Bibs and Fanatic Jacket. Always great info you give, I've changed my hunting because of your tips.

[@michiganroots8045]

I was able to get both the fanatic bibs and jacket for this up coming season. You are 100% correct as far as packability. Lots of bulk so I went with the tube style backpack as I walk in with one layer on to stay cool and then dress at the tree. As far as hunting out of the saddle I think they will work great. Wearing the bibs in the saddle is almost like being in a sleeping bag. The heated vest is a must also. I’m still looking for that perfect pack to carry the clothing and the camera gear though. Good stuff as always!

[@allenspicer3524]

What I do for wind or cold is I wear my rain jacket and pants under hunting clothes. Also wear when riding motorcycle in cool weather. My rain gear is black thin soft rubber material. So much warmer when you cut the wind. Now following on podcast!

[@GSPDUCKDOG]

I bought the Fanatic bibs on sale for $160 a couple of years ago and I hate to admit it but they are outstanding. I have always been a wool guy and own a lot of Filson wool as well as some other brands but the Fanatic bibs just flat out keep me warmer and the design is so functional. These are not hiking bibs because you will roast walking a couple hundred yards in 20 degree temps but once you are in the stand, they are awesome. I have been wanting the Fanatic jacket but I just can’t spend then cash on it right now. Sitka is probably over priced but the few Sitka things I have just work so well. I wouldn’t worry about the Fanatic line not being water proof because if it’s warm enough to rain, it’s too warm for the Fanatic line.

[@timeintheoutdoors]

Nice review and good video. I’m not convinced I can afford this jacket as much as I think the features and quality are superb. Cheers and thank you!

[@richarddean3154]

Thank you for the thorough review - your scientific background and analytical nature truly comes through in your videos. That said, I refuse to spend that amount of money, when an insulated coverall does the job just as well for a fraction of the cost. Good luck this fall.

[@DIYSportsman]

Coveralls are underrated for warmth I think. Kind of the whole mitten vs glove analogy. Good luck to you too.

[@bigdawgsbbq2737]

I just got both last fall too.. Love them!

[@robgrubb420]

Garrett can you please do your Gearhead bow setup. I am SUPER interested in seeing your engineering thoughts and opinions on the bow. It looks like you are running the bowmar nose-button and no peep? I've seen this recently and was wondering the practicality of the application. And did you mount a camcorder to the bow? I was planning on adding the go-pro between the risers of mine. Love all of your videos and insights really looking forward to seeing one on the gearhead bow.

[@mattmclean3820]

To help with packability, use the exterior straps on the pack to take the coat and or bibs in...i actually strap coat on one side and bibs on other side

[@averagejackarchery]

The packability is the biggest bugger with the Fanatic. But the windproof, quiet use, and warmth are just too good to pass up on stand.

[@jasonhiggins605]

@@rainsong7327 as quiet as the fanatic?

[@1957cajun]

I have a very very similar Cabelas parker like this, I simply strap it onto my pack with a nylon webbing strap. That way it’s not nearly as bulky and my easier to get to once in the tree.

[@SellsZac]

For me the entire fanatic line up is best suited for tree-stand hunting late season. I own the whole set, I love it, but I don't break it out until its absolutely necessary.

[@dennispalmer8622]

I ended up getting the stratus jacket (price point) and when it gets cold I can put a down jacket underneath it. My friend got the Fanatic and loves it when its cold!

[@richardtremblay2523]

Good video as always. I bought the old Sitka jacket it was very loud and I sent it back immediately then bought the first lite version. You said the word magnet on the collar. I use a compass getting in and out of the woods very often. Does that seem to interfere with a compass ? Also I pack in similar to you, I bungee the bibs to the bottom of my pack like a sleeping pad when backpacking because they done fit inside. Many thanks

[@apbt8220]

I have the status jacket and bibs and for me, they work for temps down in the teens with a heavy weight base layer. One thing you might look at is the new tool belt. I use it for a saddle set up as well and it fits my sticks under it, the platform attached to the top and it has a mesh bag to carry all my extra clothes in on back. Plus it had enough room to carry camera gear inside and if you needed more room it works well with the cargo box backpack they came out with. Sitka gear is expensive but to me it was worth the investment and now I own several pieces that I’ve bought over the last couple years. Great review on the jacket

[@DIYSportsman]

Nice. I looked into the Tool belt and ended up picking up the new bucket. Its honestly a little more than I'd need for pockets etc. Though later in the season with the camera gear and bulky clothing it all seems to add up so fast.

[@dajahvue]

Stratus in the teen you cray cray. I wish my body can handle that. I get cold feet to easy

[@apbt8220]

Mega Mang my feet get cold as well so I am going to try out the arctic shield boot covers and see how they do. As far as my body goes, I use a couple base layers but like DIY sportsman said, packing in your gear helps keep you from sweating and it also helps when it warms up into the 30’s after a few hours.

[@leafinitup1]

Andrew Dunlap The Arctic Shield Boot Covers work fantastic in conjunction with a pocket warmer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HJfpaLiM99isk

[@clarkansas6590]

Great information

[@dayv619]

Good to know I'm not the only person who tries different system and stands outside in the cold just to see if you got your moneys worth lol

[@TotallyL337]

Hey DIY I’m looking for a video that explains the basics of grunt tubes, in case you’re looking for vid ideas. Thanks, you’ve taught me a lot

[@truhrt]

Hi Jarrod, I know this an older video but I wondered whether you planned to do a review of the bibs? I bought the jacket and love it. Curious whether you knew what the mesh triangle on the front of it was for? What platform are you using these days, and lastly, are you still one-sticking or have you gone back to using sticks more frequently? Thanks for your time.

[@DIYSportsman]

I don't plan on getting or using the bibs. I usually use more packable ones since bibs IMO don't need to be beber fleece-level quiet. The little mesh patch is so you can keep a grunt tube in that pocket and use it without needing to pull it out. I typically use the Tethrd Predator platform though occasionally will use the XL on later season hunts with pac boots. Generally I use 2-4 climbing sticks (Tethrd One) with amsteel aiders. It's just quicker and easier for me especially on wonky trees, and the weight is practically the same if I ditch the rapelling gear. I do still think it makes sense for areas you're going in deep and want to climb high into more mature timber. Some of the big hill country spots come to mind.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

Last March I bought the midi Celsius & u can put a REI 800 down under the midi Celsius. If u packed those two jackets & wore good clothing on the way to the stand it would work for most hunts & be more packable. I bought a few of the Sitka mesh masks in both camo patterns & I really like the engineering. I usually wear more than 1 mask to break up the outline so the new Sitka Subalpine Cap will serve as a brim only. I only have 1 thing to say about the Merino Subalpine gloves. If your hands were just a little cold u would not be able to operate the touch screen on your phone as well as u can with the Merino glove. They weren't cheep but well worth more when u consider how phone froendly they r.😍

[@DIYSportsman]

Does that REI down layer have a wind stopper layer? The only thing I find with packable puffy pieces on their own, is that I still get chilled if the wind whips up.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

@@DIYSportsman No ,but I have a shell made by Naked North which is basically a long distance blend style camo that is neat cuz it is a reversible with blaze orange. I have a public area that is gun eligible for like 6 weeks straight so once again it is dual purpose & packs away real well. Sitka Merino gloves r so well engineered it's not even close to any glove on the market. I can't wear a glove with fingertips cut off. Best glove for sure if you're shooting a Stan thumb release like a SX-3.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

@@DIYSportsman Hey Garret, I finally found the 👖 I needed. I got the last pair in a 32 waist of a water & wind barrier Kings Shadow Desert camo. The fact that they were 50% off in Anoka County helped. The deciding factor is that they have thick knee pads. Not on the outside but they r like a thick foam football pad between the inner lining & the outside shell. I plan on wearing fleece or cotton outside of them but they r pretty light & made for an outer or inner barrier. Also have the Polygiene technology found in some of the better garments out there for odor control. 😁

[@jayonez137]

I love my Fanatic outfit I’m 5’9 205 lbs. I wear a size XL Bibs and jacket without any issues shooting my bow. The Large seemed way too restrictive for now with layering.

[@MyNameIsMrSwifty]

Are the sleeves on the XL jacket real long and the mid section of the jacket real baggy on you? I'm 5 8 and about 215lbs and was wondering what size to order. Large or XL.

[@scottglew9641]

Would be great for mustkox hunt

[@leafinitup1]

I picked one up on a great end o season sale, as well as the fanatic beanie. The beanie is super warm and cozy, but tough to hear when pulled down over the ears. Can’t wait to try them on stand. I’m finally going to be warm!

[@DIYSportsman]

Not sure if you saw or not but they redesigned the stratus and fanatic beanies recently so you're supposed to be able yo hear better in them.

[@leafinitup1]

DIY Sportsman Figures! Lol. I’m pretty sure I got the new one, unless it changed since February. I think it has the hearing ports, but all that I can hear is the sound of silence. - I also look a bit like a member of the British royal guard wearing it! If I can find it’s summer hiding spot I’ll double check.

[@DIYSportsman]

Yea i don't know when the update happened. They still show "new" on the site. Item number for the newer is 90289 "Fanatic WS Beanie" and the older is 90084 "Fanatic Beanie".

[@leafinitup1]

DIY Sportsman Just found it... yup, I have the older one 😩. Good luck in ND

[@huntintime2268]

Excellent line of cold climate gear. Still, too expensive for me. I don't think I could justify it where I live. Just not cold enough.

[@pennyontrack]

Thank you

[@TDF3529]

Great video! I struggle with a big parka and a saddle. My parka is longer and covers my hips. I have to leave it unzipped to let my bridge stick out. Not warm. Might be worth looking at this one. Thanks!

[@wyrnutz]

I put the jacket on and then my saddle on, worked great last year.

[@TDF3529]

@@wyrnutz not a bad plan. I like to get up the tree not wearing a parka to keep from overheating. I have always just put it on after I get set up. Might be able to slip it under the saddle somehow

[@LouieB4]

Some vendor had these jackets at the Great American Outdoor Show at a significant discount. They are super warm but the price and pack ability keeps me away from it.

[@flushot6513]

Some days when it's not even that cold and don't need a bunch of layers you could just wear it with a base layer and Call it a day

[@Bullets4Bucks]

Is that a maven optics shirt?

[@DIYSportsman]

Yes

[@Bullets4Bucks]

@@DIYSportsman Before I moved to Sheridan I lived in Riverton about 25 min from Maven. They have some good stuff. Pricey though

[@richjoy71]

Great review!! What's your bow? Thanks

[@DIYSportsman]

It's a Gearhead B24

[@1Brianjohnson.]

I just got this fanatic jacket in the mail today, took it out of the box and it is super lite, first thought came to my mind is, how the heck is this thing going to keep me warm, and the price, there is no way this jacket will be warm enough. Now I’m nervous I just spent $450.00 that’s not going to help. Now I have to wait till fall and hope it does it’s job. Can anyone ease my mind that this thing will keep me warm !!!

[@anthony4553]

Sitka website don’t even have an option to pick left hand how do I order left

[@melvinsacromentoe]

I think the fanatic set would be great but I can’t afford one

[@lukes.9360]

I hunt in much milder climates (Middle TN and Western KY), so I don't think the bulk of the Fanatic Jacket is for me. But, I'm cold-natured, and I've really been eyeing the Fanatic Vest as a good middle ground between packable and warm for the climate I hunt (primarily 20s-60s). Any thoughts on that?

[@DIYSportsman]

Yea vests in general are really versatile. One option would be a fanatic vest for the exterior. Another ver viable option if you already have good mid season layers would be a packable puffy vest to layer underneath if needed.

[@chadcoxthehunterchadcox8252]

I have the fanatic vest, and wear it only with a traverse hoodie in the low 40s to upper 30s with a base layer. If it is colder I wear the vest over my stratus jacket..very warm.

[@prestoncatterson8847]

What's the battery powered vest you layer with called?

[@metal_mo]

I think it is Pnuma.

[@BelowAverageRazzleDazzle]

Nice jacket... but the mortgage payment to buy it.... Ouch.. I have a Cabelas Parka that I would put up against that jacket. It may not have all the "features" but it's just as warm, quiet, wind/waterproof, and packs down smaller when you ranger roll it. Yea, it has a hood too (removable).

[@DIYSportsman]

Yea Cabelas has some good value pieces. There was a time when just about all of my clothing was from them.

[@stevedenoyer5956]

Have you ever used the heater body suit? Just curious on the effectiveness?

[@DIYSportsman]

No, but the people I've talked to who've used them say they do a good job at keeping you warm when inside. Usually the only negatives are just related to procedure at the time of shot (extra step to unzip, movement, dump heat really fast if the deer then hangs up, etc). Theyd need to be modified to use in a saddle also.

[@stevedenoyer5956]

@@DIYSportsman was thinking the same thing, may have to only use in a fixed platform.

[@jasoncopley5542]

What headed vest do you use? Thanks

[@DIYSportsman]

I use the pnuma one.

[@seanc77339]

what sick bow is that?? way too distracted by it.

[@jonmarcos8488]

What is the temperature range for this jacket? And is it still your go to for cold weather?

[@DIYSportsman]

I'd say mid 30s and colder. For short hunts it's more than enough at that higher end but sometimes all day sits can adjust your perceived temp rating especially if the sun never comes out. Once it gets down to teens I need to make sure I've got heavyweight baselayers and usually a fleece heated vest. Single digits and colder I'm not often sitting all day but I might add another mid layer if I was. This jacket is still a really solid option. I like the scentlok divergent pullover quite a bit as well. And this year I'll be experimenting more with softshell jacket systems paired with heavyweight vests for less arm bulk with traditional bows.

[@aaronnoland1987]

How do you like the combination of the fanatic jacket and the incinerator bibs?

[@DIYSportsman]

I think it works pretty well. You don't really need ultra silence on the bibs as much, but could have the desire to sit on something wet or snowy. And they pack better. And for the jacket, I really like the layout of the fanatic. Wish it had less bulk, but am able to live with it.

[@aaronnoland1987]

@@DIYSportsman I have the incinerator bibs but find the jacket to loud so I was also thinking about doing that same combo.

[@outdoorpremonition7251]

"The hunting guru" or "hunting engineered" " designed for the hunt" ohh dont mind me..im litterly sitting in a tree thinking about diy sportsmen future names haha!!

[@cw2gsp]

I’m surprised there aren’t more people on the IWOM train. Rolls up to the same size. No other layers needed, super mobile friendly aside from weight.

[@DIYSportsman]

Yea those are good options too. They arent as saddle friendly as separate parka and bibs, although I know a guy last year who cut holes for his bridge in a heater body suit and shot a buck out of it the same day. With the clothing textiles we have, youd think there wouldn't be a reason other than cost that a big coverall suit couldn't be made with down or high level primaloft and be really compressible and even lighter than they are.

[@bobhanson1037]

Love my iwom. Hunt in northern WI, and middle of MN. Keeps me warm with just a hunting sweatshirt, and hunting pants

[@nathansdad04]

I have an IWOM and am selling it this year. Yes, it has some cool features and is warm. The bottom half is a PITA to deploy and get your feet into while in the stand. I always get my boots caught when trying to step thru the bottom half of the iwom. Going to try First Lite jacket and bibs(and heated vest) this year

[@evotime9]

nathansdad04 One tip that have worked for me to get my foot in a heater body suit/ iwom suit is to put on a shoe blanket or in my case used the Arctic shield boot covers. It allowed me to slide my feet through the suit smoother when standing/sitting on my lw assault stand.

[@nathansdad04]

stopAskingForMyFullName too much trouble imo. Going to try First Lite gear...and heated vest...this season

[@KyBowonly]

Love the fanatic jacket, hate the new berber fleece. It holds beggars lice permanently and sticks like velcro to any rough bark tree. Much prefer the old low nap fleece.

[@DIYSportsman]

Yea I wouldn't mind if there was a little lower pile berber on the outside and maybe replaced it with equivalent insulation on the inside.

[@RoadLifePursuits]

You're the stay puff marshmellow man in the that...lol

[@DIYSportsman]

We used to call slowly walking into a nearby stand with those bulky layers "Michelin man'ing it" lol.

[@tylerblankenship4761]

Thoughts on this vs the Woodbury jacket you’ve used in the past?

[@DIYSportsman]

For mid-season the woodbury is fine. Its got less insulation but was also less expensive. But for really cold weather the Fanatic is the better choice IMO.

[@gregcooper2268]

I've owned both. Sold all my First Lite outer wear with the exception of early season bowhunting attire. Love the Fanatic set. I get cold easy and it's been a lifesaver!

[@dootdeedootdeedoo]

I don't see the lefty on their website. Was it already discontinued?

[@DIYSportsman]

I haven't gotten confirmation but that might be the case unfortunately.

[@dootdeedootdeedoo]

@@DIYSportsman Kind of a bummer too because so much of the jackets key features and updates cater to the right handed shooter. I got an answer from Sitka and they told me to either check 3rd party or get back into contact with them in the fall. Im sure producing them in the off-season isn't ideal for them. So I decided the right hand fanatic wasn't for me and I'll try the fanatic bibs and a stratus jacket layering system to build on. Just that wind protection alone is an upgrade over what ive been wearing the last 10 years. I really appreciate the reply buddy.

[@jagmeetsmann]

There is a right and left hand version?

[@DIYSportsman]

Yes, although left hand has seemed to be harder to find.

[@diggumvt04]

Nice review. Did you find that the first lite chamberlain was really big in the stomach area? I’ve run across multiple reviews now commenting on that. Thx.

[@DIYSportsman]

By big in the stomach, do you mean that the fit is loose there? Or that its simply got a lot of bulk (insulation) in the stomach area?

[@diggumvt04]

DIY Sportsman yea sorry shoulda been more clear. Big as in the fit is really loose through that area.

[@DIYSportsman]

I dont think it's super huge around thr waist, unless youre pretty skinny but there's a cinch cord around the waist that you can tighten and eliminate any gap around the waist. And then if you have an external layer like a rain jacket or wind breaker it'll push the garment tighter against your body.

[@Orr_s]

I thought one of the biggest selling points of that jacket was being super windproof yet super quiet? Also its not “waterproof” at all per say is it?

[@DIYSportsman]

It is windproof and extremely quiet, but not waterproof like the Incinerator.

[@Orr_s]

DIY Sportsman okay, i only asked because of the layering with the puffy/windproof vest you had underneath and said may be needed too. Thanks

[@DIYSportsman]

@@Orr_s The windproof layer underneath is only really beneficial for the walk in when the big jacket is being packed in, and I need protection while walking. Once you put the jacket on though the wind stops there.

[@Orr_s]

DIY Sportsman makes sense. I need to see which vest from first lite would be best for wind stopper and insulation out of the 3/4 vests they offer. They all seem so similar in description on the site.

[@jhoch3346]

The real question here is, do you think it's worth the price?

[@DIYSportsman]

For super cold and windy climates, I'd say yes. Mid-range climates there's a ton of good options and lots of competition. But of the heavyweight whitetail jackets I've used, this one is pretty much at the top IMO with its combination of windproof and silence, built-in muff and simply how mobile i feel with it on. You can get by with others for sure, but I don't know of any better designed for that purpose.

[@ammarkrso9472]

What's your height and weight?

[@DIYSportsman]

6' 190

[@porterbauer8869]

The large looks almost too small

[@1iving2di3]

sitka is only worth it if you do DIY ground hunt like out west. Overpriced for treestand type hunts.

[@Tatorhead1234]

Explain your logic

[@davidleist7587]

Southern Outdoorsman worth every penny. Pro rate it over 10 years. Cheap.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Being cold is an issue, regardless of whether you are on the ground or in a tree stand. In fact, weather being equal, more warmth is necessary for a stationary tree stand hunt when compared with a mobile ground hunt.