I was able to put my hands on both, the heavy weight and fanatic. They both seemed to almost be identical except, as you noted, the kangaroo pocket on the fanatic. I went with the heavy weight because I was able to get it in the Subalpine Optifade color. If I could get the fanatic in that color, I may have went that route but the heavy weight works perfect for a chilly October morning in the tree stand in Ohio. You jus cant go wrong with Sitka gear
Would the Fanatic Hoody in Black be a good overall piece? For under a Gradient waterfowling, a layer while whitetail hunting, and then just all around wear? Is it decently warm?
If you've washed these (or any mid/base layer) have you had any issue with shrinkage at all? I only ask cuz the large is a bit tight around the arms and I'm afraid any smaller and it'll get too tight... XL would be good if it shrank and shortened up a bit (I'm 5'8). Thanks for all of your reviews, definitely helped me decide on what I wanted.
The Ambient jacket would go over these pieces as that are base/insulation layers. The ambient jacket would replaces jackets like the Celsius , Celsius Midi, Gradient , Equinox, etc
I know these products have been altered/ discontinued since this video but I have a question for you! I have the Merino Heavyweight top and bottom and I feel like it's not an optimal base layer. So I was going to order the Heavyweight bottoms but they don't make a "heavyweight" top. They have the Core Midweight Zip-T and the Grinder Half Zip. Do you know what the difference is between those 2 or is it just the water repellent on the current grinder model? Which do you think would be best for next-to-skin? I'm think of putting the regular heavyweight bottom with the "grid fleece" backing on first and then the merino. 3/25/22
Which one is quieter when dragging your finger across the outer shell? Frustrating trying to find a decent jacket that is as quiet as a regular cheap polar fleece jacket. Micro-fleeces and "suedes" are very noisy. Even sweatshirts are quieter. ???? Complete silence is necessary when moving through the woods/brush on a cold absolute silent/still morning. You don't need that one twig "zipping" across your jacket giving you away.
@@fieldseriesreview i run lightweight merino base layers.. do you think that would work well under the heavy weight hoody with a celsius midi to top it off?
Are the insulations the same between the heavyweight and grinder? The website makes its seems like the grinder has less insulation but you said they are the same minus the DWR. Thanks
Can I ask a stupid question I think I wear cotton t shirt under everything I wear even base layers is that a mistake to stay warm or will it soak away the moisture through it
What's the primary difference between the Grinder hoodie and the Gradient hoodie? I hunt in South LA, so my temps range anywhere from upper 20s all the way to mid 60s. I'm looking for a versatile piece that's durable enough for an outer piece in temps consistently in the 40-50s. I already have a duck oven and core lightweight hoodie, but it's only gotten cold enough to hunt with the duck oven a handful of times
The Sitka Timber pattern is also great for open range or dark timber hunting for big game.
I was able to put my hands on both, the heavy weight and fanatic. They both seemed to almost be identical except, as you noted, the kangaroo pocket on the fanatic. I went with the heavy weight because I was able to get it in the Subalpine Optifade color. If I could get the fanatic in that color, I may have went that route but the heavy weight works perfect for a chilly October morning in the tree stand in Ohio. You jus cant go wrong with Sitka gear
That was a really good and useful explanation. Sitka’s line can get confusing.
Would the Fanatic Hoody in Black be a good overall piece? For under a Gradient waterfowling, a layer while whitetail hunting, and then just all around wear? Is it decently warm?
I think so, that’s what I do.
Yes I have it and it’s a game changer. Wish I could get one in elevated Camo as well cause I wear the black one around town and to work. It’s cozy!
If you've washed these (or any mid/base layer) have you had any issue with shrinkage at all? I only ask cuz the large is a bit tight around the arms and I'm afraid any smaller and it'll get too tight... XL would be good if it shrank and shortened up a bit (I'm 5'8). Thanks for all of your reviews, definitely helped me decide on what I wanted.
These are all polyester so shrinking hasn’t been an issue for me.
Great review!
How does the ambient jacket compare to these jackets?
The Ambient jacket would go over these pieces as that are base/insulation layers.
The ambient jacket would replaces jackets like the Celsius , Celsius Midi, Gradient , Equinox, etc
The ambient jacket doesn’t look like it’s windproof like the Celsius and midi celsius
I know these products have been altered/ discontinued since this video but I have a question for you! I have the Merino Heavyweight top and bottom and I feel like it's not an optimal base layer. So I was going to order the Heavyweight bottoms but they don't make a "heavyweight" top. They have the Core Midweight Zip-T and the Grinder Half Zip. Do you know what the difference is between those 2 or is it just the water repellent on the current grinder model? Which do you think would be best for next-to-skin? I'm think of putting the regular heavyweight bottom with the "grid fleece" backing on first and then the merino. 3/25/22
Which one is quieter when dragging your finger across the outer shell? Frustrating trying to find a decent jacket that is as quiet as a regular cheap polar fleece jacket. Micro-fleeces and "suedes" are very noisy. Even sweatshirts are quieter. ???? Complete silence is necessary when moving through the woods/brush on a cold absolute silent/still morning. You don't need that one twig "zipping" across your jacket giving you away.
Out of these 3, the grinder makes more noise with the DWR outer. The other 2 are the same, just an athletic fitted polyester hoody . Hope this helps.
can I wear the grinder alone on those 70 degree days and still be comfortable?
Yes, I do it in turkey season all the time.
Would like a review on the traverse cold weather hoody. Can't find much on it other than the website
Would a Dakota Vest go well over the Grinder Hoody?
Yes, the Dakota Vest is a great piece for wind protection. It would be a nice piece over any hoody.
How are these hoodies made of polyester warmer than a wool hoodie?
how's the heavyweight hoody XL fit on you with lightweight base layers underneath?
Perfect. No issues. The Sitka Base Layer are not as tight as something like Under Armour.
@@fieldseriesreview i run lightweight merino base layers.. do you think that would work well under the heavy weight hoody with a celsius midi to top it off?
Are the insulations the same between the heavyweight and grinder? The website makes its seems like the grinder has less insulation but you said they are the same minus the DWR. Thanks
They are the exact same piece as far as insulation goes.
do you ever pair the heavyweight and the grinder together?
Can I ask a stupid question I think I wear cotton t shirt under everything I wear even base layers is that a mistake to stay warm or will it soak away the moisture through it
That is the worst thing you can do. Cotton holds the moisture next to your skin and that will make you cold. Merino wool is best next to skin
Not a stupid question, but Ryan is right, ditch any and all cotton products when hunting.
What's the primary difference between the Grinder hoodie and the Gradient hoodie? I hunt in South LA, so my temps range anywhere from upper 20s all the way to mid 60s. I'm looking for a versatile piece that's durable enough for an outer piece in temps consistently in the 40-50s. I already have a duck oven and core lightweight hoodie, but it's only gotten cold enough to hunt with the duck oven a handful of times
The gradient hoodie is what you need. The grinder is a thick core lightweight hoodie, the gradient is an actual jacket