I have been on this site for awhile reading posts for advice and reviews etc and will be posting some gear in the forums at some point so I thought I would introduce myself. I live in north MS and I usually go out west and hunt every year. I appreciate the knowledge gained here.
Richie
I have the fanatic jacket and bibs, love em both. I usually don't wear a bottom base layer with the bibs unless i use the stratus pants so i can take the bibs off mid day and walk around. Way too hot to walk with the fanatic stuff on.
I wasnt crazy about the diagonal zip either but since i have used it for awhile, i like it. Its a little awkward going on but then very convenient with the handwarmer. I just cant wear it around unzipped cause it hangs wierd. Good luck, i think you will enjoy it.
IMHO....the fanatic jacket is an extremely warm piece. If it gets cold enough to use it, i usually wear a Sitka 1/4 zip heavy T, with a stratus vest over that and then the fanatic. If super cold. the fanatic bibs go on and that essentially gives another partial layer for the core. Have not...
Pelican double for me. The double gives me plenty of room for everything i need. It can (has) withstood lots of baggage handler abuse without any issues at all......NO tsa locks.