Active insulation layer

[goathunter]

I have the original Sitka ambient hoody and really like it but it is very warm, almost too warm for me to hike in most of the time. I really like the alpha kind of insulation, what lighter options are out there? I know there's the ambient 75 but what else?

 

[Shane802]

I would check out Outdoor Vitals hybrid fleece, I got mine last week and have not tried it yet. I think it should be great, there is a long thread about it that is worth checking out. Some people loved it and some thought it was not durable enough but worth a look either way.

 

[roosiebull]

I would check out Outdoor Vitals hybrid fleece, I got mine last week and have not tried it yet. I think it should be great, there is a long thread about it that is worth checking out. Some people loved it and some thought it was not durable enough but worth a look either way.

I love it, it’s about perfect for me, I have been wearing it a lot and has become my favorite hoodie. I will say, that style of insulation is worthless wet, when it gets wet it mats down and has no insulation qualities, but in any dry weather, it’s a great piece

 

[goathunter]

I would check out Outdoor Vitals hybrid fleece, I got mine last week and have not tried it yet. I think it should be great, there is a long thread about it that is worth checking out. Some people loved it and some thought it was not durable enough but worth a look either way.

Is it lightweight? I want to say the original Sitka ambient is a 150 weight so looking for something much lighter

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I have the original Sitka ambient hoody and really like it but it is very warm, almost too warm for me to hike in most of the time. I really like the alpha kind of insulation, what lighter options are out there? I know there's the ambient 75 but what else?

Try a naked alpha direct hoody. Unless its very windy or cold, I cannot hike in an alpha direct garment that has a face fabric. I've used a Farpointe Alpha 60 and just ordered a Burgeon alpha direct 90 hoody. The Farpointe has been great for hiking, layering and sleeping in. They are also ridiculously light.

 

[jd1006]

I think the outdoor vitals hoody is worth looking at. It’s body-mapped and much lighter. Or if you can find a Sitka UL60 - which is the same thing as the outdoor vitals hoody just lighter weight and no alpha direct in the hood.

 

[K_pem]

The OV hoody or the Ambient UL60 is likely what you're looking for. I too have the Ambient 100 hooded jacket and quickly figured out that it is too warm to hike hard in with layers underneath unless it is REAL cold.

I have both the OV and the UL60, as @jd1006 mentioned the UL60 is very similar with slightly less Alpha insulation and more grid fleece (I actually would consider selling the UL60). I also have the Ambient 100 Vest and that way I can do just the vest, just the OV or both together for about the same weight as my Ambient hooded jacket alone but with way more versatility.