Sitka Stratus vs FL Catalyst Whitetail

Squirrels

WKR
Joined
Dec 29, 2016
Messages
1,468
Stratus, and it's not even close. I have real world experience with both. Catalyst fabric is nice and it's fine until any wind at all kicks up, then you are going to need to dramatically increase you layering to stay warm when comparing to the Stratus.
 
OP
quackaddict
Joined
Jun 12, 2013
Messages
673
Location
Las Cruces, NM
Thanks a bunch for the info. Does the Stratus breathe worth a crap with the layer of wind blocker? I don’t know that I’d really be expecting it to for treestand hunts anyway, but I know the Catalyst does breathe pretty good.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:

Long Cut

WKR
Joined
May 24, 2019
Messages
332
I’ve worn stratus pants with no base layer in the 20’s with 15 mph winds and was fine.

Stratus bibs with a stratus jacket is probably the best all around deer hunters setup no questions. You’ll be covered from 15-45 imo
 
OP
quackaddict
Joined
Jun 12, 2013
Messages
673
Location
Las Cruces, NM
Probably should have added too, I’m in South Carolina, so we don’t have much in the way of extreme weather.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Feb 6, 2018
Messages
1,618
Location
Buffalo, NY
Used catalyst for a few years, and just finished first season with stratus and that was hands down better.

As far as breathability goes, I didn't hike much in it, and it probably wouldn't me my first choice for an active / hike based hunt, unless it's real cold. Catalyst breathes well in active situations but that's also it's biggest downfall I think too.
 

Squirrels

WKR
Joined
Dec 29, 2016
Messages
1,468
Used catalyst for a few years, and just finished first season with stratus and that was hands down better.

As far as breathability goes, I didn't hike much in it, and it probably wouldn't me my first choice for an active / hike based hunt, unless it's real cold. Catalyst breathes well in active situations but that's also it's biggest downfall I think too.
My exact experience with the two as well.
 
Joined
Dec 14, 2018
Messages
607
Stratus is pretty versatile. layer underneath correctly, and it'll get you through about anything. The catalyst is nice, and definitely breaths better. However, it lacks the wind stopper, and that was a deciding factor for me.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
 

Lowg08

WKR
Joined
Aug 31, 2019
Messages
2,168
I’m backwards I guess. I’ve had both of you do any walking you better pack the stratus and it’s heavy. It does not breath. I’m not a big believer in the necessity for a wind stopper. I tree stand hunt in western hunting style clothes. 18* 25mph north west wind. No wind through. Merino base grid mid catalyst pants puffy pant and jacket. All day no wind got through and only around around my eyes could feel the wind
 
Joined
Dec 21, 2021
Messages
84
Thanks a bunch for the info. Does the Stratus breathe worth a crap with the layer of wind blocker? I don’t know that I’d really be expecting it to for treestand hunts anyway, but I know the Catalyst does breathe pretty good.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have the stratus beanie and absolutely love it in colder weather. It makes a huge difference
 
Top