Stratus imo. Water and wind proof. I think anything will make you sweat up with that long of a walk, Unless it’s pretty cold. If I’m worried about sweating up. I carry my outer garments in with me in a pack and dress close to my spot.

 

Definitely the Stratus collection. Keeping the wind off you goes a long ways in keeping you warm.

 

Both the catalyst and traverse are useless without wind stopper. Stratus by a mile

 

Thanks for the responses. Any other reccomendations from another brand?

 

Stratus is the most versatile shell system for stand hunting there is. Its only limitation is when it gets too cold, which is when you go to Fanatic/Incinerator. Doesn't sound like you'll have that issue where you're at. Once you sit with something with windstopper, you won't go back to anything else.

 

Stratus is the best whitetail system made.

 

I am gonna go with what others have said. the FL Catalyst is strictly early season and works great for that. I have it and there is zero insulation. The Stratus or FL Solitude is what you need for mid-season unless you are really hot blooded. Even then you can vent it with the zippers. This is coming from someone that uses both FL and Sitka outer wear. FL Solitude is their mid-season but it is heavier insulated than the Sitka Stratus. But it would be something to consider and it is now windproof. I do prefer the layout of the Sitka jackets vs FL, but prefer the bibs that FL has.

 

I like some of the FL lineup, but I think the catalyst system is rather useless.

 

I have the Catalyst pants/vest and Stratus bibs/jacket. Just sold the Solitude. I hunt KY and TN mostly. The Catalyst is good for early season, down to about 45 if layered appropriately. The Solitude I had wasn't wind proof and is overly bulky for the temps its rated for. I loved the features but honestly it just wasn't warm if there was any wind at all. This year I plan on running the catalyst under my Stratus plus heavy FL base layers. I think that should get through most of the season. If not I plan to add the Fanatic vest.

I love the base layers and early season gear from FL but they just aren't there yet when it comes to outer layers for whitetail IMO.

 

Until this year I would have said it is hard to beat the stratus with layering and venting or packing in.
The new Kuiu Proximity is something to look at. My stratus will be left in the closet this year with the Kuiu being worn.

 

Until this year I would have said it is hard to beat the stratus with layering and venting or packing in.
The new Kuiu Proximity is something to look at. My stratus will be left in the closet this year with the Kuiu being worn.

Is the kuiu proximity line quiet like the sitka gear? What do you like about it more then the stratus line?

 

I called sitka and talked to one of their folks about what they would reccomend for my use. He reccomended the stratus bibs, fanatic Hoodie, and the Jetstream jacket. According to him with good baselayers that ought to be able to get me down in the mid 20's for the random cold spells, but should be ideal for the temp range I'm normally hunting.

 

Are the stratus and Jetstream jacket roughly the same weight, thickness, bulkiness and warmth? Does the Jetstream jacket just add more waterproofing then the stratus?

 

I would not use the Jetstream for deer hunting imo. The outer material is very swishy while the Stratus is dead silent.

 

Is the stratus still thin enough to be an outside layer if I use the fanatic Hoodie. I don't want to feel super bulky when I have to layer down if it gets cold.

 

Yes it is. I also have the Celcius Midi that can be worn over the Fanatic Hooddie and then cover everything over with the Stratus. Perfect for bowhunting!

 

Just to follow this thread up. I ended up with the kuiu proximity pant, fanatic hoodie, stratus jacket, and fanatic vest. I love all of it. Even made another order and got the incinerator muff, neck gaitor, a nice hat with the insulated extension for your ears, fanatic gloves and a heavyweight base layer. The stratus jacket held up to a mix of rain, snow, and sleet. Kept me dry and kept me warm for hours in those conditions. The kuiu proximity pants might be my favorite piece of them all though. They breath just well enough for hiking through the woods, but block every bit of wind, and fit amazing. They didn't let my legs get wet or cold at all during the sit with the snow, sleet, rain combo. I'd reccomend all these pieces for anyone. I see why everyone said the stratus is versatile. Fit is perfect for wearing just a baselayer under or for layering more in the cold cold Temps.

 

I bought the catalyst on recommendation from another. I do love it, but definitely wouldn’t even consider it mid weight. It’s almost light weight with no wind block. I’d go stratus if I did it again