Stratus has windstopper, traverse doesn’t. Typically you want windstopper as outside layer. So there are better choices to wear under traverse technically. If you already have stratus then go for it.

 

Get the stratus bibs.

Yeah I personally like my stratus over any of my traverse clothing for hunting, I like the traverse for my camp wear now .

I do use my stratus as a layer but I wear my incinerator set over it

 

Stratus has very little insulation. Most of its "warmth" comes from being completely wind proof.

It's not breathable, next to zero insulation, and no zippers to vent on the walk in. It doesn't make for a very good or efficient insulation layer.

You would be much better off getting Stratus bibs and looking at the traverse stuff or elsewhere for insulating layers, IMO.

 

I got into Sitka last summer to test out for the fall season. I found Stratus bibs on the AT classifieds and the Stratus jacket on a code sale for 40% off. As noted, they are not especially warm, but they are awesome as a wind blocking outer layer. I learned how to layer beneath and really liked the Stratus as outer ware. My wife got me a Traverse hoody for Christmas that is going to be a mid-season layer with a Stratus vest over the top on a moderatly cold day. I just bought a pair of Stratus pants from the AT classifieds, as they are more workable with my saddle setup than bibs. I might have a pair of Stratus XL very nice EVII bibs for sale???

 

I really like my Stratus because I can use it in such a wide range of temperatures with proper layering.

I prefer the pants, it gives me a wider range of options because I can add a vest if I need an extra layer on my core, but with the bibs, I can’t remove that layer.

When it comes to cold-weather outer layers, if it is not wind proof, I am not interested.

 

Excuse the dumb question, but I’m looking to transition

Better be careful how you line your words up these days.🤣

 

Idk i got the stratus set this year and they must of forgot to install the "windblocker" in mine.

Ill wear a full set of cover-alls over mine and have first lite base layers under it and still be cold.

 

Agree, the stratus’ real advantage is in the wind blocker and it really is an outer layer. If you want to use traverse as an outer layer, it may be more beneficial to wear some wind pants or other wind proof athletic gear instead of the stratus.

I have a traverse hoody and stratus jacket and have found I wear the traverse a lot more than my stratus. I wear it as both an outer layer early season and mid layer in late season.

 

The Stratus patns I purchased via the AT classifieds arrived yesterday. They fit great and should be a nice addition to my saddle hunting approach for '24. As noted, bibs are nice in some applications, but not so much in others. Saddle hunting is much more athletic and I don't seem to get as cold after the setup process, but windchill saps heat faster than anything else.....maybe other than being soaken wet in the woods.

 

I froze in stratus before I figured it out...they are not insulation...wind blocker only and great for this

I prefer bibs over pants but thats personal preference only.

 

I always prefer pants but the Stratus pants blow. The lack of side zips ruins them. You need to dump that heat during long walks. No idea why Sitka hasn't updated them in years.

I wear a puffy layer under mine for insulation. The Uncompagres by FL are my favorite midlayer pants on the market. I tried everything. They weigh nothing but are insanely warm for their weight.
The Stratus set in general gets me down to about 35. Under that the Fanatic top and incinerator bibs come out

 

I always prefer pants but the Stratus pants blow. The lack of side zips ruins them. You need to dump that heat during long walks. No idea why Sitka hasn't updated them in years.

I wear a puffy layer under mine for insulation. The Uncompagres by FL are my favorite midlayer pants on the market. I tried everything. They weigh nothing but are insanely warm for their weight.
The Stratus set in general gets me down to about 35. Under that the Fanatic top and incinerator bibs come out

I wore mine twice before selling them and keeping the bibs for this very reason. If you’re walking in anything with gore windstopper in it, you need venting options. If you’re getting dressed at the tree you need atleast zippers to the knee or you’re taking your boots off.

I have the uncompaghre vest and for warmth to weight it is extremely hard to beat. Do the pants have full length zippers by chance?