I have the stratus jacket in EVII and it works well in the stand after the leaves have fallen. It’s not really made for ground assault. I prefer my traverse in subalpine before leaves have fallen. The stratus green is a little lighter in person than the photos I’ve seen. If I were to do it again, I’d go with subalpine over EVII for more versatility.

 

I have the stratus set in subalpine and I will say it’s a lighter color than my other pieces, I think it’s mainly because of the material it’s made out of. I just like the looks of subalpine better

 

If the sub alpine were available when I bough all of my whitetail gear, I would have gotten sub alpine for the versatility. With that said you won't want to wear the Stratus out west on any active hunt. I think you'll roast unless it's a late season hunt.

 

What are options for rain gear? I've sat 2 times this year during the rut in 35-40 degrees with a light rain that lasted most the day. By the end of my sit my gear was soaked. In the past I used cabelas gortex mto50, but it's been well used.

 

I do one of 2 things. I have the Incinerator set for sits that are wet and cold. 40 degrees is probably too warm for it though. If that's the case I just throw my Kuiu katana rain shell over the stratus.

 

Badlands Venture Jacket and Bibs for cold rain. Waterproof, Primaloft insulation, and quieter than any other true rain gear I've had. It's a slammer set.

 

2023 is my first go-around with Sitka. I started shopping this summer as more camo came up for sale on the AT classifieds and bought Stratus EVII bibs first.....then a Fanatic hoody and vest. A couple AT friends shared sales codes, which allowed me to purchase the Stratus jacket, gloves, mid-layer zip up and Equinox pants as a considerable savings over retail. I like the EVII for tree hunting, but got busted on the ground in a spot where my ASAT would have kept me concealed. Since I also took up saddle hunting this fall, the EVII was a good choice and I have other camo options for hunting on the ground.

Where the Stratus really shines is on a windy day......especially when the temps are dropping and windchill would be eating you up. I've learned the 'secret' of Stratus by trial and error...it is all in layering beneath. Figure out what is going to keep you warm for the conditions, then wear the Stratus as the outer layer to greatly diminish the effects of the wind. Halloween morning started with a brisk wind and temps around 39-40*. As the morning went on, the temps dropped and it started peppering me with ice pellets. Finally it turned to a full-blown snowstorm and I sat there quite comfortable.....because I layered for it with my Stratus.

 

So did you order the Stratus for your typical size? Or did you get a size larger for layering?

 

You can't go wrong with either pattern but I wouldn't want to hunt with EV from the ground. It's definitely designed for stand hunting. You can get the subalpine for 40% off right now.

Stratus Jacket | SITKA Gear

The Stratus Jacket has got your back for those long chilly days in the stand. This versatile jacket is 100% windproof and ultra-quiet thanks to a GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Technology membrane sandwiched between warm & silent micro-grid fleece. A removable hood with specialized hearing...

www.sitkagear.com

 

Subalpine will be more versatile. Against sky you will be a shadow in the EV II well past sunset, so the strongest argument for it is essentially made up nonsense. Where Elevated II shines is in snowy spruce dominated forest. Better than snow suit really.

 

I got stratus ev last yr. The deer pay me little to no mind. They spot me but quickly dismiss.

 

I always get a laugh from the comments on EVII on the ground. I have shot several deer from the ground wearing it and have passed up even more that did not notice me. I have had turkeys in bow range while wearing it as well. It doesn’t matter what pattern it is, just don’t get caught moving.

 

Stratus is a great jacket. Had mine for years. As far as debating the camo pattern see commandment #4.

The best camouflage pattern is called, “Sit down and be quiet!” Your grandpa hunted deer in a red plaid coat. Think about that for a second.

 

I picked up traverse last year. Seemed kinda sparkly in bright sun. Just went to a local shop that had all Sitka 40% off so picked up a stratus set. Have to take the pants back and exchange for 2xl. With a base layer the xl pant were a little snug, manageable but snug so will try and exchange for 2x

 

One other consideration, if you plan on only stand hunting with the stratus bibs, spring for the fanatic bibs instead. They will require less layering and take you to lower temps. Although only available in EVII, that paired with a subalpine stratus jacket would work great in the stand.

I normally wear my stratus over a scentloc reactor jacket or traverse hoody and a light pullover in the late season, gets me well into the mid 20’s. If it gets colder, I break out my SL fortresses parka.

 

I have given that a thought. I currently have the Cabelas wooltimate whitetail extreme bibs. While they are warm they are heavy and bulky. I pack them into my stand and slip in once there. How does the Sitka Fanatic bibs compare? Are they heavy and bulky as well? My local Cabelas/BPS has no sitka in stock to look at....

 

I've had Cabela's wooltimate bibs and do have Fanatic bibs and Stratus bibs. The Fanatic bibs are fairly heavy and bulky......they are a pound heavier than Stratus bibs. From what I remember not as heavy as wooltimate but heavy enough that I would much rather wear the Stratus bibs whenever possible.

 

subalpine probably on the way out with the big sales clearing it out now

 

I don't think so. All Sitka goes on sale at the end of season every year.