Review: Sitka Dew Point Jacket

Spring conditions in Montana can be unpredictable, but as sure as the wind will blow, the rain will fall. When the storms inevitable blow in, the Sitka Dew Point Jacket is a versatile, 3-layer shell that is sure to keep you dry. At just over 10 ounces, the jacket is among the lightest Gore-Tex coats available, and it rolls up small enough to shove in a CamelBak for trail running and long day trips, or a standard five-liter hip pack for mountain biking. The lightweight construction comes at a cost to warmth, however. For an extended trip into the alpine or a mid-season hunt with freezing rain and snow in the forecast, I might select a beefier jacket, however for day trips and most summer backpacking, it’s the Goldilocks of raincoats.

In terms of features, armpit zippers add a degree of breathability, and full neck coverage keeps water from trickling down the front of the coat. The pockets are strategically positioned to allow for access above a backpack hip-belt, and the sleeve cuffs offer enough adjustability to cinch down tight. The coat is offered in three of Sitka’s signature camo patterns, though I picked it up in the neutral Coyote brown color, as I intend to use it more for all-around daily wear and activities other than hunting. It’s cut slightly looser than most of Sitka’s other gear, which allows room to layer underneath, but it generally fits true-to-size.

Available at sitkagear.com; $350. Also check out the matching Dew Point Pant.