Both are great jackets to consider for late-season hunting needs, but each has its own specifications. KUIU Axis is more breathable and portable and recommended for more active hunting needs.
In contrast, the Sitka Jetstream jacket is heavier but provides excellent protection against wind. The jacket is not rated as Axis does, but incredibly a great option if you are looking for a jacket at a lower price.
Both have their priorities to get worn in various kinds of weather, hunting, and locations.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | KUIU Axis Hybrid Jacket | Sitka Jetstream Jacket |
| Breathability and Portability | With 632 g or 22.3 oz weight, it’s a more breathable, portable, and less heavy jacket | With 25.43 oz or 720 g, it’s a heavier jacket with less breathability and portability |
| Best to Use in Wet Conditions | Axis is better to use in wet, snowy conditions as it performs better | It’s not recommended to use in Wet Conditions |
| Warmth | Lower | Higher |
| Wind protection | It’s only showing resistance against the wind | It protects you from wind |
| Pricing | Expensive Jacket | Cheaper Jacket |
| Pockets | More zipper pocket | Fewer zipper pockets |
| Colors or Camo options | Available in total 8 color options | Available in Total 6 camo or color options |
| Rating and Reviews | More than 2K reviews | Less Number of reviews |
| Hunting Conditions | More Active Hunts | Standing or Positioned Hunts |
In-Depth Differences Between KUIU Axis Hybrid And Sitka Jetstream Jackets
- Breathability And Portability
The factors at which these jackets differ are their functionality against breathing, being portable, and ease to get wear.
When it comes to Axis, its less weight makes it a more portable jacket that also provides more breathing and relaxation to your body.
In contrast, Sitka Jetstream Jacket is a heavier and less portable jacket.
It contains more weight, and many hunters claim that such a heavier construction results in less breathing while wearing this jacket on your hunting trials.
This difference is prominent and makes a hunter select between these jackets.
- Best to Use in Wet Conditions
KUIU Axis jacket provides more waterproofing due to the parashot material construction when there is raining.
On the other hand, you may not stay dry if you wear a Sitka Jetstream jacket in wet rainy weather. Even though it stops rain to some extent, Axis is way better in rain or wet conditions.
Also Read: Differences Between KUIU Guide And Axis Hybrid Jackets.
- Warmth
Both jackets are designed to be worn in snowy and cold weather. But Jetstream offers more warmth than Axis when wearing it in a highly freezing season.
That’s because the heavy-duty construction of the jacket brings more stuffing and stands best against colder snowfalls.
- Wind protection
When hunting in areas with heavy cold winds, you may not be able to hunt comfortably.
That’s why jackets are designed with excellent wind protection features to keep you on your hunting duty.
In that case, Sitka Jetstream is way better at protecting wind. It doesn’t even let the wind enter your body.
Comparatively, Axis only provides wind resistance. It doesn’t stop the wind entirely from entering your body.
- Pricing
When it comes to spending money on either jacket, KUIU Axis is an expensive product. You’ll have to spend almost $300 bucks to get this jacket.
At the same time, Jetstream Jacket is less expensive, and you can purchase it for only $130 bucks. It is another difference between these two jackets.
- Pockets
While wearing hunting jackets, pants, or shirts, having a suitable capacity or storage of pockets is necessary. Because of that, you can carry your required hunting gear without having a backpack.
By keeping that thing in mind, the Axis hunting jacket gives you more zipper pockets to provide better storage options.
On the other hand, Sitka Jetstream does come with pockets. But their quantity is fewer than Axis.
- Colors or Camo options
Axis gives you another blessing with its 8 different camo patterns. For an individual hunter, you can choose your favorite color or camo pattern for hunting in a specific region.
Compared to that, Sitka gives you only 6 camo patterns. But to match your needs, even these numbers of colors/camo patterns are worth considering.
- Rating and Reviews
Axis has a more significant number of buyers than Sitka Jetstream because it’s a highly used jacket in the winter season and for most active hunts.
Comparatively, Jetstream is not rated that highly. Yet, it’s a fantastic product to consider for extreme snowy weather conditions.
- Hunting Conditions
Axis is usually recommended for active hunting based on portability, construction, weight, breathability, and weather conditions. But with Jetstream, you can perform most standing hunts, like hunting animals with a bow, etc.
Therefore, they both are designed for different hunting operations.
Axis or Jetstream, Which Hunting Jacket is Best?
Well, there is nothing wrong with saying that both jackets are great.
But one should decide between these two depending on their needs and requirements.
If you are not hunting in freezing weather, Axis will be best for you.
But if you are hunting in the same conditions as mentioned above or where there is faster wind, Jetstream would be better.
Also, your decision would vary based on your budget.
Hence, please choose the one that comforts you the most, but I’m afraid you won’t find the Jetstream in Stock.
Also Read: Comparison of First Lite With ScentLok Gears.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Neither brand is better than the other. But KUIU hunting gear is superior on more active hunts, whereas Sitka Gear is recommended for standing hunting.
Sitka discontinued the Jetstream subalpine jacket in 2022. They do not have this product on the list. But to compare the features, we have reviewed both jackets anyway.
The newer Jetstream jacket is quieter and softer than the previous option.
Yes, the KUIU Guide Jackets are highly windproof and waterproof jackets to be used by most hunters.
Wrapping Up
The comparison between KUIU Axis and Sitka Jetstream is worth considering because it helps you quickly decide on these two most complex units. However, Axis is still in stock, but they discontinued the Jetstream in 2022.
Still, if you are buying a Used Jetstream from your colleague, you can compare these features and find out whether that jacket will suit you better in specific weather. Or you can compare the Axis with other Sitka gear to buy your desired product.
