For those extremely cold weather hunts, a Boreal jacket is always better as it comes with extra warmth with added insulation. However, Hudson helps you move around more quickly as it is somewhat insulated.
But Boreal might cost you more bucks than Hudson and also comes with less flexibility. The durability is not compromised in both. Still, both have there are considerable differences that I’ll explain here.
Keep reading!
A Quick Comparison Table
| Factors To Consider | Sitka Hudson Jacket | Sitka Boreal Jacket |
| Purpose | For hunting in mildly cold weather | For hunting in extremely cold weather |
| Flexibility | More | Less |
| Breathability | Less | More |
| Warmth | Less | More |
| Insulation | PrimaLoft® insulation | Synthetic PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation with Cross CoreTM technology |
| Stretch Technology | 3-layer GORE-TEX stretch technology | GORE-TEX 2-layer fabric with polyester |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Colors Availability | Marsh Timber | Marsh |
Significant Differences Between The Hudson And Boreal Jackets From Sitka
One thing is sure: Sitka gear is high quality, durable and perfect for hunting in cold or warm areas. The reasonable differences between the discussed products are as follows.
- Purpose
Knowing the primary purpose for which these jackets are built, you would be 90% near to understanding the fundamental differences between these two.
When it comes to Boreal from Sitka, the jacket is for people who live or love to do hunting in sheer cold areas.
It is best for late-season waterfowl hunts in that frigid temperature.
The jacket is more robust against high winds, rain, or snow.
Sitka calls it their warmest jacket for cold areas that people wear to do hunting.
On the other hand, Hudson also works best for cold areas but is not as warm as Boreal.
Hudson also brings warmth but reduces the bulk side by side.
Hudson is usually used by young people, whereas the boreal is for those old gems who love hunting.
So, with either option, you will stay warm and consistent in hunting.
Also Read: Differences Between SKRE And First Lite Hunting Gear.
- Flexibility
With Hudson, you find yourself more flexible and enjoy an enhanced range of motion that you may have to sacrifice while using the Boreal jacket.
It is because the Hudson doesn’t include bulk insulation like the Boreal.
Ultimately, you become flexible and can quickly move from one location to another while aiming at your targets in the field.
Hudson is an excellent option for old-aged people who find movement difficult but still can’t let go of the needed heat to their bodies.
- Breathability
With Hudson, you may find less breathability. The fact could be of using a different type of insulation.
Sitka uses different insulation for both jackets to ensure that one should come with maximum warmth.
As compared with Hudson, Boreal is more breathable and has a 4-point rating in breathability out of 5. At the same time, the Hudson has only 2 out of 5.
- Warmth
As discussed earlier, the sole purpose of giving you a Boreal Jacket means keeping you safe from that severely cold weather and strange situations.
With this jacket, you can hunt even below 10-degree temperatures. However, with Hudson, you have to compromise on warmth.
The Hudson also gives you more moveability while retaining the best possible warmth in cold areas.
- Insulation
Insulation has a more significant role in making these jackets recognize their specific features in different types of weather.
When you use the Boreal from Sitka, it is constructed with high-quality Synthetic PrimaLoft Gold Insulation.
Such superior-quality insulation helps you stay warm when there is too much coldness out there and hunt whatever you want to pursue.
Respectively, the Hudson is made with PrimaLoft insulation, strategically body-mapped insulation providing enough warmth.
But the good thing about this jacket is it keeps the bulk or weight low so that you can move quickly and change your positions effortlessly.
- Stretch Technology
Enjoy more stretching and feel relaxed while wearing the Hudson jacket on your hunting trails or experiences.
The jacket comes with Gore-Tex Stretch Technology of up to 3 layers. It gives you solid waterproof protection while keeping maximum motion.
The purpose of adding more stretching material is to enable you to run better, feel relaxed and enjoy the comfort.
But with the Boreal jacket, you will find 2-layer fabric, including double polyester.
Keeping less stretch here provides extra heat when suffering in severely cold weather.
- Price
Another significant difference between these two jackets is their price. Hudson comes in almost $569 from Sitka’s official store, while the Boreal comes in $669.
The $100 price difference is because the former is low with warmth while the latter has extended meshing to keep you extra warm.
- Colors Availability
Hudson jackets come in two forms factors including Marsh and Timber. This form factor determines their specific areas of usability.
The Timber is perfect for greener or barn lands when Marsh is used for snowy areas.
But with Boreal, you will only find the Marsh color. It states that Boreal is only made for snowy and cold areas.
lso Read: Differences Between Sitka And SKRE Hunting Jackets.
Which Sitka Jacket Is Better, Hudson Or Boreal?
When considering either of these jackets, you would like to use them in cold weather conditions.
Since you have read that you will be sacrificing the flexibility with Boreal while keeping the considerable warmth to keep your body in work.
On the other hand, with Hudson, you will compromise a little on the warm side but have the maximum flexibility.
The price of these jackets is also a concern when you have a specific budget. So, choose which one inspires you according to your best needs.
Both jackets from Sitka are best in their respective ways.
Wrapping Up
There is nothing much to compare between Sitka Hudson vs. Boreal despite the extended level of warmth and flexibility. Both products belong to Sitka, so there will be no complaints about their durability and quality.
However, things could change when you are low on budget, as it might influence you to buy Hudson when you need Boreal for that extreme snowy season. But whatever you decide, please choose wisely.
