Dakota Jacket

Staying nimble while waterfowl hunting is a luxury that few hunting jackets afford. The new Dakota Jacket from Sitka fits nicely eliminating the need for a bulky parka or cumbersome rain jacket. And to add to its appeal, it’ll keep you warm and dry when the weather turns foul. 

Keeping the cold out is huge when the snow falls, and the interior high-loft Berber fleece interior seals out the cold without adding extra bulk. In fact it’ll keep you downright toasty warm. Couple that with the outer shell which is made Sitka’s Windstopper Technology (Gore-Tex Infinium) and the Dakota is darn near impenetrable. Think sitting in a field blind and it’s snowing with wind gusts and the geese are committing. The last thing you want is to be off your game because you’re cold. An added bonus is the reinforced arms, added durability for crawling into layouts and pit blinds. It should be noted, that this is not a waterproof jacket but you’d have to be hunting in a torrential downpour for your interior body to get wet. It’s protected with a laminate durable water repellent finish. 

It comes in Gore Optifade Concealment Waterfowl Marsh or Waterfowl Timber camo patterns. The Marsh is best used for layout and blind hunting in the marsh, standing crops and stubble fields while the Timber is best for darker environments like flooded timber. 

Sitka introduced the Dakota hooded jacket several years ago, and this newer model is hoodless. It’s a nice option to consider if you find hoods to be constricting. That’s a matter of personal preference. The fit is good. It’s snug, but it doesn’t restrict mobility. Shouldering a shotgun and swinging on passing birds is not an issue. The front zipper comes tight around your neck which keeps the wind from biting. It’s recommended to buy a size larger than you normally wear to account for layering. There are three pockets, including a chest pocket. 

We promise, this jacket will meet and exceed your expectations. $279

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