Bought this jacket for 2nd rifle elk season in Colorado. As a general "mountain athlete" I have plenty of merino layers and jackets for layering, insulation and water/water wind proof. This way my first camo-patterned jacket, however and not an obnoxiously bright jacket. I planned to layer this over down or fleece on colder days and simple base layers on warmer days (or when hiking straight up a hill side to reach a ridge). This jacket withstood the test! I originally ordered a small and it was very fitted so I swapped it out for a medium in order to better accommodate warmer layers. I was able to snug up the hood and bottom of the jacket to really seal in warmth when needed. From 5 degree temps and snow one day to 60 degrees by the end of the week, this jacket was worn every day. The only thing I might suggest to improve would be pit zips to better dump heat when hiking quick or climbing ridgelines. This is, no doubt, my go-to jacket for western big game hunting where breathability and versatility are crucial.

I bought this jacket for my daughter this summer. She has used it on backpacking trips and hunting. The jacket is so light it almost feels insufficient for weather. We were hiking in alpine terrain, a storm blew over and she was warm and happy in this jacket. It fit her well. This is her go to jacket for outdoor adventures and hunting.

This jacket is impressively well made, The hood is awesome and doesn't constrict your field of view. It feels more like wearing a sweatshirt than a heavy jacket with it's brushed interior, so I put it to the test. I wore it on a float trip in Eastern Oregon, and used it as my primary outer layer on a pretty unpredictable weather trip. It worked flawlessly against light rain, heavy wind, and was a champ when the temps dropped at night with a light mid layer. It layers extremely well. The arms have that little extra room in the upper that makes it really comfortable with other items under, but is tapered to the wrists making it perfect for archery hunting. This jacket does it all. Best of all, it is completely silent.

I use this jacket for everything. I originally bought it for cooler days on the mountain during September elk hunting in Montana. I thought it would be a great throw in the bag, slip on quick jacket for glassing and sitting. While it was great for the intended purpose, I’ve found myself using it for all hunting (from spring turkey to duck hunting). It is now my go to piece of First lite. The material is comfortable, not bulky, and super quiet which is great being an archery hunter. I was worried it would be too hot to hike in but it regulates temperature well, much like my other merino pieces. It blocks some wind, but is by no means windproof. The hood is surprisingly warm and doesn’t get in the way. I would highly recommend adding this to your must have list.

So going through the reviews I really worried about sizing, I decided to order a large, so I had room for layers if I need. It fit exactly how I wanted it to super stoked on it! As a side note I usually wear a medium in soft shells. I use this shell for hunting in varied weather in eastern idaho/western wyoming.

The Catalyst jacket (and pants) have quickly become the first two items I grab when I know I'm in for a long day in the mountains with all the varied weather that Idaho throws at us during big game season. I use the jacket as my outer layer and have been really pleased with how well it keeps me comfortable in deep cold/wind/light rain while also not getting in the way. The shooter cuffs are SO nice - I typically don't like when cuffs are tight around my wrist but these are not uncomfortable in the slightest and make the jacket a true workhorse on even my longest days. The only complaint I could possibly think of is that the hood is just a bit big for my noggin and leaves space for wind to get into. Once I have another layer on underneath that also has a hood and I want to double up on hood warmth, I'm always glad that extra space is there. This jacket is a staple piece for us rocky mountain hunters.

I bought the catalyst soft shell jacket and pant set for this year’s hunting season. My hope was that I would be able to regulate my body temperature to avoid a Raynaud's attack. For those of you that don’t know what Raynaud Syndrome is... it’s a condition that constricts small arteries in your body in response to cold. In turn, limiting blood supply to the affected area (fingers and toes). In short, I have to stay warm to keep blood flowing to my fingers and toes. I mostly spot and stalk hunt so this set up did get in 20+ degree weather (PNW) when paired with the Kiln top and bottom. Now, when temps moved up to the 30s, I had to dress down to just my kiln top. I did make an attempt to sit in the catalyst set however, after about an hour I needed to move again (now that can be because I wasn’t wearing the best boots either... lesson learned).
Just as mentioned above in the other review, the cuff is a bit snug but not uncomfortable at all. I typically wear a medium however after speaking to a First Lite rep I chose to go with a large (med base layer tho) with the intention of laying more than the average person. I love that the jacket and pants are super quite, even when brushing up on foliage and branches in the dense woods.
I give this set a thumbs up and can’t wait to get my puffy to pair with the catalyst set.

This jacket is great! Fits great and is very quiet. Trying to test it out and find the temp limits for myself I went out and fast hiked in 50 degrees with a t shirt and realized it’s a bit warm for moving like that. But slow walking(still hunting) was fine. I used it next for grouse hunting on a 30 degree morning with just the lupine baselayer under and was super comfortable; even once it started raining! The dwr works great and it does a good job blocking wind as well (haven’t yet tested it in severe wind though). highly recommend this jacket and can’t wait to be able to buy the pants to go with it.

Thanks, First Lite, for offering women's camo! I ordered this Catalyst jacket and the pants for this year's Idaho hunt and was thrilled with the set. As the description mentions, it is made to fit over one or two layers...all good. I am calling it "a bit large", because even after layering, it could fit a little trimmer. ( I guess I am in between a small and extra small) This jacket is well made, warm and extremely quiet in the field. Love the sleeves and chest pocket, but would love to see one more feature......pit zips. When climbing 1000+ ft and finding it necessary to keep this jacket on, it would be nice to vent some heat. Anyway, still love this jacket.

Just received my first order from First Lite. My fiance talked me into going on a Mule Deer hunt in Idaho with him at the end of the year. We live in Laguna Beach California and i get cold in 65 degree weather. I didn't grow up hunting and have NEVER worn hunting clothes in my life so i had no clue what to expect, i just made him promise me that i wont get cold. I was absolutely shocked when i tried the jacket on and felt how comfortable the material was. Very light weight for the warmth, I think this with a Thermal base layer and Shirt should be plenty for high activity hiking.