If you’re looking for a cold-weather hunting jacket, you’ve probably come across the Sitka Fanatic and the Pnuma Highpoint. Sitka’s Fanatic has long been a go-to for treestand hunters, but the Pnuma Highpoint is a newer entry into the market with some serious performance claims.
I test a lot of gear and a lot of people ask me what cold weather jackets are best for bow hunting. It can be tough, but I do what I can to really show an unbiased look at everything I test so you can make the decision for yourself.
I put both jackets through real-world field tests and thermal heat retention tests to see which one truly delivers when it comes to warmth, features, and value for the money. The results might surprise you.
Price Difference: Where Does Your Money Go?
- Sitka Fanatic Jacket – $460 retail – See the latest price here
- Pnuma Highpoint Jacket – $299 retail – See the latest price here (Get 20% OFF w/Code: MANLEY20)
That’s a significant difference. Let’s see if the Fanatic justifies the higher cost or if the Highpoint delivers better value.
Heat Retention Testing: Which Jacket Holds Warmth Longer?
I ran a controlled heat retention test on both jackets to see which one absorbs and holds heat better. The test simulated the heat generated from a long walk into a tree stand and the cooldown that happens once you have to sit for hours bow hunting (see the full seven (7) jacket test here). The test did this via a 90-minute heat up of the jacket and a 120-minute cooldown. See the results below.
Sitka Fanatic Heat Test Results:
- Starting Temp: 62°F
- Peak Temp: 83.6°F (after 90 minutes of warming)
- Cooling Phase (2 hours): Dropped to 70.1°F
- Total Heat Loss Over 2 Hours: 13.5°F
Need gear recommendations? See my Top Bowhunting Gear Recommendations for 2025!
Pnuma Highpoint Heat Test Results:
- Starting Temp: 63.5°F
- Peak Temp: 85.1°F (after 90 minutes of warming)
- Cooling Phase (2 hours): Dropped to 71.6°F
- Total Heat Loss Over 2 Hours: 13.5°F
What This Means:
✔ The Pnuma Highpoint heated up faster and reached a higher peak temperature than the Sitka Fanatic.
✔ Both jackets lost heat at a similar rate, but the Highpoint maintained slightly more residual warmth.
✔ Winner: Pnuma Highpoint for maximum heat retention.
Feature Breakdown: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Sitka Fanatic | Pnuma Highpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | 120g PrimaLoft Silver (body), 80g (arms) | 200g PrimaLoft Silver (body), 133g (arms) |
| Outer Material | Berber fleece | Berber fleece |
| Windproofing | Gore-Tex Windstopper | PnumaBloc windproof membrane |
| Scent Control | Previously had Polygiene StayFresh, but none now | Polygiene StayFresh + OdorCrunch (scent-locking) |
| Camo Options | Elevated II | Caza OV |
| Zippers | Diagonal, quieter | Straight, slightly louder |
| Safety Harness Port | Magnetic opening | Smaller, dual-layered port |
| Pockets | Large kangaroo handwarmer pocket, no chest pocket | Hand pockets + zippered chest pocket |
| Sleeve Design (bow hunting) | Left sleeve is smooth for right-handed shooters, gusseted cuffs | Both sleeves are smooth for ambidextrous shooting, gusseted cuffs |
✔ Warmth Winner: Pnuma Highpoint (more insulation, better heat retention)
✔ Stealth Winner: Sitka Fanatic (slightly quieter Berber fleece)
✔ Best Windproofing: Tie (both have excellent wind-blocking layer)
✔ Best Scent Control: Pnuma Highpoint (Polygiene StayFresh and OdorCrunch technology)
✔ Best Pocket Layout: Pnuma Highpoint (chest pocket + traditional hand pockets)
✔ Best Harness Port: Pnuma Highpoint (more windproof design)
Field Testing: Which One Feels Better in the Stand?
I wore both jackets for multiple hours in freezing temps and here’s what I found:
Sitka Fanatic:
✔ Extremely comfortable with a great fit. ✔ Quieter Berber fleece makes it ideal for close-range bow hunting. ✔ The diagonal zipper is awkward at first, but the large kangaroo pocket is a big plus. ✖ Less insulation than Highpoint, so you’ll need more layering in extreme cold. ✖ The safety harness port has a magnetic flap that lets wind sneak in.
Pnuma Highpoint:
✔ Noticeably warmer than the Fanatic. ✔ Traditional zipper placement makes it easier to put on and take off. ✔ Pockets are more practical for carrying gear (chest pocket is a big plus). ✔ Better windproofing, especially around the safety harness port. ✖ Slightly louder than the Fanatic, but still quiet enough for bowhunting. ✖ No gusseted cuffs, but didn’t feel drafty with gloves on.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
✅ If you prioritize stealth and quietness for close-range bow hunting, get the Sitka Fanatic.
✅ If you want the warmest jacket at a better price, go with the Pnuma Highpoint.
Both jackets are solid options, but the Pnuma Highpoint delivers more insulation, better windproofing, and superior scent control for a much lower price.
Best Deals & Where to Buy:
- Get the Sitka Fanatic ➡️ See it here
- Get the Pnuma Highpoint ➡️ See it here
*If you want to see another comparison, check out my Sitka Fanatic vs Asio Late Season Jacket post.
Drop a comment below with your thoughts. Which jacket are you choosing? 👇
Want to see exactly what I’m carrying this season? Check out my Personal Bowhunting Gear List for 2025!
