DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s Review

First Impressions of DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s

The DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s promises to be a comfortable and functional soft shell hunting jacket tailored for women. DSG Outerwear aims to bridge the gap between performance and fit, creating apparel that meets the demands of female hunters without sacrificing comfort. With features like scent control and a weather-resistant outer layer, this jacket looked promising right out of the box.

I was seeking a mid-season jacket that offered both concealment and weather protection for deer and turkey hunting. Many women’s hunting jackets seem like afterthoughts, offering poor fit and lacking essential features. I wanted a jacket that would keep me comfortable in the unpredictable conditions of spring and fall, without being too bulky or restrictive.

My first impression was positive: the micro tricot fabric felt soft and quiet, and the camo pattern seemed effective. The jacket felt lightweight and well-constructed, and the articulated fit looked like it would allow for a good range of motion. This was a welcome change from some of the boxier, less flattering women’s hunting apparel I’ve encountered.

Compared to a comparable jacket from Sitka Gear or Kuiu, the DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s seemed to offer similar features at a more accessible price point. A Cabela’s softshell jacket I considered lacked the scent control technology. The Ava 3.0 seemed to offer a good balance of features, performance, and value.

I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned by hunting apparel that promised the world but failed in the field. I hoped the DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s would live up to its potential and become a staple in my hunting wardrobe.

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Real-World Testing: Putting DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s during a spring turkey hunt in central Missouri. The weather was typical for the area: cool mornings around 45°F, warming up to around 60°F by midday, with intermittent light rain. I wore it over a lightweight base layer.

The jacket performed admirably. The brushed micro tricot effectively blocked the wind, and the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) exterior shed the light rain without soaking through. The fit allowed me to move freely while calling and maneuvering into position without feeling constricted.

The only minor issue was that the sleeves were a bit long for me, but the adjustable cuffs helped cinch them down. Overall, I was impressed with the initial performance and comfort of the jacket during my first outing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during both turkey and early-season deer hunts, the DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The fabric has resisted snags and abrasions while moving through brush.

Cleaning has been relatively easy. I simply followed the care instructions on the label and washed it in cold water with a scent-free detergent, then hung it to dry. So far, the DWR finish remains effective.

Compared to a previous Under Armour hunting jacket I owned, the Ava 3.0 offers superior wind resistance and scent control. It’s proven to be a reliable and comfortable choice for mid-season hunts.

Breaking Down the Features of DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s

Specifications

• The DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s features a quiet brushed micro tricot outer layer. This outer layer is bonded to a microfleece inner layer.
• This bonding creates a wind-proof barrier that enhances comfort. It features Agion Active XL dual-action scent control.
• The jacket is designed for use in temperatures between 40°F and 60°F. It features YKK zippers throughout.
• The outer material is tricot, making it quiet and suitable for hunting. It has a removable and adjustable hood.
• It also features adjustable cuffs and drop-in pockets with hidden snap closures. There are multiple YKK zippered pockets.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the jacket’s performance in the field. The scent control helps minimize human odor, which is crucial for getting close to game. The wind-proof barrier and water-repellent exterior provide protection from the elements, keeping you comfortable and focused on the hunt.

Performance & Functionality

The DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s performs its job effectively. It provides excellent wind resistance, decent water repellency, and good concealment.
The scent control seems to work as advertised. I noticed a significant reduction in human odor even after several hours of activity.

The only area that could be improved is the water repellency. While it handles light rain well, it may not be sufficient in heavier downpours. The jacket definitely meets my expectations for a mid-season hunting jacket.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid. The stitching is clean and the materials feel durable.
The articulated fit provides a good range of motion without feeling restrictive. The jacket is comfortable to wear for extended periods.

The jacket is generally user-friendly, though the location of the zippered pockets takes a little getting used to. The learning curve is minimal.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s should last for several seasons with proper care. The fabric seems resistant to snags and abrasions.

Maintenance is straightforward. Just wash it in cold water with a scent-free detergent and hang it to dry.

Accessories and Customization Options

The DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s does not come with many accessories. It includes a removable and adjustable hood.

There are no specific customization options available, such as adding additional pockets or insulation. The jacket is designed to be worn as an outer layer, so layering underneath is the best way to adjust for different temperatures.

Pros and Cons of DSG Outerwear Ava 3.0 Jacket – Women’s