Let’s Talk About ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket is ScentLok’s offering for the serious hunter who demands scent control, weather protection, and functional design all in one package. It promises to be a versatile outer layer, suitable for a range of hunting conditions, thanks to its carbon alloy technology and NeverWet treatment. After years of struggling with bulky, uncomfortable hunting jackets that seemed to trap more scent than they blocked, I was on the hunt for something different.
My old hunting jacket felt like wearing a plastic bag, offering minimal breathability and maximum scent retention, regardless of the scent-masking sprays I used. I was looking for a jacket that was both effective at minimizing my scent profile and comfortable enough to wear for long hours in the stand. The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket’s promise of carbon alloy odor adsorption and water-repellent technology caught my eye immediately.
Upon unboxing, the jacket felt surprisingly lightweight, considering its feature set. The material felt durable and well-constructed, giving me confidence it could withstand the rigors of the hunt. Compared to my old, heavy canvas jacket and a lighter, but less scent-controlling fleece jacket I’d tried, the ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket seemed to strike a perfect balance.
I picked the ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket over other scent-control jackets due to the combination of its carbon alloy technology and NeverWet treatment, creating a more complete system. My first impression was excitement, quickly followed by cautious optimism – could this jacket actually live up to the hype and revolutionize my hunting experience? Only time in the field would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket was during an early-season bow hunt in the Pennsylvania woods. Temperatures were mild during the day, dropping into the 40s at night with intermittent light rain. The jacket performed admirably, keeping me dry during the drizzle thanks to the NeverWet technology.
The breathability was impressive, as I didn’t overheat during the warmer parts of the day, even after a short hike to my stand. Getting used to the harness opening took a minute, but once I figured it out, it was much more convenient than my old jacket. There were no immediate issues, but I did notice the zippers were a bit stiff at first, a minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket has held up remarkably well. I’ve worn it during deer, turkey, and even some late-season predator hunts in varying conditions. The jacket shows minimal signs of wear and tear, even after brushing through thick brush and enduring several days of harsher weather.
Cleaning is relatively easy; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove mud or blood, and follow the ScentLok reactivation instructions for the carbon alloy. Compared to previous jackets that quickly lost their effectiveness or fell apart after a season, the ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket has exceeded my expectations. It is a significant upgrade in both performance and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket
Specifications
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket features Carbon Alloy technology for maximum odor adsorption. This is crucial for scent control as it captures a wide range of human odors. The NeverWet technology repels water, mud, and blood, keeping you dry and minimizing odor-causing moisture.
The jacket boasts a concealed carry custom fit designed to keep your sidearm secure and accessible. DuoTone technical overlay panels are included for enhanced concealment, breaking up your outline in the field. It also has two zippered waist pockets and two lower side pockets with hidden snaps for extra storage. A stretch fit cuff panel provides a tapered, secure fit, preventing interference while drawing a bow or releasing an arrow, and a safety harness access opening allows carbon alloy odor control when using a safety harness.
Performance & Functionality
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket performs its primary function – scent control – exceptionally well. I’ve had deer walk within feet of my stand without showing any signs of alarm, something that rarely happened with my previous gear. The NeverWet technology is also effective, keeping me dry in light rain and snow.
The only area for improvement would be the initial stiffness of the zippers, which gradually loosens with use but could be smoother out of the box. Overall, the jacket meets and exceeds expectations in terms of scent control, weather protection, and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket boasts a rugged yet comfortable design, making it suitable for long days in the field. The materials feel durable without being overly bulky, and the secure fit keeps the jacket from snagging on branches or equipment. The jacket is user-friendly and the harness access opening is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket is built to last. The reinforced stitching and durable materials suggest a long lifespan, even with frequent use in harsh conditions. Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving spot cleaning and occasional carbon alloy reactivation according to the ScentLok guidelines.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket doesn’t come with many accessories, focusing instead on its core features. However, the jacket is designed to integrate seamlessly with other hunting gear, such as safety harnesses and backpacks. While there aren’t specific customization options beyond choosing the appropriate size and camo pattern, the jacket’s versatility allows for pairing with various base layers and outerwear depending on the weather conditions.
Pros and Cons of ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket
Pros
- Carbon Alloy technology provides exceptional scent control, significantly increasing your chances of success in the field.
- NeverWet technology effectively repels water, mud, and blood, keeping you dry and comfortable in various weather conditions.
- The safety harness access opening allows for easy and scent-controlled integration with your safety harness.
- The durable construction ensures the jacket can withstand the rigors of hunting in dense cover.
- The concealed carry custom fit provides secure and accessible storage for your sidearm.
Cons
- The zippers can be somewhat stiff initially.
- The price point may be a barrier for budget-conscious hunters.
Who Should Buy ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket?
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket is perfect for serious hunters who prioritize scent control and demand durable, weather-resistant gear. It is also beneficial for those who hunt in areas with unpredictable weather, where staying dry and comfortable is crucial. Hunters who carry a sidearm for personal protection will appreciate the concealed carry custom fit.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who only hunt occasionally might find the price point prohibitive. Those who primarily hunt from enclosed blinds or in areas with minimal scent pressure may not fully appreciate the benefits of the ScentLok technology. A must-have accessory is a ScentLok base layer to maximize the effectiveness of the scent control system.
Conclusion on ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket
The ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket is a high-performance piece of hunting apparel that delivers on its promises. Its scent control technology, weather resistance, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters. The price is justified by the jacket’s effectiveness and longevity.
I would definitely recommend the ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket to any hunter looking to gain an edge in the field. If you’re tired of being winded by wary game and want a jacket that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way, this is it. Gear up, get out there, and experience the difference for yourself – the ScentLok Full Season TAKTIX Jacket could be the key to your next successful hunt.