I have traditionally hated grid fleeces. After bad experiences with boxy fits and poor moisture management from other brands, I wrote the category off completely in favor of active mid layers like the Sitka Ambient and Outdoor Vitals Hybrid Fleece.
But I am not too big of a man to admit when I was wrong.
Brad from Argali sent me the new Guide Air Fleece, and after running it for 50 straight days during my spring bear guiding season, it has completely changed my mind. In this review, I break down exactly why this $135 piece works so well. We cover the athletic fit (and why most hunting gear is cut wrong for proper layering), the unique loose-weave polyester fabric that breathes better than traditional grid fleeces, and the impressive DWR coating.
Finally, I compare the Argali Guide Air directly against the Sitka Ambient and Outdoor Vitals Hybrid Fleece to help you decide which one belongs in your backcountry kit based on warmth, breathability, and—most importantly—durability.
🎁 THE ULTIMATE GUIDED HUNT GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry (including the new camo Forged Base Boxers) earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. You pick the hunt: BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico. 👉
CHAPTERS:
0:00:00 Intro: Why I Hated Grid Fleeces (Until Now)
0:01:18 Price & The Importance of an Athletic Fit
0:03:32 Fabric Tech: Why the Loose Weave Works Better
0:04:43 DWR Coating & Weather Resistance
0:05:43 Giveaway Details: Win a Custom Guided Hunt
0:07:01 Sizing Advice (Size Up!) & Layering Examples
0:08:10 Fit & Finish: Hood Design, Cuffs, and Zippers
0:08:56 Argali Guide Air vs. Sitka Ambient & Outdoor Vitals
0:10:09 Final Verdict
Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
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Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit:
Hey man just to let you know I think you mixed up the pants. The vesper is the early season pant and the torex is the mid/late season piece. I’m doing a late September elk hunt and trying to pick between the two
I really like this top. It does run a bit snug/small
Looks quiet, any noise issues for archery?
I was on the fence about ordering this but thanks to your video I just placed my order!!!
Great review! Living in Alberta I have slowly started to move away from buying from hunting company’s, unless necessary ie back packs. I went to Argali to place an order and the $70 shipping fee scared me right off. Unless it’s an outer layer a lot of companies make decent base and mid layers that are easily available or returnable in Canada.