Known for its quality optics, Vortex also offers a number of clothing and other items to help diversify its product line. This includes the new Fusion Pursuit fall jacket that offers lightweight and breathable coverage for those on the range, trails, and just around town.
Combining the flexibility of a hoodie and lightweight function of an outdoor vest; the Fusion Pursuit jacket is made from a combination of 100% Durable Water Repellent (DWR) polyester and Primaloft Insulation fabrics that help provide breathability while retaining body warmth.
At the top, a high collar helps protect abrasion to the skin from slings or straps, while the fixed 3-piece hoodie is lined with anti-pilling fleece and has drawstrings for contoured comfort.
Both the front and rear torso sections are made with 100 grams of the Primaloft™ Insulation, woven in a mini-ripstop pattern that limits any potential tearing or other compromise to the jacket’s integrity.
Both the front main zipper and pockets utilize YKK zippers, with the pockets themselves similarly lined in anti-pilling fleece for comfort from the fall winds.
The sleeves consist of a three-part design that gives a smooth exterior for preventing snags, the elastic cuff to prevent wind penetration, and the anti-pilling fleece on the interior for comfort.
On the jacket’s interior, the Fusion Pursuit does have a zipper-secured chest pocket on the left side, as well as adjustable drawstrings at the bottom to help adjust the jacket’s closure around the waist.
The Fusion Pursuit Jacket is available in Foliage Green, and is available in sizes Medium through 3XLarge.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At a list price of $89.99, the Fusion Pursuit is priced as a light, base-to-mid layer jacket for moderately cool temperatures that still allows for the core torso to remain warm and dry. Made from a blend of different fabrics, the Fusion Pursuit offers a lightweight option to those early spring days or on setting fall. In contrast, similar market alternatives include the M-65 Field Jacket ($225) by Triple Aught Design, the Naga Hoody Gen 2 ($199) from Arc’teryx Leaf, the Special Ops Tactical Fleece ($78.99) by Rothco, and the Covert Vest ($84.99) by 5.11. These alternatives all bring their own elements in fabrics and design, but the Fusion Pursuit has an appropriate (or of average) price for the consumer given what it offers.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): From a comfort aspect the Fusion Pursuit had an appropriate fit for the average body type, with sufficient room in the shoulders and length of sleeve (with the elastic cuffs ending at around the wrist bone). The genuine YKK zippers moved easily and smoothly. The DWR material and design for the central torso also did keep the chest at a stable and comfortable temperature, but in light-moderate winds the air would penetrate through the material of the sleeves. This may not be so much an issue in the spring, but it was notable in the fall and early winter. Vortex may want to consider a different material for the sleeves, or increasing the weave pattern of the polyester to offer improved comfort from the cold.
- Durability – Average (3/5): The Fusion Pursuit was intended to be a light, base-to-mid layer jacket and thus was made from materials with more flexibility and breathability. This often lends itself to such designs not being as resistant to abrasion as more traditional jackets. However, the Fusion had double-line and bartack stitching present along the zipper line and in other areas of high use (such as pocket reinforcement) that lent itself to the overall strength of the jacket. Over the course of consistent wear for 30+ days, the jacket held up well through various range drills (including abrasion against the rifle sling and gear) and every day wear. Over time some of the DWR fabric started to push through some of the threading on the central torso area, but was simply plucked or removed by a lint brush. This will likely resolve itself with more wear and the jacket continues to settle in. These are potentially some aspects Vortex may want to consider addressing in later variants of its jackets.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally the Fusion Pursuit did good as a light, base-to-mid layer jacket provided there was no wind. In fall temperatures the jacket held good breathability to prevent overheating and sweating. But as the weather shifted from fall to winter it became immediately apparent that the sleeves were a limiting factor. Once winter had fully set in, the jacket needed to be paired with another layer to remain comfortable—so something for consumers to be aware of. Elsewhere the high-profile collar did a very good job in protecting the exposed skin around the neck from rifle sling movement during drills and transitions. The various drawstrings around the hood and waist did well to minimize exposed gaps around the body and helped to prevent wind from easily penetrating. All exterior YKK zippers had extended Vortex pull tabs attached to the shuttle that made tactile control easier, even when wearing gloves. The interior of the two front hand pockets had a nice soft, felt liner to them that helped keep the hands warm and protected from the elements.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 1.96 pounds (for a XL size), the Fusion Pursuit was extremely lightweight, owing that fact to its use of blended polyesters. This also made the jacket easy to compress and fit into a day pack or range bag when not needed. In contrast the M-65 Field Jacket (2.6 pounds) by Triple Aught Design, the Naga Hoody Gen 2 (13.9 ounces) from Arc’teryx Leaf, the Special Ops Tactical Fleece (1.5 pounds) by Rothco, and the Covert Vest (2.5 pounds) by 5.11 all illustrate that the Fusion Pursuit is of an appropriate (or of average) weight for its design and materials utilized.
Overall Rating – Average (16/25)
Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/fusion-pursuit-jacket-mens-green-f2020.html
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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