This year Cabelas added the newly redesigned MT050 Pro series to their lineup.  They improved several details making this jacket worth considering for those extreme hunts.

In short they added better ventilation (pit zips), better  zippers, and a single layer design, which were the three biggest downfalls of the previous version.  I received one last week in time to take it on a pack trip in Wyoming and was very impressed. 

My quest for the perfect hunting shell begins with a list of the features I feel are required for hunting in extreme conditions.  Here's my list in order of importance:

• Goretex or similiar 100% waterproof material
• Breathability and venting capabilities (pit zips)
• Fit, must allow movement and complete closure and protection from the elements. 
• Noise must be at a minimum

Here's the comparisons I made:

The Cabelas MT050 Pro is made with the Goretex Performance Shell and feels like a huge upgrade from the Cabelas Quiet Pack version.  It's made with a very strong single layer material (actually three layers bonded into one).  It feels similiar to the Sitka Stormfront in quality and construction. 

• Pros: Met all my above requirements and the retail price was about $300 which is significantly less than the Sitka.
• Cons: They were out of stock in my size/color combo.  I'm 6 foot and 160 lbs and usually wear a large.  I ordered a medium and still feel that the jacket is a bit too roomy.

The Sitka StormFront is made from the Goretex Performance Shell and is definitely one of the best hunting jackets I've seen.

• Pros:  Excellent quality and construciton.  Met all the above requirements.
• Cons: Retails at $499.

The Sitka Stormfront LIte is made from the Goretex Paclite fabric which is also waterproof but slightly thinner and ligher than the Performance Shell fabric.

• Pros: Lighter and easier to pack,
• Cons: Doesn't have pit zips like the more expensive version. 

The Under Armour Stealth really felt like a good jacket, with excellent fit.  The technology claimed to be 100% waterproof and breathable but, after wearing it around for a few minutes I was sweating noticeably more than with the Goretex competitors.  I know that isn't a real test but it was enough to make me  decide against purchasing this jacket.

• Pros: Excellent fit, has pit zips, and lowest price.
• Cons: Doesn't seem to breathe at all.  To be fair I would like to take this on a real hunt and see how it performs.

The Cabelas QuietPack MT050 (not the pro) is made from the Goretex Performance fabric and it feels like a heavier jacket due to the separate internal layers. 

• Pros: It does pack into it's own pocket.
• Cons: No pit zips and It's a little heavy for a light shell.  I also didn't like the top entry pockets or the front zipper folds.

There were a few other jackets that I didn't get to fully test, they were difficult to find.  The Russel Outdoors APGX2 layer 5 shell looked promising, but I questioned whether it would breathe well.  The Kuiu Chugach jacket looks nice, and I plan to do a full review of this line in the near future. 

One thing I should mention is that Goretex isn't the best for everyone.  I prefer it as an all around protection from the wind and rain.  It performs well for me in almost all situations and temperatures if I choose the proper layers under it.  There are better materials if your strickly hunting in dry or wet weather,  there are situations where a good impermeable rain coat like the Helly Hansen Impertech is the way to go.

Overall it's been great to see the hunting industry catch up to the mountaineering industry in quality and technology in their outer shells.  It's only been in the last few years that this has happenned, in the past it's been difficult not to justify wearing your North Face or Marmott jacket to hunting camp.  As strange as it sounds those jackets really put the older model hunting jackets to shame.  Now there are several manufacturers building hunting jackets with the technology and quality that we require when hunting in those extreme conditions.