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Sitka jackets and clothing.....

#3
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

that I want to try some
smile.gif


could be the ticket to longer, warmer, more comfortable hunts !
 
#4
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

I've used it a lot. It's good stuff. I wouldn't put it up there with Arc'teryx in quality, but it is probably as good as the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, etc. . .

It is spendy, but unfortunately about the only show in town for high quality hunting clothing in camo patterns.

If you can get closeout stuff at 20% off, I would say try some out. Full retail is a bit of a stretch IMO.
 
#6
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

I have a few friends that use it they say it's great. I am going to buy some before next season. There is no one around me that carries Sitka gear.
 
#8
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

Rumor I heard that the founder sold Sitka and is starting a more reasonable priced line as Sitka is out of control expensive. Not sure how true or what new company name is.
 
#9
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

It's alright, I have mixed feelings about it, I bought a few pieces over the last couple years for various hunts, at the quality level it's WAY overpriced. I do like their digital camo pattern it really does work in a lot of different terrain. There's NO way it is on par with say Arcteryx for durability and quality, not even close. I have Arcteryx gear that has taken years of climbing, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, field work abuse and still gets the job done. I haven't seen anything from Sitka that would take more than 6 months of what I typically put outerwear through.

I had a set of Celsius bibs/jacket and they were quiet and pretty warm, but in a week of elk hunting both were tore up pretty bad. I know durability/flexibility/quietness is all a trade off in fabric but there's no way I'd purchase them again. If I was hunting in cold temps (below say 15F) and I knew I'd be going through a lot of brush etc. IMO Sitka makes nothing that is suitable for that.

Some of their other gear works great in say above freezing conditions and it seems more durable, but even with their layering system it's not going to work in very cold climates. If anything I'd say they need some more heavier insulated options, a durable parka type jacket, and some bibs that are well insulated and made from durable quiet material. Layering works great but after so many layers they become more bulky than a couple good insulated layers.

Sadly in terms of technical outerwear for hunting it's probably really the only game in town that has a high level of features, pit zips, etc. It's also as a system much lighter than most other hunting clothing options out there. You can put together a insulating layer and outerwear later of sikta stuff pants and jacket that still is lighter than just some hunting jackets from other sources.

Their goretex rain gear is SUPER noisy, unusable for hunting IMO.

Sadly like most clothing at any price these days it's made in China.
 
#10
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

Sitka Gear is good stuff. Those that posted that it is maybe not that tough are correct, briars play hell on it, I can tell you from experience. It is very warm though, and I have worn it for extended periods at temps WAY lower than 15 F, probably at or below zero, but definitely low single digits, and no issues with staying warm.

My favorite is RAVENWEAR

Good stuff, and VERY warm system. I have set in 10 below temps for 6+ hours, and been fine. This in a pretty fair breeze, 10-12mph or so, it cut the wind, and kept me warmer than my Sitka stuff.

Very fair in price, but damn sure not cheap.
 
#11
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

For what it costs (even on "sale") it outta gut, process, and cook my critters for me while I drink beer!

Ever notice all the "pros" on TV wearing/pluggin Sitka....dont they always look cold? All hunched up hands in pockets???

I got a buddy that bought into the Sitka kool-aid, and he freezes his ass off in that stuff! Not to mention, as a bowhunter, the older stuff is FAR to noisy (the newer stuff isnt bad for noise though, at least what I can tell in the store). The rain gear sounded like someone wearing a hefty bag.
 
#12
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

I am currently wearing a Sitka gear top. I like a few of their items incluing the Sitka Gear Traverse Zip T top. I wore that and a shell chukar hunting late this season and it did well in 20 to 30 degree weather...but remember I was climbing and dropping into canyons all day long. I had an extra layer available in my bird vest in case I got stopped.
Here is the place I dropped in and ended up spending all my hard earned cash
smile.gif


http://www.high-mountain-outfitters.com/main.sc

Pat
 
#13
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

I have their gear and actually work on the PPort of Seattle. I waer there insulation gear daily as my long underweear. They have keep me warm where everyone else was running for the indoors. Only thing I regret is I got the zip-t's and I hate the zipper. I don't know if they have a crew neck out or not, but I would go with that option!
 
#15
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

check out this place


www.leoadventures.com

if you know someone who is a teacher, military or LEO or i believe works in any govt capacity then you can get a 40% off sitka gear

i would also look at www.kuiu.com

it is a new line from one of the orignal founders, to me the materials and what went into this new line was top notch, he is selling direct via his website and the prices for what you are getting to me are great, he is using the best materials and 100% transparent via his blog

the solid colors look great for everyday wear too

i have some and had a bunch more, it is ok, desinged for on the move hunting, i would not say it is the best for sitting or stationary hunting, it is nice stuff but i would not pay full price for it, usually over on archerytalk.com there is a bunch of it used.
 
#16
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

Only two types of hunters wear Sitka in Alaska: those up from the south 49 who are paying a guide and know no better or a guide who gets paid to play with it on who recommends Sitka to their charges.

While it is fairly good kit, for less nuggets you can get better quality performing clothing. Their digi camo is cool but really, why!
 
#17
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only two types of hunters wear Sitka in Alaska: those up from the south 49 who are paying a guide and know no better or a guide who gets paid to play with it on who recommends Sitka to their charges.

While it is fairly good kit, for less nuggets you can get better quality performing clothing. Their digi camo is cool but really, why! </div></div>

what would you recommend and why ?

thanks
 
#18
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

Yeah, I would stay away from it. Way too overpriced for what it is. And like somebody had mentioned, I had, at one time, bought the Nimbus rain gear, and it did sound like a damn garbage bag. I do think their newer stuff is a little more quiet, but not by much, It's still mostly a Goretex shell though. Kept me dry though, which is what it was intended for I guess. Not made for bow hunting that's for sure. And none of their clotes are made for stand or still hunting. They are not warm at all.
 
#21
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fisky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quoted the wrong guy.....

Sendero, what kind of hunting and season are you looking to buy clothes for? </div></div>

Coyote hunting, late season elk.

sitting for half hour or so in up to -30 weather on coyote stands...

you know WARM stuff
wink.gif
 
#22
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

Sendero Man,

I went a different direction after watching the crazy Aussies hunt in our area for several years. Start out damn near naked first thing in the morning when climbing to the top of the hill (1000' to 1200' verticle in less than a mile) so you are chilled but "excersize" is keeping you warm. Wear a shirt that passes sweat easily and drys quickly (Patagonia Cap 3 works for me). Then pack a WARM coat and a thin shell. If you are too cool don the shell. When you stop put on the warm coat before you chill. I followed others advice on here and got a Integral Designs Dolomitte coat out of their Tactical line and was pleased with the results last Fall. Leave the hood on as when you stop flipping the hood up makes a difference over a cap or hat (although it does cut down some on your ability to hear but if just glassing the ridge lines it worked well). The coat packs down well and is nice and light. Throwing a Dead Bird Alpha Lite over the top keeps the wind and rain off and is alot of warm in a small light package.

I plan on giving my Sitka Gear Traverse zip T a go this next Fall to see how it performs in comparison to the Patagonia.

Pat
 
#23
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sendero_Man</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fisky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quoted the wrong guy.....

Sendero, what kind of hunting and season are you looking to buy clothes for? </div></div>

Coyote hunting, late season elk.

sitting for half hour or so in up to -30 weather on coyote stands...

you know WARM stuff
wink.gif
</div></div>

If its WARM you want, and for sitting, id DEFINITELY stay away from Sitka.

When it gets cold (and it gets COLD here) and im sitting on a bow stand, WOOL is the only thing that keeps me on stand when others are home watching football. Ive sat for several hours at -30 and yes, I eventually did get chilled, but id have never made it that long with a man made fiber on my back.

Merino wool base layers and a wool outer shell are great things when its downright cold.

That and bunny boots.
 
#25
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

Yup, once again I'm going to have to agree with kill goose. Wool is the way to go. Although, if you're humping in aways on show shoes, or up a mountain, wool could get a little warm at times. Something to be aware of.

I would suggest you look at Cabelas Wooltimate pants. They are fantastic for late season. I use them bow hunting both from the ground and from a tree. I also use them when it's EXTREMELY cold for coyote hunting; they go underneath my Cabelas white Canadian waterprrof pants. I'm pretty active when coyote hunting (except for the 20-30 mins calling), so I tend to get by with less clothes for that, even when it's damn cold out. But I'm a bigger guy too...

If pants aren't warm enough for you, you could also check out Cabelas Stand Hunter Extreme bibs. For Dec bowhunting, I wear them about half the time, and wear the Wooltimate pants the other. You will NOT want to be very active in them bibs. Well, I don't. You may get by with it though.

I do have the Wooltimate jacket as well. I like it, but it's not as heavy as the pants, which may or may not be a plus to you, and it doesn't have a hood. But I will say, for as thin as it is, it's warm. It's a little more versatile IMO. I can wear it late Fall waterfowl hunting, or ice fishing in the Winter. It's not like them bibs, where it's got to be well below zero to break them out.

Defenitely stay away from Sitka for your intended purposes!!!!

I of course use a base layer as well. If my activites are going to be less active that day, I'll go with merino wool. If I'm snowshoeing all day after coyotes, I'll wear Under Armour or some Capilene stuff. It just wicks so much better, stays dry longer, and drys faster once wet.

Whatever you wear, make sure to have a "windbreaker" layer in there somewhere. With Cabelas clothes, most of that comes with a Windshear lining. Depending on the clothes, it could be a very quiet lining, or very loud; too loud to bow hunt in. Luckily, that Wool stuff I mentioned above has the quiet lining.


For some reason Cabelas doesn't have any panst on their site. I konw they had a hell of a sale on them recently, and my guess is they are sold out.
Wooltimate

Standhunter
 
#26
#27
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

King of the mountain is some of the best wool gear out there, but it's very expensive and it has special needs in wet weather (as all wool does). It makes Sitka gear prices look really cheap.

A couple of my ND stand/blind hunting buddies swear by the Heater Body Suit, but it's not something you'd want to hike around in, or pack a long ways it's warm.
 
#28
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ToddM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">King of the mountain is some of the best wool gear out there, but it's very expensive and it has special needs in wet weather (as all wool does). It makes Sitka gear prices look really cheap. </div></div>

That's the nice thing about Cabelas Wooltimate stuff. It's a blend of wool and fleece, therfore doesn't require the care of 100% wool. You can actually wash this stuff in the machine.
 
#29
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

You can wash the king of the mountain stuff (cold/delicate), by "special needs" I simply meant that when hunting with wool it's typically best to have rain gear so that you can keep the wool from getting soaking wet. While wool does keep it's insulating abilities while wet, and the higher quality stuff is pretty water repellent, most of it gets very heavy as it can absorb a ton of water in very wet conditions, and once wet if it's used/stretched hard it tends to be hard on the garmet. Though typically if it's cold enough to need the super warm wool stuff getting soaking wet from rain/wet snow probably isn't an issue either.

I've seen the wooltimate stuff but never used it, it seems like a good combination of materials.
 
#31
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ToddM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">King of the mountain is some of the best wool gear out there, but it's very expensive and it has special needs in wet weather (as all wool does). It makes Sitka gear prices look really cheap.

A couple of my ND stand/blind hunting buddies swear by the Heater Body Suit, but it's not something you'd want to hike around in, or pack a long ways it's warm. </div></div>

Those body suits are warm (basically a sleeping bag with legs). But like you said, I wouldnt want to haul one very far. And I dont think id be comfortable wearing one in a treestand for safety sake. But for blind hunting they are nice!
 
#32
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

I like Sitka for what it seems to be intended for. Lightweight active hunting. If you are backcountry hunting out of a pack and don't want to carry 20 lbs. of hunting clothes or if you are doing alot of stalking or other active hunting, it works great. If you are stand hunting in cold weather, I would use something else. The notion that wool or something else is "better" depends on your activity level and temp.

I have yet to find any hunting clothing that is perfect for every condition.
 
#33
Re: Sitka jackets and clothing.....

Sendero Man,

I purchased the Sitka Incinerator Bibs and Stratus Jacket last fall and really think the stuff is great! The incinerator bibs are the warmest bibs I have ever owned and the Stratus Jacket is very warm for its weight. I have used both for duck and goose hunting in ND as well as bowhunting in Northern WI and when layered properly, have never been cold using these as my outer layer. I must say the sizes do run small, order one size larger than normal but the fit and finish is A+. I did purchase both of these pieces new off of ebay last summer and saved a good amount of money. As much as I like these two sitka pcs., I think you could probably find substitute products just as warm for far less. I would purchase Sitka again but not at full retail price. Besides ebay, there are other stores online that have some of last years gear on closeout and there are some good deals.

Hope this helps...
 
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