Sitka, is it worth it?

[Mikeha33]

I've been eyeing some new Sitka outer gear, but I don't know if I can make myself pay for it. I mean, even used, I could easily drop $250 on a jacket, and another 200 on a pair of pants. I'm sure it's good, and I've tried it on at Cabelas before, and it fit well. But is it worth actually having? What makes it so dang expensive? What is it going to give me that I can't get for half that price? I wore the Browning Hells Canyon Full Throttle gear for a week up there this fall, and it held up pretty well. If I were to "splurge" and go with Sitka, I'd like to hear from people who have put it through hell and back. Lemme know your thoughts on it.

[Still Hunter]

Not for me it isn't. I stick to using old wool clothing i've used for decades. It doesn't seem to wear out. Nice and quiet, and warm when it's wet.

[pointysticks]

depends on the type of hunting you are doing.

physically demanding and/or staying out in the backwoods for extended periods..yes.

truck camping or day trips..no

[Indian Summer]

Pointy hit the nail on the head.

I used to laugh at guys for spending that kind of money on clothes. I'll confess I even said asking for that much money was an insult to my intelligence. Then I bought some because of their outfitter program. Now I'm a firm believer. But like Pointy pointed out.... I have a use for it. I was a wool guy. Now... I find that since Sitka has a 4 way stretch my movement is soooo much less restricted. I feel like I lost 35 pounds when I walk. I swear to you I can hike further faster and at the end of the day I don't feel nearly as wore out. To me, at 48 years old... that is priceless. If you are really hunting long hard days mobile in the mountains yes... it's worth it. I'm sure "King Nut" will chime in too, I know Paul likes his a lot.

If you don't go far or are sitting in a stand.... don't waste your money. Buy wool.

Pay attention to Camofire for good deals on Sitka Gear. Their banner is right here at the top. Sign up for their daily email and just keep looking until it becomes available.

[Mikeha33]

I wouldn't be able to justify the expense for more than about 10 days a year, although, I could use it for whitetail hunting here at home if it is warm. When elk hunting, I'm on the move the whole time, and put quite a strain on whatever I am wearing. I already follow Camofire, and keep the app on my phone, and use it pretty regularly, so I'll keep my eyes open.

[Still Hunter]

Good to know I can't hunt hard in wool. Silly me.

[ctdad]

Still Hunter, I just read the entire thread and no one said stillhunter couldn't hunt hard in wool. Indian summer thinks he can hunt hard with less effort but he didn't claim wool kept him from hunting hard.

I do get your point but you come off as angry.

[Still Hunter]

You might want to look at pointysticks post too.

I'm hardly angry. I just find it strange that some think you can't hunt hard in wool.

[ctdad]

I like my sitka pants but don't own any wool. I made fun of my hunting partner the first year he "wasted" his money on sitka pants. Then I bought a pair and happily took my hypocrit razzing. They are worth the money to me.

I feel that they are very comfortable, durable and great for how I hunt. However, before I hunted with sitka pants I used cotton. Most, including myself, will tell you cotton is not great for mtn hunting. So my comparison may be too extreme to be of great value.

[Indian Summer]

I'm living proof you can hunt hard in wool. I'm living proof that I can hunt even harder in Sitka. Like I said: If I hunted the same speed for the same time in both... I'd feel better at the end of the day if I wore my Sitka. Stillhunter if you tried it you really would like it. Like you though brother... I still might request to be buried in my wool. Silly us!

[Still Hunter]

Ok, i'll try them. Send me yours.

[ElkNut1]

When temps drop wool is king for me. I only wear merino wool base layers during most of our Sept hunts & generally a mixture of core4 element top & bottoms or top or bottom of some older sitka that the company gave to me. To date I've never purchased any sitka but own a lot of the core4 gear! Wool gets the nod come late Sept & Oct on our hunts. Just look at any photos I have in those late hunts & you'll see me wearing wool. Not saying sitka isn't good but I refuse to pay the prices that are asked for it, I've survived all these years without purchasing it & I'm sure I'll continue to do so. (grin) Not saying ones need to be like me so do what you feel is best in your style of hunting! Use what works & good luck!

ElkNut1

[Indian Summer]

I guess I should add that Paul. I wear ONLY wool base layers. Sitka, & Core4 I got from Camofire. I'll add layers underneath the pants, like Under Armour heaviest which is their 4.0, and even sweat pants on top of that. But if it's truly cold out on goes the wool pants. I don't have any Sitka top outerwear for extreme cold so I just go straight to wool although I do keep using the Sitka I have for layering underneath.

I'm with you though.... if a guy can afford it go for it. But I couldn't afford to pay full price and wouldn't own it if I had to. Outfitter program is 50% off. I guess the original question of "Is it worth it" is definitely debatable. But it is in a class of it's own and I love the stuff I have. If a guy were to consider one piece to try I'd recommend the Timberline pants for mobility. I like the waterproof knees and seat too.

[pointysticks]

You might want to look at pointysticks post too.

I'm hardly angry. I just find it strange that some think you can't hunt hard in wool.

huh?

the question was: is sitka worth it?

i answered: yes, it is if you hunt hard. i think it is worth it. and Sitka has wool clothing as well.

i didnt answer: yes, it is the ONLY way if you hunt hard. if you are a lard ass that shoots from your truck..go with old wool clothing.

there is always more than one way to skin a cat. now for me (as in me personally), i think sitka is overpriced. they make the exact same things in solid colors at REI (50% cheaper from the get-go). i have a sitka jacket. i have the exact same jacket with an REI label that is orange. side by side, you would swear they were made at the same factory. i wear the orange one to practice at the range, cuz it feels just like my hunting jacket. for me, when i backpack in..the stuff is light, dries fast, stays relatively stink free, and i can move layers around to adjust..and guess what? all my inner layers are wool.

still hunter, i never mentioned wool. i'm not a writer by trade..getting the point across on the first crack is not my strongsuit..but i was not talking about your way of hunting..at all. i'm sorry if i crafted a sentence that offended you.

[pointysticks]

still hunter..

what kinda wool are you talking about? you have wool pants and jackets? or are you talking skin layers and stuff? just curious..i expect we are all talking the same thing..

[Still Hunter]

First off. I don't get offended. My skin is like a Rhino's.

I use wool for base layers, and top layers. The top layers are the old stuff that's many decades old. It's like an old friend, and I can't seem to replace it with modern stuff.

To get off topic a bit. The actual hunting in still hunting may seem easy. Getting to the areas I hunt, and getting the meat out is the demanding part. I don't camp anymore, so I need to hike in everyday. Also, I may move from area to area, and that could be more miles of hiking. This is all done at close to timberline. I'm never sitting on any kind of stand, or glassing. I'm always moving. Slow in the timber, but fast getting in and out of the areas. Just making the point that still hunting can be hard work. Being an old fart doesn't help either.


edit..I forgot to mention the 9 1/2lb muzzleloader too. It feels like 20lbs by the end of the day.

[ctdad]

Sitka is mostly polyester and spandex. Core4, kryptek, kuiu and a few others are making similar stuff. They are all over priced considering the materials imo. I buy most of what I have off camofire but 40 percent off is still high. And yet, I have sitka pants and a shirt, core4 rain suit and gloves and wool beanie and a kryptek hoodie. I like the materials. I wear wool as my base layers as well which is also expensive I find.

[jmez]

I've been wearing the Mountain pants and love them. This year I switched to the Kryptek Valahalla (sp) and really liked those. They are about $50 less than the Sitka pants and IMO wore and performed just as well.

I think all of these performance type clothing are good. I think Sitka was worth the price but these other companies seem to have caught up and are making like quality gear at cheaper prices.

[flystrait]

I was a wool then cotton guy when I started hunting. Which at the time was fine and worked very well for the style of hunting I was doing which was still hunting for blacktail deer and roosevelt elk in the coast range of Oregon. Over time my hunting style has changed drastically based on the different areas and species which requires me to cover more ground. Since then I have been using sitka bottoms with merino wool base layers when needed and have never looked back. I prefer different top layers then the sitka line for several different reasons. If I had to pick one pant it would be the mountain pant for me.

To sum it up I agree with Indian Summer

[MTLongdraw]

Like everyone else has stated the stuff is expensive. Yes you can get deals on it but they can be hard to find. For the first 13-14 years of elk hunting I wore wool, cotton, jeans, spandex, and lots of sweatshirts and coats. It was heavy but I seemed to stay warm. Never had a problem throwing a coat under a tree and coming back to it. I started finding though when it rained or you got sweaty it stunk and never dried out. That was usually enough to make me stop hunting for the day. I started watching Camofire and now have picked up pretty much a full set of core 4 gear including a few merino shirts from there. Probably have paid 50% of what I would have had I bought retail or Sitka. It just seems that with this new type of material I stay just as warm with half the weight. It's also more flexible and less restricting. As an active hunter who loves to glass too it seems to be the perfect combination. It doesn't make elk hunting easier but it does make it somewhat more comfortable. Not to mention you look cooler I believe in the stuff. I just got to the point I realized I was buying a $40 pair of pants every year because they were tearing, shrinking etc so why not put two years worth of money down and get stuff that will last. My recommendation is start with a shirt or a vest and see what you think. If you want more then upgrade to the coats and pants. Buy good deals too. It doesn't all need to be the same pattern.

[Harmy]

I hate the stuff. Hey wait, what is that outfit my avatar is wearing?

[tracker12]

I am all over merino wool as a base layer but my outer wear is Sitka. I have had my 90% pants and jacket for 6 years and it is as good as new. Love the stuff. Now if I am sitting i a tree stand in the dead of winter and it is below zero I get out my old Woolrich paid. But I ain't walking in that stuff any more.

[Indian Summer]

I am all over merino wool as a base layer but my outer wear is Sitka.

Yep. Like a dream. You'll be in heaven with that layering system in anything but the coldest temps. Heaven!

[cnelk]

I cant justify Sitka.
If I survived the rains we had in Colorado last fall, Im good with what I got

We really dont have that much rain here in Colorado during archery season other than the passing afternoon shower.
But really, if you hunt where the chance of extended rain or moisture is great, by all means get the good stuff.

[G Posik]

For bottoms I wear a solid color (Grey) pant. I use the KUHL Raptors. I will wear a Sitka or KUIU camo top. For base layers it is nothing but Marino wool. Sitka and KUIU are nice like stated above. Wool is still tough to beat and if you find a good outer layer (Thin) then you will be fine with that. Do not expect a price break on good quality wool products.

Glenn

[JGH]

I don't have anything (other than a pack) from Sitka, but do have other "performace" brands, and I like them. I didn't think I would ever use them, but they do substantially reduce weight. It's noticeable.

If I spend "good money" on pants or a jacket, I usually buy solid colors so that I can use them year-round. Camo is over-rated, IMO, but I could be wrong. Solid colors helps justify the cost.

I've got to say, though, that Cabelas Microtex is good stuff, and holds up well against any brand. I will likely get some Microtex Light uppers and bottoms this year.

Merino wool base layers are a given ... and Kuiu, First Lite, etc., all make good merino. It's worth it to pay for decent merino.

As for outer layers ... hey, I'm from Wyoming ... wind protection is far more important that rain protection!

[danarnold]

I hunted Wyoming in 2012 (30's in the am and 70- 80 afternoon) without Sitka Gear, I had some wool
clothing and other various brands. 2013 I bought Sitka kelvin lite
vest,jetstream light jacket and mountain pants and have merino wool base layers.
WOW! what a difference,huge factor to me is being able to pack it without much weight compared to anything I'd tried
wouldn't want to hunt without it

[pointysticks]

i backpack in on half of my hunts..pants was my achilles...i love my cotton predator green pants. but dang they were heavy. super tough. but they got so dirty at the end of the week. if i got wet, game over.

i just left the KUIU store. i now have performance pants. got the attack pant, thinking i could wear merino wool underneath if it gets too cold.
it both sucks and rocks..having KUIU down the street. spending money locally..yay..spending money..boo!

hahah.

[Indian Summer]

Danarnold.... that Jetstream jacket IS the bomb huh! Merino base under it and you're good to go. If it cools off I'll put the Kelvin vest under it and I'm bullet proof. Now were talkin' layering man!!!

Two years ago I said I'd never buy that "overpriced crap". Listen to me now. lol

If my Sitka Timberline pants ever bite the dust I'm buying another pair immediately. The waterproof butt and knees alone have me sold.

[Still Hunter]

I think all you guys should chip in, and buy me some Sitka clothes. Just to shut me up.

[danarnold]

I love my mountain pants that's for sure they have removable kneepads which are
pretty cool, I've taken them out and sat on them on the cold wet ground.
I got to say though first light Kanabb pants are better for me when it is a
little bit warmer I love the suspenders and they are Merino wool.
I'm a dealer for Sitka Gear, First Lite & Woolpower ,hard to beat these brands

[Harmy]

I think all you guys should chip in, and buy me some Sitka clothes. Just to shut me up.

What size are you? I thought I read somewhere you were a size 71. Wait, maybe that was age

[Still Hunter]

No, it's my size.

[Olydog09]

For bottoms I wear a solid color (Grey) pant. I use the KUHL Raptors. I will wear a Sitka or KUIU camo top. For base layers it is nothing but Marino wool. Sitka and KUIU are nice like stated above. Wool is still tough to beat and if you find a good outer layer (Thin) then you will be fine with that. Do not expect a price break on good quality wool products.

Glenn

That is funny I am wearing Kuhl Raptors right now and considered using them for hunting. The Revolvers would be good too.

[Olydog09]

I think some stuff is worth it. Their Traverse shirt retails at around $120.00 which sounds ridiculous for a secondary base layer. But I have had mine for 3 or 4 years and worn it around town, hunting, at night like a pajama top. It has been washed many many times and dried in a dryer as well. It hasn't shrunk, all the stitching is intact. The camo isn't faded it is in excellent condition still. That is a piece worth paying for in my eyes. .

[Still Hunter]

I think some stuff is worth it. Their Traverse shirt retails at around $120.00 which sounds ridiculous for a secondary base layer. But I have had mine for 3 or 4 years and worn it around town, hunting, at night like a pajama top. It has been washed many many times and dried in a dryer as well. It hasn't shrunk, all the stitching is intact. The camo isn't faded it is in excellent condition still. That is a piece worth paying for in my eyes. .

Well, maybe, but it's hard to beat a wool red and black plaid shirt for a secondary layer. You can wear it around town, and the girls will love it. They'll ask you if you're a lumberjack. Make sure you say yes.

[Elkonthebrain]

I have the ascent and 90 percent pants and love how they fit. Was a little skeptical at first because I thought the material would be loud when walking in the woods but I could not be happier. While elk hunting this year I was wearing the ascent pants during one of the many rain storms and ended up pretty soaked, but they dried fast. I did just buy there wind shirt and would not recommend it seems to be really loud while walking.

[Madison COunty]

I hunt in buckskin clothes and moccasins.

[Still Hunter]

I hunt in buckskin clothes and moccasins.

I did that once, but it looked stupid with a blaze orange vest and hat.

[G Posik]

For bottoms I wear a solid color (Grey) pant. I use the KUHL Raptors. I will wear a Sitka or KUIU camo top. For base layers it is nothing but Marino wool. Sitka and KUIU are nice like stated above. Wool is still tough to beat and if you find a good outer layer (Thin) then you will be fine with that. Do not expect a price break on good quality wool products.

Glenn

That is funny I am wearing Kuhl Raptors right now and considered using them for hunting. The Revolvers would be good too.

The Raptors are great. They have plenty of flex, dry fast and do not smell(that bad) after about 8-10 days. They are plenty thought. I have two pair in the charcoal grey. I did add a set of loops for suspenders. After a week they get loose in the waist. On day 14 they will not stay up around your waist with out suspenders.

Glenn

[Madison COunty]

I hunt in buckskin clothes and moccasins.

I did that once, but it looked stupid with a blaze orange vest and hat.

Yes I guess your right old man I may have to upgrade my hunting clothes now.

[Indian Summer]

I hunt in buckskin clothes and moccasins.

I did that once, but it looked stupid with a blaze orange vest and hat.

Pete you're cracking me up this week. is it my imagination or are you starting to feel at home around here? Telling chicks you're a lumberjack... that's hilarious. You haven't been still hunting near the ladies room again have you? If so don't try that grunt communicating that works with your dog!

[Still Hunter]

I usually wait until you get to know me before I start acting like myself.

Just being me now.

[Indian Summer]

I usually wait until you get to know me before I start acting like myself.

Just being me now.

I like it!

[Csrbowhunter]

I hope it is worth it because I just bought the dew point jacket and pants plus the mountain pants and 90% jacket. I got the dew point because I always found myself half way threw my hunts leaving my cabelas rain gear back at camp because it was heavy and took up to much of my pack! The rain gear sounds alittle loud but it should work great for backpacking around elk country. It is really pricey but that was the same thing I thought about my firstlite wool and now I wouldn't go hunting without it!!!

[under H2O hunter]

Yes it's worth it. There are deals out there to get it less expensive you just have to be patient. I been able to pick pieces up every few weeks for both my son and myself.. I would highly recommend the pants. I wish they made the Fanatic vest in the big game rather then just the white tail. The cross zip feature is nice. One thing you should know about their pant sizes. If you wear a 36 waist you'll want to buy 38. For my son I went with 36 waist which he normally wears a 32. They seem to cinch up just fine and I am sure we'll be able to get a few years out of them.