What camo are you using?

[JosefAbrams]

I'm going to be trading in my old MARPAT camo for something a little more suited to hunting animals. I'm really liking the stuff I'm seeing from Sitka, but is it worth the price?

What are you using?

[WapitiTalk1]

I'm the poster child for Russell Outdoors camo clothing, lol. I started buying their gear three years ago and then my checkbook went into overdrive when they were closing out about a year ago I think. I really like the RO gear and will stay with it until the need to replace anything arises. I've heard nothing but exceptional reviews from everybody I know who uses Sitka gear and I'm sure it'll serve you well if you decide to go with their gear.

[dotman]

IMO camo really doesn't matter. Wear earth tones, don't get caught moving and keep your stink out of their reach and you'll be deadly. Now my personal favorite camo is the Kryptek pattern, I wear this because I like it

[husky390]

IMO camo really doesn't matter. Wear earth tones, don't get caught moving and keep your stink out of their reach and you'll be deadly. Now my personal favorite camo is the Kryptek pattern, I wear this because I like it

I'm with dotman. Most of my stuff is Kryptek because I like their gear and it was priced right. Otherwise I buy what's on sale.

With that said, this past season I was standing next to a big aspen tree and a doe almost ran into me. She stopped and stared at me for a few seconds and then trotted off. I also had a spike bull stop within 20 yards of me when I was sitting in tall dead grass. He never saw me. On both of those occasions I was wearing a blaze orange sweatshirt and stocking cap. I felt kinda stupid spending big money on camo. IMHO, movement is what busts you.

[Ridge Ghost]

I would worry less about the camo pattern and more about the materials used.

Get some merino wool base layers and mid-layers that will dry quickly and not smell after you sweat in them, good technical 4-way stretch pants, puffy jacket and rain jacket, maybe a soft shell, and you'll all be set up. Brands to look at would be First Lite, Kuiu, Sitka, Kryptek and Core 4 Element.

[Indian Summer]

I would worry less about the camo pattern and more about the materials used.

Get some merino wool base layers and mid-layers that will dry quickly and not smell after you sweat in them, good technical 4-way stretch pants, puffy jacket and rain jacket, maybe a soft shell, and you'll all be set up. Brands to look at would be First Lite, Kuiu, Sitka, Kryptek and Core 4 Element.

Damn Ridge Ghost you summed this subject right up dude! I love my Sitka Gear. I do happen to like the pattern too but that has nothing to do with what makes it great. It's the massive stretch in the fabric. Merino bases... check. Puffy mid layer if necessary..... check.

[Elkduds]

My favorite camo pattern is Mountain Mimicry (for open country), which is now available in new tech clothing by Sylo and sold on forum sponsor Black Ovis/Camofire. Their clothing is a pretty close copy of Core4, which is a good tech brand. I thought prices of tech clothes were crazy, but I have found Sitka, Core4, Kryptek, Kuiu, Firstlite etc. in the classifieds here and other forums, and on clearance sites like Camofire & Sierra Trading Post. Russell APX is good if you can find it. Beware of softshell clothing that is termed Waterproof, most of it does not breathe well. Notable exception is Core4 Torrent rainwear. If you have access to Cabelas, Bass Pro, Sportsman's Warehouse you can try on these and other brands. But you can't appreciate how great a tech layer system is, in a store.

[Ilikefire]

My favorite camo pattern is Mountain Mimicry (for open country), which is now available in new tech clothing by Sylo and sold on forum sponsor Black Ovis/Camofire. Their clothing is a pretty close copy of Core4, which is a good tech brand. I thought prices of tech clothes were crazy, but I have found Sitka, Core4, Kryptek, Kuiu, Firstlite etc. in the classifieds here and other forums, and on clearance sites like Camofire & Sierra Trading Post. Russell APX is good if you can find it. Beware of softshell clothing that is termed Waterproof, most of it does not breathe well. Notable exception is Core4 Torrent rainwear. If you have access to Cabelas, Bass Pro, Sportsman's Warehouse you can try on these and other brands. But you can't appreciate how great a tech layer system is, in a store.

I'm another +1 for SYLO gear, it's very comfortable and kept me dry in some heavy rains this year plus it dried out in about 15 minutes. Good base layers make a huge difference though, I never imagined I'd spend so much money on hunting clothes but let me tell you it really pays off in the long run.

[BadgerStateBugler]

I have been wearing the Core4Element line up in Mothwing Mountain Mimicry while archery elk hunting the past 3 seasons in CO. I typically have worn my Switchback Pants and a 1/4 zip merino top, or the hooded version. I have also worn the Element pants on one occasion was surprised how well the leg zips allowed my lower unit to breathe, built in AC baby. I use the Torrent rain gear on my elk hunts and as my outer shell during all phases of the WI deer seasons. I cant say enough good things about the merino wool tops. After several days of hauling camp on your back you start to have smells that you didn't know existed on a human, this was magnified when I wore under armour base layers on my first trip. Year two I switched to merino boxers and top base layer, this drastically reduced my stick to the point where I could stand having my head inside the sleeping bag again. I typically take 2 merino boxers and 2 merino top base layers (1 extra of each). I switch everyday and let the spare air out all day on a line at camp. C4E gear in Mothwing Mountain Mimicry has also evolved into my go to camo pattern for treestand hunting mid to late season whitetails in Wisconsin. I have yet to spook a deer after getting stared down from below. It is honestly like the deer look right past/through you and then just go about their business. It is great!!!
If I am ground hunting whitetails (rattling/running and gunning with a bow) during the rut I wear predator brown deception and this pattern seems to trick their eye to the point that they don't know what's hit 'um until it too late! grin
I have also bought some Sitka gear and that product line has impressed me too. I own the timberline pants, jet stream jacket, and a heavy weight hoody and kelvin lite vest. I really like the kelvin lite vest for its core warming (but not over warming) while active. And its extreme pack-a-bility.
I have NOT paid full price for any of these brands/items. Although I do end up spending a lot of extra time price checking on the internet.
I also bought the KUIU merino beanie, neck gaiter and tiburon gloves/ballcap, I LOVE these and use them on every hunt, every species.

If I were to start purchasing new gear all over again, it would be a toss up between the C4E and KUIU TETON line for economy and function. IF MONEY wasn't a concern I would go with either Sitka or the higher end KUIU gear. It is very true you get what you pay for, the real question is how "good/great" of gear do you really need?? You can kill game in carhardtt bibs and coat if you play your cards right, or if you stack the deck and wear high end gear you may be more comfortable, less visible, while having less odor and may have more opportunities at more animals.

GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!!

[Dr. Rx]

I agree pattern may not matter much, but comfort does...
I love firstlite.I used the fusion pattern..it was awesome this past season for September elk hunt..


Kris

[bald9eagle]

Piggybacking...

Where and when do you usually find the best deals?

[bowpackerrob]

KUIU verde and vias. Merino base layers always. However I love the Sitka fanatic series for whitetails. I used the lite weight jacket and the fanatic hoody in the elevated 2 pattern this year elk hunting and was not disappointed. Camo has come such a long way since the days of original realtree, treebark and mossy oak. Many choices but I always go back to wool. The first lite chama hoody along with the new merino wool KUIU hoodys are also some of my favorite pieces. I think the KUIU Tiburon pants are hard to beat for the best early September elk pant, layer with a set of 210 wool beneath them will get you through late September usually in southern Colorado.

[bald9eagle]

I'm stuck between the Kuiu and First Lite stuff. I like the looks of the Kuiu Teton series stuff but I also like the FL Kanab 2.0 Merino pants.

[Swede]

Last September it was warm when I shot my elk. I was wearing a white tee shirt and blue jeans in my tree stand. I have some good warm well made camo, and a lot of whatever is on sale. I have no idea what the camo patterns are called.

[justinspicher]

I started with Kryptek and switched to First Lite. Mainly because I liked their products and the materials better. It also helped that I get 40% off as an active duty guy. I've been wearing Fusion for about a year and a half now, here in Kansas sitting in a tree and up in Montana chasing elk. I use their solid colors daily. Its a personal choice, and I don't really think you can go wrong with any of the big name brands that are out.

[MidwestHunter]

I buy whatever is on sale for camo pattern. I prefer functionality over aesthetics. I too have the first lite base layers. And I get cabelas brand wool pants and jacket. I have all patterns depending on what was the cheapest from zonz western to snow camo. Figure I can always throw a light camo layer on top of no snow on the ground.

[slick trick]

Kuiu Verde and Vias for everything now

[lamrith]

Building my camo closet currently. How do you folks all compare the fit of the different Mfg pants?

I grabbed a pair of the Cabelas Microtex pants and they just arrived. They just must have an odd cut to them, walking/lift leg like to go over a log and they are pulling on your leg and back of the pants, really restricts movement so they will be going back. So many brands are online only I am curious how they compare to each other and ending up with another uncomfortable pair that I cannot return like I can the Cabelas...

[justinspicher]

Huge fan of First Lite here. I've got a healthy amount of their goods.

[slick trick]

Building my camo closet currently. How do you folks all compare the fit of the different Mfg pants?

I grabbed a pair of the Cabelas Microtex pants and they just arrived. They just must have an odd cut to them, walking/lift leg like to go over a log and they are pulling on your leg and back of the pants, really restricts movement so they will be going back. So many brands are online only I am curious how they compare to each other and ending up with another uncomfortable pair that I cannot return like I can the Cabelas...

You want a pant that almost fits like a glove but it has to have flex for that step up and step down you are talking about. Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants are one my favorites, Kuiu attack pants, Sitka Ascent are all real good too. Now these are not the warmest but they are made for the traveling hunter, not stand hunting unless with a base layer on or not real cold weather. It takes awhile to gather everything you want unless you plan on a couple thousand real quick, check classifieds, ebay, craigslist, other forums you can pickup some good deals

[lamrith]

Building my camo closet currently. How do you folks all compare the fit of the different Mfg pants?

I grabbed a pair of the Cabelas Microtex pants and they just arrived. They just must have an odd cut to them, walking/lift leg like to go over a log and they are pulling on your leg and back of the pants, really restricts movement so they will be going back. So many brands are online only I am curious how they compare to each other and ending up with another uncomfortable pair that I cannot return like I can the Cabelas...

You want a pant that almost fits like a glove but it has to have flex for that step up and step down you are talking about. Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants are one my favorites, Kuiu attack pants, Sitka Ascent are all real good too. Now these are not the warmest but they are made for the traveling hunter, not stand hunting unless with a base layer on or not real cold weather. It takes awhile to gather everything you want unless you plan on a couple thousand real quick, check classifieds, ebay, craigslist, other forums you can pickup some good deals

Thanks, that helps. This will be for a warm weather hunt, so light and thin is preferable. Sept in ID...

I tried on a pair of C4E Switchbacks on the way home tonight. I liked them, light, good movement, good fit. I will see about some of those ones your recommended locally as well.