Early season Sitka Gear

[CurlyTail]

Ok - I have mentally committed to switching over to Archery this upcoming season from Muzzleloader.

I like the Sitka Gear Optifade camo, and I want to outfit myself with complete early season archery clothing.

I am talking highs in 70's, lows in 30's and 40's.

What Sitka gear would you recommend ? I am thinking pants, shirts, gloves, hats, etc. Thanks!!!

[WapitiTalk1]

I'm shopping around for some new Sitka duds myself Jim. Looking at probably the mountain or timberline pants (Indian Summer has told me the timberline's are exceptional). they may be considered a bit heavy duty for early season but I'm sure they'll last a lifetime. Will probably do a couple of base T's, mid long sleeve zip, and perhaps a light jacket. There are a handful of Sitka sales on-going right now. Also, don't suppose you work for local, state, or federal government? If so, joining Leo Adventures can get you up to 40% off of many gear brands, including Sitka!

[CurlyTail]

I already have the Ascent Pants, a lightweight long sleeved T, and a lightweight hooded T (clearance sale), and the merino beanie.

I am thinking I need Gaiters, short sleeved T, 1/4 zip fleece (not sure what Sitka calls that), gloves, and maybe a lightweigh Balaclava or neck gaiter, and a cap. Not sure I am ready to splurge for any jackets or rain gear.

I have barely used rain gear the last 4 seasons.

[CurlyTail]

I could perhaps be talked into trying a pair of Timberline pants, as a second pair is reasonable.

[Tigger]

I have used gaiters for years (Cabelas brand) and this may be the first time in history that this next sentence has been uttered, but.......I like the Cabelas gaiters way better than the Sitka ones. They go on easier and they stay where you want them. Sitkas were not good for either of those, plus the strap ripped out the first time I used it. Having said that, I love the rest of my Sitka.

I have the Early Season Whitetail pants and it was like wearing your favorite pajamas while hunting. I have the 90% Jacket and the Jetstream vest and they both were great as well. loved them. I have a Kelvin Jacket and based on my experience, I want a Kelvin vest for elk hunting (the jacket is overkill in my opinion for Sept hunting). I like the beanies, but I didn't like the facemask as the face hole is too small (and I don't have a big noggin!). Just picked up the Mountain pants and they look to be great and have performed wonderfully sitting in my closet!

Do you need my address so you can send me my 2 cents?

[Indian Summer]

For gaiters I like Outdoor Research M-Crocodiles. They aren't fleece though so some people think they are too noisy. But they are pretty heavy duty. One key feature is the replaceable coated strap that goes under your boot. It is non-stick so you don't get snow buildup in front of your heel. I hate the fleece gaiters because they soak up a ton of water.

Timberlines are NOT too heavy for early season. Remember Sitka like other high tech clothing is based on layering. If you want to be warmer you add a base layer. If you are hunting in cold weather you buy the insulated mid layers with Primaloft. Never tried Sitka gaiters.

The material used for the Ascent line is extremely light. I have an Ascent jacket. Anyone want to buy it? It is like new barely used. In the process of putting my layering system together it just became obsolete for me. It is a really nice jacket for archery season but I wouldn't want pants made from material that light. My Timberlines have been bulletproof. I am amazed at how well they are holding up. I have beat the hell out of them and there is still not one tear... or even a snag! The only difference between them and the Mountain Pants is that the TLs have waterproof knees and seat. They also have removable knee pads which I really like. They also come with suspenders and a built in belt. Lots of pockets in all the right places.

Even during archery there will be wind and chilly mornings and evenings. For those days, especially when you are sitting down, nothing beats the Jetstream jacket. Nothing! It's also great in gun season and it has long pit zips & chest vents for when you are hiking. If you throw a Kelvin vest or jacket underneath you are set for some pretty low temps. I use the vest. It fits in a gallon zip-lok.

If I wear merino base tops and bottoms, a pair of polyester sweat pants under the Timberlines and any polyester shirt, the Kelvin vest, a fleece neck gaiter gloves and a Stormy Kromer hat I can hunt in anything other than the super serious cold when the wool parka comes out. I am in the process of replacing that with one of Sitka's super cold insulated jackets. They have a waterproof down/synthetic bland that sounds pretty nice.

I know people who have Sitka Downpour raingear and it is really really nice stuff. When Phantom gives me a raise I'd love to buy a set. But he reminds me of Mr Smithers from the Simpsons so it might be awhile. I hate wearing rain gear though. I only put it on when absolutely necessary and then I won't cover as much ground as on dry days. When I put it on I don't go for breathable. Just dry. I use Helly Hansen Impertech. It's stretchy and comfortable and 1000% waterproof. And I can buy about 8 sets for the price of the $itka $tuff.

Of course you always need 2 hats. A ball cap and something warm. I like the look of the Sitka Jetstream hat though I haven't tried it. The Hudson is even warmer. Still using the Stormy Kromer for the serious cold.

Is Sitka worth the money? I think so as long as you are really going to use it. It's nice for treestand hunting because of the nice range of motion but it's geared toward mobile hunters and is a dream compared to lots of other stuff.

[Elkduds]

I use Ascent and 90%, along w Sylo Natural softshell pants. The ascent is so light and comfortable, still durable. Perfect for Sept. After that I prefer the Sylos to the 90s. My gaiters are old goretex skiing items, a little loud, bulletproof.

[Heartwood]

Ascent pants for September along with merino base layer on colder mornings. Merino zip-t shirt, Kelvin vest and Jetstream jacket.

[CurlyTail]

Thanks for all the help.

I am feeling a Kelvin vest for sure, and maybe a jetsteam jacket.

I will wear gaiters this season, just not sure what brand. I am disappointed to hear the less than enthusiastic review on those Stormfront gaiters, as those look really cool.

Kind of a bewildering selection of glove for Sika - any guidance there?

[Lefty]

After Indian Summers suggestion Im getting a pair of Timberline pants nad a hoodie with the face mask.
My daughter works at Sportsmans warehouse, there is another brand of beanie hat that most purchase instead of Sitka

[Dr. Rx]

I would seriously consider First lite gear.It is truly designed for archery. Merino wool was awesome..it was awesome this past season for what you are describing.. I do have both systems.. Sitka as well as First lite..I did use my jet stream jacket for some cold mornings, but did not need the timberline pants..Now if I were going in October.. hands down Sitka with either the Sitka Core or Firstlite Merino base layers..

Kris

[Lefty]

,,,,, but did not need the timberline pants..Now if I were going in October..Kris

Doc if you dont mind my asking what state do you elk hunt?

[Dr. Rx]

,,,,, but did not need the timberline pants..Now if I were going in October..Kris

Doc if you dont mind my asking what state do you elk hunt?

I was lucky last year to archery hunt Wyoming.

Going to Idaho this year!


Kris

[CurlyTail]

This season, I am accumulating a full set of Sitka gear

Next season, I will probably do the same with either First Lite or Kuiu. My brother likes his first lite stuff