Wool vs Sitka Gear

[Grizzley]

Wool verses the new Sitka Gear? Is this a "you need both" situation? What are your experiences wiht the new Sitka gear? Considering I'm from ND and hunt in cold weather I would appreciate input before I part with the funds for this expensive gear!

Thanks

 

[1_pointer]

Though I don't have any 'Sitka Gear' clothing, I do use some stuff that is similar. For me, I'd only be using wool outerwear in very cold, or relatively stationary hunts. IMO, it's too heavy if one's lugging up the side of a mountain. I'd sorta like to hear what the users of SG think and I'm pretty interested in their rainwear.

 

[Big Fin]

I have used Sitka Gear from its inception. It is good stuff. Better than any other synthetic fabric I have used.

I was a dyed in the wool - wool guy. Like pointer said, just too damn heavy to carry up and down the hills. So, I looked for some layering gear that would last as long as my wool had lasted. I settled on Sitka. It was a good choice.

Like all products, you need to layer it properly. I used it on Midwest whitetail hunts in December, and I would have been really cold no matter what I was wearing. I was very impressed with how well the layers of Sitka worked to keep me warm between hiking and standing in very cold temps and strong winds.

It was designed with mountain hunting in mind, which means many different conditions, different activity levels, and thus layering.

The stuff I have had for three years is still in very good shape, and that is after 70 days of use last year, and many days the years before.

I do not have their rain gear. I spend so little time hunting in the rain, that I have not found a use for the rain gear.

They are coming out with an additional pattern this year, called Optifade. I have not yet tried it, but guys who sampled it last fall have good things to say about it. They are the only clothing company to whom the Optifade pattern has been licensed. The pattern was designed by W.L. Gore and Company.

It is really good stuff, if you have a need for it. I don't think you need both, but that is my personal opinion.

Find a place to try it on and get the feel of it before buying. Some guys claim the sizes are mis-sized, so being able to try it on might be helpful.

View attachment 7461

 

[1_pointer]

do not have their rain gear. I spend so little time hunting in the rain, that I have not found a use for the rain gear.

Will the 90% stuff keep you relatively dry in snow or a short mtn afternoon squall?

 

[Big Fin]

Will the 90% stuff keep you relatively dry in snow or a short mtn afternoon squall?

Yeah it will.

It rained like crazy for about half hour while on the NM antelope hunt, and it worked really good. Not sure how it would have done if it would have rained that hard all day, but it works for about 90% of the moisture conditions you will find. Used it on drizzly days and stayed dry.

It is my "rain gear." If I lived in SE Alaska or the Pacific Coast states, I would probably have dedicated rain gear.

Use it for all my winter hunting in MT, CO, WY, and elsewhere. Have hunted in some pretty wet snow and had no problems with it soaking through.

 

[TheTone]

I've pretty much ditched my wool as well the past couple years, due mainly to the weight. It still has a use, but it can be heavy espcially if it gets wet.

I've got a few different Sitka pieces over the past couple years and am generally pretty happy with it. The stitching in a couple of pieces I have stinks, I had a ton of pulled threads in my 90% jacket after a short open country hike the other day. I just took a lighter to the threads and its basically good as new. My biggest complaint with Sitka is the prices and country of origin. The prices climb on it every year; the prices I saw for some of the new 2009 stuff are plain rediculous. I think I counted 3 different jackets in the $500 range. Everything I have also has a made in China label

 

[cornfed]

Dang it Big Fin your getting me excited about hunting already posing by that public hunting sign.Quess I'll have to go hiking behind one of those signs in about a month and find some mushrooms.

 

[1_pointer]

Thanks for the info Fin and Tone! If'n I can get my pennies saved I may try one a 90% jacket.

 

[Grizzley]

Information

Thanks for making the posts guys...I did a little more checking with a local that has a deal with Sitka...he directed me to www.optifade.com. the site doesn't give you much in the way looking at the new pattern...but does a nice job marketing it so that you want to see it when it does come out. Given they are working with some military specialists...I would bet it is going to be the digital pattern with more green and black. The local told me the new gear won't be out until June of this year. The price is a little spendy but with all of you using it...I will have to try some on!

 

[1_pointer]

 

[Oak]

I can tell you one thing...that stuff isn't made to fit a guy my shape.

Guess I need to change my shape, and find a seamstress to shorten the sleeves.

 

[TheTone]

Heres a link to their 2009 dealer book.

http://www.sitkainsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/2009-sitka-dealer-workbook.pdf

 

[Oak]

Wow...expensive.

 

[ERSS]

Anyone find any good deals on the stuff? Jackets in particular? Here is some I found from a local archery guys store..but no jackets. Gotta be places clearing out stuff that is a year or two old

http://www.mountain-archery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=461

 

[noharleyyet]

Wow...expensive.

Kinda what I was thinkin'.

 

[Oak]

Maybe I'll just tape four ponchos together and go for it.

 

[noharleyyet]

Maybe I'll just tape four ponchos together and go for it.

..also kinda what I was thinkin'.

 

[Randy11]

camofire.com's been running sitka deals the last couple weekends. the 90% jackets have been on for around 90 bucks. Pretty hit or miss on sizes though, the medium-x large stuff goes pretty fast.

 

[ELKCHSR]

It depends 100% on how you hunt and camp out
Since most on this thread know my style of hunting/camping I'm just going to say
Most of the newer synthetics are good

Problem is, they don't hold up well when your around a campfire where fire fairys are present
They may look pretty at night, but they bite like hell and go right thru any of the plastic clothing on the market today

The little buggers won't go thru wool near as readily, so you won't end up with clothing meant to keep you warm being a wee bit drafty after a few nights around the campfire

Since I've opted not to carry the kitchen sink plus stay in good shape, weight restrictions on attire isn't a problem

Of course some people do bring campers/trailers and what not, so really don't need a fire, opting to sit far away and use if for company vs warmth

This stuff does work extremely well though for summer and early fall hunting as it wicks moisture away from you by design and wool just gets...

Well...

Hot...

 

[jerrym]

I have a full set buying it on sale when they come out with a new pattern so the old patterns are sold cheaper. Camo patterns are the biggest farce there is so I don't care if it is mountain mimic or optifade. I have set on stand for hours with a wool sweater and 90% jacket in 10-15 degree f weather and been fine. If I move around I would shed the jacket and am fine. I think it is great stuff and not that expensive if you look around.