I was very skeptical of Sitka as well. Until I tried it. The stuff is worth the money and very versatile
I’ve had long lasting use out of my scent-lok clothing. Never had the desire to try anything else yet.
Honestly I go with what I can find on sale. I have a 2 Badlands jackets and 3 sets of pants and got all of them for at least 50% off or more. Badlands has a discount section on their website and I have found some good deals on Amazon as well. I also have a UA sweatshirt and light weight summer shirt I got for dirt cheap at TJ Maxx. (Like a 2nd hand store for new clothes that don't sell). The problem I've found with most quality hunting clothing is the price. If you have to pay retail, it's usually too darn expensive so I shop for stuff on sale and just pick it up when I can. If you happen to be a military vet or work in law enforcement or are a first responder, you need to look at these web sites. They offer awesome discounts on all kinds of stuff related to outdoors and honestly you normally can't beat the prices. https://www.expertvoice.com/ https://www.govx.com/
I've been using my Scent Blocker Outfitter Jacket and Pants for 14 years now. Doubt they still trap scent but still look new and keep me comfortable all season. When it gets super cold for 20 degrees or lower, I wear my polar fleece shirt and pants underneath my Outfitter suit and never get cold with them on.
Good base layers and something that blocks wind, and artic shield boot covers. You can stumble across Under Armor stuff at TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Ross, it is super comfortable at a huge discount. I've mainly found lighter base type gear, but I really like it. Don't overlook Columbia, the Omni-Heat gear is legit and lightweight. The omni-heat base layers are awesome. My friend has the Widgeon Bibs/Jacket and he seems to always be warmer than I am and he does not wear much underneath that. Only two camo patterns, but camo patterns are only useful to look cool.
Depends on whether you want any scent control technology or not. If you want to be scent free, the only clothing line in the marketplace that can use activated carbon is ScentLok because they own the US patent on doing so (unless other manufacturers license it from ScentLok). All other technical clothing lines use anti-microbial treatments, silver threads, and other materials that are relatively worthless when worn as exterior garments because whatever the anti-microbial tech they use, it doesn't come into contact with the bacteria it's trying to kill. It's like spraying the outside of your house for ants inside. Also anti-microbials in undergarments wore against the skin only kill bacteria, they do nothing to adsorb the odor of the dead bacteria or do anything against the other hundreds of odor molecules that emit from the human body. If anyone would like me to post about activated carbon technology, please reply.
For quality hunting clothing without spending $1,000+ on KUIU or Sitka, focus on affordable, durable, and quiet layers. Huntworth, King’s Camo, Mossy Oak, and Badlands all make gear that performs well without breaking the bank. Pair a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a quiet, camo outer layer. You don’t need top-tier brands to stay warm, concealed, and mobile. Good layering with these mid-range brands will get the job done. Under Armour works well for base layers, but a proper outer camo jacket and pants are essential for hunting.
I’ve heard good things about Code of Silence. A friend pointed me in that direction for more affordable whitetail gear. He said when they have a sale, it’s hard to beat. I gave my dad my Sitka whitetail gear and was looking to get my father in law some nicer whitetail gear, the code of silence is definitely what I’m leaning towards.
My group of bow hunting buddies takes great pride in who can show up in the oldest, most worn out, nasty camo clothing & gear. Extra points for old school military camo, treebark or some of those relics. One of the guys calls his stuff "spongewear". Guaranteed to get your azz soaked and absorbs every drop of moisture. Incidentally ..... We manage to kill a bunch of big deer. The gear don't make the man.
I would spend the money for the good base layers first. Getting that sweat off you and being able to stay warm is paramount to whatever brand you wrap ourself in. Then... I will say that it was a significant difference when I had good base layers and then something quality for an outer layer. What I did and continue to do, is buy a piece (or two) each year only when the brand you want runs a sale. I have pieced a pretty nice kit together of the last few years. Good luck with your decisions!
