Been looking at the sitka gear and starting to really grow fond of it. The problem I have is which pattern to get. I hunt mostly in the PA, MD and WV area. The forest pattern is meant for being up in a tree but it looks too dark. The open country looks like it would blend in well with the surroundings I hunt. I know some of you use sitka and was wondering how you liked the gear. Also what pattern do you use?
I use the open country sitka camo. Hunt elk, deer, coyotes, antelope, etc. and really like it. I didn't care for the looks forrest pattern much
I had ordered some of their products. I got the cross zip jacket and some smaller gear. I had to send all of it back. loose stitches everywhere, not the kind you just pull off but little loops inside and outside the jacket. for 400 dollars you get a made in china low quality jacket thats made for a dude with a big belly... totally messed up. just a fair warning
First off, I exclusively use Sitka gear and absolutely love it. As far as a purpose built hardcore BOWHUNTING clothing it is bar-none. Secondly, I have a few questions to ask prior to making a recommendation. 1. Are you, for the most part, a treestand hunter? 2. Do you ever plan to hunt out west? I will try to run a basic outline for now, until I know more. I have sucessfully used both patterns from the ground and treestand. I would not hesitate to use either for any hunt, short of a few exceptions (Open country in rocky, sheep-type, hunt). Conversely, I did kill my buck last year while in a nearly naked cottonwood while wearing the forest pattern. If you plan to mostly treestand hunt then I would recommend the forest pattern for the garments more so than the pattern. The forest pattern line was designed for the mid-western whitetailer hunter in mind. The options for a warmer, stand setting, style of clothing is much broader than that of the open country. Again, until I know more I would prefer not to delve into it too much as I can go on for a while, lol.
Snap that sucks sorry you had a crappy experience with their product. I liked mine so much I ordered another jacket and another pair of pants, gloves, beanie, baclava and have had no issues with any of it. Washed it numerous times and its all I hunt in.
Was the Jacket you ordered the Stratus? Fanatic? Both are designed to go over bibs, hence the "big belly".
1. I would say 70% of my hunting is in a tree. 2. At some point in the near future, I will start going atleast once a year. I know there are a lot of other great patterns out there but none of them feel right to me. I usually walk atleast a mile to my hunting spot. The areas I hunt are mountainous and Im not getting to my stand without walking up a couple of steep hills.
I would recommend the Open country pattern, with possibly a forest pattern coat for warmth. Here are a few pieces I would choose if it were me personally. Pants: Ascent Pant- Warm Weather, very fast drying and light 90% Pant- Cooler Temps fleece lining and great standalone down to 30 degrees Tops: Core Zip-T- Great for warm weather, very fast drying and light Merino Zip T- As an alternative to the Core series. Warmer, doesn't stink as fast, dries quicker. Does get itchier. Jet Stream Vest- Great for a low bulk insulation, windproof! Jet Stream Jacket- Same as the best buy in Jacket form and with a hood, Windproof! Kelvin (lite) Vest- Great cooler weather substitute for the Jet Stream vest. Great warmth to weight ratio Headwear: Traverse Beanie- Great early season hat, I wear beanies 95% of the time while hunting Jet Stream Beanie- Great for colder weather, Windproof! I am big on windproof fabrics. Great way to reduce bulk immensely while increasing stored body heat. I think your money would be better spent on base layers other than Sitka's. They are nice, but not worth the money. I really like the fleece layers from Rocky, very warm and a great addition in the winter. IMHO this system would cover whatever you face out east, west, north, or south. It is basically what I use 365 days of the year. If you have any other questions fire away!
I have the fanatic bibs and jacket, in the forest pattern and its amazing stuff. Great product and pattern. I also have open country pattern that I have used on elk/ mule deer and pronghorn out west. For tree stand hunting get the forest pattern. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks Backcountry! Is there any other sight other than camofire that sells sitka gear for a discount price? Does sitka only sell the hardcore whitetail gear in the forest pattern? I was looking on their site but it doesnt seem like its available in both patterns.
Camofire is the best place. Never seen anything better, anyways. Forest pattern is the only thing offered in the "whitetail" gear. Feel free to PM me at any time with other questions.
