With my weight loss this year I suffered an unexpected loss.......all my camo. I replaced my lighter stuff but have not bought any cold weather gear as of yet. I've been looking closely at the Sitka and First Lite but can't make up my mind. What do you guys suggest and why? Blessings..........Pastorjim
You are going to get responses for both, they are both quality gear. I have been using Sitka but the "new" 2015 stuff. I wasn't a big fan of the older stuff. I like the fit and features of the new gear.
I have a lot of both, almost the entire new Sitka line, and most of the open country stuff as well ...also have some first lite bases and some outerwear . I would chose Sitka gear over all over first lite, especially if your talking about whitetail hunting mostly from a stand...
Try both on and then decide. Check the fit because each manufacturer has different sizing charts it seems. Both are good products.
As to camo patterns....after along discussion with a large group of deer, I was told that they are getting sick and tired of my mismatched camos and that they definitely would like to see me wear the same patterns together. I explained that camo for me had to have two qualifying features............. fit right and be on sale!
Sitka here as well. I originally started wearing it in 2013 with the purchase of the Fanatic Jacket and Stratus pants. This past summer, I was disappointed in the pilling that the fabric was doing in the two seasons I owned it. I emailed Sitka and explained it. They requested pictures and two days later, I got a response saying that it was a warranty issue and they were replacing both pieces, free of charge with the updated 2015 versions. CS can't be beat. IMO, the Fanatic jacket is the best bowhunting jacket made. Pocket layout and fit is superb.
Seems most of the responses are in favor of Sitka. But the main thing, is it warm on the coldest days? Blessings..........Pastorjim
The fanatic bibs and jacket is warm enough for the lowest temps I would even consider whitetail hunting. In fact the bibs are too warm for me...I run really hot. I most likely selling them .
Sitka all way I just bought the Incinerator jacket and bibs for my late season hunting and have barely had a chance to wear them do to how warm it still is. I am not a big fan of bulky clothing and let me tell you that I won't ever by anything else they fit like clothing should fit. I get tired of trying on medium shirts and having them fit like an extra large. If you have the money or if your wife will let you buy Sitka gear.
The fanatic jacket will keep you plenty warm with proper layers under it. Its warm enough that its not all that comfortable to wear in anything over 50-55 degrees for me. I have worn this jacket down into the single digits now and it did its job very well.
Just from trying it on and walking around in the store, I wouldn't even consider the Fanatic in anything over 40-45 degrees. I wear a Stratus and with layers I have worn it down into the 30's and was fine, but into the 20's I froze. Next year I will have the Fanatic set for those temps and use the stratus for above 40 days.
I have both. Use Sitka when I'm in the stand on those really cold days and First Lite for everything else. In my opinion, you can't beat Sitka's out layers. Their Fanatic line stands above the rest during the normal November/December temps.
So you guys are saying that the Fanatic is enough and I wouldn't need to go with the Incinerator line? Blessings.........Pastorjim
They both make quality products. First Lite has better base layers. Sitka has a more complete system. Just boils down to what camo patterns you like the best. Personally I mix and match First lite base layers with Sitka mid and outer layers.
I am in PA and hunt the Midwest as well. The fanatic is plenty from mid October to December with layers later in the year. I do recommend a thinner layer for early season. I personally went with the stratus pants so I could use them from Oct 1 through Dec with layers. The fanatic bibs would be way too much in early October.
