I have a lot from the 2015 sitka pattern. My wear the stratus jacket and pants and it has been enough all year so far. When its warmer Ill just wear my heavyweight zip T tho or the lightweight core short sleeve. Of all the changes I made to my hunting in the last year, switching to sitka was the best. I like their pattern too but that is second to fit and performance
I have a core 1/4 zip that I wear early in the season. Love the fit of that piece. I never really minded the original Optifade Elevated pattern. It was awfully "green", but the deer never minded a bit. I do think the newer pattern, which is what Sitka gave me when they replaced my set, is quite a bit better in terms of eye appeal. I doubt the deer noticed, but I just like the brown pattern better.
I just purchased a Chama hoodie and some finger less gloves from First Lite and my first hunt using them was great. I've gained a new respect for wool. badland baselayer and chama hoodie was almost too much for a hunt the other day here in MI. I'm a realtree guy so I like First Lite and I have only ever worn UA so I have no opinion on Sitka. What retailers carry First Lite and Sitka?
I'm bringing this back up. I've used Sitka for a few years and have been happy with it, but there are a few things that bother me. I'd like to test the First Lite outer layers, mainly the North Branch/Sanctuary. Does anyone have a lot of experience with these pieces or has anyone flipped back and forth between First Lite and Sitka?
I have the Sanctuary Bibs and Jacket. I do a lot of late season hunting mostly in the northern part of Wisconsin. I have a lot of Sitka gear including my pack, and warming layers but after my first year using First Lite I was extremely impressed. Honestly I went with First Lite because I get a 50% discount, otherwise it would have been a tough decision. Both make high quality gear, I really like how there are so many different pockets that are in places that make everything easy. The fabric is so quiet and uses active carbon. I wore it in early Nov all the way through late season on some wicked cold sits. I was in a tree in Iowa New Years Day with a -41 degree wind chill and could have sat all day.
Cost isn’t a factor. Just looking for performance/fit comparisons. Did you ever try the Sitka fanatic series? Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
