Sup Hosers. Long time no talk. I'm looking at ordering some Sitka rain gear for a moose hunt in Northern Ontario at the end of this month, but I don't know which set I want. My biggest concern is durability in the brush. I don't want it to rip and then be screwed. Temps will most likely be from the mid 30s-upper 50s. Currently, I'm looking at two models..... Cloudburst.....http://www.sitkagear.com/products/big-game/pants/cloudburst-pant Stormfront..... http://www.sitkagear.com/products/big-game/pants/stormfront-pant
I have owned both. They have the same shell. The difference is pockets and the Stormfront is lined where the Cloud Burst isnt. I would choose the Cloud Burst. A rain shell doesn't need insulation , only needs to keep you dry IMO. However neither are terribly durable if you get into thickets. Both will have pulls.
I like the looks of the Traverse Cold Weather Hoody and the Core Heavyweight Hoody. I have a Mid-weight Zip T and love it.
It is hard to make suggestions without knowing what type of pieces you need, base layers, insulating layers or outer shells. Let us know what want or need.
Need is a pretty strong word, as I really don't need anything beyond the rain gear. I have good base layers, insulating layers and outer shells to wear. What I would buy is something light that I can wear as an outter that is quiet while moving through the brush. When I'm not sitting, I wear very light clothing, as I absolutely hate sweating. So, I don't really need anything, but maybe you can suggest something to look at like I described above. If not, no biggie.....I'll just pick out a couple of things that interests my taste.
I have not had either of these but I do have the Core Heavyweight Zip Tee. Really lIke it. Any of which would probably be good for what you describe. The fanatic lite is a nice jacket worth looking into if you don't need wind blocker, the Jetstream or Jetstream lite and Stratus jackets would also fit well into what you are looking for. Each has wind blocker.
Been impressed with the Kuiu Chugach jacket. It's kept me dry albeit I haven't put it through the extremes like a NW hunter would experience.
Buckeye - I know you have experience with Cabela's MT050 gear. How does it compare to Sitka for stand hunting whitetails?
It is much quieter and keeps you just as dry. It does not pack near as nice and it has a sloppy fit in comparision. However, MT050 is versital enough do be worn as an everyday, every condition shell and the Sitka rain gear absolutely is not. I still have a MT050 set. If the forecast calls for rain off and all all day I take the mt050. If there is just a chance of rain I pack the Sitka.
Also, to add the mt050 will pick up water weight and the Sitka does not. The mt050 also stays wet where the Sitka doesnt.