Anyone here built a full Sitka system from scratch covering base layers through late season? I have several pieces in mind to purchase but would love to hear the experience of others who have walked this path. I like my FL gear but I'm tired of being cold and there isn't as much flexibility with their whitetail pieces as there are with Sitka. Ready to drop the coin to make this problem go away for a few years.
Sitka Gear
- Thread starter UCStandSitter
- Start date
RobDooley
Well-Known Member
I have Sitka heavy weight base layers and Fanatic for very cold weather. I will wear a mid layer but it is not Sitka. I do really like the Fanatic except for the diagonal zipper in the jacket. It does keep me warm. Most of their gear is athletic fit so you have to order larger sizes. Additionally, I do not think their base layers are any better than most other base layers I have. Over priced and slightly over rated in my opinion. Buy them on sale.
RobDooley
Well-Known Member
I should have said most of their clothing is sized for layering. Good luck finding some locally and being able to actually try it on.
Yeah that probably won't be an option for me. Thanks for the info!
I only have the stratus line (vest, pants, bib overalls, and jacket). First season with them and only been in the woods 3 days but like them so far. Thing I like most is they're not super bulky so you don't feel like the Michelin man. I typically wear XL but in these i went XL on vest and jacket but L on pants and bib overalls.
My FL gear I have to layer so much to get warm I feel huge. Part of the reason I am shifting.
For mid season I am looking at Stratus line with the Fanatic vest for super cold days.
For mid season I am looking at Stratus line with the Fanatic vest for super cold days.
Chief44
Well-Known Member
I really like Firstlite base layers but I use Sitka for my mid and outer layers. I start with FL merino base. When the temps drop I add their furnace base layer to that. Next comes my Sitka gear. Fanatic hoodie (love it) and stratus jacket and pants. When the temps get down in the low 30's, I throw the Celsius midi jacket under the stratus. When it really gets cold I use the fanatic bibs and jacket. This is by far the best system I have ever tried.
You are pretty close to what I'm looking at here including the Celsius. The difference being I would opt for equinox midi pants under stratus pants and fanatic vest rather than jacket. Talked to a few fellas who have gone this route with success. Thoughts?
Wolverine72
Well-Known Member
My opinion.... I would probably never buy their gear when I can get gear that works perfectly well (in middle tn) for A LOT less coin. I hunt in middle tennessee and we just don't see the crazy low Temps. If I still lived in Michigan or somewhere like that where it gets that cold, I think I would consider trying some of their gear.
In middle Tennessee, I never went any heavier than a sweatshirt and merino wool baselayer this year.
Underarmour cold gear for base layers, BDU pants from goodwill, long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt typically works here where I hunt.
I will admit, that Sitka gear sure does look nice though.
In middle Tennessee, I never went any heavier than a sweatshirt and merino wool baselayer this year.
Underarmour cold gear for base layers, BDU pants from goodwill, long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt typically works here where I hunt.
I will admit, that Sitka gear sure does look nice though.
Chief44
Well-Known Member
I've never tried the equinox midi pants or the fanatic vest. I will tell you that the wind blocker in the stratus and fanatic line is worth it's weight in gold. From your above post, I assume your looking at wearing the fanatic vest over the stratus jacket. I don't have the fanatic vest so I'm no help there. When temps drop below freezing, I replace the stratus jacket with the fanatic jacket. The midi works good under the fanatic jacket to if needed.
Used lots of different gear up to and including First Lite. I am fairly cold natured. I get cold in everything or I have to layer to the point of looking like the lil brother on A Christmas Story. Gotta do something different
Good info. I think I may give this system a whirl. Seems like there is a lot of versatility in their line and I'm very "princess and the pea". Look forward to being able to dial in temp ranges without wearing bulk
What temp do you add the vest? You do the midi jacket as well by chance?
AM84
Well-Known Member
I purchased a whole setup this year of Sitka. I bought the heavyweight base layers, the midi pants, fanatic lite hoody, Celsius vest and fanatic bibs and jacket. Easily the best hunting layering system I've purchased. I haven't had to do much layering due to weather but I've yet to get cold. I hunted some cold mornings in SW VA in the mountains and some of them have warmed up to surprisingly warm temps. I'm surprised at the versatility of the garments. I wouldn't buy anything else after this experience.
I will have to add that I have Kuiu base layers in merino which is very warm and the pants have zippers in the legs that allow you to remove them without having to take your boots and pants off. There is also FORLOH which is made in the USA I got a pair of pants and a light shirt for turkey hunting they are good quality and material feels similar to Sitka and Kuiu. I don't know about there cold weather stuff. The best thing for me is MADE IN USA 
.
.So I have a Kuiu merino shirt base. I gotta be honest, I was a little disappointed with it. Neck was stretched out and never snapped back after 2 uses. Granted merino isn't as resilient as synthetic but I would've expected more out of the piece for what it cost and the reviews. I bought that shirt as a test before buying a full system from them. Obviously that put me offI will have to add that I have Kuiu base layers in merino which is very warm and the pants have zippers in the legs that allow you to remove them without having to take your boots and pants off. There is also FORLOH which is made in the USA I got a pair of pants and a light shirt for turkey hunting they are good quality and material feels similar to Sitka and Kuiu. I don't know about there cold weather stuff. The best thing for me is MADE IN USA
Captain
New Member
I have a fanatic lite bib and jacket, midi jacket, vest and the lighter weight pants. Several 1/4 zip tops light and mid weight. I bought a few pieces of their bad layers on sale but do not like them. I started wearing deluth Alaskan hard gear base layers. Most all my duck hunting clothing is sitka. I highly recommend their outerwear. Binks Lodge in Franklin has a good selection. On line try mountain archery.
WTNBowHunter
Well-Known Member
Here's my setup in SW TN…
Early season (60+ degrees) - wick baselayers from FL and a pair of thin pants. They're all about the same IMO wether it's FL/Kuiu/Sitka
Mid/Late season (30-60 degrees) - wick baselayers, mid weight or furnace merino baselayers, and my guide jacket & pants from Kuiu. I'll throw a Klamath hoodie from FL and my drake vest if need be also. Layers depend on temp swings. Guide jacket&pants will keep you dry in a light rain or mist too.
Anything below 30 w/wind - baselayers, guide jacket&pants, then throw on my drake hydro-hush bibs& jacket when I get into the tree.
Gotta be cold and windy for me to throw on the jacket because I don't like being restricted when drawing my bow.
I had some FL pants but hated them bc they were short, I'm 6'3" 205lb so I went with Kuiu. The fit is great, stretchy for drawing a bow too which I like. The deal is that everyone has an opinion and you can certainly go mix and match as long as you later appropriately.
I don't ever post but enjoy reading all the threads just figured I would chime in here since I was in the same boat a few years back with moving from my 20yr old scentblocker suit.
Early season (60+ degrees) - wick baselayers from FL and a pair of thin pants. They're all about the same IMO wether it's FL/Kuiu/Sitka
Mid/Late season (30-60 degrees) - wick baselayers, mid weight or furnace merino baselayers, and my guide jacket & pants from Kuiu. I'll throw a Klamath hoodie from FL and my drake vest if need be also. Layers depend on temp swings. Guide jacket&pants will keep you dry in a light rain or mist too.
Anything below 30 w/wind - baselayers, guide jacket&pants, then throw on my drake hydro-hush bibs& jacket when I get into the tree.
Gotta be cold and windy for me to throw on the jacket because I don't like being restricted when drawing my bow.
I had some FL pants but hated them bc they were short, I'm 6'3" 205lb so I went with Kuiu. The fit is great, stretchy for drawing a bow too which I like. The deal is that everyone has an opinion and you can certainly go mix and match as long as you later appropriately.
I don't ever post but enjoy reading all the threads just figured I would chime in here since I was in the same boat a few years back with moving from my 20yr old scentblocker suit.
