Sitka gear

[RadSav]

What 12 pieces are you looking at? 

That's just about one of everything.   I use the Sitka gear a lot.  A few pieces have disappointed and the new camo is not my favorite.  But the Vias camo is just as bad.  The new green Vias looks a lot better and I'm glad to see it coming available.

I'm a bigger guy and the Kuiu just doesn't fit me as well as the Sitka does.  For a skinny guy I couldn't really suggest one over the other except in the Kelvin/Spindrift choice where I really, really like the Kelvin better.  Plus the Sitka line has quite a few choices not available in the Kuiu line.

The new Sitka waterfowl lineup is just downright sick good!

So if you can show us the twelve items you are looking at perhaps we can give you a little more reflection on our thoughts.

I'm right there with you jjhunter - worth every penny to me

[Sumpnneedskillin]

I have several pieces of Sitka  Bought most of them as last years model so they were deeply discounted.  I love the lightweight stuff, core 1/4 zip, traverse 1/4 zip and ascent pants.  Love them for early season or turkey hunting.  I also have a pair of 90% pants.  The only thing I don't like about the tops is the sleeves aren't quite long enough and the shirt tails are short I normally wear XXL tall shirts. 

Christmas last year I found Kryptek hooded top that was of similar weight to the Sitka traverse.  The sleeves were longer and the tail was long enough.  Recently I found another style Kryptek lightweight top at Cabelas.  Haven't had a chance to try it out yet.

[Austrian Hunter]

What 12 pieces are you looking at? 

That's just about one of everything.   I use the Sitka gear a lot.  A few pieces have disappointed and the new camo is not my favorite.  But the Vias camo is just as bad.  The new green Vias looks a lot better and I'm glad to see it coming available.

I'm a bigger guy and the Kuiu just doesn't fit me as well as the Sitka does.  For a skinny guy I couldn't really suggest one over the other except in the Kelvin/Windrift choice where I really, really like the Kelvin better.  Plus the Sitka line has quite a few choices not available in the Kuiu line.

The new Sitka waterfowl lineup is just downright sick good!

So if you can show us the twelve items you are looking at perhaps we can give you a little more reflection on our thoughts.

I'm right there with you jjhunter - worth every penny to me

Here is what I am shopping for:
Core Zip-T Optifade Forest X Large  x2  $178.00 
Kelvin Vest Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $189.00 
Stratus Jacket Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $289.00 
Stratus Bib Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $269.00 
90% Pant Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $249.00 
Sitka Cap Optifade Forest One Size Fits All  x1  $25.00 
Stratus Beanie Optifade Forest One Size Fits All  x1  $49.00 
Core Glove Optifade Forest Large  x1  $25.00 
Stratus Glove Optifade Forest Large  x1  $69.00 
The Bandit Optifade Forest One Size Fits All  x1  $25.00 
Flash 20 Pack Optifade Forest One Size Fits All    x1  $269.00

Total plus tax and shipping is $1,800

[SkookumHntr]

Dont wear your sitka 90% gear to close to the campfire, if any amber or spark hits it, it melts right through! I got little spark holes melted all over my pants! My 12 doller pair of camo wranglers sure as hell dont melt like that! 

[scottcrb]

keep an eye on camofire there is a lot of sitka gear that pops up . i like the sitka stuff a lot its comfortable quiet and warm and dry so far but have been looking at the KUIU too.

[jrebel]

Just bought the core zip on Camofire.com for 26 plus shipping.  Great price.  Hurry 30 minutes left and they only have 3xl which I like cause I have monkey arms.   I also wear thermals under this durring winter.  Love this stuff.

[RadSav]

What 12 pieces are you looking at? 

That's just about one of everything.   I use the Sitka gear a lot.  A few pieces have disappointed and the new camo is not my favorite.  But the Vias camo is just as bad.  The new green Vias looks a lot better and I'm glad to see it coming available.

I'm a bigger guy and the Kuiu just doesn't fit me as well as the Sitka does.  For a skinny guy I couldn't really suggest one over the other except in the Kelvin/Windrift choice where I really, really like the Kelvin better.  Plus the Sitka line has quite a few choices not available in the Kuiu line.

The new Sitka waterfowl lineup is just downright sick good!

So if you can show us the twelve items you are looking at perhaps we can give you a little more reflection on our thoughts.

I'm right there with you jjhunter - worth every penny to me

Here is what I am shopping for:
Core Zip-T Optifade Forest X Large  x2  $178.00 
I do not much care for the core zip against my skin.  Fine if you are a smoothie, but the zipper seems to pull my chest hair.  I really like the standard crew core tee though.  Dries fast, and I can wear for days before it gets too ripe
Kelvin Vest Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $189.00 
Quite possibly my favorite Sitka item!
Stratus Jacket Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $289.00 
Much warmer than you think.  I hate hoods, but a good pair of scissors took care of that.  Can't even tell it was ever there.  The fleeced lining sticks to my Woolrich shirts so I can not wear them underneath.  Arms are a bit tight so I can not wear much underneath - Core Tee and Traverse are about all I can get away with. I do like this item, but I get overheated if I move much.
Stratus Bib Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $269.00
Haven't yet tried these
90% Pant Optifade Forest X Large  x1  $249.00
  The reason I started using Sitka Gear.
Sitka Cap Optifade Forest One Size Fits All  x1  $25.00 
Just another cool $25.00 hat
Stratus Beanie Optifade Forest One Size Fits All  x1  $49.00 
Core Glove Optifade Forest Large  x1  $25.00 
I wear gloves on almost every hunt year-round.  I did not care for either of these.
Stratus Glove Optifade Forest Large  x1  $69.00 
The Bandit Optifade Forest One Size Fits All  x1  $25.00 
Flash 20 Pack Optifade Forest One Size Fits All    x1  $269.00
Haven't tried any of the other stuff

Total plus tax and shipping is $1,800

As mentioned before one of the negatives of Sitka and Kuiu is it's dislike of fire.  Also, except for the Core Tee everything has a high collar.  Fine for a single item.  But when you are trying to put together a layering system it just does not make sense.  As an archer I can not reach my anchor point if I have everything zipped up.  Three or four high collars all zipped up adds more than an inch to your neck size.  I wish they would offer more short collar items for layering.

Being an X-Large guy I'd make sure I had the opportunity to try on each item for sizing.  As performance clothing some of the fitting is a little tight when you are trying to put a cold weather layering system together.  You are going to LOVE the Kelvin vest!!

In my opinion the Mothwing camo was far superior to this dang Optifade stuff.  But the cut, fit and function of the Sitka gear has kept me using it.  On west side the Optifade Forest seems to work quite well.  Really well if there is a dusting of snow!

For what it's worth - that's my 

[Austrian Hunter]

RadSav, thanks for taking the time to write that post.  Your opinion does matter to me!  I also wear cloves on every hunt that's why I want for the cold and one for warmer temps.  It's still a tough decision for that price.  I'm not big into mismatch my gear but do whatever it takes to maximize my time in the woods and be as comfortable as possible can be.  Thank you again!!   

[carpsniperg2]

I was getting ready to sign up with them and start shooting with there stuff. Then I bought some to try out before getting into a deal with them. I was not very happy with the way it worked for me. I moved on and have been signed up with kings now and been very happy with there stuff.

[fair-chase]

RadSav, can you tell us more about your take on the spindrift vs kelvin. Interested in knowing the comparative thickness, fill power, fit, warmth, and anything else you know about the two. Thanks.

[RadSav]

RadSav, thanks for taking the time to write that post.  Your opinion does matter to me!  I also wear cloves on every hunt that's why I want for the cold and one for warmer temps.  It's still a tough decision for that price.  I'm not big into mismatch my gear but do whatever it takes to maximize my time in the woods and be as comfortable as possible can be.  Thank you again!!

Sounds like we wear the same size.  You might want me to send you my Stratus jacket to try for a couple days before you purchase.  It is probably the trickiest fit of all the Sitka gear I have tried.  I do like it and wear it when the weather turns cold.  But, the arms do run quite tight.  I'm big, but not muscular.  Someone more fit may have a problem with it.

[Austrian Hunter]

Awesome getting the opinion from others before the purchase.  Reviews from guys that are members here is different than the reviews from the vendors website.  Thanks RadSav that's a very nice offer!! 

[Yeti]

The 90% is not waterproof.  I have the mt pants, jets stream jacket and core crew ss.  Personally I think you can find all the underlayment for a lot cheaper. Just get your "shells".   Know what shell layers you need. There will not ne a perfect one does it all from warm to cold. I don't think you cam have a garment or two that does it all and does it well. It tales layers.   Once you drink the layers "kool-ade" you are all in 

[RadSav]

RadSav, can you tell us more about your take on the spindrift vs kelvin. Interested in knowing the comparative thickness, fill power, fit, warmth, and anything else you know about the two. Thanks.

Unlike most of the testing I do I borrowed a Spindrift to test.  So I did not give it any durability testing.  But, this is a simple warmth layer and it shouldn't see much torture anyway.

The Spindrift is lighter in weight and compresses better than the Kelvin.  The guy I borrowed it from has a super small water resistant compression sack he puts it in while in the back country.  It compresses VERY well.  Much better than the Kelvin.  Both of my guides in NWT last year carried the Kuiu jacket and it got lots of work in some damn brutal environments.  Those guys probably put their gear through more in one year than I would the rest of my life.  That speaks volumes in my mind.

Comparing the Kuiu to the Kelvin really isn't fair.  One is made to get the job done and one is made to be the most wonderful warmth layer you've ever experienced.  Spindrift has no plush features.  It's warm, functional and extremely well made.  Though it felt to me to have a little less Primaloft One than the Kelvin.  I'd have to check the two websites to verify that.  The Kelvin feels like it was made just for me.  More like wearing a warm, soft, fantastic pair of insulated pajamas.  I practically live in mine once the mercury drops (pants too!)  Both have a nice slick outer surface that does not restrict your movement when worn under an outer layer.  That's a must for me with any thicker insulation layer. 

The Kelvin has a very soft (warm as soon as you put it on) brushed fleece like interior.  A fair bit warmer than the Spindrift.  I wear it in camp next to my skin as camp PJ's.  I wore it under my Stratus jacket as added insulation in Canada when the temperature was -18C and was warm as could be.  And, I often pull it out of the pack and wear it as an outer layer while glassing when the wind is pounding me on a ridge top after I worked up a sweat getting to the top.  Either way it is outstanding if you don't mind the additional 5 ounces over the Spindrift.

Both have their good and bad.  Both are made extremely well.  Both hate fire with a passion!!!  Both add at least 20 degrees to your sleeping bag rating if worn as PJ's.  I am 100% a Kelvin guy, but I would never fault someone for going Kuiu and saving a few ounces in their pack.

[fair-chase]

Thank you very much. That helps.