Sitka Gear Warranty

[jbeaumont21]

I had a set of the Sitka Downpour jacket and pants that broke down after 2 seasons. The inner membrane started to split and fray in multiple places causing me to get pretty wet this year, so I sent it in to Rainy Pass Repair with the Sitka form that they make you fill out. I have to say that so far from my experience with Sitka customer they have been top notch. They called me right away and offered to replace the Downpour jacket and pants or upgrade me to the Cloudburst free of charge. Nice right?

This where it gets interesting. I found out from the Sitka Rep that their line of the Forrest clothing is intended for tree stand hunting only and not for spot and stalk hunting on the ground. Also he said that the Downpour gear would continue to break down and split if used for anything other than stationary hunting. He went on to explain that the Forest Downpour is only a 2 layer system that does not protect the gortex membrane from the inside unlike the Open Country line of gear, thus making it less durable. Then the rep went on to tell me about the camo pattern of the Forrest line of clothing saying that it wasn't meant for the green brush on the ground and its real intention is to break up your outline while up in a tree stand. The green to match the foilage and leaves and the lighter whites and grays are to match the sky, which kind of makes sense (I always thought the white spots on my set glowed pretty bright at first or last light). Anyway, aparently the Downpour gear is not really built for the rough terrain of the West side.

Next the Sitka rep recommended I switch over to the Open Country line of gear because it is much more durable and is built for spot and stalk hunting. He offered to put me in the Cloudburst for free or I could pay the difference and upgrade to the Stormfront. So my question is which do I go with?  Is the Stormfront gear in my case worth the extra $200 dollar upgrade compared to the Cloludburst which would be free?

I have to admit I was a little disappointed because I love how light weight, quiet and breathable the Forrest Downpour gear is. Even though the Open Country is meant for ground hunting, I'm just not crazy about wearing brown camo here on the green Wet side. I do realize that elk and deer are color blind but most predators and humans are not.  One of the options that I'm leaning towards is upgrading to the Stormfront in the solid green color but I am worried that it will be too hot for the early season hunts.  Please let me know your experience and recommendations with either gear.

Sorry for all the rambling and the long thread. I figured this might be usefull to others who run into the same issue.
Thanks for any advice your willing to share!

[huntnnw]

thats very interesting...why wouldnt they advertise it that way then...just odd

[jbeaumont21]

that's very interesting...why wouldn't they advertise it that way then...just odd

That's what I thought too especially when you see tons of it hanging on the racks at our hunting stores. He mentioned something about how they didn't market it real well for its intended use.  I imagine they are going to run into a lot of issues with this stuff out of the Pacific Northwest for the next couple years.

[buglebuster]

i would go with the open country, and get the free one i wear open country on the westside and it blends in quite well.

[MtnMuley]

Without a doubt, go with the Cloudburst.  It's their lightest raingear they make.  I would choose this over the Downpour any day.  As far as the Jetstream-- to bulky, and heavy.

[jbeaumont21]

i wear open country on the westside and it blends in quite well.

Good to hear.  I was worried that it would really stand out.


quote author=MtnMuley link=topic=114730.msg1509901#msg1509901 date=1357575910]
Without a doubt, go with the Cloudburst.  It's their lightest raingear they make.  I would choose this over the Downpour any day.  As far as the Jetstream-- to bulky, and heavy.
[/quote]

I'm guessing you meant Stormfront and not Jetstream?  I like the fact that the Cloudburst is so light weight. That's exactly what I want.  How is it for noise? The sales rep said it was a little noisier than the Downpour.

[MtnMuley]

I'm sorry, I meant Stormfront.  Yes, it is a little louder.  Another option is to look at the new KUIU Verde pattern in the Chugach series.  Better over all raingear if you don't need the lightest packable raingear. 

[splitshot]

that stuff is too much money for me.  mike w

[jbeaumont21]

Got a call from Sitka yesterday and they are upgrading me to the Stormfront for free.  They have done way more then I ever expected to resolve my issue.  Great customer service! 

[jbeaumont21]

Got the Stormfront set in the mail today. I decided to go with the solid color forest green. I really like how it looks and feels very durable. Can't believe how many zippers and pockets it has. They thought of everything. Seems like good quality stuff. Time will tell.

[Stizz]

Glad to hear they came through for you. I had the exact same problem this season with my downpour setup...especially in the pants. Tons of little tears down the legs and around the pockets. I just patched them up with some aquaseal to get me by but it sounds like maybe i should give them a call too...

[jbeaumont21]

Sorry to hear that, sucks man!  It happened to one of my buddies set too.  Here is the form that you will have to fill out and then send it to Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle.  It will take about 2 weeks before they get back to you, but once Sitka decides to replace it one of their reps will give you a call and tell you about your options. Then I received it in the mail about 3 days later.  Hope you get the free upgrade like I did.  Good luck!

Rainy Pass Repair, Inc.
888-747-7867
Hours M-F 9-6 (Pacific Time)
4415 Stone Way North
Seattle, WA  98103

[Stizz]

Awesome man, thanks!