Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 23, 2012, 05:34:33 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on September 23, 2012, 05:43:52 PM
Instead of 2k worth of *censored*! I wouldn't take it of some gave it to me for free.
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 23, 2012, 05:49:48 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on September 23, 2012, 05:53:30 PM
I have the 90% pants plus the core bottom downstairs. 90% jacket and the core crew upstairs. The handful of times I have been cold, it's been upstairs. Throw another layer on over the core crew and it's all better.
Been plenty comfortable down into single digit temps with a light breeze. This fall will be the 3rd year of it's service. No issues on wear. Under $800 for the 4 pieces.
Post by: ORCA_SIX on September 23, 2012, 05:56:15 PM
Post by: coachcw on September 23, 2012, 05:59:08 PM
Post by: jrebel on September 23, 2012, 05:59:54 PM
Post by: wraithen on September 23, 2012, 06:00:25 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 23, 2012, 06:25:46 PM
Post by: 400out on September 23, 2012, 06:38:27 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on September 23, 2012, 06:41:38 PM
Post by: MuleySniper on September 23, 2012, 06:47:13 PM
MS
Post by: NW-GSP on September 23, 2012, 06:48:34 PM
What sealed the deal for me was the day I went out in $500 worth of Sitka and in about 30 min was just as wet as I could have been in jeans and and sweat shirt. I returned it, still wet, to cabelas and got cabelas dry plus, and had $350 left to spend on other gear! Spent a week in the rain with it and never got wet. And it's way less. Sitka is the only gear that made me feel like I just bent over and took it. OVERRATED!
Good info I was just looking at jackets and pants and cabelas today
Post by: halflife65 on September 23, 2012, 06:52:17 PM
I I do like the Sitka Mountain Pants, 90% Pants and Jacket and the Celsius Vest quite a bit, though.
Post by: jjhunter on September 23, 2012, 07:04:37 PM
It is a great system, but obviously, not for everyone. I've probably got 4K in sitka and it is worth every penny to me.
Post by: RadSav on September 23, 2012, 07:08:55 PM
That's just about one of everything. :o 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 :tup:
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on September 23, 2012, 07:18:29 PM
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.
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 23, 2012, 07:46:49 PM
What 12 pieces are you looking at?
That's just about one of everything. :o 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 :tup:
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
Post by: SkookumHntr on September 23, 2012, 08:00:55 PM
Post by: scottcrb on September 23, 2012, 08:03:51 PM
Post by: jrebel on September 23, 2012, 08:14:11 PM
Post by: RadSav on September 23, 2012, 08:56:20 PM
What 12 pieces are you looking at?
That's just about one of everything. :o 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 :tup:
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
:tup: :tup: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 :twocents:
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 23, 2012, 09:56:08 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 23, 2012, 09:59:54 PM
Post by: fair-chase on September 23, 2012, 10:16:55 PM
Post by: RadSav on September 23, 2012, 10:45:53 PM
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.
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 23, 2012, 11:13:01 PM
Post by: Yeti on September 23, 2012, 11:49:59 PM
Post by: RadSav on September 24, 2012, 12:14:12 AM
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.
Post by: fair-chase on September 24, 2012, 07:59:24 AM
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 24, 2012, 03:27:50 PM
these layers you guys are wearing seem like so much to me? even in november its ascent pants with long johns and maybe hardshell pants over if its real cold
Post by: RadSav on September 24, 2012, 05:30:56 PM
i believe the kelvin is in the 24-28oz range vs 13 for the spindrift?
I should have clarified that better :sry:.
Spindrift I was refering to is a jacket. The Kelvin I wear personally is a vest. The Spindrift is identical in weight to the new Kelvin Light jacket. But, it is 5 ounces lighter than the standard Kelvin vest. And closer to 12 ounces lighter than the original Kelvin jacket.
Again I would have to check each website to compare fill weight between the Spindrift, Kelvin Light and the Standard Kelvin. I do have a Kelvin Light vest on order that is 4oz lighter than the Spindrift jacket. But I have not gotten to play with or compare production model features yet. I can not remember if the Kelvin Light is available in OF Forest. I am thinking it is not.
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 25, 2012, 08:40:47 AM
Post by: RadSav on September 25, 2012, 11:33:12 AM
not trying to call you out by any means, just clarifying for those following the thread that its kind of apples to oranges but youre still eating fruit..
I agree :tup:
That is why I stated, "Comparing the Kuiu to the Kelvin really isn't fair." Spindrift and Kelvin Light (jacket to jacket) are probably the closest you will get to comparing apples to apples. Though at this time I have no experience with the Kelvin Light. I've only held the prototypes at the ATA and NABA shows. So any review from me would be nothing more than a guess. Sort of like reading a review in most magazines :chuckle:
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 25, 2012, 11:55:03 AM
i wear a redram t shirt from a sale @ stp. kuiu 185 from the outlet. spindrift from father day sale. guide jacket from hunt wa classifieds. HH dry long johns from my friends prodeal. ascent pants i picked up on CL. marmot precip hardshells that were on rei clearance sale. all in all i think it pretty high end gear that i really dont have "too" much invested in..
Post by: fair-chase on September 25, 2012, 05:26:25 PM
as for the OP i prefer to mix and match my gear as i find deals on it. i think each item is very near top of the heap.
i wear a redram t shirt from a sale @ stp. kuiu 185 from the outlet. spindrift from father day sale. guide jacket from hunt wa classifieds. HH dry long johns from my friends prodeal. ascent pants i picked up on CL. marmot precip hardshells that were on rei clearance sale. all in all i think it pretty high end gear that i really dont have "too" much invested in..
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold the phone! There was a guide jacket in the classifieds?!?! Why was this was not brought to my attention? :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on September 25, 2012, 05:34:11 PM
Spindrift = 13.5oz., fill is 80 g/m2, Primaloft One = MSRP $140.00 Now on sale $99.00!!!
Kelvin Lt Jacket = 13.6oz, fill is 60 g/m2, Primaloft One = MSRP $190.00
Kelvin Std Jacket = 28oz, fill is 170 g/m2, Primaloft Sport = MSRP $229.00
Link to blog explaining differences in Primaloft = http://www.primaloft.com/en/performance/community/blog/primaloft-buyers-guide.html (http://www.primaloft.com/en/performance/community/blog/primaloft-buyers-guide.html)
After doing this I had to break down and send Sitka Gear an order for a Kelvin Light jacket. For $99.00 I also could not pass up getting my own Spindrift jacket to compare it against side-by-side. Dang that is a good price!!! So hopefully I can give you guys a little better comparison of those two in a few weeks.
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 25, 2012, 05:39:50 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 25, 2012, 05:44:01 PM
[/quote]
was back in january, i jumped all over it :tup:
Post by: RadSav on September 25, 2012, 05:46:36 PM
That means both those items will probably go on here for sale when I am done. Unless a brother or nephew steals it from me...It's been known to happen :bash:
Post by: fair-chase on September 25, 2012, 05:54:47 PM
Fillthefreezer, congrats on the guide jacked score. :tup:
Post by: RadSav on September 25, 2012, 06:01:29 PM
Try to ignore the dork in these pictures.
Elk = Browning Fleece
Sheep = Jetstream
Caribou = Kelvin
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on September 25, 2012, 06:08:08 PM
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 25, 2012, 07:18:06 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 25, 2012, 09:32:39 PM
Post by: RadSav on September 25, 2012, 10:49:57 PM
i guess im the opposite, vests hav never been my thing, my core rarely gets cold, if they made insulated sleeves only id probably buy them
Freak :chuckle: :chuckle: Do you ever stop walking? I know a lot of guys that hunt like that. Get going and never stop. I'm too fat and broken to ever have that problem. ;) And my love handles get dag gum cold when I stop to drink my mountain mochas, eat my Payday candy bars and take my Vicodin. Not sure why I can't seem to get into that kind of shape anymore. :dunno: Must be my slow metabolism..yeah... that's it! Slow metabolism, yeah. :rolleyes:
Does tick me off that I have to use guides in Canada. Most don't want to take me anywhere because they think I'm a bubba hunter AND a cripple. >:(
Bet your core would get cold on days like this! Had to break out my Oompa Loompa suit on this one. I had to actually break the ice between my whiskers and my collar to turn my head enough to take a shot.
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 26, 2012, 07:20:55 AM
t shirt, HH LJ top, 185top, HH eco-lab hardshell
snowshoe trip and it was a blowin
Post by: MuleySniper on September 26, 2012, 02:43:34 PM
MS
Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
Post by: grundy53 on September 26, 2012, 03:06:24 PM
i guess im the opposite, vests hav never been my thing, my core rarely gets cold, if they made insulated sleeves only id probably buy them
:yeah: Great thread by the way. :tup:
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 26, 2012, 04:27:46 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on September 26, 2012, 04:38:14 PM
Damn those pics look cold :chuckle: :chuckle: my biggest problem is staying warm in my tree stand. With the hike in and hike out, 8 hours in the stand is killing me in December. I don;t want to sweat my butt off walking in and out, so I put layers on as soon as I get cold in the tree but its never enough.gotcha, thats a whole nother ballgame and your clothes list makes a lot of sense, my closest relate to that is work(i work in a -20 freezer sometimes)
Post by: RadSav on September 26, 2012, 04:54:41 PM
Austrian Hunter - Maybe you need one of these instead of Sitka Gear.
Post by: 400out on September 26, 2012, 05:32:46 PM
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on September 27, 2012, 01:36:05 PM
Couple of things that helped me on days like this. Minimal layers on the hike in as you mentioned. I also used the stick on heating pads in addition to hot hands. I'd get the back ache ones and stick one across my back about kidney level. I also have a small 12 oz thermos that I'd keep scalding hot cider in. If I started to get cold a shot of that did wonders. I also went with 1200 gram insulated boots because my feet were always cold.
Post by: Austrian Hunter on September 27, 2012, 01:42:20 PM
fillthefreezer - Looks like you and I use the same brand shaving razor :chuckle:
Austrian Hunter - Maybe you need one of these instead of Sitka Gear.
:chuckle: :chuckle: Seriously I considered that. I just can't see how that works, where I hunt the deer are really aleart and every movement is a danger to get busted.
Post by: wrongway on September 27, 2012, 03:56:20 PM
Post by: Benny on September 27, 2012, 04:03:16 PM
Post by: RadSav on September 27, 2012, 05:09:54 PM
fillthefreezer - Looks like you and I use the same brand shaving razor :chuckle:
Austrian Hunter - Maybe you need one of these instead of Sitka Gear.
:chuckle: :chuckle: Seriously I considered that. I just can't see how that works, where I hunt the deer are really aleart and every movement is a danger to get busted.
One thing to note about the Stratus is that it is not extremely warm when sitting. And, if things are icing up the brushed exterior can get a little loud and crunchy. Don't get me wrong, I really like my jacket and wear it most of the late season. But, it is not as good for sitting on days of freezing rain than a good Oompa Loompa suit. If temps are down around zero I would wear something like Cabela's Polar Weight LJ's underneath - which I do often. I get them in "Long/Tall" to make sitting more comfortable.
I've had my Cabela's Dry-Plus Oompa suit for nearly 20 years. Still warm and still waterproof. Don't get the opportunity to wear it a lot around here. But, it has been a good investment. Insulation on the bib goes all the way to my shoulders. Horrible for long hikes and takes a week to dry out, but priceless for sitting on days when the mercury drops below zero. Once wore it for five straight days of freezing rain and wet pounding snow during late elk season. Don't think anything but my collar got wet the whole time.
I've been thinking about heading to Sask in a few years for some monster whitetail. I might have to get the Sitka 700 goose down Incinerator Bibs to try on that. They say it's like wearing a comfortable sleeping bag. "Built for extended sits in cold weather, you no longer have to shiver in agony."- Sitka
I use a neoprene armguard when wearing the Oompa jacket as it interfers with my bowstring if I don't. No such problems with the Stratus jacket.
Post by: 400out on September 30, 2012, 04:04:46 PM
Post by: RadSav on September 30, 2012, 04:55:59 PM
Kelvin vest camofire right now 93.55 med. and xl ;)
Between that and the Kuiu sale guys should be getting some dang good stuff cheap this last week. I know I did! :IBCOOL: Can't wait to give those Kuiu gloves a try!
Post by: huntnnw on September 30, 2012, 11:05:59 PM
Post by: Buschingc on October 03, 2012, 03:54:34 PM
Post by: RadSav on October 03, 2012, 04:35:56 PM
I have a good friend that swears by Kuiu, however I dont like the camo pattern. I ordered a bunch of Sitka gear and I love it. Very comfortable and quiet. I really like the 90% jacket and pants.
Check out the new blog page on Kuiu. Though I don't expect the fit to be any better for guys with over sized love handles like me I think the new green pattern is a winner :tup: What do you think?
Post by: ellensburgpo on October 03, 2012, 05:01:35 PM
Post by: halflife65 on October 03, 2012, 05:31:51 PM
I just ordered a Guide DCS jacket in Verde as they just came in today. Hopefully I'll like it as much as the Vias pattern.
Nice work, the new Verde looks awesome. Thinking about getting the rain gear in it. May also end up with the same jacket you have - I have the Attack pants and they are the best pants that I've ever worn. My hunting partner has the Guide jacket (non DCS) and it's better than my 90%.
Post by: RadSav on October 03, 2012, 05:53:13 PM
I just ordered a Guide DCS jacket in Verde as they just came in today. Hopefully I'll like it as much as the Vias pattern.
Oh I sincerely hope it's better than the Vias!!!
Post by: ellensburgpo on October 04, 2012, 06:44:17 PM
I just ordered a Guide DCS jacket in Verde as they just came in today. Hopefully I'll like it as much as the Vias pattern.
Oh I sincerely hope it's better than the Vias!!!
If you happen to have a Guide DCS jacket in Vias I'd be more then happy to trade ya :tup:
Post by: RadSav on October 04, 2012, 07:37:01 PM
I just ordered a Guide DCS jacket in Verde as they just came in today. Hopefully I'll like it as much as the Vias pattern.
Oh I sincerely hope it's better than the Vias!!!
If you happen to have a Guide DCS jacket in Vias I'd be more then happy to trade ya :tup:
Nope! I got rid of every singe stitch of Kuiu with the Vias. Huntnnw got my last piece.
Post by: buglebuster on October 05, 2012, 07:11:42 PM
Post by: RadSav on October 05, 2012, 07:47:58 PM
Is the 90% set warm enough for winter hunting?
Depends on your definition of winter hunting and weather you are going to sit for long periods of time.
I wear either the Cabela's Goretex bird pant or Sitka's 90% pant most of the time during late archery on the west side with Core pant or Cabela's polartec underneath. Although I almost always refresh the DWR on the 90% prior to the season starting. They work great unless the rain is pounding or the snow is very wet. But, I don't often hunt in the late season by sitting still for very long. Usually on a set of tracks and go, go , go! I would definitely have a waterproof or warmer backup plan if I planned to sit for extended periods like I did back when we hunted the east side.