Post by: ffbowhunter on January 21, 2018, 11:17:20 AM
As far as pants goes I was happy with my attacks other than I seemed to sweat more early season. I am looking at getting either another pair of attacks or switching to first lite obsidian or Sitka ascents. I would love to hear some reviews.
As far as the upper I am happy with my peloton 240 for cool mornings and running a merino base by kuiu. But I’ve also considered trying out the first lite sawtooth hybrid jacket and the Sitka core hoody.
Like I said I tend to run hot and sweat. I also am lucky in that I get a substantial discount on all these brands making the price fairly comparable, the only down side is no returns. Let the debate begin! The only worse question I could have asked is what caliber I should be shooting!
Post by: spoonman on January 21, 2018, 11:27:24 AM
Also if you have to return anything to SKRE they will pay the s&h even if you order the wrong size. Killer customer service and priced better than their competition.
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on January 21, 2018, 11:33:18 AM
I like that they are windproof, and lightweight. I would be scared about the durability of a wool pant with my hunting/falling/crashing through brush style.
I'll be getting a second pair in a solid color this year.
Post by: Crunchy on January 21, 2018, 11:33:54 AM
Post by: Sneaky on January 21, 2018, 11:56:15 AM
Post by: ffbowhunter on January 21, 2018, 12:52:05 PM
there is no more purpose driven, well thought out clothing for hunting on the market than sitka gear IMO. comfortable, lightweight, and best camo on the market.I do like there subalpine pattern
Post by: cougforester on January 21, 2018, 01:07:10 PM
Post by: Sneaky on January 21, 2018, 01:38:38 PM
there is no more purpose driven, well thought out clothing for hunting on the market than sitka gear IMO. comfortable, lightweight, and best camo on the market.I do like there subalpine pattern
I do own some subalpine and a EVII system for treestand, but most of what I wear is waterfowl marsh pattern. It tricks your eyes bigtime even in the woods/sage. I have heard that contractors fighting overseas are even using the marsh pattern to hide in the desert...I have noticed when duck hunting that I do not have to hide as well when wearing the camo...
As to firstlite, I do have some 100% merino underwear that is good stuff, but I think there are cheaper options of better quality in the merino world.
Post by: JoeE on January 21, 2018, 01:46:32 PM
Post by: M_ray on January 21, 2018, 02:23:35 PM
Post by: spoonman on January 21, 2018, 02:26:14 PM
I have mostly Sitka and some Kuiu ... dont know a thing about First Light. It all seems to be good stuff these days, SKRE looks interesting to me and Id like to see it in person.
They will be at the Sportsman show. Great hunting gear IMO.
Post by: hughjorgan on January 21, 2018, 02:45:09 PM
Post by: Milkman on January 21, 2018, 03:34:22 PM
Post by: Antlershed on January 21, 2018, 04:29:26 PM
Post by: ffbowhunter on January 21, 2018, 04:31:32 PM
I really like Sitka, the sizing just doesn’t work for me. I’ve been using Kuiu for a couple years now and don’t have any complaints. Only minor issue is the pants with knee pads, are more like shin pads because I’m so short. :chuckle:I believe they are meant to be like that so when you kneel down the knee pad doesn’t ride up. I have a pair of core4element pants like that.
Post by: M_ray on January 21, 2018, 04:37:51 PM
I really like Sitka, the sizing just doesn’t work for me. I’ve been using Kuiu for a couple years now and don’t have any complaints. Only minor issue is the pants with knee pads, are more like shin pads because I’m so short. :chuckle:I believe they are meant to be like that so when you kneel down the knee pad doesn’t ride up. I have a pair of core4element pants like that.
One thing I like about Sitka is the knee pads are removable, some may like the knee pads but I take them out.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 21, 2018, 04:55:40 PM
Kuiu rain gear can't be beat for combination breathability / durability.
Don't like any of the shell - northface type - gear. Not that warm, doesn't breathe enough for me. Guide jacket etc.
Like Kuiu Attack and Chinook. Not Guide type.
Post by: lewy on January 21, 2018, 05:00:55 PM
Post by: thinkingman on January 21, 2018, 09:33:45 PM
There are so many Camo fanboys that will swear their choice is the only one you should consider.
I’m 5’8” with a 35” waist, 44” chest. Kuiu doesnt want me as a customer except for their packs.
First Lite Corrugated pants in Med fit me perfectly, are cool in early season and dry quickly. Their merino fits me in medium and I like it but doubt I’d buy it again for durability reasons.
My partners think my Fusion pattern works pretty well in Eastern Washington.
I’d buy Fusion or Cipher.
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on January 22, 2018, 08:35:12 AM
I wear the alpines from September thru October. Probably my most frequently worn pants. I really like the knee pads during archery season. They’re lighter weight than the attacks, and heavier than the Tiburon. Shouldn’t get too hot in these. Nice vents in the side also.
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 22, 2018, 08:43:42 AM
Post by: jackelope on January 22, 2018, 08:54:15 AM
Post by: swanny on January 22, 2018, 09:18:22 AM
No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.
Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.
Post by: jrebel on January 22, 2018, 09:26:52 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on January 22, 2018, 09:29:40 AM
As far as my experience goes. I have tried to like kuiu, but i cant. Materials and fit and finish are awesome. And i have several friends that all love it. I will say I hear alot about its "athletic" fit, but i would advise anyone in the market to try it regardless of shape. Its more about wear you carry the weight rather than being a specimen.
First lite is great materials are good and from hunting brands they have the best merino hands down IMO. , but as far as sizing goes inconsistent is the first word that pops to my mind. I certainly hope they have ironed it out as they cut out retailers and product availability going to direct consumer model.
That leaves Sitka. What can I say.... you get what you pay for. Consistent sizing, great materials and finish. Excellent availability for sizing, good customer service. Unless one of the other brands just blows them away sizing wise ( it does happen) there is really no cons.
From your description I think the ascent series would work great. They are specialized tho, so dont expect it to cover the spectrum of weather and temps from late august to december. But for early season elk, they worked very well for me.
Post by: trophyhunt on January 22, 2018, 09:36:38 AM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on January 24, 2018, 04:57:38 PM
Post by: olsy on January 24, 2018, 05:06:17 PM
No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.
Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.
I just got my first pair of Prana Zion's this week and I am extremely impressed. A pant that I can wear for early season hunting and also wear as an every day pant.
I bought a pair of First Lite Obsidian pants last fall and they tore the first day of the hunt.
Post by: jackelope on January 24, 2018, 05:09:19 PM
Post by: cougforester on January 24, 2018, 05:16:19 PM
No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.
Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.
I just got my first pair of Prana Zion's this week and I am extremely impressed. A pant that I can wear for early season hunting and also wear as an every day pant.
I bought a pair of First Lite Obsidian pants last fall and they tore the first day of the hunt.
This is what happened to me as well. Had some Sitka gear now for a few years and it looks brand new.
Post by: davk on January 31, 2018, 07:35:17 PM
Ive used the Prana Zions a bit and I wouldnt say durability has been real great for me. Just a tiny bit of brush busting and mainly still hunting and Ive gotten holes in the knees. But they are incredibly comfortable, decently quiet, cooler than any FL option, lot of color options and relatively cheap compared to hunting specific pants.
Post by: walleye1 on January 31, 2018, 08:35:09 PM
Post by: SGTDuffman on March 10, 2018, 10:47:07 PM
Post by: X-Force on March 10, 2018, 11:18:10 PM
There is no way as an advocate for public land, wildlife and wild spaces that I would spend another dime one a brand with Jason Hairston name on it. Great clothing, cool products, total self interest.
Sitka and First Lite are inevested in the future of wildlife and public land and so that’s where I’ll spend my money. They also make some pretty awesome clothing.
Post by: JeffRaines on March 11, 2018, 07:30:15 AM
First Lites durability is questionable, with droves of people having issues with their pants and more. I haven't personally had issues with their tops, but have seen people who have. They're also moving to the 'Kuiu' system where they're the sole distributor... in theory it should save us money, doubt that'll actually happen in the end.
Kuiu, well I don't want to fund Jasons hunts any longer. One common issue between Kuiu and First Lite is the fabric choice in their waterproof/breathable stuff. While none of the stuff is perfect, Sitka uses actual gore tex vs off-brand crap from the other brands. While I'm sure it works well, when it doesn't who you gonna call? The guys at Toray? Think they're going to warranty your stuff? Good luck.
I do think the need for camo is way overblown... yes for archery/muzzy/turkey I can see why it is needed(and use it personally), but for rifle hunting... not so much.
Post by: opdinkslayer on March 11, 2018, 08:56:26 AM
While I've had okay luck with Kuiu and First Lite, I can't see myself spending any more on either brand.
First Lites durability is questionable, with droves of people having issues with their pants and more. I haven't personally had issues with their tops, but have seen people who have. They're also moving to the 'Kuiu' system where they're the sole distributor... in theory it should save us money, doubt that'll actually happen in the end.
Kuiu, well I don't want to fund Jasons hunts any longer. One common issue between Kuiu and First Lite is the fabric choice in their waterproof/breathable stuff. While none of the stuff is perfect, Sitka uses actual gore tex vs off-brand crap from the other brands. While I'm sure it works well, when it doesn't who you gonna call? The guys at Toray? Think they're going to warranty your stuff? Good luck.
I do think the need for camo is way overblown... yes for archery/muzzy/turkey I can see why it is needed(and use it personally), but for rifle hunting... not so much.
Sitka is owned by W.L. Gore so that only makes sense they use their own waterproof product in the clothing. Personally I've been plenty wet in many products using goretex over the years so I guess it's a personal preference thing when it comes to high end hunting gear. Supporting a global corporation and claiming they are looking out for the average hunters best interest is your guys right but I don't believe it for a second. It's just about the money and if they could pedal the same ol stuff year after year in as many box stores and retailers as possible, they would. Like Jason Hairston or not , we can all thank him and the fact he didn't quit when he got screwed over with Sitka, for the evolution and product development of high end hunting gear the past 10 years. That has pushed many different companies in many different product lines to push R&D for the best products possible to keep up with his lead.
I only own a few pieces of Kuiu and a few pieces of First Lite with some being great and some being just ok for what it cost. I personally will never own a piece of Sitka stuff that will always be at the very top in price point just to pay board members & stock holders not because it's the best money can buy. :twocents:
Post by: ffbowhunter on March 11, 2018, 04:07:59 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 11, 2018, 04:48:15 PM
Post by: davk on March 11, 2018, 05:08:20 PM
I do think the need for camo is way overblown... yes for archery/muzzy/turkey I can see why it is needed(and use it personally), but for rifle hunting... not so much.
I personally see a need for camo gaiters, pants, jacket, face paint and a giant billboard backed with a glaring white back hat so you know what company is the shiz.
Post by: Matth on March 12, 2018, 07:16:48 AM
Post by: T-Dozzer on March 13, 2018, 07:43:35 PM
No recommendation on the big 3 but if your looking early/ mid season pants don't overlook brands like prAna Zions. I wore mine all last season, all weather, hard use. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the durability. Solid colors only but I've never been a camo pant guy. There are more solid colors in nature than digital camo anyway.
Was just going to say the same thing! Prana Zion are a great pant for half the cost if you are okay with a solid color option. I've worn mine for a week straight and been comfortable everyday in them through varying weather conditions.
I like the prana zion stretch better than my high end stuff.