Sitka OPTIFADE

[bow kill]

Nice pictures! XXX has some of the new Sitka Gear packs in as well.

[GreenHunter]

Pretty cool idea to test the camo with photos. It really shows how much they focused on the pattern. It also shows that they went with the "cool" factor instead of concealment with the zippers on the front. In the frontal photo in black and white the black zippers really stand out as man-made. It seems odd that they would have not caught that. I think an half inch of the camo pattern over those zippers would make it a lot better.

[AKBowman]

That's good stuff if you can afford it...I still say nothing beats Predator Grey if you can find it in microfleece buy as much of it as you can. I've been caught in the wide open and had blacktails stair right past me.

[winston2789]

does anyone own the sitka stormfront outfit? im trying to decide on either the stormfront lite or regular stormfront. the lite is packable raingear. whats everyones thoughts on this or experience so far? im leaning towards the regular stormfront but am hoping that it is what im looking for which is breathable for hiking but warm for when i stop to glass in the mornings,and waterproof. for the price i would hope it comes close. i own a set of rivers west and are so so, they have got me by but i know theres better. any suggestions i hunt mainly the wet side oct & nov
mike

[Intruder]

That Sitka clothing is really nice well made stuff.  Camo pattern is OK.  Still say Predator and ASAT is the *censored* when it comes to hiding from critters.

[bow kill]

does anyone own the sitka stormfront outfit? im trying to decide on either the stormfront lite or regular stormfront. the lite is packable raingear. whats everyones thoughts on this or experience so far? im leaning towards the regular stormfront but am hoping that it is what im looking for which is breathable for hiking but warm for when i stop to glass in the mornings,and waterproof. for the price i would hope it comes close. i own a set of rivers west and are so so, they have got me by but i know theres better. any suggestions i hunt mainly the wet side oct & nov
mike

I have the storm front lite and its great stuff. I like the lite as I can layer for warmth as needed when needed. Plus its half the price for those wanting to save some money.

[bow4elk]

Personal opinion here, but the whole premise behind Optifade is little more than a great marketing campaign.  Yes, it's pretty good.  But no better than ASAT or Predator, IMHO.   They are correct that most pattern "blob" at a distance, which is why ASAT and Predator are so effective.  Photorealistic camo patterns are great for close up stuff but they appeal more to the hunter than anything.  I used to mix and match camo patterns as a means to break up the human shape.  I looked like a yard sale at times with Trebark, ASAT, Skyline, Realtree all mixed together.  The ultimate goal is confusing your form.  Optifade + Sitka = overpriced fashion statement 

[winston2789]

i dont know that the optifade is any better then the others, im looking for something that is breathable and waterproof. the rivers west stalker set i have makes me sweat on the hike in and once i sit to glass is when i get cold. i did some more research. the stormfront lite is a single layer gore tex jacket. the regular stormfront is a double layer gore-tex jack. the celsius is an insulatd water resistant and the coldfront is a insulated gore-tex jacket. i know this is in the archery forum but ill be hunting muzzleloader this year...found it by doing a search. i htink either the coldfront or the stormfront lite will be my pick

[bow4elk]

im looking for something that is breathable and waterproof.

For practical  hunting purposes, it simply doesn't exist.  When you hike, you perspire at a rate higher than any semi-permeable fabric can allow the moisture to escape.  It's just a fact.  The best approach is to layer your clothing.  If it's raining or drizzly, you might consider wearing a long sleeve polypro top and just get wet while you hike.  Your body temperature will rise, the polypropylene will hold in enough body heat, and the wetness will keep you cool.  ONce you get to where you are going, dry off (pack a small hand towel in a ziplock freezer bag), and get dry layers on as appropriate for the conditions.

I've found that all the great fabrics are pointless when if you have a pack on and are biking or hiking any measurable distance.  You just have to regulate your temperature by removing and adding layers as needed.  Again, my 

[winston2789]

good point bow, and would probably save a lot of money that way.

[xXx Archery]

well I would say it works great all the guys I hunt with has 1 set of Sitka and we wore the same set all week with out washing it...I did not get wet from sweat. ASAT and Predator are great Camo but untell they pull there heads out and put it on some good material it sucks. If its all Hype then it must be Hype for all the Mountaineering guys to?

[joebear]

hey xxx can I pick up My pro deal clothes at your store If I get the guys to ok it

[Bighorse]

You mean.....aghhhhh........My old Mothwing pattern won't work anymore!  I have to go get another $700 fashion statement.

Besides stitching comming undone, buttons falling off, and zippers rusting it's ok gear.  I'll take it on my mt. goat hunt tommorrow but not without some good ol' fashioned bush Alaska doctoring.

It's works but is still made in China.

A guy in Anchorage said that durring the field test of the pattern they were able to really close the distance on Dall sheep in open country using it.  I've handled it in the store and it does look really good.  Maybe they have clamped down on the quality and made things a little better than when I jumped on the Sitka bandwagon a few years back.

[280ackley]

ASAT and Predator are great Camo but untell they pull there heads out and put it on some good material it sucks.

I have wondered for a long time why Predator hasn't marketed there pattern on different materials.  It seems it would be a definite win for them.

[xXx Archery]

ASAT and Predator are great Camo but untell they pull there heads out and put it on some good material it sucks.

I have wondered for a long time why Predator hasn't marketed there pattern on different materials.  It seems it would be a definite win for them.

Yes ME TO...