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Help with Sitka purchases

P

Publicpounder

Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2017
Messages
77
I am slowling switching my stuff over to Sitka, I want to buy one cry once and not buy again for awhile. First, I hunt public in Wi with long walks and or canoe in access. A mile is not at all uncommon, sometimes 2 miles. I dont want that to sound like I am bragging or anything like that, I am mentioning it because I will be walking a long ways and I feel like that factors into what I probably need to purchase.

I bought a kelvin lite hoody last year which I LOVE. Its basically a very thin insulation layer that folds up pretty small for carrying in, so I dont think I need an insulation layer for the top, but perhaps the bottom.

I just purchased the timberline pants, which I am hoping will work for early season and mid season.

So, I think my next purchase needs to be a base layer , but I dont know what to get since they have so many. I would like to be able to not sweat profusely on the way in (why I mentioned the long walk before), but I dont want to be changing clothes other than an outside layer if possible. During the rut, my average temps are probably 25-55 degrees, so I would like to be comfy in that range. I would also like to stay as thin (not bulky) as possible and lightweight.

I looked at the fanatic set, but I am thinking it will actually be too warm and might do more harm than good, plus I am sure it will be a burr magnet.

So, what would be some good items to get, to help round out my setup. I am thinking more mid season thru the rut now, because I have a set of lightweight under armour stuff thats pretty light that I can get a few years out of for early season if I need to.

Can anyone help me with this?
 
Not trying to steal the thread, but I’ve been thinking of acquiring some Sitka myself. Do you happen to know of any sales or discounts at the moment?
 
Depends a little on how long you sit. Considering your temps and the pieces you have I'd be looking at the Core heavyweight top and bottom or the Core bottom and fanatic top. This will be on the warmer side and you will probably sweat on the way in but it will wick and I think you'll be happy you had the heavy after sitting still a while. The Sitka boxers are actually a big deal and I'd definitely recommend them for staying dry and warm. Their neck gaiter is also really nice to have and adds a good bit of warmth. There is a neck muff as well but that bitch will roast you out.

Hope that helps!
 
I wear the Stratus set down to the low 30s with merino baselayers and a shacket. I think you’d be burning up in the fanatic. I can’t recommend merino wool enough I switched all my baselayers over few years ago and love it. I run a lot of minus 33 merino for baselayers.
 
Without a doubt, go with fishnet base layer at least on your torso. I've worn fishnets for years. Adding fishnets will allow an additional 10 degrees of warmth to any outfit you wear and allow your perspiration to evaporate as it's supposed to. At least that has been my experience. I wear Wiggy's fishnets and suggest if you decide to go that route, call Jerry before ordering to discuss sizes. They seem to run small,

www.wiggys.com

Fishnet Long Underwear

Manufacturer of the finest sleeping bags and outdoor gear in the world. Nothing keeps you you warm & dry in cold, wet conditions like Wiggy's!
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For those temps I'd recommend the Stratus set with the right layering. I'd wear merino underneath. If you want the best, get First Lite. If you want really good, but cheaper, get Minus 33 as mentioned above. If you get the fanatic set, you absolutely can not walk in with it on (I wouldn't walk in with the stratus jacket on either). I don't know how anyone would do that and not be drenched by the time you're at the tree unless you're just walking 100 yards through a field or something. Since you're not walking with it on, I find it less of an issue with burrs. Yeah, you'll pick some up if you're tracking a deer with it on or something but they don't annoy me enough that the set isn't worth it.
 
One of my biggest complaints I have is the pants don't have leg zippers on them for easy in the field changing (at least the ones I have don't)
 
i agree with the comments above. The stratus set is probably the most versatile for those temps. You’d likely want to add the shacket or fanatic vest for the colder days too.
 
I sold my Stratus pants when they came out with Stratus bibs. The bibs are way better and have full length sippers on legs. I hated it when jacket rode up and lower back got cold. Not an issue now. Also I plan on upgrading to the Celsius midi as an insulation layer instead of the shacket. The shacket works great but doesn’t pack wel where the new midi has full length sleeves but new insulation it packs a lot smaller than the shacket.
 
Labonte.r said:
I sold my Stratus pants when they came out with Stratus bibs. The bibs are way better and have full length sippers on legs. I hated it when jacket rode up and lower back got cold. Not an issue now. Also I plan on upgrading to the Celsius midi as an insulation layer instead of the shacket. The shacket works great but doesn’t pack wel where the new midi has full length sleeves but new insulation it packs a lot smaller than the shacket.
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I'm always just a step behind it seems. This might cause me to see if I still have time to return my stratus pants for bibs. I much prefer pants to bibs but the leg zippers would definitely interest me
 
I used to before I found out my bibs don’t show my ars crack as much. the Stratus bibs are legit I wear them 90% my hunts just change my base layers depending on weather. The full leg zips are money on warmer days I keep em wide open with just lightweight merinos.
 
Labonte.r said:
I used to before I found out my bibs don’t show my ars crack as much. the Stratus bibs are legit I wear them 90% my hunts just change my base layers depending on weather. The full leg zips are money on warmer days I keep em wide open with just lightweight merinos.
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Thanks. Did you buy the same size or did you go up a size for the bibs?
 
I run Stratus pants and Kuiu zip off merino baselayer. When I get to my spot, drop my pants to my ankles, and zip on the baselayer. They are friggin awesome!
I also run a Fanatic vest and bought a Celsius jacket to go under it. Not tried the new jacket out, we will see once it cools down.
 
I hunted in stratus bibs and jacket down to 19F last year. With proper layering it’s not bad at that temperature for 1/2 day sits. For a full day sit below 30F, I’d want something warmer and have been eyeing the fanatic myself. The 2019 version has a different material on the lower leg to avoid picking up burs.

It’s been mentioned already but worth repeating. If you walk or paddle in a significant distance you will be drenched in sweat by the time you get to your tree. I typically wear an extremely lightweight shirt/pant (Sitka ascent last year) and get dressed at or near the tree. Base layers and all. If you start the morning wet, you’ll be cold much faster.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
weekender21 said:
It’s been mentioned already but worth repeating. If you walk or paddle in a significant distance you will be drenched in sweat by the time you get to your tree. I typically wear an extremely lightweight shirt/pant (Sitka ascent last year) and get dressed at or near the tree. Base layers and all. If you start the morning wet, you’ll be cold much faster.
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I'm past the normal return window but I emailed the company about trying to return the pants I just got for the bibs with the zippered legs! Much easier to put on at the tree.
Update. That was a quick no response. Anybody want to buy Stratus pants in size L

Amazon.com: SITKA Gear Stratus Pant : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Shop Amazon for SITKA Gear Stratus Pant and find millions of items, delivered faster than ever.
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So, it sounds like I need to consider the stratus bibs, and fanatic vest, and then go with merino base layers and the sitka boxers for a good all around setup (plus my kelvin lite jacket I currently have)? Would I need a heavier jacket?
 
I'd have to agree with above statements about anything Merino. I used first lite products out west this year and was impressed. It wicks any sweat and dries quickly, warm for it's weight, and truly did not stink after 9 days of sweating in the mid day and not showering. I really wouldn't believe if I didn't experience it. I did have a couple pieces of Sitka synthetic. I wore for a couple days but could tell a big difference between it and Merino. Can't wait to hang in a tree with my first lite gear in a couple weeks when the PA season kicks off. New saddle and new duds. I'm excited!!!
 
Publicpounder said:
So, it sounds like I need to consider the stratus bibs, and fanatic vest, and then go with merino base layers and the sitka boxers for a good all around setup (plus my kelvin lite jacket I currently have)? Would I need a heavier jacket?
Click to expand...
I haven't owned any of the kelvin but that setup definitely seems like a good place to start. The stratus is super versatile and I doubt you'll ever get rid of it. I used to have a fanatic jacket but will just be using the vest from here on out for when it's real cold and the celsius midi under the stratus won't cut it. I also have no idea about the boxers I usually just wear full length light or heavy weight merino. Maybe not for the boxers lol but the good news is you can usually sell the Sitka stuff pretty easy if you don't like it for some reason. Check classifieds on here or AT you can usually get good deals without paying full retail.
 
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