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Scentlok or Sitka or First Lite?

HuumanCreed said:
Ok, if I'm going to drive in. What would be the best initial investment in Sitka? I'm thinking of a Fanatic Hoody that would be used every hunt even in cold weather I'll just add layers from the tons of camo clothes I inherited. But I am having a hard time justifying to wife that I need a $200 pant.
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We understand Sir….we understand.
 
I bought the equinox jacket and used it last season. It kept me warm and the deer I shot was looking at me but couldn't figure out what I was. At least not before I could get an arrow off. Bought the Celsius midi this year for a packable insulation layer and it seems like it'll work perfectly.
 
Had First Lite stuff all last year. Didn't hold up well at all. Had lots of issues from bad zippers to peeling, etc. Given the price I was extremely disappointed. Sold it all and bought Sitka again. I'd had a few pieces previously but never fully bought in on a full system due to price. Lovin it so far. Built to take anything you can throw at it. BOCO...

If I were buying one "outfit" so to speak to cover a myriad of things, I'd get a fanatic hoodie, stratus jacket, and equinox pants. With layers this can cover a lot of different temps.
 
HuumanCreed said:
Ok, if I'm going to drive in. What would be the best initial investment in Sitka? I'm thinking of a Fanatic Hoody that would be used every hunt even in cold weather I'll just add layers from the tons of camo clothes I inherited. But I am having a hard time justifying to wife that I need a $200 pant.
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i know some love the fanatic hoody but, I was disappointed in it. There’s not much there for the price IMO.The Stratus set is extremely versatile, I would recommend saving up to buy it if your set on Sitka.
 
GCTerpfan said:
i know some love the fanatic hoody but, I was disappointed in it. There’s not much there for the price IMO.The Stratus set is extremely versatile, I would recommend saving up to buy it if your set on Sitka.
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What kind of temperatures / conditions would you say the stratus is covering? Seems the fanatic is the go-to for guys at similar latitudes to me
 
the bang for the buck you really cant go wrong with scentlok in my honest opinion. and for what its worth realtree excape and mossy oak terra gilla blend in the best in my eyes (if deer are really colorblind) seeing as i am so thats what ive always based my camo purchases off of lol
 
Firstlite and Sitka are great and i would argue that Sitka is just as good as FL and usually can be found cheaper as its sold at retail stores sometimes on sale. But both are pricey. FL can only be bought from their site and they do not do free shipping but I just got some stuff shipped for $10. IMO FL has the best thermal system if you prefer wool. Sitka base layers seem to be synthetic and not my thing.

I had some scent lok stuff, its nice but I just dont believe you can stop scent and the whole scent control is a waste of time money. Ive been hunting for 30 some years and tried extreme methods of scent control and never saw a difference. Its easier and less stressful to not worry so much about it and focus on your entry exit and play the wind correctly- just look at dan infalt.The only thing ive seen work are those ozonics machines. So if it were me, id get quality gear and not buy into the scent control gimic as deciding factor.

Another brand to consider is badlands. Their warranty is legit! Kuiu is alao awesome but more geared towards western stuff. For camo, ive found, especially if using a saddle, that brown or green pants of any brand with a leafy jacket and your face covered hides you from deer. So i dont Obsess over camo pattern. Ive had deer stare at directly under a tree and i look like a limb with leaves to them as they didnt freak or spook. Its your outline that matters more than camo and covering your face in my experience. And dont move!
 
I prefer Kuiu for early season due to the stick tites and beggar lice not as hard to get off. Have had good luck with Scentlok and FL both. I've never needed hunting clothing bad enough to fork out for the Sitka gear. I get pretty deep into the cold part of the season with Scentlok Revenant.
 
Horn said:
What kind of temperatures / conditions would you say the stratus is covering? Seems the fanatic is the go-to for guys at similar latitudes to me
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I have worn the stratus set in temps from 50 deg down to mid 20’s with heavy base layers and a puffy underneath. It does block the wind better than anything else I have tried. I’m still not sure it’s worth the price, I bought my set used for less than the current cost of the jacket alone.
 
GCTerpfan said:
I have worn the stratus set in temps from 50 deg down to mid 20’s with heavy base layers and a puffy underneath. It does block the wind better than anything else I have tried. I’m still not sure it’s worth the price, I bought my set used for less than the current cost of the jacket alone.
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Yup I go from 50s to 20s as well. I run the stratus jacket/pant. When it's gets to 30s I put the Celsius midi on with merino base layer pants. You add the neck gaiter (heavy duty,not the "core") to that set up and you're staying warm. I would disagree its not worth the price on this particular set. For other items they sell, I think you'd have an argument it's overpriced. That being said if you wait patiently you can find deals. Camofire always has Sitka on sale. Sitka routinely runs deals on their website. And I can vouch their customer service is outstanding if you have an issue.
 
I'm torn about spending money on hunting clothes. I've been using my old army uniform since day one of hunting and I might be prisoner to 'ignorance is bliss'. Don't get me wrong, I wasted money all over the place getting webbing and ropes, but I just can't swallow paying so much for clothing.
 
If it came down to incrementally spending more on quality clothes I'd put down those dollhairs over just about any other equipment. That investment is going to keep me comfortable in conditions when big deer are killed when it's cold and miserable out. That said I buy it all on sale and have a lot of multi-purpose non camo stuff that isn't solely dedicated to hunting.
 
elk yinzer said:
If it came down to incrementally spending more on quality clothes I'd put down those dollhairs over just about any other equipment. That investment is going to keep me comfortable in conditions when big deer are killed when it's cold and miserable out. That said I buy it all on sale and have a lot of multi-purpose non camo stuff that isn't solely dedicated to hunting.
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Can I sidetrack a little? So I am intrigue by getting the standard Dryad in OCP. This would make any camo I wear almost pointless except for pants wouldn't it?
 
HuumanCreed said:
Can I sidetrack a little? So I am intrigue by getting the standard Dryad in OCP. This would make any camo I wear almost pointless except for pants wouldn't it?
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All camo is pointless anyway, for deer. I've won intense staredowns with wily old does in a full on pumpkin suit. If anything I think a ghillie suit or something similar that really breaks up your outline MAYBE can buy you a little extra wiggle room when it comes to movement. Otherwise you can sit out there in a pink tutu and as long as you sit still, you're good.
 
elk yinzer said:
All camo is pointless anyway, for deer. I've won intense staredowns with wily old does in a full on pumpkin suit. If anything I think a ghillie suit or something similar that really breaks up your outline MAYBE can buy you a little extra wiggle room when it comes to movement. Otherwise you can sit out there in a pink tutu and as long as you sit still, you're good.
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That's what I thought. ;)
 
Don't worry about the patterns too much, worry about the warmth and wind blocking. I had too many sits last year and the year before where I was frozen. Probably good that I didn't see deer because I may not have been able to accurately shoot I was so cold. Decided to invest in the sitka fanatic line this summer. The cost hurts, but to be honest, once a month or two goes by you don't remember as much, and come winter you'll be happy. Worst case scenario leave the tags on and you can resell in a few months for pretty much what you pay when you find a sale.


So... No help with the brand, but invest in comfort.
 
Still Kicking said:
I prefer Kuiu for early season due to the stick tites and beggar lice not as hard to get off. Have had good luck with Scentlok and FL both. I've never needed hunting clothing bad enough to fork out for the Sitka gear. I get pretty deep into the cold part of the season with Scentlok Revenant.
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Revenant is by far the best most comfortable late season garment I’ve ever owned
 
Tim0712 said:
Revenant is by far the best most comfortable late season garment I’ve ever owned
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I ended up selling my Stratus jacket last year and bought the complete Revanent suit on clearance for what I sold the Stratus jacket for. The only complaint I had with the Stratus line is there is a little bit of noise from the fabric. Probably not enough for most compound guys to care about but, when trying to draw a stick bow 6 yards from a deer on a crisp morning they will hear it.

The Revenant suit is completely silent and a bit warmer than the Stratus suit. I was happy with it the two late season sits I got to use it.
 
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