Sitka disappointment (waterfowl gear)

[DaubsNU1]

I'm old school and had a buddy who worked for Cabela's back in the day. Have a crap-ton of Cabela's branded clothing, gloves, boots, and gear. I have had some Kuiu big-game gear for a while...and like it very much. 

 

Been eyeing some new stuff for a while...and have been trying on Sitka gear for about a month now. Their stuff is really high quality, looks good, but I just cannot seem to find what I'm looking for. Brother and his son have the heavyweight hoodie and Hudson jacket, some base layer merino wool, and wader pants (Gradient). 

 

I really like the Gradient wader pant, they are warm and fit well. 

 

But their hoodies, base layers, jackets and coats don't fit me well. A large is too small...and I swim in the XL. 

 

What has been your experience with Sitka? 

[fishballer06]

Not a Sitka guy, but I am a First Lite guy. I've been wearing it exclusively for 4 seasons now and haven't had any problems. I can tell you that the First Lite groups on Facebook have been extremely helpful for finding sizes (I would imagine there are Sitka groups as well). FL has reps in there as well as other hunters obviously. Just mention the item you're looking to buy and describe your build (e.g. 5'11, 205lbs) and usually someone will chime in who is a similar size and recommend what works for them. 

 

I'm not familiar with how Sitka works, but First Lite does offer free exchanges for sizing. 

[DaubsNU1]

37 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

Not a Sitka guy, but I am a First Lite guy. I've been wearing it exclusively for 4 seasons now and haven't had any problems. I can tell you that the First Lite groups on Facebook have been extremely helpful for finding sizes (I would imagine there are Sitka groups as well). FL has reps in there as well as other hunters obviously. Just mention the item you're looking to buy and describe your build (e.g. 5'11, 205lbs) and usually someone will chime in who is a similar size and recommend what works for them. 

 

I'm not familiar with how Sitka works, but First Lite does offer free exchanges for sizing. 

 

I have a Scheels, Cabela's and BPS in town, and they all carry Sitka gear. I did order a few items directly from Sitka, and they are exchanging a heavyweight hoodie. Hope the new size fits.

 

I really like Kuiu merino wool base layer top, and zip-off merino bottoms, and the Guide DCS soft-shell -- they served me well chasing Mule Deer. And now keeping me warm and dry in the duck blind. Kuiu has a new waterfowl lineup. I've ordered some solid mid layers...will see how things flesh out.

 

Last weekend temps on the river were single digits. Base layer of Merino wool, a poly long sleeve, the Kuiu Peleton 240 zip hoodie, then an old Marmot fleece. Shell was a 20+ year old Cabela's System's Parka Gore-Tex (without the thinsulate liner). Sitka Gradient pants and good wool socks. I stayed warm and dry...we did have heaters...hunted dawn until dusk.

 

I like the versatility of layering to match the weather.

 

Will have to check out the First Lite lineup. Appreciate the words of wisdom @fishballer06!

[gim]

I've never gone down the Sitka rabbit hole.  The cost seems outrageous compared to other brands.  I'm an avid hunter in various weather conditions so at some point I'll probably try it.

 

Around here the largest demographic that seems to use it are big game archery hunters.

[Rockhopper]

I have never been a fan of Sitka or Kuiu.  I am an archery hunter.  I love my high end gear, but not in this case.  Most of the gear they sell is ridiculously noisy.  I am pretty anal about my hunting gear, including smell. I have quite the ritual for de-scenting my clothing prior to my one to two week trips.  After a bunch of trial and error over the years, I have actually landed on cheap cotton.  I buy the $15 long sleeve and $30 pants from Mossy Oak.  For literally the same price as one or two full sets the expensive stuff, I have a fresh clean set of gear for every day of the week that I hunt (I camp in the woods, no washing machine).  If I encounter a day that it is raining hard, I will wear a set of camos I have already worn again as the rain really cuts down on the scent.  I have eight sets of camo's as opposed to one or two.  It is very light weight, doesn't make a sound, and cheap to replace.  This works very well.

 

I have one set of Rivers West camo rain gear that is very nice, one Cabela's strata soft camo jacket, and one soft strata vest.  I can honestly say I have never been too cold or too wet to be uncomfortable.  But I also do not ever sit in a tree stand.  I hike my butt off, and doing so have harvested 19 elk in the last 24 years.

[Darth-Baiter]

Kuiu is down the road from me. Having said that, I prefer Sitka.   I was an avid bow hunter and Sitka pants just held up better.  My Kuiu attack pant pilled-up on the first outing.  I have Sitka 90% jacket that’s has miles and miles on it.   Using vests and other outer wear I could keep just warm enough for everything I encountered.    The  jacket is huge now that I dropped so much weight and I seriously should donate it.  It’s still in great condition.   
 

no idea on any waterfowl stuff.  I’d prob wear Simms in the water. 

[TnRiver46]

I kind of want to link all the hilarious short videos and memes online about Sitka but there are just too many that pop up and they are all hilarious haha. The tiger woods/jon Daly ones are great 

 

On 1/21/2025 at 11:55 AM, Rockhopper said:

I have never been a fan of Sitka or Kuiu.  I am an archery hunter.  I love my high end gear, but not in this case.  Most of the gear they sell is ridiculously noisy.  I am pretty anal about my hunting gear, including smell. I have quite the ritual for de-scenting my clothing prior to my one to two week trips.  After a bunch of trial and error over the years, I have actually landed on cheap cotton.  I buy the $15 long sleeve and $30 pants from Mossy Oak.  For literally the same price as one or two full sets the expensive stuff, I have a fresh clean set of gear for every day of the week that I hunt (I camp in the woods, no washing machine).  If I encounter a day that it is raining hard, I will wear a set of camos I have already worn again as the rain really cuts down on the scent.  I have eight sets of camo's as opposed to one or two.  It is very light weight, doesn't make a sound, and cheap to replace.  This works very well.

 

I have one set of Rivers West camo rain gear that is very nice, one Cabela's strata soft camo jacket, and one soft strata vest.  I can honestly say I have never been too cold or too wet to be uncomfortable.  But I also do not ever sit in a tree stand.  I hike my butt off, and doing so have harvested 19 elk in the last 24 years.

cotton is a wonderful clothing fabric, I’m like you and don’t drink the kool aid. Supposedly it kills you, yet here we are 

[gim]

On 1/21/2025 at 10:55 AM, Rockhopper said:

But I also do not ever sit in a tree stand.  I hike my butt off, and doing so have harvested 19 elk in the last 24 years.

This a valid point, as there is a variety of ways to hunt in varied conditions and there may not be a one size fits all approach. Sitting in an elevated open air stand is a complete 180 from walking miles on end.

[Functional]

I've wanted to try some high end stuff mainly to stay slim. I primarily bow hunt and drawing in bulky clothing quietly is not something has gone well for me. Getting hands on a lot of the Sitka stuff seems like its going to tear at the first pricker that snags it and the stuff that seems more durable is puffy and noisy. 

 

Ended up (currently) with some Academy stuff and a heated vest. I'll slip some fleece pajama pants on over my long johns and just got a muff to try next year to keep my hands and hand heaters in and warm. Not that we get really cold here but urban archery in January can have the mornings down in the teens sitting in a tree. 

[gim]

I just realized there is an actual Sitka outlet store not far from me. The whole store is nothing but Sitka brand apparel.

[DaubsNU1]

Placed an order with Kuiu in the past few weeks. The old Cabela's stuff is wearing out. I'm moving to more solid colors to triple duty around the house, out in the blind/field, or on the water. 

 

I'm a sliver under six feet tall, 220 lbs 36+" waist. Cabela's large | tall coats fit me very well. In Kuiu I had to size up to XL, and 38" waist, as their stuff runs a little small (or "athletic" as they put it). HA!

 

I have found Kuiu fits me much better than Sitka stuff. 

 

They tout a "layering" system, and it actually works out well. Base layer, mid layer, shell layer. They fit together and have integrated thumb-holes (except the outer layers). Kuiu has lots of sales throughout the year...I generally wait until something goes on sale, or it hits their outlet. You can get up to 40% off some items. 

 

My thoughts below (sorry, it's a slow night, and the wife is in to Netflix right now)

 

Here is the stuff I have owned for 10+ years:

Ultra merino 145 zip T-long sleeve: It's a good base layer when stalking Muley's out west. Doesn't get stinky like poly. Recently I've started wearing in the duck blind. Performs well. Very light weight. Have to wash my wool stuff separately, and air dry. Kind of a pain. Bonus, I can wear my merino multiple times before it gets even a hint of stinky. 

Pro merino zip-off bottoms: These are really cool. Pretty darn warm and comfy. Full side zip means you can take these off without removing your boots. Great feature when glassing, then stalking. Strange someone didn't think if this before. 

Guide DCS jacket: Fits well, pit-zips, quality piece. It's big enough to get a base layer and a mid layer underneath. When it gets really cold I throw a gore-tex shell over the top. I like this very much. Was mainly for big game, now I'm wearing in the blind as well. 

Attack Pants: I have a solid color and planned to wear these around the house, doing projects, etc. They are too warm for everyday wear. Perform great chasing deer. Layer up with merino bottoms when it gets cold...and add the old-school Cabela's gore-text bibs when it gets really nasty. Bonus, they now come in regular, tall, and short lengths. The short is 31" inseam, and just about perfect for my build. 

Tiburon pants: again solid colors here. They are really comfy and quite cool. I actually pair these up with hikers and polo shirt and wear to work often. No one seems to notice : )

Gila hoodie: Kinda pricy for what it is. Does perform well, but I can get cheaper alternatives via Amazon. 

Logo T-shirts: picked up a crap ton of these in the outlet a few years back...I believe they were $14 each. Cotton. Meh. I prefer poly or wool. But these are good around the house in warmer months. 

 

Here is the stuff I picked up recently:

Peloton 240 full zip hoodie: Found on ebay...it has become a daily item for me this fall and winter. Light enough to wear around the house. Blocks enough wind and is warm enough to wear to the store. It's sized as a mid-layer and goes well over merino or poly base layer, and under the Guide DCS or a gore-tex shell. I picked up two more solid colors on sale in the last year. Oddly the material in this coat does not pick up my Labrador Retriever's hair(!) The 240 might be my favorite Kuiu item. 

Strongfleece 190 Zip-T: Another good mid-layer. Fits well, pretty warm. And doesn't pick up the dog's hair. Solid color, I find myself wearing this around the house either with a poly underneath, or just this zip-t. I will probably pick up another solid color soon. 

Peloton 118 long sleeve crew-t: Picked up a few of these in solid colors.  This shirt is great at wicking moisture. Nice base layer, or even by it self. I do have a few short sleeve. 

Pro merino 200: wool base layer polyester outer layer. Jury still out. It's a nice long sleeve. 

Kutana Stretch Woven Pant: Jury is still out. They are lighter than Attack, but heavier than the Tiburon. I may return these. Although they might be a good fishing pant. Hmmm.....

 

Things I would like to try in the future, or tried and didn't like:

Rainwear: I started another thread on waterproof rainwear. Kuiu has some solid colors...I'm unsure what direction I want to go here. I have found some old school Cabela's gore-tex jackets on eBay, in my favorite size (large-tall). But who knows if they are still waterproof. I may have to bit the bullet on rainwear this spring. 

Elements Jacket: Looking at this down the road. Synthetic down-like fill, with windproof shell. My main winter coat is a 25+ year old North Face gore-tex shell that has a fleece liner that zips in and out. I also have a goose down 700 fill liner that zips in and out as well. It's a great system, and super warm in the windy Nebraska winters. I love me some gore-tex / dry-plus / omni-tech / waterproof / windproof shells. Zipper is starting to fail...wonder if The North Face will fix or replace it? Don't they have a lifetime warranty?

Hats / headwear: they have some cool stuff, but I have a giant dome (size 8)...nothing they carry fits. Thankfully I stocked up on clearance Cabela's caps and hats when they were in clearance or the bargain cave...XXL actually fits me. 

Gloves: I have soo many Cabela's gloves in my basement...some still have on tags. Don't need anything just yet.

Down / puffy: I don't really have any need for a down puffy. 

Vest: I have never been a fan of vests. Brother and buddy wear them all the time. Won't my arms get cold? I dunno...I may have to give this a shot. Strangely enough, the Sitka vests are the ONE thing that fits me well from their lineup. 

 

Whelp, that's it for tonight. Wife's done with TV. Holler if you have questions. DD.