re: Sitka gear

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The YETI of hunting gear. Buy it so you can use the stickers in good conscience.

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And because it works, and the warranty is legit.

I have a couple pieces. In fairness, all have been gifts and I don't think I'd pay full price for it...ever. I have the shell jacket that's not insulated, a vest, a pair of pants kinda like sweatpants, and the beanie. It seems every year someone close to me gives me a piece for Christmas. Not mad about it.

Anyway, the shell jacket is awesome. It's Gore and I wear it on probably 90% of my hunts. I've had it for several years and it looks the same today as it did when I bought it. I hunt often and hard, and I'm not easy on my shite. I'm really impressed with how well it's held up. I also don't hunt in blinds, so it hasn't been sitting on a bench for its whole life.

The vest is okay. I wish it were warmer, but the model I have isn't insulated very well.

The pants are super warm. Almost too warm. I got them last year and only wore them like twice when it was freezing or below, but they always kept me warm. The way that fabric is made doesn't seem like it would hold up very well to external abuse though, so take that for what it's worth.

The beanie is cool because it's windproof, but that isn't too hard to find from other companies for cheaper. I have warmer beanies, but they don't do anything to stop the wind and that bothers me.

The bottom line is that it's more gear than clothes to me. It's really quality shite for people that abuse stuff. You can stay just as warm and dry for cheaper, but the difference is how well that stuff is going to hold up, and how well the company will take care of you once it fails. I'm sure there are some great companies out there that will stand behind their products the same way, and I've never had to deal with Sitka directly. My friend owns a hunting store though, and he says their warranty is second to none.

Would I buy it for myself? Probably not, except for that shell jacket. I think it's worth every penny it costs. Is it high quality gear? Absolutely.