Opinions for new hunting jacket

#sitka

I got an Artic Shield before last season. It is very warm, and not as bulky as my older Cabelas stuff.

Holy shite! I just looked up those jackets and they are expensive! frick that

Academy has a 3/1 parka for like 100

That's why you just throw #sitkagear on your facebook pics. Then let everyone look it up and have the same reaction.

Depends.

Yeah Sitka is expensive, there are ways to get discounts and multiple places put them on sale. It is the best damn gear I have ever worn and it has saved hunts for me. For example, I just got back from a week in North Dakota, one morning I woke up and it was -8 with 30 mph winds gusting. I hunting a 20 foot ladder stand on top of an exposed ridge. There is no way in hell that I could have done that in Academy clothing. The time and money I invested into that trip would be lost if I had to go back to the house and lose two days waiting for temps to come up.

Its an investment in your hunting. If you are going to sit in piney woods where cold is 30 degrees once or twice a year, then I would agree Sitka is absurd. But if you have any desire to hunt elsewhere then I would strongly recommend it.

I've been wanting to try some First Lite gear, glad to hear good things. I'm thinking about trying some of their merino base/mid layers.

If you are LEO, firefighter, military, teacher or employed by a government agency you can get 40% off Sitka year round. The discount right now is 50%.

Just have to join LEOAdventures.com for $20

I had some Merino Wool base layers on my Amazon wish list for about 2 years and last year my wife bought them for me for Christmas. Changed my whole layering and hunting clothing lineup. They are so thin, comfy, and warm that I usually don't have to layer anything else unless it is REALLY cold and windy.

I am using Gamehide Mathews Drenalin pants and jacket as my outer layer. I normally use the Cabelas MTP top and bottoms as a mid layer. I have the Polar Weight and the Mid Weight. (they are on sale right now)

I was in Colorado in October with temps in the upper 10's and 20's and I did not even put on my mid layers. I know it's a lot dryer there but I didn't get cold at all.

I have last years Academy 2:1 parka and gloves.

I rode all winter last year. Think 30 is cold? Try it at 80 mph

Quality is very good. My last academy hunting coat lasted 16 years.

Spend the money is my advice. I spent 600$ on a jacket and pants from pnuma outdoors and love them. Kuiu and Sitka are awesome too. The clothes aren’t as baggy but with layers are warmer. I’m assuming from the better quality materials and technology.