This is a great question - you're absolutely right. Sitka is changing.
11-12 months back Sitka made internal changes across their organization. And, moved folks from Gore (parent company) into the Sitka org. to oversee Merchandising (all product, new releases, product roadmap, etc)...
I'm a HUGE proponent of the whole "buy once, cry once" mentality. I firmly believe you get what you pay for.
All said, almost all down jackets from hunting brands in that price bucket ($300 - $400) are relatively equal. KUIU's Super Down PRO and Sitka's Kelvin Lite Down (which they don't make...
I agree - solid setup. But, I would (absolutely) add a down jacket.
I ran a very similar setup last year in September (10k elevation, warm days, cold evenings / mornings) - backpack hunt, not a truck hunt. We did spike a few days. And, regardless I had a down jacket in my pack at all times...
My only feedback would be to switch out the 1/4 Zip to a hooded layer / get some hoodies in the mix.
I was in CO, last year - last week of September, similar elevation, backpack hunt and 6 days. For what it's worth, I went with a SG Chinook LS, SG Helio, Sitka Ambient Hoody & SG Grumman Lite...
Yeah, I'll second that - I'm based on the East Coast and spent 12 months getting fit before heading back out to CO. I was in great shape, the hard work paid off. But, the altitude still kicked my ass for the first 2-3 days.
My recommendation - plan to get to Wyoming 36 hours before you...
Hey, folks - looking to sell three (3) pairs of KUIU pants.
2 pairs of Kutana Stretch Woven Pants, Colors: Ash & Valo, Size: 30 Reg.
1 pair of Pro Pants, Color: Valo, Size 30 Reg.
All three pairs are unworn and unwashed, but I did remove the tags (because I took for granted the sizing)...
I have tried them on 3 times, but never used in the field.
I want to love them, and I have a few buddy's who do love them. But, they don't fit my body the way I like.
I'm 5'10 170 with a 30 in. waist, so I'm in between SM and MD. The Small inseam is too short. The Medium inseam is better, but...
1000%
This guy I train with said it best - you can eat 2-3 bags of potato chips, no problem. Try eating 2-3 baked potatoes in one sitting - impossible (without feeling truly full).
The whole counting calories thing is total BS. A 10oz. filet of wild meat, simply grilled with a pile of roasted...
For what it's worth - I'd suggest everyone read the book by Michael Pollan's book "The Omnivore's Dilemma." There's this great quote, "you are what you eat eats," which I think resonates with hunters and ranchers more than other communities. Because there's a direct correlation to the health of...
The Black Label Grumman is awesome - that's an epic gift.
A few things I found re-building my Western Hunting closet were 1) Pants are the most important (after boots, but this thread isn't about boots) 2) Active Mid-Layer is my most worn item 3) Quality base layers (fit and fabric) matter...
2023 was my first time back out West (Colorado) in 8 years - was in a very similar situation, and needed a gear overhaul. Here's my advice:
Research the area you'll be hunting and specifically the weather and terrain, from there - start building a gear list. I'd start with Brian Call and Ryan...
KUIU Kutana and Keb Agiles both rock. I alternated between them in September - hot CO, chasing bugles.
Although If I had to take one pant, it’d be the Keb Agile - from weight to function, fit and fabric they are awesome. If you’re moving through a lot thorny brush, you might get a little prick...
I rocked the SG Cirque Lite for most of September, early morning active layer chasing bugles, and it was great. But, switched to the Ambient Hoodie - fabric is a little more durable and quiet. And, it performed a little better (durability / wearability) for me.
Scooped the FZ version - it’s...
Winkler - beautiful knives that age for generations.
Half Face Blades - same / same but more “special” as they use stones, horn and other rare materials in their handles, etc.
Both do not expressly do custom, but both create knives that will increase in value. Half Face blades have resold for...
Answering my own question for the good of the group.
Bought the Altitudes in size 10 (same as Thors) - fit is slightly more generous than Thors in a good way, wider toe box and more forgiving ankle / shank fit.
Both accommodate a mid/full cushion sock and Sheepfeet np.
Honestly, IMO - best...
Headed to CO in a couple weeks - first time out West in over 5 years. Driving truck to the trailhead and taking ATVs into the unit. Will setup camp in a good location, but likely be mobile most of hunt, rarely coming back to ATVs especially if we're on a bull. Is it worth taking a back-up pair...