Core 4 Element vs Sitka 90%

[BruinPoint]

I need to get some late season pants (down to the wire almost) and am debating between Core 4's Element Pant and Sitka's 90%. I haven't been able to find a pair of Core 4's to look over but the 90% seems awesome. Anyone able to help me out with a compare/contrast review??

 

[BruinPoint]

Forgot to add the things I'm most curious about are durability, fit, and function in cold/wet/snow.

 

[hunting1]

Have both and prefer the Core4 for fit and cost! When I heard they were being discontinued I even bought a second set for back up.

 

[xcutter]

I have two pairs of 90% pants and love them. I have used them during deer season sitting in a stand and Elk hunting in Utah. Great pant and seem to be very durable. They hold up to briars here in Indiana and to the sage brush in Utah. Fit is excellent just like all Sitka clothing. Not to loose but not to tight.

 

[BruinPoint]

Thanks guys. Does anyone know how the First Lite North Branch compares to the other 2?

 

[conhawa]

Also..make sure you're comparing the 2014 and later versions of the 90% pants...as they are much different than the past models. I own the Core4 Element softshell pants, and I love them (2013 model...earlier models had a different fit). They are burlier than the current 90% pants, and I like that they have knee pads, crotch vents and thigh zippers. The 90% pants lack some of these features...but they are probably lighter and more wind resistant. I use my Element pants a lot during spot and stalk rifle season...so for me...the Core4 fits my needs more. However...I usually wear a 90% jacket with them.

 

[Tauntohawk]

Thanks guys. Does anyone know how the First Lite North Branch compares to the other 2?

I've had the first two previously and the north branch currently although I haven't used them yet. I really really liked the c4e pants the vents on the legs were perfect and they were silent, comfortable, more durable than the 90 and were very water resistant I worn them often in the snow layered up underneath. I only let them go because of losing weight and they didn't fit great anymore. Just got the north branch these are bombproof, a little louder and stiffer but should be a bit warmer and more durable.

Check out the sylo pants exact duplicates for the elements but camofire has them at a good price. Eders also has good prices on the element.

 

[Matt W.]

The First Lite Northbranch is a different beast than the 90%. (can't comment on the Core4).
90% is thinner, lighter, more "packable" and more breathable.
Northbranch is tougher, heavier, and more weatherproof.
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/clothing/296-soft-shell-shoot-out

 

[BruinPoint]

Good stuff - I guess the 90% pants I looked at in Cabelas were an older version because they seemed fairly heavy duty and I think the tag even said "late season" in some context. The Elements and North Branch sound more like what I'm looking for.

 

[conhawa]

As Tauntohawk stated above....Camofire/Blackovis is now selling "Sylo Gear"...which is making stuff similar to Core4...in the Mountain Mimicry pattern. You'll find them cheaper on Camofire.


http://www.blackovis.com/sylo-gear-native-softshell-pant

 

[Matt W.]

Good stuff - I guess the 90% pants I looked at in Cabelas were an older version because they seemed fairly heavy duty and I think the tag even said "late season" in some context. The Elements and North Branch sound more like what I'm looking for.

I have a pair of the older 90% pants and the newer 90% jacket. You are correct, totally different animals.

 

[Obi-wanshinobi]

You should also consider the Kryptek Cadog pants for late season hunts.

 

[tttoadman]

Element pants are pretty heavy. I think if a guy is moving at all, these would be too hot. I should note that always wear the merino bottoms. I am heading out next week expecting days to be in the 20-30 range. I will be wearing the merino bottoms with the the C4E high line pants. I think they are a closer comparison to the Sitka 90% pants. If I get cold standing, I will put my rain shell pants on.

 

[danarnold]

cant comment on c4e, new 90% are the best most versatile I've ever owned...used them in Co in sept. and in Mo whitetail hunting with or w/o merino base layer, really like how they stretch and non slip waistband

 

[Bmcox86]

All my core4 gear is falling apart after two years. All my kuiu, first lite and Sitka is still going strong

 

[BruinPoint]

Thanks again for the replies - It seems like the North Branch is the best for my needs, even if they are a little hot. I'm going to look into the Sylos as a backup too.

 

[BruinPoint]

Got the North Branch pants in the mail Monday. Wasn't finding the color I wanted in my size so I called First Lite directly and thought the service was great - I asked if they could ship the same day and they did, no problem. Definitely a heavy pant but I like the fit and material. They seem like they'll work for extended periods of inactivity (glassing), and I think the zipper arrangement will be good for regulating temperature while hiking. Thanks again for the input everyone.