Deciphering Sitka Systems - what do you really need?

[WestTexasBestTexas]

I’m about to pull the trigger on a couple of pieces of Sitka gear - intended to be used mostly for mid-late season elk hunts in CO, NM as well as deer hunting in North FL.

I am set on the timberline pants and the subalpine colorway, however, the multitude of top combinations has me slightly overwhelmed.

Any thoughts on an effective upper body layering system that would be good for mid-late season?


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[Yard Candy]

I was overwhelmed with Sitka's selection as well which is why I ended up going with a different brand.

I'm curious to see the responses to your question.

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[NebraskaStickHunter]

Well I am not exclusive to Sitka but for my tops I have a traverse zip tee and a Dakota vest jetstream is similar IMO. And I don’t have a jacket from them but the jetstream is what I would buy. The only thing you may want if it gets bitter cold is a mid-weight merino hoodie ( I have an skre kaibob) but otherwise you should be set. I wouldn’t set my sights on just one brand because there is too many great ones out there along with several good ones for slightly less coin. Good luck in going down the gear hole.

 

[T28w]

one Problem I see is u are talking about something For elk where you will most likely be putting miles with a pack on vs deer in Florida, which if it is like here, means prolonged sitting.

Some very versatile pieces are the core lightweight and heavyweight hoody and
A shell like the cloudburst

This combined with a solid puffy for insulation is a good combo for a broad ranges of temps but the shell and puffy are not very quiet if bow hunting.

I don’t have any of the whitetail line but have tried it on and is super warm and quiet but wouldn’t work for hiking out west.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I stopped counting when I passed 100 pcs of Sitka. My go to elk gear is simple. Timberline pants with either merino shorts or long johns depending on temps. Upper base layer is also merino...varies between Aerowool short sleeve tee and heavier long sleeved merino. Over that is a lightweight core zip tee (love the built-in facemask) and I carry a Kelvin jacket for glassing or if I get stuck overnight in the woods plus the Dewpoint raingear. When temps drop, I switch from the Core zip tee to the traverse zip tee but it's gotta be cold and breezy for that. Sometimes you are forced to sit and wait and then you can get cold. This is where you can get the shivers. Not an issue with the Traverse zip tee. I carry a tarp too, just in case (see lotsa showers sometimes).

 

[come2elmo]

Most of my stuff is first lite but after getting a wet butt and blown around by 40mph blowing snow this fall in Co I stepped up and got the timberlI’ve pants and jet stream jacket. Hell I like the jetstream as a daily jacket. It is lightweight enough I can wear it on most of my hunts in tx and layer under it when it is colder. the wind stopper is the key though. My first lite catalyst didn’t cut it so it got sold.