MichHunter
FNG
For what it’s worth…this is my review on the first lite sanctuary 2.0 jacket and bibs. Also, for reference I’m 6’2” /210 pounds and have an average “outdoorsman” tolerance for the cold. I purchased the jacket and bibs, size large, through the onx early black Friday sale at 30% off and believe they ran me about $260 respectively. Shortly after they were at my door November 15th and now have roughly 15 hunts in them ranging from 39* and sunny to 18* and 25mph sustained winds. For all but one hunt I wore Sitka heavyweight baselayer bottoms, first lite origin top, and a thin no name puffy vest underneath.
Sizing is just about perfect for a late season set. Sleeves are long enough to cover and do not creep up the wrists while shooting a gun or drawing a bow (I also like the spandex v on the inside of each wrist, it’s thin and comfortably fits over a bow release). The jacket arms have a dramatic taper (shooters cut) that will not impede a bow string. It is tight to layer with it, though. The max I can get under is a heavy weight base layer and a thin puffy jacket. Anymore and I wouldn’t feel comfortable shooting my bow. With that being said, you’ll only need those layers on the coldest of days sitting in a stand. There’s plenty of room in the chest and torso for a large puffy vest. I wanted to test the wind proofing/warmth so I used the jacket for two days hunting ducks in bitter-cold-windy-ass weather. The jacket performed well on the 8 mile boat ride through 2’ waves. It wasn’t a rainy day but boat spray made sure to test the dwr coatings. Once we arrived there was a 1/16” of ice from my head down but dry and decently warm. I could feel a small amount of air entering though the tree tether hole. The hood fits great, it’s actually warm, and fit to maintain peripheral vision. Three outside pockets are great, two for the hands and one left chest. Hand pockets have hand warmer pouches and elastic band to prevent wind which but you’ll have to get used to them. It has a weird horizontal mesh pocket on the inside lower back and assumed it was meant for hand/kidney warmers. I think I’m right because, damn… they keep you toasty warm. 10/10 idea. Other than that it’s plenty quiet enough for still deer woods. I only wish there were pit zips for the occasional long walk in. Easy to get around though by taking the jacket off lol
On to the bibs. Obviously same outer material and insulation as the jacket which is great. Good length a little bulky around the waist but again it’s late season gear. I wish the knee down was slightly larger because it’s pretty tight fitting around muck boots. There are full zips down each leg for easy venting and work great with saddle hunting (99% of my hunt). I wear my saddle over my base layer and under the bibs. My bridge is the only thing out in the open and prevents the insulation from losing loft. I wish the bibs had the fancy kidney warmer pocket in them, though. You can’t really feel the warmers through the back of the bibs when wearing both.
Edit: the bibs have the cool kidney warmer pockets.
Overall I think these were a great 30% off buy and would recommend them to anyone. I was deciding between these and the Sitka aero lite’s but couldn’t bring myself to spend the extra money.
Side note/ the outer material is woven tight and doesn’t seem to pick up many burdocks, briers and other seeds while walking in.
Sizing is just about perfect for a late season set. Sleeves are long enough to cover and do not creep up the wrists while shooting a gun or drawing a bow (I also like the spandex v on the inside of each wrist, it’s thin and comfortably fits over a bow release). The jacket arms have a dramatic taper (shooters cut) that will not impede a bow string. It is tight to layer with it, though. The max I can get under is a heavy weight base layer and a thin puffy jacket. Anymore and I wouldn’t feel comfortable shooting my bow. With that being said, you’ll only need those layers on the coldest of days sitting in a stand. There’s plenty of room in the chest and torso for a large puffy vest. I wanted to test the wind proofing/warmth so I used the jacket for two days hunting ducks in bitter-cold-windy-ass weather. The jacket performed well on the 8 mile boat ride through 2’ waves. It wasn’t a rainy day but boat spray made sure to test the dwr coatings. Once we arrived there was a 1/16” of ice from my head down but dry and decently warm. I could feel a small amount of air entering though the tree tether hole. The hood fits great, it’s actually warm, and fit to maintain peripheral vision. Three outside pockets are great, two for the hands and one left chest. Hand pockets have hand warmer pouches and elastic band to prevent wind which but you’ll have to get used to them. It has a weird horizontal mesh pocket on the inside lower back and assumed it was meant for hand/kidney warmers. I think I’m right because, damn… they keep you toasty warm. 10/10 idea. Other than that it’s plenty quiet enough for still deer woods. I only wish there were pit zips for the occasional long walk in. Easy to get around though by taking the jacket off lol
On to the bibs. Obviously same outer material and insulation as the jacket which is great. Good length a little bulky around the waist but again it’s late season gear. I wish the knee down was slightly larger because it’s pretty tight fitting around muck boots. There are full zips down each leg for easy venting and work great with saddle hunting (99% of my hunt). I wear my saddle over my base layer and under the bibs. My bridge is the only thing out in the open and prevents the insulation from losing loft. I wish the bibs had the fancy kidney warmer pocket in them, though. You can’t really feel the warmers through the back of the bibs when wearing both.
Edit: the bibs have the cool kidney warmer pockets.
Overall I think these were a great 30% off buy and would recommend them to anyone. I was deciding between these and the Sitka aero lite’s but couldn’t bring myself to spend the extra money.
Side note/ the outer material is woven tight and doesn’t seem to pick up many burdocks, briers and other seeds while walking in.
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