Multi Pursuit Clothing System

[dh.hamilton1]

I recently posted in the “Whitetail Hunting” forum asking for feedback on an “all season whitetail clothing system”. Which I got great feedback on. The majority of people suggested Sitka gear.

With that, it got me thinking more about how to utilize parts of that system for Spring Turkey hunting.

So here is my question : what pieces of Sitka gear would be good for spring turkey hunting in WV (temps as low as 40s and as high as 80s), wet grass and fields from morning dew and terrain with small undergrowth and running briars, that could also be utilized in an 8-10 piece all season whitetail system?

To be honest every company has either specific game clothing systems or so many options on pants, hoodies, jackets, etc. it’s hard to know what to look for.

Also, also suggestions outside of Sitka that serve the same above purpose are openly welcome and helpful.


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[NotchElk]

I have developed a Sitka system that works for me for Whitetail in MN from October to December. Elk in September in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, etc. and Turkey in the spring here in MN with similar temp ranges.

Here’s what I use and I think it would work for you as well.

Pants:
Intercept pants
mountain pants
ascent pants

Tops:
Merino hoodie
Ambient hoodie
Jetstream vest
Mountain Evo jacket
Stratus jacket - for whitetail only

Rain gear:
Dew point pant
Dew point jacket

Puffy system: mostly for out west
Kelvin lite jacket
Kelvin 3/4 pants (don’t recommend)

I do have the fanatic set for late season whitetail but that’s probably irrelevant for you in your ask.

Most of my pieces are in either a solid color (green/brown/black) or sub alpine. Sub alpine has been a great cross over for me from out west to the woods of MN.

 

[dh.hamilton1]

I have developed a Sitka system that works for me for Whitetail in MN from October to December. Elk in September in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, etc. and Turkey in the spring here in MN with similar temp ranges.

Here’s what I use and I think it would work for you as well.

Pants:
Intercept pants
mountain pants
ascent pants

Tops:
Merino hoodie
Ambient hoodie
Jetstream vest
Mountain Evo jacket
Stratus jacket - for whitetail only

Rain gear:
Dew point pant
Dew point jacket

Puffy system: mostly for out west
Kelvin lite jacket
Kelvin 3/4 pants (don’t recommend)

I do have the fanatic set for late season whitetail but that’s probably irrelevant for you in your ask.

Most of my pieces are in either a solid color (green/brown/black) or sub alpine. Sub alpine has been a great cross over for me from out west to the woods of MN.

Thank you!

What is the difference in the three pants you use?


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[NotchElk]

Ascent pants are lightweight, somewhat durable but not super durable and meant for early season hunts.

Mountains pants are extremely durable, still fairly lightweight and fairly warm. Compatible with knee pads as well.

Intercept pants are a mix of the two. Lightweight, yet durable. Wool/poly blend and the wool actually makes them decently warm and able to breath well if hiking distance. These were my go to pants for mountain elk hunts and saddle whitetail hunts. Also have side zips for venting if you want to dump lots of heat at once. Compatible with knee pads as well.

 

[dh.hamilton1]

Ascent pants are lightweight, somewhat durable but not super durable and meant for early season hunts.

Mountains pants are extremely durable, still fairly lightweight and fairly warm. Compatible with knee pads as well.

Intercept pants are a mix of the two. Lightweight, yet durable. Wool/poly blend and the wool actually makes them decently warm and able to breath well if hiking distance. These were my go to pants for mountain elk hunts and saddle whitetail hunts. Also have side zips for venting if you want to dump lots of heat at once. Compatible with knee pads as well.

Are any of them wind resistant/wind proof or water resistant/water proof?

If you had to pick one : that you’d use for spring turkey then use for whitetail all season; stand alone or with super light base later in early season then layer with heavy base layer then a bib over in late season?

Thanks again for the insight!


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[Skerhunter]

Lightweight core long sleeve and the heavy weight hoody works really well for spring turkey temps. Extra cold mornings you might want a jacket/heavier fleece layer. I use the heavy weight hoody on most of my hunts.

Save your money and just get some cheap light weight nylon pants in a solid color. They dry quick and you want care if you rip them busting brush/crossing fences.

 

[NotchElk]

My set up is probably a little different for what you’d need based on you wanting to hunt just turkey and whitetail.

If it’s just turkey and whitetail that you are going after, I’d recommend the following:
1. Equinox guard pant. Lightweight, helps keep bugs, mosquitos, and ticks away and breaths really well.

2. Stratus pant. Windproof, water resistant and extremely quiet.

Of the options I gave you the mountain pant has Durabale water repellent features. None are windproof.

 

[SirChooCH]

Watch a video of John Barklow 8 piece layering system he has done with a lot of stores and podcasts on YT, the mix of layers covers most use cases. I mix and match gear from whatever is best sale deal, doesn't have to be all Sitka gear. I have kuiu pants, First lite base layers, sitka hoody, born primitive and under armour puffy jacket and pants, realtree rain gear that's held up well. Get whatever hole in the system you need filled during holiday sales like Memorial and Labor day.

Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book August 2022 Entry - Knowledge From Storms

Winter training should focus on becoming a more knowledgeable and durable human by spring. Honestly assessing your performance...

knowledgefromstorms.com

 

[dh.hamilton1]

Watch a video of John Barklow 8 piece layering system he has done with a lot of stores and podcasts on YT, the mix of layers covers most use cases. I mix and match gear from whatever is best sale deal, doesn't have to be all Sitka gear. I have kuiu pants, First lite base layers, sitka hoody, born primitive and under armour puffy jacket and pants, realtree rain gear that's held up well. Get whatever hole in the system you need filled during holiday sales like Memorial and Labor day.

Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book August 2022 Entry - Knowledge From Storms

Winter training should focus on becoming a more knowledgeable and durable human by spring. Honestly assessing your performance...

knowledgefromstorms.com

His recent Instagram post about his whitetail system is actually what spurred me to start thinking and asking about this. Yes, my system will most likely not be Sitka exclusively. Thanks for the recommendation though.


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[Bump79]

I'll second the not just leaning on Sitka. I think the best system is mixing and matching. BUT that's mainly from a cost perspective. Sitka has killer stuff. Honestly, just learn from the forums of guys who know what they're talking about (that's where my recommendations are originally sourced) then watch these classifieds (don't forget to donate some) and you'll be able to make a system in a few months.

I'd definitely get a Sitka Ambient Jacket as they are on sale around and I picked up one new at $100 and it might be the best $100 I've spent on clothing. I personally love the Kuiu fleeces. Specifically the 97 and the 200. There's nothing out there like the Kuiu 97 fleece but the 200 is more durable and slightly warmer.

This is essentially what I do, so I'm biased but I've been trying out different stuff for 10 years. I hunt back home every year Montana, Wyoming or now whitetail in Kentucky. That's 11 pieces that you can mix and match to cover yourself until around 20 degrees if stationary. Below that if active. If I were to add another piece I'm crushing on big time it's the Pnuma heated gear.

Tops:

1. Sitka 120 hoodie
2. Kuiu 97 1/4 zip
3. Sitka Ambient Jacket
4. Pnuma 3L Rain Jacket (quiet enough for bowhunting)
5. Add whatever insulation like a puffy for super cold.

If you prioritize durability more than weight. Still light though really.

1. 150 GSM Born Primitive Merino Hoodie
2. Kuiu 200 1/4 zip or a Grid Fleece. Tons and tons of fleece options.
3. Sitka Ambient Jacket (I don't hike through brush in any active insulation)
4. Kuiu Yukon
5. Add whatever insulation like a puffy for super cold.

Bottoms:

1. Gaiters are what you need for your dewy mornings. Add them if needed, I like the Kuiu Yukon or Kings. Lots of good options - just pay attention as some are bombproof but loud.
2. 120-150 gsm merino. I have the Ortovox 120 which are really nice.
3. Zip off bottoms. Like the Kuiu Pro Merino 200 or 97
4. Lighter mid weight pant of your choosing WITH hip vents. Think Corrugate Foundry, Kuiu Attack, Kings XKG Preacher Pant 2.0, Born Privative Frontier 2.0. Many more to list.
5. Pnuma 3L Rain Pants (quiet enough for bowhunting). Kuiu Yukon if you want something more durable.
6. Zip on puffy pants like a Kuiu Kenai or similar that have a quiet face. Don't go busting brush with them.

 

[Honyock]

Ascent pants are my go to turkey hunting pants