Sitka gear? Not what it used to be?

[Elkmasterwyo]

Now I'll be the first to admit that I can be hard on stuff, but I'm a little disappointed in my most recent Sitka purchases. I've used the timberline pant this season and they're already coming apart, rubber tape around zippers all fell off and seams are coming unstitched, also have a pair of jetsream gloves that absolutely failed the first day I used them, maybe I'm the idiot for paying $70 for gloves but come on, one day! I have the 90% jacket and pants that I've had since 09 that are in better shape and have seen their share of abuse. What do you guys think, has Sitka quality gone downhill?

 

[tipsntails7]

Call sitka and talk to them, I bet they take care of you. I've had a pair of timberlines that I've a used and have yet to have any of the issues you are describing. Cannot speak to the gloves as I don't own them.

 

[SDHNTR]

Certainly has not been my experience, and I beat the piss out of my Sitka. All I can say is return it and they will make it right.

 

[NEhunter]

I've been happy with all of mine so far.

 

[Unoboats]

No issues with any of mine. Have bought Kuiu tiburon pants and the treads arroung the waist are just busting offon their own.

 

[Phillip Hathaway]

Rather than asking on here I would just call them and see if they make it right and I bet they do.

 

[Sapper]

IMHO Sitka is over rated. I have core 4 element pants/jacket and it's no differnt than the Sitka 90% that I once owned. Except for the obvious $$. I also like the fit better with the core4.

 

[Elkmasterwyo]

Good point guys, I'll call Sitka tomorrow morning g. Was just curious what everyone's resent experiences were.

 

[kodiakfly]

I've worn my Sitka stuff pretty hard and no issues. Just call them. I called them the other day asking about a return for sizing and I was shocked when an actual person answered the phone and I didn't have to press 1 to speak to returns or 2 for an existing order, etc...

 

[Yellowknife]

In my limited experience, each generation of Sitka has gotten a bit better in fit, finish, and materials. Some of the early stuff was a bit rough. Still mass produced clothing though, so you can the occasional imperfection and not everything in the line is going to be awesome anyway.

I have found the CS to be pretty top flight in my couple of encounters with them. Got a no cost upgrade one time, and another time when I inquired about repair options for something else I damaged, they sent me a pre-paid postage label to get it to Rainy Pass Repairs. That was a nice gesture which they didn't have to do.

Always wondered why they aren't a sponsor on this site. Originally I assumed that it was because of the early Kuiu influence, but that can't be the case any longer.

Yk

 

[HJ Handy]

Sitka CS has been good to deal with in my past experience with them. Call their CS and they will get you square.

 

[Steve O]

I've had very similar experiences as Yellowknife. The Sitka CS folks know what they are talking about because they are out in the field USING the gear. I have always had positive dealings with them and felt fairly treated.

I've been buying Sitka from very early on and it impresses me the imporovements they make from year to year and the very small details they pay attention to.

 

[shaun]

I think Sitka overall builds a great product but IMO QC has gone way down since Gore buyout

 

[Jason Snyder]

I think their products are of great quality. I've beat the heck out of my Mountain Pants and my Jetstream vest. I bought a pair of Ascent pants this year and wore them climbing Rainier and bowhunting the Rubies. The seam in the seat started to come unstitched. They repaired it no questions asked. About half the hunters I talked to in the Rubies had the ass torn out of their pants. That granite is hard on pants. I paid the shipping to send the pants to Rainy Pass, they came back with a free Sitka ball cap.

I'll keep buying their products.

 

[Jason Snyder]

In my limited experience, each generation of Sitka has gotten a bit better in fit, finish, and materials. Some of the early stuff was a bit rough. Still mass produced clothing though, so you can the occasional imperfection and not everything in the line is going to be awesome anyway.

I have found the CS to be pretty top flight in my couple of encounters with them. Got a no cost upgrade one time, and another time when I inquired about repair options for something else I damaged, they sent me a pre-paid postage label to get it to Rainy Pass Repairs. That was a nice gesture which they didn't have to do.

Always wondered why they aren't a sponsor on this site. Originally I assumed that it was because of the early Kuiu influence, but that can't be the case any longer.

Yk

I agree 100% with you on the refinement of their gear over the years. I have some of the very first items, and the new ones are definitely nicer and improved upon. I bought a Jetstream coat last year, and that is one very nicely made jacket.

 

[Matt W.]

IMHO Sitka is over rated. I have core 4 element pants/jacket and it's no differnt than the Sitka 90% that I once owned. Except for the obvious $$. I also like the fit better with the core4.

Are you comparing this to the previous generation of 90% or the new 2014 90%? These are night and day different products, IMO. If you are saying Core4 stuff is on par with the new Sitka 90% I am going to have to check it out. That new 90% gear is fantastic stuff based on my time spent in it. Thanks!

 

[WestDan]

haven't had any issues with my Sitka stuff. it has held up to some significant abuse.

 

[Obi-wanshinobi]

I had very bad piling on a Sitka Traverse shirt I bought last year. Sent it back to Sitka and they replaced it. Their customer service through e-mail or phone is top notch.

 

[Matt W.]

I had very bad piling on a Sitka Traverse shirt I bought last year. Sent it back to Sitka and they replaced it. Their customer service through e-mail or phone is top notch.

I heard they are planning to fix that face material on the Traverse. Their customer service is top notch, even in the old days when the gear was not as good.

 

[Jason Snyder]

I heard they are planning to fix that face material on the Traverse. Their customer service is top notch, even in the old days when the gear was not as good.

My Traverse shirt is now about 7 or 8 years old. The sleeves look like hell, but it still works fine. It's one of my favorite pieces from Sitka. I wear it from archery season right through the end of upland bird season in January.