Trey Arentz
WKR
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2019
- Messages
- 698
Hey Roksliders,
I figured I would write up a post about some awesome budget friendly gear that I have been using for the past few years. I have always been a gear junkie and love to try new things out yearly. Rarely do I stick with the same pieces, but when I do, they usually have to be good. I have tried most of Sitkas whitetail line and as far as a comparison goes for this conversation, I have had the Sitka Stratus jacket, vest, bibs, Jetstream jacket and vest.
A couple years ago I saw a Cabelas Windshear vest on facebook marketplace for $40 so I decided to try it. When I got it and got to compare hand in hand this piece vs the Sitka, I was actually blown away how similar they are. Being primarily a bow hunter, noise and wind-proofing are always my first concern.
One of my biggest turn offs for sitka was the EVII pattern. I understand the concept behind it but in the variety of terrains that I hunt and multiple species I chase, having different vests for differences species and camo patterns just didn't make sense. The vest I got was in the True Timber Praire and I have grown to really like that pattern, especially for ground style and marsh style hunting that I primarily do. I can wear it for deer, turkeys, and waterfowl and its a great piece of all.
Now let's talk price. I bought the best used for $40 and have had it for over 5 years with zero flaws. I recently purchased the pants used for $50 and will be buying the jacket for $70 because its on sale right now at cabelas. If I would have acted faster I could have picked one up off market place for $50 as well. So with a little digging around, you could have all 3 windproof pieces for less than half of one of the sitka pieces. They are a brushed fleece outer and inner, and if I had to guess 90-95% windproof. Hard to wear any piece walking in because you will sweat.
Below is a link to the gear that is currently on sale and some pics of the gear in action. Hope this helps people save a little $$$ this year. I know since Cabelas was bought out the gear has kind of went down hill, but I can tell you the pieces that I have had from them have been absolutely great.
I figured I would write up a post about some awesome budget friendly gear that I have been using for the past few years. I have always been a gear junkie and love to try new things out yearly. Rarely do I stick with the same pieces, but when I do, they usually have to be good. I have tried most of Sitkas whitetail line and as far as a comparison goes for this conversation, I have had the Sitka Stratus jacket, vest, bibs, Jetstream jacket and vest.
A couple years ago I saw a Cabelas Windshear vest on facebook marketplace for $40 so I decided to try it. When I got it and got to compare hand in hand this piece vs the Sitka, I was actually blown away how similar they are. Being primarily a bow hunter, noise and wind-proofing are always my first concern.
One of my biggest turn offs for sitka was the EVII pattern. I understand the concept behind it but in the variety of terrains that I hunt and multiple species I chase, having different vests for differences species and camo patterns just didn't make sense. The vest I got was in the True Timber Praire and I have grown to really like that pattern, especially for ground style and marsh style hunting that I primarily do. I can wear it for deer, turkeys, and waterfowl and its a great piece of all.
Now let's talk price. I bought the best used for $40 and have had it for over 5 years with zero flaws. I recently purchased the pants used for $50 and will be buying the jacket for $70 because its on sale right now at cabelas. If I would have acted faster I could have picked one up off market place for $50 as well. So with a little digging around, you could have all 3 windproof pieces for less than half of one of the sitka pieces. They are a brushed fleece outer and inner, and if I had to guess 90-95% windproof. Hard to wear any piece walking in because you will sweat.
Below is a link to the gear that is currently on sale and some pics of the gear in action. Hope this helps people save a little $$$ this year. I know since Cabelas was bought out the gear has kind of went down hill, but I can tell you the pieces that I have had from them have been absolutely great.
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