Sometimes in life, you actually “get what you pay for!” So let’s talk hunting for a minute. Yes, I know we are right in the middle of 5wt’s and May Flies but let’s talk hunting and let’s talk Sitka Gear.
Was I skeptical about the product and the price……YEP! Did I try to convince myself that there were other hunting clothes on the market that could do what Sitka Gear claimed to do for almost half the price…..YEP! Did I end up buying Sitka Gear…YEP! Do I have any regrets…NOPE!!!
Last spring as I prepared mentally, physically and economically to go on my “Do it yourself Archery hunt for Elk in the Gunnison National Forrest of Colorado, I begged and pleaded with my lovely wife until I got the “green light” to go ahead and make the purchase. After an intense review of the product line, I narrowed down my selection to the following Sitka Gear necessities:
1) The Traverse Zip-Tee
2) The Ascent Jacket
3) The Ascent Pants
When I received my Sitka Gear I immediately fell in love with the feel of the fabric. “4 Way Stretch Poly/Lycra Technology” is what they called it; I called it soft and flexible and comfortable and lightweight and awesome!! The camo pattern that I opted for (no pun intended) was the Optifade Open Country. This pattern not only kept my outline concealed while glassing adjacent ridges while out in the open, it also kept me hidden in the Aspen Clusters and Dark Timber.
The fabric is forgiving and it moves with you, not against you. This is vitally important when climbing up steep mountains or straddling fallen timber. The fabric is water resistant and dries quickly. This material also repels the “hitchhikers” as I call them, you know, those burrs and little brown “do-dads” that always cling to your clothing. Those things that you spend an hour picking off yourself, only to find 78 more of them once you get home………yea, those things do not stick to Sitka Gear. There is also some type of “something” around the inner waist-band of the pants that keeps your base layer top from coming un-tucked. So when you bend over, your shirt stays in your pants and not half way up your back allowing your “plumbers crack” to be exposed.
So why am I telling you this stuff right in the middle of bug hatches and broken leaders, because now is the time to go out and get you some Sitka Gear. The prices are usually discounted this time of year. Father’s Day is approaching and maybe your Birthday is right around the corner…….who knows. Maybe you can sweet-talk that special someone in your life to go out and get you some “just because it’s the right thing to do.” I already talked my lovely wife into this last year, but I need more…………”I hope you read this Julie—you’re the best wife ever”!!!
Enjoy your spring everyone and remember to fish hard, hunt hard and be safe.
