Here we go again

 

Sitka is awesome stuff, I have the Stratus line and I think it's the best of their line up, it is all top of line stuff though. It really works!

 

The thing I like best about the Sitka Whitetail line is how well thought out the pieces are for whitetail tree stand hunting. The Stratus is definitely as versatile as it gets. The Fanatic is a great set, but you concerns over burrs are valid. If you live in "burr country", the Fanatic may not be your best choice. The shorter waist jackets are usually paired with bibs to eliminate the long tail on a jacket. Overall, Sitka has taken the whitetail line to another level. High quality, very well thought out pieces. While not for everyone, this line is as good as it gets for the serious whitetail hunter.

 

I am not a fan of the new berber fleece exterior, that needs to be on the inside, but their older optifade forest pattern with the micro bushed suede/fleece material is quiet and doesn't pick up burrs like the true fleece does. I think that was a bad idea for Sitka, I would like to see the elevated 2 pattern on the older material that would be the best of both worlds IMO.

 

Is Sitka gear made in USA? NOT tying to start a debate, just want to know where they are manufactured.

 

Nope. China. Which sucks but I can't imagine what it would cost if made in the US!

 

You could check out the new predator camo. Its designed just like the fanatic set.

 

Thank you. How about First lite or Kuiu? Are they made in China as well?

 

Kuiu definitely, im not sure about First Lite... all of them have very similar quality from what I have read, Kuiu has had some inventory issues because of their company size. But I have heard most get their back ordered products pretty quickly.

 

First lite is really awesome stuff too. I have the Sanctuary Jacket and Bibs for whitetail hunting when it gets really cold, super warm and quiet. I don't use it though until gun season usually unless it gets really cold during bow season (30deg or less). My Sitka Stratus is good for Bow season or until it gets below 30deg.

 

I don't care for the fanatic line either, but never owned any.
I have the stratus set, mountain pans, 90% jacket, kelvin vest and some base layers and I love all of it!


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I would never wear the Fanatic stuff where I hunt. by the time i got back to my truck i would probably just be a burr. However, I did pick up the Stratus pants and jacket this year along with the shacket and the fanatic hoody. The stratus stuff does pick up some burrs but i haven't noticed that it picks up any "more" than my old Cabelas stuff did with the same type of outer material. And they are very easy to pick off. With the right layering it can also keep you very warm in some pretty nasty weather. Its pricy, but the stuff is built rock solid and should last many, many years. At least i hope it does or my wife will kill me.

 

Sitka is the best I have ever owned and used.
And I don't care where it's actually manufactured .. as I bought my Mercedes-Benz ML SUV two years ago .. I supposed it's a German quality car .. but it's made ... guess where ?
Yes, in USA .. Should I be pissed off by it ? Nope .... I like it !

Don't take this world too much seriously

TW

 

I bought sitka before this last season and it was the best upgrade I made. Had more close encounters than any other season. Whether that was because of the camo or because I was a better hunter, who knows. Plus its actually technical clothing and it fits me like a glove. Was able to hunt the whole season between base layers and the stratus line in Iowa and never got cold. I do wish I had bought the water proof line for rainy days and snow.

 

For those of you that own or have seen the Stratus jacket, would you say the material resembles either the Celsius jacket or the Fanatic Lite as I have seen both of them at Cabelas.

 

I have owned all three and they are all very different lol the stratus is similar to the Celsius but a tad noisier due to the windstopper in it. It's the same overall finish on those two but they feel very different.


Sent from space

 

If your buying china mart you have nothing to ***** about when it falls apart,Ill buy made in the US(and pay more) any day.I doubt your going to find one made of materials from the US any way you look at it.

 

Good luck finding technical hunting clothes "made in the USA"... I'll take a chance on Sitka Gear NOT falling apart.

Regarding the Stratus, Celcius, Fanatic Lite, the Stratus is somewhere between the two and pretty much agree with the assessment above.

 

It's simple, if you look good. You'll feel good, then you'll hunt good :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

 

I disagree. I own a fanatic suit it is great. It is well designed and super warm. For where I hunt it is just about perfect. I don't pick up any more burrs on my way in than any other hunting clothes I wear in. Actually because its mid to late season gear all the leaves are off and those annoying stick tights are all gone anyway. There are plenty of opportunities to pick up burrs on my walks, but like I said I don't notice any more than other clothes. My only complaint with the long berber is that it can feel bulky in spots like the inside thighs, and bibs under the jacket. They did a nice job with the zone insulation, but IMO they could have use both berber and the stratus material...put the stratus material at the top of the bibs where its under the jacket, the inside of the thighs, and the whole leg from knee down if you are worried about burrs.

I walk in probably an average of a half mile to stand and then climb up in a stand and sit for anywhere from 4 hours to all day on occasion. It works great for this. It is super warm and most days you could wear it and a t-shirt and be warm enough down to the 30s. Below that combine with a thin merino base layer and the fanatic hoodie and I can sit no problem in sub freezing temps.

The camo is designed for elevated wearer meaning in the tree stand, and I never got busted in a tree once. My hunting partners who have seen me up in a tree says it disappears. The pocket design is super well thought out. It is quality gear.

My Sitka duck hunting gear is very nice also. I have been all over mountaineering, hiking, climbing, etc. and have owned a lot of gear. It is as good as any of the top branded mountaineering gear from arcteryx, patagonia, etc.

 

I don't care for the stuff. It's over priced and cut small in size. Example I'm very skinny and most Jackets I have to have a XL for length in jacket and bibs. Bibs legs are even cut small again causing me to need XL. I have the fanatic and stratus outfits. That do have a marketing machine though which has helped them greatly with sales.

 

Grey Wolf Woolens is the way to go. Little more money but made in USA and last dang near forever. Will fit perfect to as its custom sized. For you bow hunters it's totally silent unlike the lines Sitka stuff.

 

Sitka is my vote but you are right. A couple tweaks either way and u have the perfect setup. Quiet bur resistant waterproof material and it would be the last set you'd ever buy. But then how does that help them next year? It's the "almost" perfect gear, gonna have to swallow that pill if u jump on the band wagon. Good thing is there are plenty of folks who'll buy your old stuff when u upgrade.

 

Cheep China made. Where is made in USA But American only

 

I have the Stratus and Fanatic jackets and bibs. Best items I've added to my hunting gear set - it keeps me in the woods longer. The stuff works great and well thought out. Front pouch on the fanatic jacket is the best.

 

Nice 1st post🤣

 

And 9 years late.

 

guy at the gym today was wearing his Sitka gear while on the tread mill,

 

For American made I know Forloh is all USA and their stuff looks nice. Wish I had waited for a sale but not being able to try it on is a bummer