Hunting Gear-- Sitka, Rivers West, Hells Canyon etc.

billyc

billyc

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Mid-Western Ontario, Bruce County
Decided to get some new gear for the upcoming season and wondering if you guys have any opinions on this stuff. Looking at Sitka and have heard nothing but good reviews in regards to their base layers but mixed reviews about the outer layers. It's pretty pricey but good deals can be found on the internet if you're willing to stick with "last years" camo. I've checked out some Rivers West and liked it but it appears that it's strictly a rain wear gear since most people say they sweat their butts off in it if they are active at all. GFinally looking at the Browning Hells Canyon line. Appears to do the same as Sitka but at a fraction of the price.

Anyone have any field experience using this gear?
Thanks
Bill
 
You are 100% correct it what you heard about Sitka.....their rain gear sucks but the rest of the line is good stuff. River's West seems to have some major leaking issues as well with their waterproof gear. Never tried the Browning.
 
I have RW gear and it is 110% waterproof (hence the sweaty complaints). Out east it is pretty much the duck hunting gear of choice for every waterfowler I know and they all love it for sitting in the blind in crappy weather. The Sitka gear is interesting for sure, but I'm waiting to hear from a real owner.
 
When I first looked at the Sitka gear, I was intrigued. Then I saw the price, not so intrigued. $450 for an uninsulated jacket? $400 for a pair of bib-pants? A little too pricey for this guy. The kicker is, for it to "function properly" you are supposed to buy there whole line with all the layers; you are looking at >$1000 for one outfit.

I bought a browning jacket about 5 years ago, when they were still goretex, and I have found it to be warm, fairly quiet, and 100% waterproof and decently breathable.

If I spent weeks each year in the sheep hills, I may be able to convince myself that the Sitka gear was worth it, but still not likely.
 
Don't know who has the contract to make it...but I've always had luck with Cabela's branded gear (the high-end stuff).
I have a well used ins. duck hunting Parka (15 years old)...still waterproof. :)
 
I have the Browning Bighorn parka and bibs... toasty warm and totally waterproof - I have sat through many a wet day with it on while hunting big game.

Downside - it's bulky and you get the feeling you are dressed like a pumpkin. The deer don't seem to mind though.

Epps has a really good Sitka selection. I was up yesterday trying them on being in the market also. The fit was good, but like was said previously they are pricey and I'm not convinced that for the type of hunting I do that it's the right choice.

I tried the Hell's Canyon last fall at Bass Pro and it seemed decent... unfortunately anything other than Small and ###L was sold out. Based on my experience with my other Browning suit I think I will likely go this route.
 
Go with the Cabelas MT050. I have had their stuff for close to 4 years now and it is brilliant. Lightweight, very durable and very waterproof/breathable. And Cabelas really stands by their stuff. Sitka is too much money and Browning is mediocre. Cabelas is top notch and the company behind it is even better. Cheers,

Patrick
 
What I went with was Grey Wolf Woolens. Awesome quality and service. Plus it doesn't hurt that it comes in Pred Brown/Grey or ASAT and is custom fit. :cool: Tad pricey but whatever ;)

As far as rain goes it's pretty hard to beat HH Impertech or a cagoule from Wiggys.....whatever suits your purpose better.

tm
 
Tundra Monkey said:
What I went with was Grey Wolf Woolens. Awesome quality and service. Plus it doesn't hurt that it comes in Pred Brown/Grey or ASAT and is custom fit. :cool: Tad pricey but whatever ;)

As far as rain goes it's pretty hard to beat HH Impertech or a cagoule from Wiggys.....whatever suits your purpose better.

tm
Click to expand...

Actually after researching a little more I'm interested in Grey Wolf Woolens as well as Day One Camo since I would like to either have Predator or Asat camo.
Did you go with the Wolfskin or straight wool?
 
I wound up going with an unlined wolfskin jacket and pants in pred. brown. It's getting tougher to find so it was a nice bonus. I walk a lot and find that windproof stuff is a little much for 90% of the time I'm out. I used the Cabelas bases layers underneath (prefer the loose stuff) and am really happy with it.

Next set will be wool in pred grey with some insulation in the jacket.

I would highly suggest ordering a fleece hoodie or two that he makes. Mines in ASAT and it is a great insulating layer under the jacket or on its own.

Tell Jeff I say hi and that I'm off to the mts in 20 sleeps with his stuff again this year...hopefully get one of those white sheep.

Did you like the avatar? Looks better when it's bigger. Calvin's all dressed up in Grey Wolf Woollens and that's a ####ka logo.

tm
 
Tundra Monkey said:
I wound up going with an unlined wolfskin jacket and pants in pred. brown. It's getting tougher to find so it was a nice bonus. I walk a lot and find that windproof stuff is a little much for 90% of the time I'm out. I used the Cabelas bases layers underneath (prefer the loose stuff) and am really happy with it.

Next set will be wool in pred grey with some insulation in the jacket.

I would highly suggest ordering a fleece hoodie or two that he makes. Mines in ASAT and it is a great insulating layer under the jacket or on its own.

Tell Jeff I say hi and that I'm off to the mts in 20 sleeps with his stuff again this year...hopefully get one of those white sheep.

Did you like the avatar? Looks better when it's bigger. Calvin's all dressed up in Grey Wolf Woollens and that's a s**tka logo.

tm
Click to expand...

Like the Avatar.
Is the Wind blocker way to hot for spot and stock or still hunting?
 
I'm a back pack guy so I kinda like the wind to keep me cool. If I'm not moving too much I like windstopper but I get essentially the same effect by adding layers underneath....although you can get away with very little clothing with a good windstopper jacket for sure.

I do carry either the cagoule or the Impertech for when it get to the point of actual rain.

It would be nice if someone could make something that could do it all.....but I doubt it'll ever happen.....mother nature is the Man.

tm
 
I got the sitka 'core' base layer as well as their 'traverse' insulated base layer, great stuff. The core has silver in it and doesnt hold odor like other fabrics will, so you can wear it for a few days before it gets ripe. I also have the Ascent pant, its really nice - good early season pant.

I also got browning hells canyon jacket which I love. Also use browning XPO pant, got a rivers west trail pant, which both are good, the browning is a bit noisy, the RW trail pant is too warm for most active hunting, ok in cold weather
 
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