Looking for some of the best new clothing for deer hunting? Then you better brace for a major storm this January. I’m not talking about the weather, either … I’m talking about a storm of new products that will change the way we hunt.
Among the exciting introductions is a complete redesign from Sitka Gear of their Whitetail System — high-quality clothing for avid deer hunters.
Sitka is a company that has taken clothing and turned it into essential gear. I know these guys personally and can attest that the designers at Sitka are real-world deer hunters — diehard dudes who spend countless hours in the field each year, and you’ll notice this from the moment you pull on one of their Whitetail shirts, jackets, pants, bibs or pair of gloves. Each piece in the Whitetail System is not only built to last, it is specifically tailored for white-tailed deer hunters. The result is ultimate comfort, warmth and performance.
Here are some of the highlights for 2015:
- The new Fanatic Lite Jacket is an answer for those cooler mornings that warm quickly as the sun rises. The durable high gauge face fabric is bonded to an air-permeable honeycomb jacquard Micro-Fleece to allow breathability and remarkable noise reduction. A front storage pocket, rangefinder pocket with tie-off and safety harness pass-through port keep you and your necessities in place. The Fanatic Lite Jacket is available in the new GORETM OPTIFADETM Elevated II pattern, is available in medium to 3XL sizes and has an MSRP of $289.
- Also new is the Fanatic Hoody, here Sitka took the chassis of a traditional hooded sweatshirt and used a body mapped grid and micro grid fleeces, to regulate your temperature while keeping scent to a minimum with Polygiene® Odor Control Technology. The hood is cut for maximal peripheral vision, and from within it you can deploy the built-in facemask for enhanced concealment. The half-zip construction allows for a built in hand muff, which, together with the flip-over hand mitts in the sleeves, works to keep your fingers warm and dexterous. I really like the form and function of the Hoody. No longer have to bring/wear a face mask, plus the garment is tailored for both tucking into your pants or just leaving it untucked and allowing it to go past your waist. I really like that feature a lot. The Fanatic Hoody is available in the new GORETM OPTIFADETM Elevated II pattern, is available in medium to 3XL sizes and has an MSRP of $189.
- During the peak of the rut, the longer you can be alert in the stand your chances of having a successful sit will increase; this is when the Fanatic Jacket and Fanatic Bib shine. A Berber fleece face silences the GORE® WINDSTOPPER® barrier, while body-mapped Primaloft® Silver Insulation traps body heat where you need it. If you aren’t a fan of bibs, don’t dismiss these. They are super comfortable and allow you to get by with one or two base layers (without wearing regular pants underneath). I wore these bibs along with the jacket just recently during an extreme-cold hunt in Illinois and must say the combination is superior to anything else I’ve worn to date. At the heart of the Fanatic Jacket is the diagonal-zip, which while sealing out the wind, allows for a zippered front muff to keep your digits toasty and agile, waiting to take that next shot. A magnetic closure rangefinder pocket, safety harness pass-through port, and internal gasketed cuffs round out this feature filled jacket. The Fanatic Bib allows for rubber boots to fit comfortably over the low-bulk hems, where a dedicated ankle pocket lets you rest your traditional bow hands-free. Both the Fanatic Jacket and Bib are available in the new GORETM OPTIFADETM Elevated II pattern, and are available in small to 3XL sizes, along with medium to XL tall sizes in the Fanatic Bib. The MSRP’s for these items are $399 for the Jacket and $389 for the Bib.
- Rounding out the Fanatic System are the Fanatic Gloves, built from 4-way stretch-woven polyester; these gloves offer the balance of warmth and dexterity. The half-finger design on the forefinger and thumb free up your primary finger for release triggers and touch screens. No more removing the glove from your shooting hand, especially when bowhunting! The Fanatic Gloves are available in the new GORETM OPTIFADETM Elevated II pattern, available in medium to XL sizes and have an MSRP of $40.
There are many more items to the Sitka Whitetail Series, that you’ll have to go to their site to view them all. While you’re there, be sure to check out this cool new video trailer, “Game of Inches.” I don’t know about you, but it makes me want to get right back in the woods already!
For more information, including sizing charts, check out the Sitka Gear webpage.