When it comes to staying dry and comfortable in any hunting condition, proper gear layering is critical and can make the difference between deciding to press on or turn back to camp. Layering adds a new level of versatility that cannot be achieved to the same degree in any other way. A basic layering system will allow a hunter to be comfortable in a majority of the situations and conditions they hunt in, and with the addition of an accessory or two, they will find comfort in extreme conditions as well.
The concept of layering is effective regardless of hunting style. Whether it be active-style hunting, such as elk hunting out west, or stationary hunting, such as sitting a whitetail stand in the east, layering will allow you to hunt harder and longer, thus increasing your chances of success.
Getting the right gear for the right situations is the key to staying dry and comfortable. It’s unrealistic to buy lightweight, active gear that is designed to breathe and keep you dry while you scale 2500 feet chasing a bugling bull, and expect to stay warm while sitting in 15 degree weather on a whitetail stand. Inversely, one would likely spontaneously combust while wearing the new Fanatic Jacket while chasing antelope in August. “Fit For Use” is getting the right gear for the right situation, and is essential to your comfort.
Sitka Gear “FIT FOR USE” Selection Chart
This chart is meant to outline the key features and characteristics of Sitka’s 2011 line-up and is to be used as a guideline for assisting in the creation of your ideal hunting system. 
2011 Sitka Gear Product Summary
Layering can be broken down into 5 categories: Base, Insulation, Outerwear, Waterproof, and Accessories.
Base Layers:
The goal of base layers is to quickly wick moisture (perspiration) away from your skin and move it to the outside of the gear to be evaporated. Depending on whether you are active or stationary, it can also be used as a first layer of insulation.
Core crew (long sleeve, short sleeve, and Zip-T) – Made with the new Polygiene synthetic technology, these pieces wick moisture better than any other material. They are lightweight, utilize 4-way stretch, and impregnated with Silver to fight odor-causing bacteria.
Merino Core Zip-T – Made with 18.9 micron, circular stitched, super-soft Merino wool, this base layer provides a higher heat-to-weight ratio than synthetics and is naturally odor-free.
Traverse Zip-T (with or without the hood) – Designed as an expedition weight mid-layer, the Traverse material holds in heat and provides a wind-resistant, durable option for a late-season base layer. An anti-microbial treatment will also fight off odor-causing bacteria.
Insulation Layers:
Sometimes it’s cold when you leave the trailhead, but after 30 minutes of hiking you are warmed up or the sun is up and you don’t need as much insulation. Perhaps it doesn’t warm up all day on the stand and you need that extra insulation to help you make it through the day.
Kelvin (vest, jacket, pants) – If high warmth-to-weight is what you’re after, the Kelvin excels. Built with 170g Primaloft Insulation, they are wind-resistant and light. These packable pieces are designed to layer under an outer layer to hold heat in.
Celsius Vest – Discontinued this season, but in stock and shipping for just $99, the Celsius Vest is a perfect companion for active hunting when cooler temps are expected. Lightweight and designed with body-mapping technology, they add warmth where it is needed, but give you the option of shedding a layer when you warm up.
Outerwear:
Designed to be water-resistant, but not waterproof, this layer is what keeps you going in almost any weather. From lightweight, early-season pieces, to insulated, windproof shells for cooler climates, your outer shell is your main line of defense.
Ascent (pant, jacket) – Designed for early season hunts, the Ascent line is super lightweight and breathable, with highly durable and dynamic stretch capabilities.
90% (jacket, pants) – Adding micro-fleece insulation to the Ascent line, the 90% pieces are treated with DWR for excellent water repellency and are built to work with you on tough climbs. The quiet, durable soft-shell finish will keep you dry and comfortable in 90% of the situations you hunt in.
Mountain Pant – Taking the Ascent Pant to the next level, the Mountain Pants are designed with added durability, extra water-shedding capabilities, 4-way stretch for no binding, removable knee pads, and a built-in belt. The Mountain Pants are a bomb-proof hunting pant!
Timberline Pant – Adding waterproof knees and seat to the Mountain Pants, the Timberline Pants are ideal for sitting and glassing in less than ideal situations.
Contrail Windshirt – Designed to be pulled on to ward off wind, the Contrail Windshirt is windproof and lightweight. It comes with a small stuffsack that enables you to keep it handy in your pack and convenient when you need it. A perfect piece for lightweight wind protection.
Jetstream (vest, jacket) – When you need warmth and Windstopper, you need the Jetstream. Similar to the 90% Jacket and Celsius Vest, with the addition of Windstopper to block even the fiercest winds. The Jacket comes with a built-in hood to hold heat, and pit zips to drop heat when active.
Waterproof Raingear:
When the weather turns ugly, you need a waterproof shell to keep the moisture out. With several options and features to choose from, Sitka’s rain gear utilizes GORE-TEX to ensure you stay dry in any condition.
Stormfront Lite: A lightweight option for 100% waterproof protection. The bells and whistles have been reduced to make a packable, affordable solution for a quality, technical rain piece. Perfect for stuffing in your pack to pull out when the hard rains hit. And as all pieces that bear the GORE-TEX label, they are 100% guaranteed to keep you dry.
Stormfront: Added durability and features are what take the Stormfront line to the next level. The abrasion resistant, breathable, 3-layer construction is designed to keep you dry while you’re on the move. With pit zips to dump heat and micro-taped, laser-cut seams, you’re going to stay dry inside and out.
Coldfront: The perfect marriage of insulation and waterproof. Designed for cold and wet weather, the Coldfront line also bears the GORE-TEX label in addition to micro fleece lining and pit zips.
Sitka Gear System Recommendations
Different climates and hunting styles often necessitate different systems to optimize your comfort and safety. Provided below are recommendations based upon specific criteria for the way you hunt. These recommendations are only meant to be guidelines and your needed system may vary slightly due to your individual needs.
OPTIFADE OPEN COUNTRY
Hunting Style: Fast & Light
Weather: Hot and Dry (50-100 degrees)
Example: August Antelope/Mule Deer
Recommended Gear:
- Ascent Pant or Mountain Pant (knee pads for stalking)
- Core Crew (Short-sleeve, Long-sleeve or Zip-T) – moisture wicking, odor control
- Celsius Vest (AM insulation)
- Core Gloves or Shooter Gloves
- Sitka Cap
- Bomber Belt
- Ascent 10 or Ascent 14 Pack (hydration ready)
Hunting Style: Active, day hunts from BASE camp
Weather: Warm days/cool nights/minimal rain (35-80 degrees)
Example: September Elk
Recommended Gear:
- Ascent Pant or Mountain Pant (added water-resistance)
- Core Crew (Short-sleeve, Long-sleeve or Zip-T) – moisture wicking, odor control
- Celsius Vest (AM insulation)
- 90% Jacket (soft shell performance)
- Core Gloves or Shooter Gloves
- Sitka Cap
- Bomber Belt
- Ascent 14 Pack (hydration ready)
- Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack for rain storms)
Hunting Style: Active, day hunts from BIVY camp
Weather: Warm days/cool nights/minimal rain (35-80 degrees)
Example: September Elk
Recommended Gear:
- Mountain Pant
- Core Crew (Short-sleeve, Long-sleeve or Zip-T) – moisture wicking, odor control
- or Core Merino Zip-T shirt for extra warmth.
- Celsius Vest (AM insulation)
- 90% Jacket
- Core Gloves or Shooter Gloves
- Sitka Cap
- Bomber Belt
- Bivy 45 Pack
- Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack)
- Kelvin Vest (optional for lightweight, packable insulation at camp)
Hunting Style: Active, day hunts from BASE camp
Weather: Cooler days/cool nights/seasonal rain/snow (20-60 degrees)
Example: Late September/October Elk
Recommened Gear:
- Mountain Pant or Timberline Pant (waterproof knees and seat)
- Core Crew Merino Zip-T
- Celsius Vest (insulation) or Jetstream Vest (windstop/insulation)
- 90% Jacket or Jetstream Jacket (windstop)
- Traverse Gloves (warm) or GORE-TEX Mountain Gloves (bombproof)
- Sitka Cap
- Traverse Beanie (warmth without reducing hearing)
- Bomber Belt
- Flash 20 Pack
- Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack)
Hunting Style: Active, day hunts from BASE camp
Weather: Unpredictable cooler/cold (10-40 degrees)
Example: Late October/November Mule Deer
Recommended Gear:
- Mountain Pant, Timberline Pant or 90% Pant
- Merino Zip-T
- Core Bottom or Merino Core Bottom
- Celsius Vest (insulation) or Jetstream Vest (windstop/insulation)
- 90% Jacket or Jetstream Jacket (windstop)
- Traverse Gloves (warm) or GORE-TEX Mountain Gloves (bombproof)
- Sitka Cap
- Traverse Beanie (warm) or Jetstream Beanie (warmer with windstop)
- Bomber Belt
- Flash 20 Pack
- Stormfront Light Jacket (in pack) or Stormfront Jacket (for lots of rain/snow…pit zips for hiking)
- Stormfront LightPants (in pack)
OPTIFADE FOREST GEAR
Hunting Style: Treestand/sitting
Weather: Warm and Dry (40-80 degrees)
Example: Early season whitetail
Recommended Gear:
- Ascent Pant
- Merino Zip-T or Core Crew
- 90% Jacket (AM/PM insulation)
- Core Gloves
- Sitka Cap
- Bomber Belt
- Ascent 14 Pack
Hunting Style: Treestand/sitting
Weather: Cooler weather, seasonal moisture (30-60 degrees)
Example: Mid-season whitetail
Recommended Gear:
- 90% Pant or Stratus Bib (for colder weather)
- Merino Zip-T
- Jetstream Vest (windstopper) or Kelvin Vest (insulation)
- 90% Jacket (warmer weather) or Stratus Jacket (colder weather)
- Traverse Gloves or Stratus Gloves
- Traverse Beanie or Stratus Beanie (for colder weather)
- Bomber Belt
- Ascent 14 Pack
- Downpour Jacket (in pack)
- Downpour Pant (in pack)
Hunting Style: Treestand/sitting
Weather: Cold weather, rain/snow (20-40 degrees)
Example: Late-season whitetail
Recommended Gear:
- Traverse Zip-T (warm base layer)
- Stratus Jacket w/Kelvin Vest or Kelvin Jacket (insulation) or
- Fanatic Jacket
- Stratus Bib w/Merino Core Bottom or
- Fanatic Bib
- Traverse Gloves or Stratus Gloves
- Stratus Beanie
- Bandit or Traverse Balaclava
- Bomber Belt
- Ascent 14 Pack
Hunting Style: Treestand/sitting
Weather: Brutal Cold weather, snow (0-30 degrees)
Example: Late-season whitetail
Recommended Gear:
- Traverse Zip-T
- Fanatic Jacket w/Kelvin Vest or Jacket (insulation) or
- Incinerator Jacket (insulated waterproof)
- Fanatic Bib w/Kelvin Pants or
- Incinerator Bib (insulated waterproof)
- Stratus Gloves
- Stratus Beanie
- Traverse Balaclava or Bandit
- Bomber Belt
- Flash 20 Pack