Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Sitka vs first lite vs…

Looking to upgrade camo for next year, and wanted to get thoughts/opinions on which brand I should go after and why. Doing some research I read that first lite has better base layers, but Sitka has better outer wear. What I’ll be looking for is bibs and a jacket, but I may go after at least a set of base as well. Saying that, I’m looking for 2xl on bibs and jacket if someone is ready to move a set. Thanks in advance!

I use black ovis base heavy layers and they’re great. I have first lite lightweight base layers and all other mid and outer layer, most of which I got used on the first lite Facebook group.

Reynolds in Opelika has a 40% off sale on all camo including Sitka right now. Picked up some lightweight pants at a good price but they had several of the fanatic bibs on the rack last Friday.

I have first lit bibs and jacket. I’m very pleased with them. I just don’t get cold anymore.

I bought the SITKA fanatic jacket on sale and I can tell you it's warm as advertised. The only thing I don't like is the way it zips in the front. The sitka stuff runs small too so size up one

I have first light furnace wool base layers and they are the deal.

I can’t comment on Sitka as I don’t have any

First Lite base layers are the real deal. I also have the bibs and jacket. I like them a lot. Never had Sitka so I can’t comment on them. Don’t pay full price for them, they do run sales occasionally.

Look at Code of Silence also for the outer layer. Hearing lots of good things about it. I have the vest and love it. I'll be upgrading as I can
I've heard the first lite furnace base layer is as good as it gets.

I've had the first lite base layers for a couple of years. They feel great and have a warm dry feel to them. Wife researched and gave them to me as a gift because she knew I wouldn't spend those kind of bucks. She saw one of the Alone show winners wearing them. I bought a First lite Thermic coat a few week ago and have worn it the last few days with just the base layer, surplus bdu''s, muck boots and haven't been cold at all. Was going to buy bibs but now I don't see where I need them.

Sitka no brainer I have the bibs for days like today and I won’t be cold

But the tradeoff is you get the hand warmer style pocket like you have on a hoody, well worth it to me.

I have the original versa pant and jacket, merino mid-fleece, and farewinds merino bottoms. I used the pant/jacket in temps into the mid teens and did pretty well

If I was buying a heavy fleece layer, I'd get the Bearing Sea fleece, good price and warm. It's thick so don't get it unless ya have room underneath. As far as Kuiu, FL, Sitka, they all have good gear and I have some of each but for warmth after seeing guys sit all day in the Fanatic Bibs I grabbed a pair recently. If ya gonna be temps more along 28-40, get the stratus bib.

That's why I grabbed mine.

Sitka fanatic bibs and jacket are legit, but I wouldn’t pay full price for any of it. A bunch of different places will have sales for 40% off if you watch long enough. Same with base layers. You can get the black ovis stuff cheap off camofire and it’s as good as any of the other merino wool makers.

Another vote for Sitka Fanatic stuff, I have the Bibs and the Vest which I've used in Kansas on several days where the high temp. was sub 20 degrees

After years of making fun of people

I’ve joined the Sitka club. I bought everything 30-40% off but the three jackets I bought are worth the money IMO

Got one for every kind of weather and have already culled several items out of my camp collection.

Dont overpay for your base layers, get the black ovis merino stuff as mentioned. I've used it all over the country (including Alaska) and it's absolutely the best bang for your buck. they have multiple weights and it goes on sale often. Also as as mentioned above Camofire has great deals on Blackovis and often has deals on all the "boutique" camo brands if that's what you're into.

I bought Sitka. It’s pretty good.
My brother bought nomad. Now I’m got natured and don’t get too cold. He
Hates the cold. And he hunts with jacket and bibs or pants and he don’t ever get cold anymore.

I do LL Bean or Midway for wool base layers and a mix of Sitka, Kuiu, Banded, and Midway for other stuff.

Kuiu is damn near bulletproof gear and extremely comfortable. I have bought their solid color stuff for casual wear because it fits so well.

For cold weather, I have never had anything as warm as the Stika Fanatic bibs and jacket. Sitka lightweight rain jacket is also great.