I have a lot of gear but not much Sitka. Most of my gear is from Cabela’s. I also have a good amount of KUIU for backpack/bivy hunting but they don’t have gear aimed at cold-weather stand hunting. I have been using Cabela’s MT050 for this.
Anyway, I was trying to find the warmest suit for stand hunting in New England. No matter what I do, I always seem to get cold when the temperature drops below 30 unless I am moving. I mentioned the Blizzard parka and pants to my wife and and to my surprise she suggested I “just buy it.” So I did. It looks and feels good but I won’t get to try it for a week or two. I am excited to give it a go.
It’s expensive but, if it keeps me warm, it is well worth it in my opinion considering most of us have several $1,000 rifles that spend too much time in the safe.
Do any of you guys use this set? Is it warm?
95% of the people here have never hunted, much less hunted below freezing. they are clueless.
I run the cheaper stuff. But I would hope that Sitka would do the job for the price it brings. Good luck!
I have to scrape and scrounge up old military surplus cold weather gear... Much of it works very well!
Hi Theeck,
I can’t comment on the Blizzard set itself as I’ve never used that but I bought the Fanatic jacket and bibs for similar conditions as you described. One reason I went with the fanatic was how quiet it is. I was considering the incinerator series or the First Lite Sanctuary series as well, but I think the fanatic gives me the best balance of what I was looking for.
I would question whether or not the incinerator series and some proper layering might not be a better solution for you, but since you have it and the money’s spent, why not give it a shot.
If you did want to take a different approach, I would check out the incinerator line and some layering options for underneath. Merino wool base layers followed by a mid-weight shell are a good way to get to the stand without breaking a sweat and then put your insulating layer on when you get in the stand. Don’t forget your feet too. If you’re feet are chronically cold, it’s going to make the rest of you feel colder than you are. Putting a foam pad down under your feet helps and in really cold, long sits I’ve gone to wearing upland boots to the stand and taking those off in the stand and just wearing felt liners with Artctic Shield Boot covers over them with a disposable heat pouch in each. Kept me comfortable in the stand after Christmas last year.
95% of the people here have never hunted, much less hunted below freezing. they are clueless.
Please post a link where you’ve shared a meaningful hunting experience or any insightful outdoor tips.
King of the Mountain or Sleeping Indian, they're all wool, heavy, and are perfect for what you want. They're proud of their stuff.
King of the Mountain or Sleeping Indian, they're all wool, heavy, and are perfect for what you want. They're proud of their stuff.
Except the wind goes right through wool, which is an issue in the western states.
I havent owned a Blizzard set, but did own the incinerator set. Incredibly warm and when paired with a pair of Bunny boots I could stand hunt in Upper Michigan all day long without getting cold.
King of the Mountain or Sleeping Indian, they're all wool, heavy, and are perfect for what you want. They're proud of their stuff.
Except the wind goes right through wool, which is an issue in the western states.
Thats when the wind resistant thin shell comes out, but im guessing you know that.
Huntworth makes good stuff for the money. Just ordered their heavyweight jacket and a beanie. They call it heavyweight but I think its on the thinner side. Hope it arrives before I'm off to chase Coyote next weekend. Prolly get down into the 20's at night.
https://youtu.be/ZOckPXDJbtwhttps://youtu.be/oyocWlsUJhc
You are gonna look so cool you will pray for terrible weather so you can show off your gear. I have a blaze camo parka and bibs that I want everyone to see me wearing so I hope it's cold.
I have a lot of gear but not much Sitka. Most of my gear is from Cabela’s. I also have a good amount of KUIU for backpack/bivy hunting but they don’t have gear aimed at cold-weather stand hunting. I have been using Cabela’s MT050 for this.
Anyway, I was trying to find the warmest suit for stand hunting in New England. No matter what I do, I always seem to get cold when the temperature drops below 30 unless I am moving. I mentioned the Blizzard parka and pants to my wife and and to my surprise she suggested I “just buy it.” So I did. It looks and feels good but I won’t get to try it for a week or two. I am excited to give it a go.
It’s expensive but, if it keeps me warm, it is well worth it in my opinion considering most of us have several $1,000 rifles that spend too much time in the safe.
Do any of you guys use this set? Is it warm?
I didn't get into Sitka stuff until this season and honestly, I'm not that impressed. I bought their midweight zip for bow season and after a week long elk hunting trip and a couple washings, the shirt was starting to tatter and come apart at the seems. I've heard that their newer stuff has had some quality complaints. That shirt was $99... should not have happened.
For stand hunting in freezing weather, I'd get some wool unders and layer up from there with a shell to block the wind. Good beanie with a set of light to mid weight gloves and a pair of heavy mittens you can put over them but can take off in a hurry.
95% of the people here have never hunted, much less hunted below freezing. they are clueless.
Please post a link where you’ve shared a meaningful hunting experience or any insightful outdoor tips.
He hasn't. He's just a POS.
You might check out Simms, they have expanded beyond fishing to some very high quality outdoor severe weather gear.
King of the Mountain or Sleeping Indian, they're all wool, heavy, and are perfect for what you want. They're proud of their stuff.
Except the wind goes right through wool, which is an issue in the western states.
Thats when the wind resistant thin shell comes out, but im guessing you know that.
Wear a shell over the wool? I'd rather a shell and a primaloft top and bottom to wear underneath when its cold. Lighter, warmer and dried much quicker.
I’ve the puffy primal loft stuff and merino base layers with Sitka mid layer. I tried on KOTM about a decade ago when it was a little bit cheaper. If it would’ve fit I’d not have the primaloft stuff. Easily the warmest, nicest bibs I’ve tried. Weight is significant over primaloft though. I believe the overalls I tried had a wind proof layer as well. I was broke but if they had more than a 28-30” inseam in stock I’d have scrounged the money together. I want to say the bibs then were around $400. Now I think they are closer to double but it’s been awhile. I pack in much further now as well so primaloft works well for the cost and I’ve not looked at heavy bibs again.
Thanks guys. I have some wool but I don't find it as warm as down or Primaloft. I have a lot layering pieces but I use them for hunting on the move more often. It gets to be a pain packing so much misc. crap for stand hunting. I'll give it a shot and see how it does. I did look at the Incinerator and Fanatic but I like that the Blizzard is waterproof even if that makes it noisy. If I am in a stand, I won't be moving enough to make noise.
I am headed to Vermont in a week for the rifle season. So far it is looking like highs around 50 and overnight lows in the 30s. I think it will be overkill unless a cold front comes in. I am always hoping for early snow in VT but the 10 day forecast is not looking promising. I will be up there until 11/21 or 11/22 so maybe a front will come in.
King of the Mountain or Sleeping Indian, they're all wool, heavy, and are perfect for what you want. They're proud of their stuff.
Except the wind goes right through wool, which is an issue in the western states.
Thats when the wind resistant thin shell comes out, but im guessing you know that.
Cabelas makes Wooltimate hunting garments w/ windshear. I have not tried it though.
95% of the people here have never hunted, much less hunted below freezing. they are clueless.
I run the cheaper stuff. But I would hope that Sitka would do the job for the price it brings. Good luck!
Someone who never hunted a day in his life offers advice on high end hunting clothing. You can't make this schit up
I have a lot of gear but not much Sitka. Most of my gear is from Cabela’s. I also have a good amount of KUIU for backpack/bivy hunting but they don’t have gear aimed at cold-weather stand hunting. I have been using Cabela’s MT050 for this.
Anyway, I was trying to find the warmest suit for stand hunting in New England. No matter what I do, I always seem to get cold when the temperature drops below 30 unless I am moving. I mentioned the Blizzard parka and pants to my wife and and to my surprise she suggested I “just buy it.” So I did. It looks and feels good but I won’t get to try it for a week or two. I am excited to give it a go.
It’s expensive but, if it keeps me warm, it is well worth it in my opinion considering most of us have several $1,000 rifles that spend too much time in the safe.
Do any of you guys use this set? Is it warm?
30 years ago my buddies and I bow hunted the Wi late season archery end of December in 35 dollar snow mobile suits, wool sweaters from good will and sorel boots, chopper mits. In temps that were typically in the teens in tree stands. I think you're over thinking this. You're rifle hunting so obviously don't need Camo. You can find down pants for under a 100 bucks and a good parka for under 150 bucks on sale and a down hoody for 100 bucks on sale to layer. Chopper mits with hand warmers.
Sitka, kuiu make great gear for active hunting. But if you have the expendable income go for it
I have a lot of gear but not much Sitka. Most of my gear is from Cabela’s. I also have a good amount of KUIU for backpack/bivy hunting but they don’t have gear aimed at cold-weather stand hunting. I have been using Cabela’s MT050 for this.
Anyway, I was trying to find the warmest suit for stand hunting in New England. No matter what I do, I always seem to get cold when the temperature drops below 30 unless I am moving. I mentioned the Blizzard parka and pants to my wife and and to my surprise she suggested I “just buy it.” So I did. It looks and feels good but I won’t get to try it for a week or two. I am excited to give it a go.
It’s expensive but, if it keeps me warm, it is well worth it in my opinion considering most of us have several $1,000 rifles that spend too much time in the safe.
Do any of you guys use this set? Is it warm?
30 years ago my buddies and I bow hunted the Wi late season archery end of December in 35 dollar snow mobile suits, wool sweaters from good will and sorel boots, chopper mits. In temps that were typically in the teens in tree stands. I think you're over thinking this. You're rifle hunting so obviously don't need Camo. You can find down pants for under a 100 bucks and a good parka for under 150 bucks on sale and a down hoody for 100 bucks on sale to layer. Chopper mits with hand warmers.
Sitka, kuiu make great gear for active hunting. But if you have the expendable income go for it
I hunt late archery too when I still have tags.
I have done it with a lot of equipment over the years. I remember dressing in layers of sweat suits and other crap when I was a young hunter. I froze my ass off but had some success. At this point in my life (mid 40s) I have more money but less time. I have to hunt when I can and make the best of it. That's why I don't mind dropping some extra money on gear if it helps me make the most of my time afield. I wouldn't spend $750 on a showy, designer coat but will on something that will keep me warm when I am alone in the woods.
Thanks guys. I have some wool but I don't find it as warm as down or Primaloft. I have a lot layering pieces but I use them for hunting on the move more often. It gets to be a pain packing so much misc. crap for stand hunting. I'll give it a shot and see how it does. I did look at the Incinerator and Fanatic but I like that the Blizzard is waterproof even if that makes it noisy. If I am in a stand, I won't be moving enough to make noise.
I am headed to Vermont in a week for the rifle season. So far it is looking like highs around 50 and overnight lows in the 30s. I think it will be overkill unless a cold front comes in. I am always hoping for early snow in VT but the 10 day forecast is not looking promising. I will be up there until 11/21 or 11/22 so maybe a front will come in.
Incinerator is 3 layer goretex and quiet.
King of the Mountain or Sleeping Indian, they're all wool, heavy, and are perfect for what you want. They're proud of their stuff.
Except the wind goes right through wool, which is an issue in the western states.
Thats when the wind resistant thin shell comes out, but im guessing you know that.
Cabelas makes Wooltimate hunting garments w/ windshear. I have not tried it though.
Heavy and low quality. BTDT.
Just received my order from Huntworth Gear. I've seen Sitka Gear and this Huntworth gear is every bit as good if not better that Sitka at half the price. Real happy with my items.
Just received my order from Huntworth Gear. I've seen Sitka Gear and this Huntworth gear is every bit as good if not better that Sitka at half the price. Real happy with my items.
I'll check it out.
Ill throw another wrench in the mix. I bought some First Lite gear, specifically the Sanctuary coat and bibs. I got them last xmas so I really haven't worn them yet but after hunting for over 30+ years in temps below -35 windchill I have experienced hunting in cold weather. I can see this being very very warm and could possibly be the last cold weather suit that I will have to buy. In fact I am actually looking to buy another set of their gear just lighter so that I can wear them more often. In fact I am looking at their Solitude set so that I can wear more often. To each their own but if you look into the company you will see that they rank up there with Sitka gear... Good luck in your searches.
Ill throw another wrench in the mix. I bought some First Lite gear, specifically the Sanctuary coat and bibs. I got them last xmas so I really haven't worn them yet but after hunting for over 30+ years in temps below -35 windchill I have experienced hunting in cold weather. I can see this being very very warm and could possibly be the last cold weather suit that I will have to buy. In fact I am actually looking to buy another set of their gear just lighter so that I can wear them more often. In fact I am looking at their Solitude set so that I can wear more often. To each their own but if you look into the company you will see that they rank up there with Sitka gear... Good luck in your searches.
I have a First Lite Chamberlin jacked that I use as a compressible insulation layer on cold-weather bivy hunts. I like it a lot. I also have the Uncompahgre jacket that I use as a layer in some conditions. I like First Lite but I thought they were more like KUIU in that they are for mountain / western-style / bivy hunting. The Blizzard set (parka, pants, hat) are geared toward stand hunting from a cabin or base camp. If First Lite make stand hunting clothes now, I am sure it is good.
I leave today for 8 days of hunting in Vermont. I report back on how the Blizzard gear does. It's not looking like it is going to be brutally cold though.
I just looked at that First Lite Sanctuary and it looks good and is half the price. I'll see how the Sitka does before doing anything crazy. It is nice that there are a lot of good options around these days.
I wore Sitka Stratus under Sitka Incinerator on alate season Illinois bowhunt. Temps around zero.
Can't say I was completely warm, but I never considered climbing out of the tree either.
Do a lot of hills here in the Adirondacks. The way Sitka (and Kuiu) stretch as you move equals less energy expended while I climb or walk. I wore my woolies one afternoon after acquiring Sitka and have never gone back to them. They seemed to fight me the whole day and I was noticibly more tired at the end of the day.
I'm fit, train for half Ironmans.
Love Sitka.
40% off at LEOADVENTURES.COM depending upon your profession.
I teach, the discount applies.
King of the Mountain or Sleeping Indian, they're all wool, heavy, and are perfect for what you want. They're proud of their stuff.
Except the wind goes right through wool, which is an issue in the western states.
Thats when the wind resistant thin shell comes out, but im guessing you know that.
Wear a shell over the wool? I'd rather a shell and a primaloft top and bottom to wear underneath when its cold. Lighter, warmer and dried much quicker.
Alex, can I have "dense" for $200?
A good down jacket and pants make winter hunting fun. Glassing or calling for an hour at a time at<10* is enjoyable w/ the right gear. Shop around, I have Western Mountaineering Flight pants and a Marmot Hooded guide jacket that I wear with a Patagonia down vest on stands and hunt the mountains in winter and love it. The whole setup cost just under $500.00 and the quality is fine. I buy them to fit over my hiking gear and in the time it takes to set out my E caller I am cooled off enough to put them on. I stuff everything inside a large garbage bag in my pack.
mike r
95% of the people here have never hunted, much less hunted below freezing. they are clueless.
I run the cheaper stuff. But I would hope that Sitka would do the job for the price it brings. Good luck!
delete
It's usually the wind that freezes you. An outer layer of windproof/ waterproof clothing I find best. The drawback to that type of clothing is it is "noisy" when walking.
Whatever layers I wear up here in the northern edge of MN a golf pull over wind shirt is part of the ensemble. Usually second to last layer on. Quiet under there and doubles up with my outer layer to stop wind.
Maybe more importantly is the bottom half. When sitting a stand much is lost thru the rump and more towards the top of the legs. The legs catch the rain and snow when sitting so this MUST be waterproof area.
Baffin boots are fantastic, rated to 80 plus below or so yet pliable and walkable.
Osky
Okay, I wore the gear today. It was 24 degrees at daybreak with about 5-10 mph winds. I was comfortable at first but after 4 hours in my tree stand, I was feeling the chill. Overall, that was good for me. It was my first sit below freezing this year other than a bivy hunt where I used a sleeping bag. In the afternoon it was around 40 with 20mph winds. I was comfortable.
It is not crazy warm though. Maybe a bit warmer than my Cabela’S MT050 and definitely lighter. One thing I should have done is sized up in the parka. It fits great but there is not a lot of room for layering. I am 6’1” and about 205 right now. I normally wear large but I am XL in KUIU and some other brands. I bought the large. I probably should have sized up in the parka. Or, I could stop eating [bleep] and drop to 190 where I should be. I’ll focus on slimming down rather than reordering.
So far, so good. It is supposed to drop to 16F in a couple days. We’ll see how it does.
You wanted the Incinerator set, not the blizzard...
I however am not a fan of sitka, way too expensive for gear thats made in China. I also hate their patterns, I always joke you dont need hunter orange when wearing sitka gear.
Ive started buying a lot of Drakes Non-Typical, and Im more than impressed so far.
You wanted the Incinerator set, not the blizzard...
I however am not a fan of sitka, way too expensive for gear thats made in China. I also hate their patterns, I always joke you dont need hunter orange when wearing sitka gear.
Ive started buying a lot of Drakes Non-Typical, and Im more than impressed so far.
All this from the "Campfire" communist................unbelievable!
You wanted the Incinerator set, not the blizzard...
I however am not a fan of sitka, way too expensive for gear thats made in China. I also hate their patterns, I always joke you dont need hunter orange when wearing sitka gear.
Ive started buying a lot of Drakes Non-Typical, and Im more than impressed so far.
lol... you've never hunted.
When on stand in very cold temps for a long time my down underwear is on beneath my wool and I am in a sniper bag or black sleeping bag when sitting.
Last year it was -8 with the windchill when I shot a doe in muzzleloader.
I might try a heater body suit but haven"t justified the expense yet.
I hunted today and it never got above 25. I was reasonably comfortable. Overall, I am happy with it. I can stay warm without the bulk that I sometimes wear. It get’s really warm on the move though. I ended up shooting a big-bodied 6 pointer. I hot him with a 338 Federal that I bought last year with a 200 grain Fusion bullet. It worked perfectly.
Anyway, the stuff isn’t magic. It feels pretty good though.
Finally, to the poster who said that I wanted the Incinerator set, I considered that and chose not to get it. I have a lot of sets with the brushed exterior. I like it fine for all-purpose gear but I prefer a true hard shell in wet conditions. I hunt from a cabin with no electricity and a wood stove for heat. I would rather deal with a bit of noise than have to dry out damp clothing. The brushed exteriors wet out and I don’t like to deal with that if I know I am going into wet conditions.
I have the Parka. I have an older version. I don't like it at all. It's just a jacket and there is no way that thing is designed for the temps they claim. It's okay for moderate weather still hunting where you're moving a fair amount.
I'm an old school layering guy.
I like my sitka rains paints. Those are great.
Hey OldHat: Is yours insulated with the down blend?
Hunted in -20 temps. Lots of layers, boot blankets, hand muff with hand warmer inside. Several layers on the head lots of heat going out. Old army duffel carried to the stand to layer when I get there.
Hey OldHat: Is yours insulated with the down blend?
No. It's got a piled fleece of some kind on the inside. It's pretty thin.
Hunted in -20 temps. Lots of layers, boot blankets, hand muff with hand warmer inside. Several layers on the head lots of heat going out. Old army duffel carried to the stand to layer when I get there.
Wow, you sat in -20. That's crazy to me. I won't sit in anything below 0, for sure.
Hunted in -20 temps. Lots of layers, boot blankets, hand muff with hand warmer inside. Several layers on the head lots of heat going out. Old army duffel carried to the stand to layer when I get there.
Wow, you sat in -20. That's crazy to me. I won't sit in anything below 0, for sure.
Muzzle loader season early December in Minnesota
Coach bags , Sitka gear...... hahahahha
I have been ice fishing in -8F. Sitting still would be tough. I like that idea of packing a bunch of gear out. I bought boot blankets several years ago but haven’t tried them yet. I thought about tossing them but decided to save them in case I ever hunt really cold weather.
I just ordered a Sitka Traverse zip tee to layer under the Blizzard parka. I was comfortable in the 20s with just a heavy merino base but I think a fleece mid-layer might make it even warmer.
Coach handbags and Sitka? I don’t really see the comparison. I don’t wear Sitka to show off, if that’s what you are implying. I usually hunt alone so no one is around to show off to. As I said before, for the cost of a rifle, I am happy if the stuff keeps me warm. I know guys with 35 guns that won’t spend more than $200 on a hunting coat. It makes no sense to me.