"Want a sneak peak of what's headed your way? Check out our 2012 Catalog."

This is pretty simple... we've got a new layout here on www.sitkagear.com and we're pretty stoked.  In honor of the new launch, we're giving YOU, the loyal Sitka Customer... a chance at one of our hottest new pieces of gear in the 2011 fleet... the 2011 Traverse Hoody!  How do I enter?  All we need from you to enter is a comment on this blog AND on our Facebook post about this giveaway! Let us know what Traverse Hoody you'd like, Open Country, Forest, or a Solid Color.  Once you're done with your comments, please poke around on the new website, check out the videos, check out the blogs, and give us your feedback on Facebook or better yet... right here!

Okay guys, as most spring turkey seasons are winding down and hot summer weather is rapidly approaching, it’s time to start ramping up for early season hunts. Though many archery seasons won’t be here until September, we are now less than two months away from the archery blacktail opener here in California, and I know many of you will get started soon after that.

I know all of us are pumped to get back at it, but one thing about these early season hunts for all of us is, it can be HOT! I wanted to walk you through some of our early season gear to show you what we here at Sitka recommend for this time of year, and why it works.



First off, the Core base layers really get a workout this time of year. No matter what, I have always started with a Core shirt this time of year. This keeps my upper body dry and cool and does a good job of fighting odor. For the most part, I don’t end up wearing any type of base layer bottom when it’s warm, except for the wicking and fast drying boxers.

This could see a change this year with the introduction of our Merino wool base layers. I haven’t had the chance to test these in hot weather yet, but they are as lightweight as the Core layer and should perform very well in warm weather. As a natural fiber, Merino does a great job of regulating body temperature in any weather, keeping you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. The Merino will also be a huge benefit for multi day trips because of its odor protection. This will definitely be my go-to base layer when I’m wearing the same clothes for multiple days at a time.





Moving on to pants, there are a couple of options for this time of year. With the introduction of the Mountain pants last year, you now have another option from the Ascent pants. Being as light weight as possible, without sacrificing durability, the Ascent pants are definitely the top choice for those 80+ degree days. The Mountain pants use a slightly heavier version of the 4-way stretch Ascent fabric, and work great for warm days when you need a little added protection. Both pants wick moisture and dry very quickly so you stay comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.

Also, new for this year, the Timberline pant can be utilized in certain situations for early season. These use a heavier version of the Mountain pant fabric and also have a durable and waterproof/breathable fabric in the knees and seat. If you are hunting the high country in September, you know that temperatures can be cold at night and sometimes not get above 60-65 degrees during the day. In this case the Timberline’s would be a great option.





Depending on where you are hunting, you could have some pretty cool temperatures in the morning. When this is the case, I will also have a Traverse top and a vest or lightweight jacket like the Ascent Jacket with me. I will also use the Traverse bottoms or for this year, the Merino bottoms, in cooler, early season weather.

Cheers,

Andrew Bounds 877-748-5247

As we are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new 2011 product line, we wanted to share a sneak peak at what is to come.  Click HERE to view the new additons to the Sitka product line.  You can expect to find these items at your local Authorized Sitka Dealer or sitkagear.com in early June.  For any technical product questions call our own in-house gear junky, Andrew, at 877-SITKA-GR.  Cheers to all and enjoy!

Customer Service representative and gear specialist, Andrew Bounds, briefly touches on the features and benefits of the Bivy 45, the largest of Sitka’s pack line from our headquarters in Napa, CA. Coming in at an ample 4500 cubic inches, and 6.45 pounds, the Bivy 45 is sure to satisfy some of the most crippling loads you can tack on.

Enjoy.

You can now click here to view all of our new products 2011! Everything will be available for purchase as of June 1. Give us a call at 877-SITKAGR with any questions!

This is the first of the photo galleries that will highlight each of our packs for this year. We get questions about the various features on our packs and wanted to post some detailed pictures to give everyone a better look. The torso length on all of the packs has been extended this year. So the fit will be much better for the guys who have had trouble getting our packs to fit well in the past.

This will be the place to ask questions that you have, so let us know what you think and if you need to see any other views!

Team Sitka

If you have any questions, please ask them below and we'll answer them as quickly as we can!  Thanks!