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!

For those of you who haven't seen it already, the Sitka 45 Bivy Pack received the Editor's Choice Award from Outdoor Life Magazine.  We were the only pack to receive an overall rating of four stars based on comfort, design/ features, ease of use and price/ value.

Thought I would share just a few of the review's on Cabela's website, where the Ascent Pants are seeing an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Got to love it.

5 out of 5 Surprisingly Tough, March 23, 2009 By IdahoMW from Idaho

"Thought that the ascent pants may not be tough for high country abuse, but to the contrary, they have withstood abuse well. Very light, and the stretchable fabric moves well with you. Suspenders are a nice touch, and they wick moisture better than any technical hunting pant I have owned. Built to hunt very hard and mobile, especially during early hunt seasons." Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

5 out of 5 Sitka Ascent Pants, February 23, 2009 By BlackBearKilla from New York

"These are the most comfortable hunting pants I have owned and I've had a lot. Very soft, stretchy material. I highly recommend this product." Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

5 out of 5 My new favorite pair of pants, December 15, 2008 By cajunshooter from South La

"After purchasing the Sitka 90% jacket and loving it, I decided to give the Ascent pants a try. These are by far the most comfortable, quiet pants I own. I've been a fan of North Face and Mountain Hardware softshell for a while, and the Sitka is every bit as good, if not better in my opinion. These do fit a bit snug, and not intended for very cold temperatures, but they are great for their designed use." Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

5 out of 5 Great Pair of Pants, November 7, 2008 By Holleywood from Birmingham, Alabama

"I hunt mostly in Alabama where the bow season temps can range from 40 degrees to 70 degrees. These are the best pair of early season pants I've ever had. Not only are they lightweight, they are quiet and extremely comfortable. I liked them so much I bought the matching 3/4 zip pullover. I highly recommend the lightweight Sitka line to anyone that hunts early season in the southeast." Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes

Sitka is rounding out it's line this year with the addition of new insulation pieces to keep your core warm.  The Kelvin Jacket and Vest incorporate lightweight and packable PrimaLoft One insulation for an extreme heat-to-weight ratio.

The Kelvin pieces are designed to be layered under one of Sitka's soft or hard shell pieces.  PrimaLoft insulation is a superior synthetic loft  material that holds in maximum heat with minimal weight.  This is what you want for hunting in the coldest temperature or stand hunting.

Kelvin will be available to consumers in June 2009 in Mothwing Mountain Mimicry camouflage pattern and the new Gore OPTIFADE Concealment Technology, the only pattern designed according to how deer and other big game animal vision works. Available in sizes S-3XL.

The Kelvin Jacket features two chest pockets, articulated arms and an internal waist cinch to trap core heat. Retail camo $199, retail solid $179.

The Kelvin Vest features two hand pockets, a cinched neckline and internal waist cinch.  Retail camo $149, retail solid $129.

Where Can I buy Sitka Gear?

See the Dealer Locator on our website to find a Sitka dealer nearest you.  If you cannot find a dealer, two of our largest online dealers are Cabela's and Schnee's. The new products for 2009 will be available in June.