Deep in the wilderness is not the time to find out your clothing system doesn't meet your expectations. A technical clothing system for the backcountry hunter must be versatile, lightweight, and capable of keeping you warm and dry. Dynamic mountain weather and remote locations do not treat the unprepared hunter kindly. Whether you're living in a desert, coastal forests, or high above treeline, the clothing system you build must perform.
Built correctly, a technical clothing system will effectively manage moisture and dry quickly, helping to regulate body temperature, keeping you focused. It's not enough to randomly add layers of clothing on top of one another and expect high performance. Technical clothing should work harmoniously, utilizing fabrics, constructions, different weights, and the fit to create a system that becomes unnoticeable to the user. Every layer in a SITKA clothing system has its part to play.
Core Lightweight Hoody - is foundational...
A base layer is the foundation of all clothing systems. This layer helps manage body temperature year-round, no matter the season or weather. Wear this layer as a stand-alone shirt in hot weather, then layer over the top as temperatures begin to plummet. The efficient transport of moisture assures comfort no matter the system or pursuit.
Jetstream Jacket - is the 90% solution...
Blocking heat-robbing wind is essential to staying warm. A Windstopper jacket becomes a force multiplier, limiting convective cooling yet is breathable enough to manage moisture during active pursuits in cool weather. Often a Windstopper top is enough for warmth without adding additional bulk to the system. A Windstopper jacket provides immense efficiency by blocking wind and shedding light precipitation, reducing the time and effort required to stop and change layers.
Kelvin Aerolite Jacket - is highly efficient...
A puffy jacket is an essential part of any clothing arsenal, no matter the season. The lofted insulation traps heat as it radiates from the body, helping conserve energy and keeping our minds focused on the task. Applied when glassing, eating, or hanging around camp, the static insulation of a puffy jacket traps precious body heat critical for warmth and comfort.
Dew Point Jacket - is lightweight & packable...
Rain gear is a mandatory layer when getting hammered by an afternoon squall on an exposed ridge or navigating back to camp in a blinding snowstorm. Waterproof breathable rain gear manages moisture and keeps you dry in the worst weather, allowing you to depart the wild on your terms. Rain gear should have a place in all backcountry hunter's packs as insurance against harsh conditions.
A technical clothing system is capable of exceptional performance. It's crucial to understand the individual components that create a holistic system and the integration. Having confidence that your system will perform as prescribed provides a margin of safety and assurance, allowing you to focus more on hunting and less on the weather.
