The Ascent Vest is great for sitting in the tree stand or spot and stalk archery. It keeps everything close at hand and is very easy to access. I like that the pockets are structured so a rangefinder can be easily stowed with one hand. I do feel that it needs a place for a water bottle on the back. I realize they were going for a minimalist design, but I don't want to have to carry a pack just to have a place to put a water bottle.

I have not yet purchased this vest, I like the concept of the vest. I purchased the Sitka Bino-harness last fall and I am a big fan of it, my question is can I detach the bino case and attach it the vest. I would then have a "Bino-Vest", the benefits of the pockets on the vest with the protection I need for my binoculars.

Just got back from the Gila in New Mexico on an archery elk hunt. This vest is phenomenal!!! I carried a small camera, windicator, GPS, range finder, cow call, face paint, and a small compass in this vest. No more digging through your back pack or wondering if you have everything ready for the hunt. Its all right there. Your binoculars fit perfectly in the front. Light, cool, and easy to keep everything organized and quite easy to access in the field. Sitka, please make this in the elevated pattern for whitetail hunting as well. Like everyone else I was skeptical of the price of Sitka gear when my buddies kept telling me to buy it especially considering the amount of stuff I had to purchase for this hunt. I purchased ascent pants, jackets, kelvin lite vest, hat, beanie. After returning from New Mexico I am going to buy a whitetail system from Sitka. The stuff was cool when needed, warm when needed, dried quickly and most importantly was very LIGHT and PACKABLE! This is my fourth time to the Gila and this gear was a difference maker. I was able to pack less, the backpack was lighter, and the clothing does not weigh you down like cotton based fabrics do.