Sitka Bibs

[Paradox]

I used the Sitka bibs on a colorado hunt this fall and thought I would post a review for others considering them.
First of all they are NOT waterproof! They are advertised as having a "durable water repellent" finish. That may work in a light rain but if you sit in the snow you are going to get wet.

The tailoring to make them fit and move well is excellent. I suggest you try them on or order several sizes as their sizing seems to be inconsistent among items.

They are very warm. Although it was only in the 20s during our hunt I wore them with under armour and was too warm at times. In fact, they could have zippers at the thigh or over the hips to aid ventilation as you cannot just open your shirt as with pants.

Are they worth $250 retail advertised price? No. There are other options that will do the job AND are waterproof for far less money. I got them off Camofire for $119 and am not too disappointed.

Ed

 

[HardcoreOutdoor]

If you are going to sit in the snow you should be using a waterproof shell bottom.

DWR is designed to slough light precipitation and dew.

What alternatives do you recommend?

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[BeanMan]

Water repellent and waterproof are two very different beasts.
I'm not a fan of bibs for most active outdoor activities, for me they get too hot and it is hard to vent them. I have a pair of Marmot three layer alpinist bibs (I don't use these hunting) and while they are great for severe cold and snow conditions they are too hot for most activities. I think most bibs fit in this category. I leave the fly open to help them breath.

If you are going to sit in snow or be out in rain you need waterproof.

BeanGrinch

 

[HardcoreOutdoor]

I have had the opposite experiance with bibs and actually prefer them. Bibs don't have a waist belt to interfere with a harness or pack belt and they are not tied at the top so they can chimney vent. Plus, you can unzip them in the front for more venting without having the fall down.

I like bibs, personally.


Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[BeanMan]

I like my bibs too for certain applications like backcountry skiing, winter hut to hut stuff etc. It has been more of a challenge to keep my mid section from sweating with them, that is my chief complaint about bibs. I often end up unzipping the legs zips from the top down to about the knees when skinning uphill with a pack It's pretty hard for them to chimney vent with the waist belt on. I've only used a couple of different pairs though so my experience might be considered 'limited'.

BeanGrinch

 

[Paradox]

Wade,
I was just reporting my experience so others would know what to expect.
When I bought them I really didn't know how "repellent" DWR actually was.
I have a pair of Cabella's "Dry Plus" that I picked up several years ago for $50. They are soft and quiet on the outside, waterproof and warm. I also have a "Team Realtree" coat that I bought recently and much better value. It is Gore-Tex, very wind resistant and warmer than I expected. Only wish I had waited til they had the matching bibs on sale. They also had a full length two way side zipper that would make venting them pretty easy.
With all the hype about Sitka gear, I thought I would try them especially since they were at such a reduced price. I just didn't want anyone else to fall for the hype and waste the money.
This was my first year hunting with bibs and I liked them, especially with a pack as I did not have to worry about the waist belt pushing my pants down or pulling my shirt out.
Ed

 

[HardcoreOutdoor]

I understand, I just want to clarify that it is a use issue and not a defective product or false advertising one. I have had my issues with Sitka but I try to be fair and objective. Generally, water repellant means it is able to shed light, occasional short term exposure to water/precipitation. Waterproof is used for garments that are designed to handle sustained, heavy rain/snow/spray etc.

I try to match my gear to the intended use with an eye towards the inevitable "what if" situations.

The hype about Sitka, between my site and my articles in Western Hunter Magazine I am probably part of it, is deserved because they are pushing the envelope in this genre more than anyone else has. Sitka is moving the ball forward. Are they doing it perfectly? No, I have some issues with fit, description and color consistancy but I believe those things will get fussed out over subsequent lines. By and large they are producing products that will help us perform better, longer and safer in the field.

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[NMPaul]

I also bought a pair on camo fire.

1 big problem. The cheap plastic snap for the suspenders are a joke on a high price item like this.

I accidentally stepped on it when pulling them off and of course it broke rendering them useless.

Sent them back and they fixed them for free which was very good.

Material is great.

Sat in a stand in light rain for 5 hours and they kept me dry.

would much rather have a button type suspenders on it.



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[Deerlove]

Down fall of bibs is a sweaty back if your moving to fast. Benefits are no snow down your pants. LOL

 

[AIROHUNTER]

they fit super well and are very warm. correct they're not "waterproof" but i dont like wearing gargbage bags..i mean goretex....imo

 

[HardcoreOutdoor]

Garbage bags? Please elaborate.

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[AIROHUNTER]

imo- i do not think any of the gore-tex or other laminate waterproof materials breathe nearly as well as what they report. I would prefer to sufur a little exterior moisture over the sweat and condensate build up i felt i was getting from a water proof membrane. Not to pick on gore-tex im sure it's a life saver for the wet and moderate hunt...

 

[HardcoreOutdoor]

So what do you use for foul weather gear?

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[AIROHUNTER]

I guess since i have been hunting east of the cascade mountain range in eastern oregon and central idaho mostly, i have been fortunate enough to stay comfortable with either a DWR like the Sitka 90 and celsius or good ol' wool. I feel when grinding the face of the mountain i would retain more moisture than im trying to keep out with a membrane. i do carry an emergency bivy if i need to stay dry overnight in a survival situation.

 

[HardcoreOutdoor]

The goal is to stay dry regardless of where the water comes from (internally/externally). Dry skin doesn't lose heat as fast and dry clothes insulate better which means retained warmth which translates to comfort to most people but to me it means the ability to maintain the highest possible performance level and stay in the field longer. I accomplish this through active ventilation, adjusting apropriate layers as needed and proper use of waterproof/windproof/vapor permeable shell gear.

Sitka 90% gear is not seam sealed. It will and does let water in at the seams and it will eventualy pass water all over given enough time and or force of the precipitation. Same goes for wool. Neither are suitable protection against precipitation, prolonged exposure or contact with wet/snowy ground. Both will allow water vapor to pass more readily than any waterproof/windproof shell gear but if it won't keep rain or snow from comming in what good is it? The end result is that you get wet and that is bad if not deadly in certain situations.

The point is, you need some kind of shell gear unless your hunting style affords you a dependable bail out plan in case of bad/severe weather. If not, you are putting yourself at greater risk than necessary.

Other than protecting you from convective heat loss caused by the wind, what good does a bivy sack do overnight if you are already wet?

High quality waterproof/windproof/vapor permeable shells have served me exceptionally well since I started wearing them in 1976. They are not magic or idiot proof but used properly they are extremely effective and infinitely better than non-vapor permeable shells for active outdoorsmen.

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com

 

[AIROHUNTER]

to stay true to the post. i have used sitka for the last few years and while it's not waterproof it has served me very well. i have yet to crawl back to camp soaking wet or miserably cold. it get's high remarks from me for what it's worth.