Putting Sitka Gear To The Test in Nature!

I love to be outside whether I’m taking pictures in nature, hiking, or even hunting with the husband. Time to connect with nature is the absolute best! I try to get out as much as possible. Living in Northeast Ohio, I’ve have to be very mindful of our cold winters, and having the proper gear is of utmost importance. It has been a journey of mine trying to find that perfect mix of keeping me warm enough, but not too hot and having a great fit.

New Gear!

Recently I had the amazing opportunity to test out some women’s winter gear from Sitka Gear. While I was waiting for my gear to arrive, I was a little apprehensive about trying this gear. I’ve seen my husband in his Sitka gear, and even borrowed a piece or two. But in the past when I’ve searched for women’s camouflage winter gear, the clothing was either cut too low, or the fit was not right. It has been quite the challenge to find something I like!

When my order first arrived, I spent some time just looking at the construction of the items, and the feel of the fabric. The items I received were very well made, and the fabric is so unique. It almost felt a little thin to me, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn this was not an issue at all!

Next came the chance to try everything on. Every item that was sent fit me like a glove. Like every piece was tailor made to my body! I may have done a happy dance or two. Finally some gear that fit me the way I would like!

Time to Test – Hunting

I couldn’t wait to get outside and try out my new Sitka gear winter outfit in a few different ways. First, I spent some time out deer hunting, and I was so warm and cozy. I even joked I could sleep in my gear. There are times deer hunting when a nap tries to come knocking! It was a big deal for me to be able to hunt in my own clothing, not borrowing gear from my husband. Each piece I wore complimented each other to keep you very comfortable.

The pattern of the camouflage, Optifade Elevated II, creatively blends very well together in the outdoors, which is a great benefit and very important. The fabric is also very quiet, which is a complaint I have with some other winter hunting gear that was quite noisy.

Nature Photography To The Next Level

The other way I tested my gear was wearing it on some winter nature photography hikes. As a nature photographer, you want to be warm so you can stay out in the elements to get that perfect shot! I was very impressed with the way the Sitka Gear again kept me warm, and comfortable, but I did not overheat at all. Going back to the fabric thickness I mentioned before, it is the perfect mix to keep you warm.

The Sitka Gear moved with me as hiked, and moved with me as I was taking photos. I tend to crawl around the woods to get that perfect shot, and I had no issues moving in my Sitka gear. My jacket was not bulky, and it did not interfere with my camera gear like some bulky winter jackets do. Both my jacket and my pants have so many pockets, which are a photographer’s dream.

Although I see myself wearing my Sitka gear hunting, I definitely see myself using my Sitka gear even more out on my winter photographer adventures!

My Outfit!

Thermal underwear can really be hit or miss I have discovered over the years. The Women’s Heavyweight Bottom is different than other type of under layer that I’ve ever worn. Feeling them at first, I thought, these are going to be too warm, but I was so wrong. The fabric was extremely breathable while keeping me warm, no excess moisture. The bottoms stayed in place, no slipping, and fit nicely into my boots. The inside is very soft, and feels great on your skin!

Once I had my bottom layer on, it was time for the pants. So much thought and care went into the design of Women’s Cadence Pant. They fit absolutely perfectly over the heavyweight bottoms without feeling bulky at all. There is a slight stretch to the fabric of the pants, which makes movement so great. The pants fit so wonderfully, I couldn’t rave about them enough!

To go along with my pants, I wore the Women’s Ambient Jacket on my various nature adventures. This jacket is my absolute new go to cold weather jacket! It keeps you super warm, but you don’t overheat. I was amazed at the fact that the coat was thinner, but kept me warm as it did! Lots of accessible pockets, and a really nice form fitting hood. The jacket is packable, which is perfect when you have days where the temperature may vary a lot.

To cap off my outfit (literally) I wore the Women’s Fanatic Windstopper Beanie and the Neck Gaiter. Just like all the other Sitka Gear items, the beanie and gaiter kept me warm, without being uncomfortable. I was so appreciated of the ponytail hole in my beanie. Coupled with the hood of my Ambient Jacket, I could handle any snow squall or cold wind in the woods!

Worth the Cost?

I hear people mention often is Sitka gear worth the cost? Now that I have experienced wearing the gear myself on numerous occasions, I absolutely would suggest the investment. Not only is the Sitka gear great for hunters, but it is amazing for anyone who spends a lot of time enjoying outdoor adventures in the winter. As a photographer, I can tell you this is now my go to outfit. I’m so excited for the winter adventures ahead of me, knowing I’ll be warm, and be able to remain outside for longer periods of time.

An investment in your gear will last you for many years of adventures. The saying “you get what you pay for” is so very important when it comes to your outdoors gear. I highly recommend giving Sitka Gear a try, you won’t be disappointed. Happy adventuring!