Sitka Layering

Why Layer?

The concept of layering originated in the mountain athlete worlds of climbing, backpacking and skiing. Its purpose is to maintain a steady micro-climate based on activity level and varying weather conditions. It is the ideal concept for hunters who are exposed from the cold pre-dawn hours through well after sundown. There will be times of high exertion during walking and climbing. There will be moments of absolute stillness during glassing or in the final stages of the stalk. Rain or snow is a possibility. Wind is a probability. Temperature fluctuations of up to 10 or more degrees can occur as fronts pass during a single day of hunting.

Hunting Success: Get it out of your system.

Sitka's approach to performance hunting apparel is systemic. By constructing the most functional designs from the most technical performance fabrics and insulations, then combining them in various strategic combinations, Sitka systems can be matched to any hunting scenario regardless of exertion level, temperature, wind or rain.

BASE LAYER - Pulls moisture away from your skin to keep you dry.
MID LAYER - Insulation layers used to trap warm air and keep you warm.
OUTER LAYER - Protective layer used to repel wind and moisture to aid in keeping you warm and dry.

Layering for New Zealand: How to Wear Sitka Gear

Merino Zip-T – excellent next to skin as a base layer virtually year round.  In summer the lighter Core Zip-T is your best option.  A Traverse Zip-T is also a great next to skin garment, but can also be worn over the Merino or Core Zip-T when the temperatures start to fall.

Mountain Pants – good all year round trousers.  In winter you can add long johns underneath for extra warmth and as they have plenty of stretch they will remain comfortable.  They are water repellent, but if it is really raining, snowing or you are walking through wet vegetation then be sure to wear Gaiters or add some waterproof over trousers like the Stormfront Lite Pants to really keep you dry and stop the wind chill. 

90% Jacket – great all year round as part of any Sitka system - the 90% refers to it being right for about 90% of your hunting conditions. It is softshell jacket that can be worn in light rain, when it gets heavy add a hardshell jacket such as the Stormfront or Stormfront Lite Jacket.

Contrail Windshirt - perfect for regulating your temperature on those windy days when you are working hard and creating plenty of heat.  Your other jackets are just too warm.  Highly breathable so your sweat wicks away and doesn't hang around to chill you, but windproof so keeps you warmer with minimal layers. 

Kelvin Jacket – great for winter trips when it gets really cold.  Designed to be worn under a 90% Jacket or hardshell outer layer such as the Stormfront or Stormfront Lite Jackets.

Stormfront Jacket – The outer layer for wet and windy conditions including the worst that Fiordland can throw at you.    Designed for Alaskan Hunting Guides it is much lighter (doesn't absorb water!) and packs smaller than typical NZ hunting jackets and yet it is hard wearing and durable. The Stormfront Lite Jacket is another great option - very light, very small but breathable and 100% waterproof.

Headwear – In summer the Sitka Cap is great, as the seasons cool wear a Merino Beanie with or without the cap. When it gets really cold the windproof Jetstream Beanie is your go to item.

Gloves – the Goretex Mounatin Gloves are ideal for cold, wet and windy days when you still need good dexterity.  The Talus Glove is good all year round in milder conditions.