Planning the Game with Sitka Athletes Mark Seacat and Jeff Simpson

When the talk turns to hunting whitetails, Montana is probably not the first state that comes to mind for prime whitetail habitat or notable whitetail hunters. Although Montana does boast large numbers of whitetail deer and some incredible habitat to hunt them, the state is definitely more known for the excellent elk and mule deer hunting.

 Tune in below to watch noted Montana elk hunter and Sitka Athlete Mark Seacat pickup a few pointers from whitetail authority and TV Personality Jeff Simpson. Jeff and Mark will be teaming up this fall on some exciting whitetail hunts!

 

Be sure to visit us as www.schnees.com and check out all of the best clothing, footwear and gear to help make your whitetail season a comfortable and successful one. The latest whitetail inspired clothing from Sitka in the all-new GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest is moving fast as is the incredible selection of women’s camouflage from Prois. Schnee’s also carries the finest hunting boots available to keep you warm and comfortable during those long sits in the stand or box-blind.

GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest: The Science of Nothing

Sitka Mountain Gear and W.L. Gore & Associates have teamed up again to expand the Sitka Gear clothing lineup as well as introduce a brand new camouflage pattern designed primarily for the tree stand hunter. New for this year, Sitka has introduced three lines of clothing designed with the serious Whitetail Deer hunter in mind and available exclusively in the new GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest pattern.  The Stratus, Downpour and Incinerator Series of big game hunting coats and pants are designed to help keep you comfortable and in the stand longer regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way. Sitka will also offer the new OPTIFADE™ Forest pattern in other popular Sitka series such as the Core and 90% line.  

GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest utilizes technology similar to the tried and true OPTIFADE™ Big Game Open Country but focuses more on micro-patterning to increase the effectiveness of the camouflage pattern at closer distances. The technology behind this pattern helps to disrupt the shape of the human body in vertical applications as well as blend in with the forest canopy above helping you to literally disappear within your surroundings. Watch the video below to learn more about how the technology and design of this pattern works!

Sitka has taken this new pattern and matched it with a line-up of clothing designed to maximize comfort and concealment in the woods.  By utilizing technical fabrics such as GORE-TEX® and GORE® WINDSTOPPER® and combining them with premium insulating materials like 100% Natural Goose Down and PrimaLoft®, Sitka Gear’s new line will keep you in the stand hunting comfortably in virtually any conditions. All of the outwear pieces in the Stratus, Downpour and Incinerator series also feature a lightly brushed exterior fabric to reduce noise.

To learn more about the Sitka Mountain Gear and GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest and to see all of the great new items, visit us at www.schnees.com or call us at 1-800-922-1562 and place your order today!

Schnee’s Brings You The Best in Hunting Footwear and Apparel For 2010!

With the fall hunting season approaching fast, Schnee’s has what you need to get prepared for the upcoming season. Whether you are looking for a new hunting jacket or the best hunting boots available, Schnee’s has all of the greatest new clothing and equipment available from Sitka, Prois, Schnee’s, Badlands and more!

Whitetail hunters need to check out the new line of clothing and accessories by Sitka Gear designed specifically with the treestand hunter in mind. Featuring the all new GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest pattern and consisting of the Stratus, Downpour and Incinerator Series, Sitka has optimized this new line for the savvy stand hunter. Sitka has also extended the new Forest camouflage pattern to many of their existing items including the Core and Traverse base layers, ascent packs and the ever popular Sitka 90% Jacket and Pant.

Elk hunters should really enjoy Sitka’s newly redesigned Jetstream Hunting Jacket. This jacket utilizes GORE™ WINDSTOPPER® soft shell technology for those windy days hiking and glassing in the high country and for 2010 Sitka has added pit zips for increased breathability as well as a hood for additional protection from the elements. Combine the Sitka Jetstream Jacket with the Jetstream Beanie and Gloves, Sitka Ascent pants and the Sitka Flash 32 pack and you are just about ready to hit the mountains in search of that trophy, but don’t forget about your footwear!

Sitka Jetstream Jacket

Tough terrain, heavy packs and long days afield require quality, supportive footwear. Schnee’s has just introduced the new Montana Mountain Boot™ series built specifically with the serious hunter in mind. Consisting of the Granite™, Beartooth™ and Wilderness™ models, this may just be the best collection of elk hunting boots ever made! Crafted in Italy, these boots feature eVent® breathable membranes for 100% waterproof protection. Full-length heavy duty midsoles combined with extra-thick premium leather uppers work together to provide the highest level of support and comfort in difficult terrain.

Schnee's Granite Boot

Schnee’s is also proud to offer a great selection of clothing and accessories for all of the women hunters out there as well. Women who are tired of settling for the baggy, generic fit associated with wearing men’s hunting clothes will be ecstatic when they discover Prois hunting apparel for women. This great collection of quality women’s hunting clothing is designed, cut and built to perform for women by women!

Badlands Packs has added a ladies pack option this year as well with the Kali Pack. This 2500 cubic inch pack has plenty of room for a day on the mountain and features contoured shoulder straps and hip belt for a comfortable fit for women as well as excellent weight distribution.

Badlands Kali Pack

Sitka Gear GORE® OPTIFADE™ Concealment Big Game Forest Now Available!

New for 2010, Sitka Mountain Gear has expanded their lineup to include a new camouflage pattern as well as many new clothing items designed primarily for the tree stand hunter.  

Sitka Stratus Jacket

 GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest utilizes technology similar to the tried and true OPTIFADE™ Big Game Open Country but focuses more on micro-patterning to increase the effectiveness of the camouflage pattern at closer distances. The technology behind this pattern helps to disrupt the shape of the human body as well as blend in with the forest canopy above helping you to literally disappear within your surroundings.

Sitka Bandit Face Mask

 Sitka has taken this new pattern and matched it with a line-up of clothing designed to maximize comfort and concealment in the woods.  By utilizing technical fabrics such as GORE-TEX® and GORE® WINDSTOPPER® and combining them with premium insulating materials like 100% Natural Goose Down and PrimaLoft®, Sitka Gear’s new line will keep you in the stand hunting comfortably in virtually any conditions. All of the outwear pieces also feature a lightly brushed exterior fabric to reduce noise.

Sitka Ascent 8 Waist Pack

 To learn more about the Sitka Mountain Gear and GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest and to see all of the great new items, visit us at www.schnees.com or call us at 1-800-922-1562 and place your order today!

Sitka Gear Incinerator Suit

Here’s some information on the new Sitka Incinerator Suit, a piece designed for stationary hunting in very cold weather.

SportHill Hunting Apparel

SportHill may be new to hunting, but SportHill has been outfitting Olympic Champions, Olympic Teams, and Adventurers around the world with state-of-the-art clothing for nearly 25 years. One of the best fabrics on the market for cold weather athletics is 3SP, developed by SportHill and used in many of their garments, including their hunting apparel.  What does 3SP mean for hunters?

• Single layer solution
• Windproof to 35 mph
• Hydrophobic (water resistant)
• Very Quiet Durable Stretches & moves with the hunter
• Super-soft, brushed interior
• Snag resistant

The same cutting-edge apparel worn by the world’s best athletes is now available for hunters in VanisHybrid Camouflage on the Schnees.com site – and we’re very excited about it. Many archery  hunters train year-round and wear SportHill Infuzion tops while cross country skiing or trail running during the off-season; now the SportHill Infuzion top and SportHIll Infuzion pant are available in camo hunting clothes. Here’s a shot of the SportHill hunting apparel in the field:

SportHill Hunting Apparel

“This year I’ll be wearing my 3SP on all my hunts, from Africa to New Zealand, Canada, Alaska and throughout the West. Serious hunters demand serious gear, and this is the most functional clothing I’ve found, period!” Scott Haugen, TV Host, Writer, Speaker

Prois, First-Lite Hunting Apparel added to Schnees.com

We’re proud to announce the addition of  both Prois Women’s Hunting Apparel and First Lite hunting apparel to the Schnee’s website. We are very excited with these brands.

Many women hunters shop the schnees.com site and Prois products are engineered with one single goal in mind: creating huntwear for women that is all about function and the technical aspects of hunting. Prois apparel has been thoughtfully designed, thoroughly tested and is widely regarded as the cutting edge in hunting clothing for women.

First Lite’s hunting apparel features garments in ASAT (All Season All Terrain) camouflage constructed from Merino Wool. Merino wool can be worn next-to-skin without irritation or itch, and provides warmth, the ability to absorb and repel water, odor-resistance, and durability. In short, First Lite merino wool garments are soft, comfortable, and built for tough, year-round hunting.

Sitka Gear ’08 Hunting Clothes are Here!

The incredibly popular Sitka Mountain Gear hunting clothing just got better with their new 2008 designs.

Sitka Gear specialized hunting wear and equipment offers hunters an efficient layering system boasting lightweight mountaineering technology while incorporating a highly effective multi-season camo pattern. With a commitment to using top-of-the-line technology, fabrics, designs, construction, and partners; Sitka strives to produce the best hunting clothing and gear in the world. Founded by hunters who wanted better gear, Sitka Gear knows what hunters need.

The Sitka name stands for the best, PERIOD, and the refuse to cut corners. Sitka Gear must excel in the worst of conditions and take abuse for years on end. Expect more from Sitka. This is the Sitka Mountain Gear commitment and what they stand for. Explore the Sitka layers system from outer layer to base layer to give you the best hunting performance. For 2008, Sitka Mountain Gear proudly introduces new designs, fabrics, and partnerships to bring you the cutting edge in performance hunting clothing and gear.

Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters is proud to bring you the new 2008 Sitka Mountain Gear hunting clothing and accessories.
View 2008 Sitka Gear at Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters »

90% SERIES OUTER LAYER

Breathable, windproof and water repellent for reasonably cold days/high output hunting

The Sitka 90% Series offers a quiet, four-way stretch Soft Shell fabric that is windproof, highly breathable, versatile, and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finished. Soft Shell fabric gives you the combination of a highly breathable woven outer layer that is bonded to a moisture-wicking lining that provides insulation. This system promises the highest level of air/moisture exchange unimpeded by coatings, laminations, seals, or barriers. Soft Shell Technology has inspired multi-seasonal garments that replace the traditional three layer system, creating less bulk and offering more versatility.

Soft Shell systems pass more air and vapor in one minute than waterproof breathable systems can pass in 24 hours. The outer weave endures all but the worst downpours or snowstorms. With four-way stretch, abrasion resistance, and weather resistance; soft shell fabrics prove the ultimate outerwear for hunters. The 90% Series is Sitka’s all-mountain version of the Soft Shell. With a low loft lining, the 90% Jacket provides insulation for reasonably cold days or high output activities.

Fabric Details: Soft Shell, Polyester face, warp knit inner

View the Sitka 90% Jacket »
View the Sitka 90% Pant »

THE SITKA ASCENT PANT

The perfect outer layer hunting pant – highly breathable, wind-resistant and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treated

Engineered to climb, Sitka took their popular Mountain Pant to the next level with the new Sitka Ascent Pant for all-mountain, all-terrain. Sitka created the Ascent Pant to withstand over 200 days-a-year abuse from guides and hunters alike giving you abuse resistance balanced with versatility for the widest range of conditions possible.

The Ascent Pant moves with you due to four-way stretch and is highly breathable, wind-resistant, and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treated. Built to withstand weather and abrasion, the Ascent Pant remains quiet enough to stalk in close. The Ascent Pant is engineered for long technical climbs, scary steep descents, and years of abuse. This quiet, soft, abrasion-resistant, weather-shedding, stretchy fabric allows the Ascent pant to excel in all hunting situations.

Technology: High count stretch polyester weave, Durable Water Repellent finish

Fabric Details: Polyester Lycra blend

View the Sitka Ascent Pant »

NIMBUS SERIES OUTER LAYER

Waterproof, breathable, lightweight protection in extreme weather conditions

The foundation of the Sitka Nimbus System is a 2.5 layer waterproof and breathable laminate engineered to keep the water and snow out and your perspiration under control. The result is dryness after a solid soaking. The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish keeps water rolling off, while micro-taped seams keep all water out. Designed for a full range-of-motion and built for full range-of-weather, the Nimbus membrane offers exceptional four-way stretch while remaining waterproof, breathable, and soft to the touch. The Nimbus Series sets the standard for extreme weather conditions, building off the success of the ’07 Sitka Downpour System which won Field and Stream’s Gear of the Year.

The Sitka Nimbus Series is built to be packed with you for all occasions. At less than 20 ounces per piece, it easily fits in your pack. YKK watertight zippers keep your valuables dry, while articulated elbows and knees eliminate binding and lifting. Focus on details like Melco taping extends wear and tear by beefing up your zipper openings. TPU (Textured Poly Urethane) zipper pulls are easy to use with gloves, as are cuff tabs allowing for a snug fit. Ventilation panels let you dump heat from both your torso and legs when climbing. Thoughtfully designed and tailored to fit, this all-weather combo is unbeatable.

Fabric Details: 20K/10K Waterproof Breathable Nimbus

Technology: Micro taped seams

View the Sitka Nimbus Jacket »
View the Sitka Nimbus Pant »

CELSIUS SERIES INSULATION LAYER

High loft, soft shell fabric with waterproof laminate for cold weather hunting

Sitka developed the Celsius Series with a performance-driven, cold-weather, high loft soft shell fabric called Celsius Soft Shell. New for 2008, the Celsius Series builds off the strengths of the 90% Series by adding more loft for much colder conditions and a waterproof laminate to keep water out even after extended rain or snow.

The Sitka Celsius Series features Body Mapping technology for increased warmth. Body mapping places insulation where you need it and takes it away from areas where it’s not needed, thus enhancing the fit and range-of-motion of a hunting garment typically considered large and bulky. Nothing is sacrificed in protecting you from the elements by placing high loft insulation in the right places, so you can face the lower temperatures of extreme weather hunts or low activity stands.

Fabric Details: Polyester face, mega or high loft inner, DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish

View the Sitka Celsius Jacket »
View the Sitka Celsius Vest »
View the Sitka Celsius Bib »
View the Sitka Celsius Hat »

CORE & TRAVERSE SYSTEMS BASE LAYERS

Engineered to keep you dry and scent free

The core principle to the Sitka System is layering beginning with the Core System or Traverse System of base layer. These base layers move moisture away from your skin to keep you dry. Dry means you are warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot, which is why Sitka uses the best next-to-skin fabrics that exist: Polartec®. Moisture and high relative humidity next to the skin cause discomfort, but Polartec® Power Dry® and Polartec® Power Stretch® keep the skin dry through three complementary mechanisms.

The fabric is highly breathable and does not restrict the movement of moisture vapor. “Touch points” on the fabric inner surface draw off the sweat which is then wicked off the skin to the outside of the fabric where it spreads rapidly for evaporation. Polartec® Power Dry® fabrics move at least 30% more moisture away from the skin than single component fabrics.

When the sweat reaches the outside of the fabric, it spreads out to many times its original surface area, enabling it to dry at least 2 times faster than cotton. Include Polartec Odor Resistant Technology to effectively combat body odor through the utilization of encapsulated silver, and you have two systems: Scent Prevention and Moisture Management.

THE TRAVERSE SYSTEM BASE LAYER offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Expedition weight with body-hugging stretch and breathability, the Sitka Traverse System keeps you dry when you sweat and provides warmth without extra weight.

Polartec® fabrics with Odor Resistant Technology effectively combat body odor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the fabric. Odor Resistant Technology is not a surface treatment and contains no chemicals. It uses pure silver, micro-encapsulated in the yarns that are knit into the fabric construction that will last for the life of the garment. It is safe, natural, and offers permanent odor protection. Polartec® Technical Highlights Patented bi-component construction keeps your skin dry when you sweat. Highly breathable to provide comfort in all activities; does not restrict the movement of moisture vapor. Dries quickly. Odor Resistant Technology provides permanent odor protection by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the fabric. Provides complete sun protection (UPF 30). Soft surface next to skin provides all-day comfort. Machine washable.

Core System Fabric Details: Polartec® Power Dry® with Odor Resistant Technology

Technology: Silver Scent Elimination

View the Sitka Core Zip-T »
View the Sitka Core Top »
View the Sitka Core Bottom »

Traverse System Fabric Details: Polartec® Micro 100 Series

Technology: Wind Resistant/Breathable

View the Sitka Traverse Shirt »
View the Sitka Traverse Bottom »
View the Sitka Traverse Beanie »
View the Sitka Traverse Glove »

SITKA PACKS

Streamline exterior with waterproof membrane, fully featured interior

Featuring the highly-effective Sitka Mothwing Mountain Mimicry camo pattern, Sitka packs offer low profile designs for an improved fit. With waterproof membranes, fully functional pocket systems, and design features specific to each pack; Sitka brings you performance packs that won’t slow you down.

Fabric Details: Waterproof Membrane

View the Sitka 45 Bivy Pack »
View the Sitka 14 Ascent Pack »

View 2008 Sitka Gear at Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters »