As we get into the 2019 whitetail hunting season, you might be wondering which Sitka Gear system is best for your whitetail deer tag this year. Sitka has built the perfect system for you, the Fanatic System. This year, Sitka focused on improving their quietest fabric, and in doing so, has reduced the audible engagement distance by half! The high-loft Berber fleece face helps silence the new and ultra-quiet GORE-TEX INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER® technology, which is packaged with PrimaLoft® Silver Hi-Loft Ultra insulation to ensure you stay warm and toasty, even on the coldest days. This redesigned system is 20% warmer than last year’s Fanatic System! This year, Sitka has also designed this quiet fleece system without compromising packability or warmth.
Additionally, Sitka Gear released new YKK Vislon Zippers with Ultra-Quiet Technology to reduce the amount of noise produced by the zippers on this gear. This is a HUGE game-changer for the whitetail community. On the hunt, if you’ve got to grab something out of your pocket right before your shot, let’s say to take a photo of your prey, you’re not going to spook the deer with these new YKK zippers. The Fanatic lineup comes with a substantial variety of gear options to accommodate mid and late season whitetail hunting in Elevated II.
The Sitka Gear Fanatic Jacket sports a superior pocket and ventilation system. Located in a convenient spot, the front pocket is wide and deep, providing ample storage room. With the diagonal path of the front zipper, this jacket has an insulated muff pocket and a low-profile range finder pocket with a grunt tube holder. All of these pockets are designed to make your experience in the field as comfortable as possible.
Safety is the most important thing when you are out in the backcountry, and that is why Sitka Gear has also incorporated a new Constant Connect Harness Port into the collar of the jacket. The small opening, which is connected by magnetics and an easy release button allows the user to connect to a tree stand harness without hassle.
The Elevated II pattern is engineered for whitetail hunting, either in a tree stand or blind. If you are hunting early season, the 2019 Fanatic Hoody is an excellent fit for you. However, if you are hunting mid to late season, the Fanatic Jacket and Fanatic Bib is your best friend. The Fanatic Bib is the most dependable, warm-holding bib on the market. This bib has full-length side zips that allow you to step seamlessly into your bib pants, even in the tree stand, with your boots on. This bib has all the same quiet fabric technology that the Fanatic Jacket does, so if you need to shed this dense layer, you won’t spook your prey in the process. Now, what are you going to do with all that meat?