SITKA Fanatic Review: After Two Hunting Seasons!

[@TheNewHuntersGuide]

We need more reviews like this, from people who have actually used the gear for a few seasons. Thanks so much.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated! I’m glad you found it worthwhile!

[@ethangore4671]

I clicked on this video having already decided I’m going to purchase this gear, but getting more opinions on it doesn’t hurt. This was a very well done review and I can tell you know a lot about the gear and you understand how it works, very very good in depth review! 👍

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevew3718]

I like these long-term durability reviews, keep it up. I too can honestly say that the sitka fanatic system is by far the best late season hunting gear that I have ever owned. Totally designed for the bow hunter in mind.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the support! I don’t have a lot of experience with anything other than Sitka but it’s hard to imagine anything better for bowhunters! Good luck out there!

[@lynnlemoine1956]

Props to you man for following up a couple years later. I wish more reviewers would do this. Thank you, keep ‘em coming!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Much appreciated!

[@theamericansavage]

This is the best sitka gear review I've seen. Awesome video.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Great feedback! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zackadams419]

Thank you for such a detailed real world review after using the gear. Not just reading off the brochure. Great explanations for everything. Looking forward to more!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thank you! Appreciate the support!

[@johnmortimer1334]

It’s videos like this that makes my first big purchase of Sitka gear worth buying. Been using early season and mid season Sitka for 2 seasons now and it’s held up nicely. Thanks for your honest review.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

My pleasure, thanks for the comment! Good luck out there!

[@pathogan1849]

I kept comparing the Fanatic vs Incinerator and your video kept showing up so I keep rewatching. I've decided to go with Incinerator only because I do single digit hunts here in Illinois and I never want to worry about cold again. But I gotta say this review after your use after few seasons really sold me on Sitka. It was great to see real world wear and an honest conversation versus marketing.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the great feedback! I’m glad the videos were useful. I also considered the incinerator but the sales person talked me out of it (perhaps because they were not in stock). But the fanatic has served me very well. No regrets. I’m sure you’ll be very warm this season; I’d like to hear your thoughts on the gear if you can spare a few moments after the season. Either way, good luck! Thanks again!

[@fishstu]

Turn the clothing inside out zippered up when washing and drying to avoid pillering of the outer surface

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the tip. My wife just told me the same thing a couple weeks ago. That may make the difference.

[@paulclift9438]

Thank you for doing all the work putting the review together. I went down the Sitka gear hole 3 years ago now and have your system plus some other pieces. I never new it was possible to stay as comfortable in a tree stand as I can with this system. Thank you again for doing all the work and hope your season is perfect.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks, Paul, for the comment. I agree. it’s hard to imagine ever going back to my old gear. Not even sure how I ever survived the cold 🥶! Hope you have a good season, too!

[@chrisconnolly1949]

Objective and straight forward review on your part. I almost purchased the fanatic jacket and bibs but because I am more of a rifle hunter first and then bow, I opted for the more expensive Aerolite Incinerator set. I hunt in the Upper Peninsula and it is usually snowy and brutally cold up there. Staying out all day is a chore. I believe you are correct that the pilling is from your washing method. I don’t believe it will affect the performance or lifespan of the Sitka gear though. Perhaps you should try to wear a base layer of ScentLock underneath and then you wouldn’t have to wash as often either. ScentLock is outstanding when it comes to soaking up your scent. Then a quick bout in the dryer minus the need to wash, completely resets it for the next hunt. Good luck to you, be safe and shoot straight!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the comment! I looked into the incinerator when I seriously began considering upgrading to quality gear but was talked out of it by the retailer. Rightly so as it is probably better for gun than bow as I’ve heard it’s not as quiet as fanatic (although not excessively loud either). I also hear it’s extremely warm!! Based on your comments I assume that’s accurate. I am pretty particular about scent as I’ve experienced first-hand how keen deer noses are! Thanks for the Scentlock tip! Good luck come gun season!

[@Fishinmech24]

The pilling is from your harness. Have the same issue on mine. But never had the issue with the back of my jacket.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Quite a few viewers report having the pilling issue but there doesn’t seem to be any consistent, definitive reason for everyone across the board. Maybe this is it…

[@johnconklin5180]

The gator is great in really cold weather. Meeks my neck very warm and I use it when rifle hunting in the hills of PA. Good luck. Just purchased the incinerator coat. I want to mention that the large is too small for me. I’m 6’0” 175 lbs. I need the X Large. Fits me perfect in shoulders, chest and arms. It’s too big around the stomach because I do a lot of sit-ups. There is an adjustment though for that. The coat is crazy good though for storage of different items. Every time I look at it I find some new secret storage spot. I need a hood too which I am happy with. Expect to get years out of this coat. Overall construction exceeds expectations.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

I did wear the gator last year during rifle and it came in handy. The Incinerator sounds like a great piece of gear! Have a great season!

[@BoostedMK6]

I’m in NE Ohio. I’m stuck between Kuiu’s whitetail version and Sitka’s. I have Kuiu gear and like it but I hate having to send it back because it didn’t fit. Sitka I can try on locally. Given my 40% discount from Sitka and 10% from Kuiu the price comes out to almost the same. Decisions decisions…

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Decisions decisions is right! Don’t have any experience with Kuiu but they also have a good reputation. At the end of the day, you should end up with some great gear! Good luck!

[@yojerome]

Great review, and nice buck!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@theyinkler1866]

I just ordered my first Sitka incinerator kit and I’m pumped up a mount this years nasty cold days

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Congrats!! You should be toasty warm! Good luck!!

[@crisjr6478]

I have a full original fanatic set bibs n jacket from a decade ago. I’ve used them from Vermont Ohio Maine and Colorado tree stand hunting about half the time and tracking the other half. I’ve pounded briars with them hard they have held up like new for the entire decade. I also have the original traverse hoodie and original ascent pants just for early bow season also zero issues. I say original because I purchased all of it the second year the original elevated camo. Worth every penny. I also didn’t love the cargo snaps on the bibs but learned to love them because while tracking I don’t have to fiddle just pull open and drop stuff in like 2 little buckets on each and important stuff goes in zippers. Just love Sitka it’s never let me down.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Man! Thanks for the great post! I’m glad to hear of your positive, long-term experience. I’m sure there are many viewers who, like me, appreciate the insight. All the best! Thanks for watching!

[@stephenlegere1415]

Thanks for making these 2 vids. Was influential in me purchasing my Sitka items. No regrets either…

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m glad they were helpful! Good luck!

[@Lonewolve1988]

I watched the previous post and this post. Excellent reviews. I bought a Sitka long sleeve "Core" baselayer in sub alpine for turkey hunting to try for my first Sitka product. The camo color is really good for spring gobbler season in Pennsylvania. I do have a complaint about the pilling however, since the product is made with Merino wool it pulled on both the inside and outside after four hunts and approximately 10 separate wearings. The size is a tad off as well. I am 6'0" @ 265 the body length could improve by two inches and the sleeves also. I use this as a base layer and as a stand alone shirt for warmer hunts and flyfishing during cool mornings and evenings. The flat seams are excellent, the microbial treatment also excellent. For the price....there should be no pilling, and the body and sleeve length should be longer. I just ordered a First Lite "Furnace 1/4 zip shirt, a First Lite Furnace long John bottom, and a "Furnace" beanie. I really would love a "Sitka Fanatic Jacket" with full Berber Fleece on the outside and a Gore Wind stopper,Goretex inner liner" that would be perfect for Archery both regular season and late season as well as traditional Rifle (Buck) season. I going to see if Sitka offers a "Tall" option for the "Core" base layer crew neck top

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the comment! I don’t have any Sitka base layers so I’ll take your word for how well they perform. I guess the pilling is apparently not an isolated issue with the fanatic hoodie, huh? I don’t have any first lite gear but I hear good things about it. Good luck with the sizing and with your season.

[@DavidStein-v6z]

Really well done! Thank you.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thank you! Appreciate the support! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brucew.willett8196]

Great video and thanks for sharing your information. Very worthwhile and good luck in the future.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate the support. Good luck to you too!

[@kippbolt5449]

The wear on the lower hem of the jacket is from carrying your LW stand. Great jacket and great stand but that rough aluminum will put a hurting on fabrics.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

It might seem so, but I have the back pack and waist belt between the stand and the jacket so there’s no direct contact. I’m fairly convinced it’s from the tree, but as mentioned, it’s not a huge deal for me anymore. It’s warm and that’s my main priority. Thanks for watching!

[@mr.gtmsworld2494]

Great review! Where I live it rarely get in the 20s and lower. Do you think I could get away with getting the fanatic lite bibs? I already have the fanatic hoodie and the equinox hoodie.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

That’s tough to answer without knowing more about the conditions you are hunting in, and your tolerance for cold. The fanatic jacket and bibs are great in cold weather, so for me that means anything lower than 45 degrees. I try to err on the side of staying warm because I tend to lose body heat very quickly. But using fanatic gear at that temperature may not suit others who run warm. If the temperatures you hunt in even approach 20s and you are like me I would recommend fanatic over the fanatic lite. Hope this helps!

[@Bakingwithbadboy]

Great video. Thanks for making this. Way better than an unboxing. I have the same pulling on my fanatic hoody. Thank you for taking the time. Keep it up

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the support! Several viewers seem to have different experiences with the hoody based on how they dry it. Do you use heat or air dry?

[@Bakingwithbadboy]

@@northofdetroitoutdoors7404 I used low heat. I tried no heat like you and it was going for 5 hours. Probably have to wait for a warm day with sun

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

@@Bakingwithbadboy Right, like who has 5 hours?? Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@zerose7386]

Excellent reviews!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks Bro! Appreciated!

[@jayonez137]

I’m a treestand hunter. I’ve been running the fanatic set including the fanatic hoodie for years without this issue on Fanatic jacket. It’s the best gear I’ve ever owned. My only issue which is similar to yours is with the fanatic hoodie. It has a million little pilling balls all over it And it’s hardly ever up against the bark of a tree. I have it on front and back of hoodie as well as arms. It doesn’t effect the performance of it whatsoever Wash about 6 times a season wash in cold always dry on low heat. I don’t have time for a air dry when I’m hunting everyday during the rut and 3-4 times a week late season

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the comment! Looks like we are very similar in our approach to the gear! Glad to hear yours is holding up well.

[@bunkie1850]

I do most of my hunting from the ground. I like the idea of being able to move quietly and unrestricted. In your opinion or anyone that has the sitka brand, would I need to worry about it wearing through after extended use? I'm rough on my gear and use it fully. I had a set of bibs that were extremely warm made by Rivers West. Went out hunting with nothing more than my britches under the bibs and a coat, 20° morning and was more than comfortable. Walked through brier patches regularly and they just wore out after 18 years. Should I expect the same quality from Sitka? For around $400 I can get a pair of bibs and coat from Rivers West. The Rivers West are still waterproof all over except the butt. Not fun getting a wet behind when you're sitting on ice and snow for hours.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Wow! 18 years is impressive but I don’t think Sitka bibs would last that long. They are designed for bow hunting from an elevated position. Even the pattern is designed to mimic sunlight broken up by tree canopy. That being said, the Sitka website says they are only rated 3 out of 5 for durability, further substantiating my previous point. They are warm but probably not the best for your method of hunting. Just my opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@bunkie1850]

@North of Detroit Outdoors thank you for responding. Great review by the way. My thought process was in line with what you said. I think I'll give rivers west another go. They have gone up in price since I bought mine. Surprising I know. They really are durable and warm as hell. Thanks again!

[@nota_verygood_huntingchannel]

Based on your earlier vid showing the wear to the jacket against the tree, i decided to wrap the tree trunk in fabric to prevent excess rubbing on the rough cherry bark. I have a vid about it, its just cheap landscaping fabric 👍

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Awesome! I’ll check it out.

[@paulthoj4814]

Keep your eyes on the magnet on the fanatic jacket and vest collar.. That is one weak spot where it Going rip.. enjoy your review

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the heads up. First I’ve heard of that. How long have you had the jacket?

[@chrisballinger655]

Thank you for the detailed review! One question: I saw you hunting in snow and so how water proof is the finatic jacket? Thanks

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the comment! I’ve been in heavy snow for hours, covered from top to bottom, but still stayed completely warm and dry. I don’t know if it is advertised as being waterproof, but it is definitely water resistant.

[@crisjr6478]

@@northofdetroitoutdoors7404 totally agree I’ve sat for hours in my fanatic set covered in wet snow it might feel wet on the outside but never comes through. Even around the calves trudging in wet snow all day they will be drenched on the outside but never even damp on the inside when I take them off at the end of the day.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

I’ll typically tuck my bibs in if walking in deep snow now that I have the Lacrosse Alpha Burly Pro boots. But even prior to the boots I had no issue with water penetration.

[@brianloeffler2245]

Great review thank you for your indepth look at the system !!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bluelinewhitetails6205]

great video, GL this year.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks! You too!

[@graffak]

Hell ya nice buck dude!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks, bro! Appreciate the comment!

[@glennflynn9617]

very helpful review, how is the sizing of the coat and hoodie?

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thank you! I bought a large for both. I’m 5”9’ 180 lbs. Hope that helps.

[@nrolled2888]

Would you recommend this gear for rifle non-tree stand hunters? We walk a lot, ride in side by sides, and sit. Froze my butt off last year at -3 in Nebraska.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Good question! The Sitka Optifade Elevated II camo pattern is designed to break up your silhouette when in an elevated position, and made to look like the daylight peeking thru the tree canopy. However, from ground level I wouldn’t recommend as the white in the pattern may be too conspicuous (unless you are in snowy conditions where it works great!). Naturally, if you really need the warmth, you could use a leafy suit to cover it. Hope that helps. Good luck!

[@nrolled2888]

@@northofdetroitoutdoors7404 Thank you very much! Good luck to you out there!

[@outdooravidity7674]

Other informative and enjoyable video… well done!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks OA! Can always count on you for encouragement!

[@turtleteg]

Thanks for making this video. I'm on the verge of buying the same kit. I have one question that maybe I missed in your video but what is the highest temperature that you will hunt in the fanatic bibs and jacket?

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for watching! I tend to run cold so I wear this in anything below 45 degrees. In that case, I can reduce layers and open vents for air circulation if I start to overheat. What’s difficult is when the morning is 40 but temperature rises to 50 and I have to lug the gear back to the truck. Unfortunately I don’t have many good options for gear in that 45-55 degree range. Naturally, everyone has a different tolerance for cold so what works for one may not for another. Early season is always a challenge for me. Good luck out there!

[@nota_verygood_huntingchannel]

@@northofdetroitoutdoors7404 i will be trying out the combination of the fanatic hoodie with celcius midi for that mid temp range. Although the celcius midi doesnt have the wind blocking like the stratus jacket, i think the insulation value it adds will give it the edge when it comes to the really cold december temps and i can add it under the fanatic jacket.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Nice that you have such a variety of options. I’d like to know how it works for you.

[@bmultifaceted2253]

What size would you recommend to get in the gear? What is your height, weight & regular clothing size vs your gear sizing?

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Good question. I am 5’9”, 175-180 lbs with thin build. I tried medium and it was too constricting and didn’t leave room for layering. I went with large (for jacket, bibs and hoody) and although the bibs are a couple inches longer than I would like, everything fits well. I’m normally in the medium to large clothing category. 15 1/2 neck, 32 “ waist. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[@barrymaddux8943]

You ever tried any first lite gear? I’m wanting to make the jump but am torn between the two

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

I have no personal experience with First Lite. I do know people who swear by it tho... Seems to be really good stuff. Hard decision, so good luck!

[@johnconklin5180]

Try wrapping a pad around the tree or protect the coat.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for the tip! Others have suggested the same thing. But The problem has not progressed to the point that protecting the jacket is necessary. Still working well

[@deerhuntingwithrickthepeas7870]

Buyer's remorse is the term.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Lol! No remorse here. Worth every penny!

[@deerhuntingwithrickthepeas7870]

I gathered that you were convinced. Just wanted to chime in. :-)

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

@@deerhuntingwithrickthepeas7870 Thanks for chiming in! 😀

[@DROPTINE]

LOL..........🤣🤣

[@504daron]

keep em comin thx

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks!

[@fletcherphillips9200]

Sweet!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks!

[@rattlingjunkie]

Great video!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@longlivechina7538]

Ypur my hero

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

Thanks for watching!! 🙏🏾

[@kevinmcsweeney4156]

Get a foam seat with a back.

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

That’s a thought…just one more thing to carry in though.

[@DROPTINE]

The picture your showing @ 3.35................ If that's all that happens to your hunting clothes bro your good people crack me up they want to buy stuff that's expensive or cheap and then think IT'S going stay PERFECT for 1 - 2 years LOL All the silly ass comments about stuff that happens to your hunting clothes etc in 3 months to 2 years............. 🤣🤣🤣 Is just that F.....KING SILLY!

[@northofdetroitoutdoors7404]

People seem to appreciate the review. Guess it’s not for everybody.