Several months ago, I learned of W.L. Gore & Associates' first foray into the world of camouflage design. It's called Gore Optifade Concealment, and it's a high-tech approach to a low-tech problem: how to avoid being seen by deer and other game while hunting.
This pixellated pattern resembles newer military camo, using rectangular patterns in an attempt to fool the eye. Optifade is touted as the first-ever pattern "based on how deer and other ungulates see." I think it has good potential. I got pretty close to some game while wearing it, but I can't swear that the camo gets the credit.
Critters That Didn't See Me
One was a big hog, which I approached to within about 20 yards. It heard me and started in my direction, but didn't see me. There was some light brush between us. I didn't want to shoot the swine, and I had to wave and speak to it before it decided to go the other way.
The next day, I sat on a stand overlooking a food plot, completely exposed to view. Two whitetail does came into the plot and fed around quite a bit. More than once, they looked right at me but didn't seem to see me. The deer thereabouts are not very spooky anyhow, and I was wearing an orange vest on both occasions, so I can't fully credit the camo. I wore Wrangler camo jeans (Realtree) and a Sitka Optifade jacket. Draw your own conclusions.
Gore and Sitka Gear
Gore partnered with Sitka Gear in this venture. Sitka is known for high quality - and high prices. I had the opportunity to try a variety of Sitka clothing this past season, and I'll give a quick overview of each piece below.
The two pieces I used most were a Core Zip T (long sleeve t-shirt) and Core Bottom (think camo long underwear). As the Core name suggests, they're meant to be worn next to the skin. I found them light, comfortable, and surprisingly warm. Both feature Silver Scent Elimination, which is said to last "for the life of the garment." I enjoyed the zipper on the Zip T, which allowed me to cool off whenever I got too warm due to weather or exertion.
Next-most-used was a Jetstream Vest. This little number uses Windstopper fabrics and did a great job of keeping my torso warm, even when I was under-dressed for the conditions. Plenty of pockets (two handwarmer, two outside chest, and one inside left chest - all zippered) contributed to my happiness with this light, thin piece... although I would have appreciated another inside chest pocket.
Next, we have the Coldfront Jacket. This one uses Gore-Tex Soft Shell fabric, and does a great job of blocking wind and moisture. The good points include a drawstring hood with a short bill, pockets galore (two each: exterior hand, exterior chest, and interior chest - all zippered), and long armpit zippers for venting if you get overheated. It has a drawstring bottom, but I don't use that feature on any jacket.
Not-so-good points? Well, it's noisy when you move, and when you zip or unzip it. But you pay to play; every waterproof garment I've ever worn was noisy. Worst of all, the sleeves clung to whatever I wore underneath (usually a flannel shirt), which made it difficult to put on and take off.
I also used a Jetstream Beanie made with Windstopper fabric. This little cap did a good job of keeping my head warm, both in Colorado and Georgia. I did miss having a brim to shade my eyes at times, but such is the nature of a beanie cap.
I wore a pair of Jetstream Gloves while hunting elk in Colorado. These gloves use Windstopper fabric, and may be the best gloves I've ever used while hunting. They fit very well and provide excellent grip and feel. My hands get cold often, gloves or not, but these did better than others I've tried. I've since found that "glomitts" work better for me overall, but if I were choosing a pair of hunting gloves I think these would be hard to beat.
Finally, a pair of Coldfront Pants with Gore-Tex Soft Shell fabric. These britches didn't see much use this season, but they represent some of the best rain pants I've ever put my hands on. While they're just as noisy as the Coldfront Jacket, that's to be expected with rain gear. Good features include five exterior pockets, all zippered (four front, one right rear). I'd prefer two rear pockets, but you can't have everything. The zippers, like those on all of these garments, are loud but of very good quality.
Side zippers on both legs come to within about four inches of the waistband. Drawstring cuffs on the legs. Sitka provides a variety of ways to keep them from falling down: clinging rubbery waistband liner, built-in adjustable belt (nice touch), and adjustable, non-slip, removable elastic suspenders (another great feature). The pants lining clings just like the Coldfront jacket sleeves, so expect to use the leg zippers for easy on-off if you wear something underneath.
Conclusion
While some things could use improvement, I've never yet found any perfect hunting gear. If you're looking for the latest camouflage technology, high-tech fabrics, and high-quality outdoor clothing, it would be tough to beat this fusion of Gore Optifade and Sitka Gear.
- Russ Chastain
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
