When a brand like Sitka Gear launches their first pair of dedicated archery pants you tend to pay attention! After two full seasons of use (and abuse) it’s time to answer the burning question: are they worth it? Read the full Sitka Apex Pant review to find out.
September archery season presents some unique challenges for hunting clothing. One day it might be 80 degrees but the next it’s a complete whiteout with snow flying sideways. Other than balancing warmth and breathability for changing temps, clothing also needs to be quiet for close encounters and light enough for long climbs. Talk about a difficult set of requirements!
When the Sitka described the Apex pant as the “perfect pant for September” that was more than enough for me to want to try it out. Read on for my full Sitka Apex Pant Review as well as a comparison to other pants across their line.
Background & Specs
The Sitka Apex Pant is essentially an ultra high tech fleece pant. That’s nothing new: archers have been wearing synthetic fleece pants for years but durability, heat, and bulky fits have always been problematic. Sitka’s approach is to bond an incredibly light micro fleece layer to a much stronger Polyester face fabric. In theory that gets you durability, breathability, and retains that silent performance. Here are some other specs from Sitka’s website:
- MSRP: $229
- Removable, integrated kneepads
- Dual mesh-backed hand pockets and cargo pockets with internal organizers
- DWR finish & articulated fit
- Weight: 14.7 ounces (Size L)
- Currently only offered in Subalpine camo
At $229 these aren’t cheap, even for Sitka! Don’t worry, we’ll compare them with other options later. It’s also worth noting just how light these are at 14.7 ounces… that’s almost a full pound lighter than the Timberline pant. By now it should be getting a bit clearer what kind of tradeoffs Sitka had in mind when they specced these out. On to the review…
My thoughts: Sitka Apex Pant Review
Like I said above, I’ve used these for over two full elk seasons and plenty of other side trips in the off season. Here are my thoughts:
Pro: The perfect blend of breathability and warmth
Sitka wasn’t joking when they said these are the perfect pants for September. I’ve been blown away by how well these things manage a full range of activity and temperatures. I’ve used them in Hawaii in 80 degree temps all the way to snowy September days in the 20s. They breathe incredibly well and never leave you feeling sweaty or sticky.
No piece of clothing does everything well and the Apex pants do have two weaknesses: truly cold temps and wind. While they work fine if you’re active in twenty degree temps, I wouldn’t want to sit still with these on for prolonged periods of time under 40 degrees or so. That fantastic breathability also means that wind cuts through them a bit more than other options.
That said, both of those weaknesses are minor drawbacks compared to how great these perform in the vast majority of conditions you’d experience in September. Bravo Sitka, you truly nailed it on this one.
Pro: Fantastic fit and comfort
Fit is a bit tricky with hunting pants: too bulky and pants catch on things as you walk by, too tight and things get uncomfortable fast. Sitka put a perfect tapered cut on these that works well for stealthy approaches but doesn’t make you wonder if you mistakenly bought compression pants.
No surprise, the micro fleece liner also feels like a dream and wicks moisture very well. Combine that comfort with the fit and this is a pair of pants I’d wear every day if I could.
Pro: Whisper quiet
These pants completely remove the dreaded “swish-swish” noise from the equation. Even more importantly, they dull any noise from branches and bushes that catch them as you walk by. That all adds up to one silent set of pants which is perfect for archery.
Pro: Kneepads and pocket layout
Kneepads were something I was skeptical about until I used them. I’d never wear a pair of hunting pants without them now, they’re that good. Even if your opinion differs, Sitka makes the kneepads on these removable so it’s up to you.
The pockets on the Apex pant are also great. The “cargo” pockets are very streamlined which helped keep items secure and out of the way. At first I thought the little mesh dividers were a gimmick but they really do cut down on noise and help with organiztion. I keep a lot of items (GPS, PLB, Compass, Gloves, phone, food) in these since they storage is so good. It’s a heck of a lot nicer than taking off your pack to dig around!
Pro: Sitka’s Warranty
No Sitka Apex pant review would be complete without mentioning the legendary Sitka warranty team. I’ve dealt with the Sitka warranty a few times in the past (and with these, stay tuned) and they earn their reputation every time. Your problem is their problem and they get it fixed for you even if it’s your fault sometimes. It’s great to know your investment is backed by great support.
Con: Durability
By now this review has been so positive that you’re probably wondering if I’m sponsored by Sitka (nope, I’m independent for a reason). Well it’s time for a reality check: the biggest downside to these pants is their durability.
I managed to tear a 1” vs 1” hole in these my first season when they snagged on a sharp piece of deadfall as I walked by. While they’ve survived thousands of other crossings I’m pretty convinced another direct hit would have the same result. I’ve also managed to wear two holes in the cuffs on the inside of each boot with all that hiking. Annoying, yes, but it’s mostly cosmetic at this point.
Are those a big deal? Not really given how much wear I’ve put on these (approx 6 full weeks of hard use). Sitka sent me a free patch kit right away that worked like a dream (see warranty above). However, if you know you’re hard on gear or live in an area where you bust through lots of brush, these are probably not going to hold up well. Ultimately the choice is up to you: quiet or durable? You can’t have both and these pants are clearly in the former camp.
Tear from the inside 
Holes from boot wear 
Free patch on the outside
Tips & Tricks
Throw a pair of zip-off base layers under the Apex pants and you’ll be fine sitting still in truly cold conditions. Unfortunately for Sitka, KUIU is making the only good pair of zip-off base layers I know of so look into those. Why side zip base layers? They’re great because you don’t have to take off your boots to take them off. Simply drop your pants and undo the side zips… just make sure to do your best NBA courtside impression when you finally tear em off.
Maybe I’m the only idiot in town, but it took me a while to realize you can actually wash these with the kneepads in place. That will save you a lot of time taking them out and putting them back in. Not that I would know.
Alternatives: Sitka and others
If you combine my wife’s gear I almost own the full range of Sitka pants (Mountain, Timberline, Apex, and Ascent). So how do they stack up? If you’re looking for lightweight breathability, but want durability instead of noise reduction, the Ascent pant is the way to go (and they’re $70 cheaper!). The Mountain and Timberline pants are definitely warmer and more durable than the Apex but they can be a bit sweaty in hot temps (read: lower breathability but higher wind resistance).
If you want one pant to rule them all, the Mountain pants are probably the best call (or possibly the Ascent pant with a thick base layer for winter). If you’ve got the budget for two pairs, the Apex and Timberline would be a fantastic combo for the entire season.
The only close competitor to the Apex pant that I know of is the First Lite Obsidian pants (KUIU, Kryptek, etc don’t really have a “quiet” pant). They’re a wool/nylon hybrid that’s also designed to be silent and breathable. Unfortunately I’ve heard lots of reports about poor durability and the pair I wore had a relatively boxy fit (which is common for most things first lite in my experience). They’re still a good pair of pants and personal fit is everything, so they’re worth a look at least.
Summary: Sitka Apex Pant Review
Sitka bills the Apex Pant as the “perfect pant for September” and I would have to agree. They’re incredibly breathable, lightweight, and dead silent for close range archery encounters. Top that off with solid comfort across a wide range of temps, back it with a solid warranty, and you have a winner. That said, these pants definitely won’t be winners for everyone. They’re far less durable than other alternatives and that tradeoff is only worth it if you hunt a fairly specific range of conditions.
Would I buy them again? I think so. I find the pros outweigh the cons for my hunting style even if they are expensive. So who are these for? If you’re primarily an early season archery hunter (or just value stealth) and hunt in environments with relatively mellow ground cover these are a great call. If you routinely bust through brush, are hard on gear, or spend a lot of time hunting in cold, windy environments, there are better options out there from Sitka or other companies.
Let me hear your experiences and questions in the comments below! If you like this review then make sure to sign up for the newsletter below since there are many more on the way…
Enjoyed the review. I value stealthy pants and I have a pair of the Sitka mountain pants with the knee pads and are my favorite hunting pants. They do make a little noise but are tough and fairly warm. I think these Apex pants would compliment them well especially for Archery season. I much like your “fix” for removing your base layer too. I’ll have to check around the internet and see if I can find a discounted pair somewhere now.
Thanks Terry and good to hear from you! My first pair of Sitka pants were the mountain pants and they really are great, still own them. I wear them a lot in late September onward, really my only complaint is when I’m working hard above 60 degrees or so.
Those KUIU zip offs are so popular they now have merino, synthetic, and fleece version I believe. I actually use them for non-hunting activities like skiing, hiking, etc since they’re so easy to get on and off. Highly recommended: https://www.kuiu.com/shop/pants-shorts/base-layers/
Forgot to ask, how did your Montana draw go?
Very good. I did draw the general season Elk tag which takes in many units and is good for both the Archery and Gun season assuming one doesn’t score during archery. I had also put in for LE tag 900-20 which would have added another 20 or so units and or parts of units but I did not draw it. I wasn’t really disappointed and I bought a bonus point which should increase my chances of drawing something next year and the plan is to hunt a couple general units this year anyway. I’m hoping my potential hunting partner will be able to get a leftover tag later in the year. He seemed confident he can and I hope he’s right but I’m going either way. Also I just bumped up my bow poundage to 60# on my bow. Oddly it seems easier to bump up the pounds now than it did when I was shooting in the lower 50’s so I don’t know what my limit really is but the bow’s limit is said to be 65 and though I don’t know I could build up to that at this point I won’t rule it out. But since my original goal was 55# anything more is icing on the cake.
Congrats, that’s a great tag, plenty of chances. 60# is solid, I dropped to 62-63 this year because it’s so much easier to shoot all day and heavy arrows work so dwell already. We’ll see what happens come elk season, did 67 last year and it was more than enough. Well sounds like you’ve got some good times ahead!