Sitka Fanatic vs First Lite Santuary

[hittman]

I'm looking for some insight from TBH's who have used the Sitka Fanatic line and/or the First Lite Santuary line. Which is better in your opinion and why?

I was able to go try on the Fanatic line at Cabela's and it seems like you need to get one size larger than what you usually wear... but since there is no where that I can find to try on First Lite, how is the sizing in their gear usually?

I like the fusion camo pattern the most from FL... but from Sitka I don't know which pattern will be best, Elevated II or SubAlpine.

I will mostly be white tail hunting here in TX, but would like to start gearing up for heading West in the future.

This Christmas shopping stuff is hard work.... JK. Thank you for your inputs.

[WTN]

Haven’t used the FL Sanctuary but really like my other FL gear. By the way, FL is on sale for 30% off right now if you go that route:

https://www.midwayusa.com/first-lite/b?bid=3247

[hittman]

Haven’t used the FL Sanctuary but really like my other FL gear. By the way, FL is on sale for 30% off right now if you go that route:

https://www.midwayusa.com/first-lite/b?bid=3247

Thanks for the link! How does FL sizing run in your experience?

[hooligan]

I have no experience with sitka but I love everything I have Fromm FL. Sizing has run true for me, quality is excellent and it’s one of the few companies I can say is worth what I have paid for each piece. Check https://www.firstlite.com they’re running a sale right now w/up to 40% off

I have some of the Cabela’s Instinct line also and I will say for the money First Lite is much better quality

[WTN]

Thanks for the link! How does FL sizing run in your experience?

Most pieces I have seem to run a little small, so I ordered up one. Hopefully, you can find reviews on the sanctuary stuff to get more exact sizing.

[cantexduck]

I love all my sitka stuff. All of mine is the whitetail series. It is made with different material then the big game stuff. Soft noiseless fleece is used on most of the insulated whitetail series.

[MichaelW]

I just ordered the Sanctuary Bibs and Sanctuary jacket. Once they come in, I'll let you know about sizing on those. However, the numerous other pieces I have seem to fit true to size for me.

You might also look at this First Lite sizing chart.

https://www.firstlite.com/sizing-chart/

Also, as mentioned...First Lite is running some nice sales right now.

[EASTEXASARCHER]

I just ordered the Sanctuary Bibs and Sanctuary jacket. Once they come in, I'll let you know about sizing on those. However, the numerous other pieces I have seem to fit true to size for me.

You might also look at this First Lite sizing chart.

https://www.firstlite.com/sizing-chart/

I've got the Sanctuary bibs and jacket both in XL. I am 6'1 and 215 lbs. The bibs fit great, but the jacket is too big. I should have ordered a large.

I bought them for Kansas this year, but I tagged out before it ever got cold enough to need them. Quality and design seem to be on par with Sitka though.

[MichaelW]

I've got the Sanctuary bibs and jacket both in XL. I am 6'1 and 215 lbs. The bibs fit great, but the jacket is too big. I should have ordered a large.

I bought them for Kansas this year, but I tagged out before it ever got cold enough to need them. Quality and design seem to be on par with Sitka though.

I noticed on their website they state the jacket runs a little big as it's intended for layers to be used underneath for total cold weather comfort.

[dope hunter]

I'm looking for some insight from TBH's who have used the Sitka Fanatic line and/or the First Lite Santuary line. Which is better in your opinion and why?

I was able to go try on the Fanatic line at Cabela's and it seems like you need to get one size larger than what you usually wear... but since there is no where that I can find to try on First Lite, how is the sizing in their gear usually?

I like the fusion camo pattern the most from FL... but from Sitka I don't know which pattern will be best, Elevated II or SubAlpine.

I will mostly be white tail hunting here in TX, but would like to start gearing up for heading West in the future.

This Christmas shopping stuff is hard work.... JK. Thank you for your inputs.

Just my .02 here, and other might be able to chime in, but I think the sanctuary jacket might be a little much for 90% of Texas hunting. I was thinking about the Sanctuary Jacket, but went with the Woodbury instead, and I'm glad I did. I've hunted in the Woodbury 2 times this year with only the long sleeve Llano crew, and I was plenty warm. If I layered the Llano, the Chama and the Woodbury I would stay plenty warm for 99% of what TX weather could throw at me. As far as the Bibs, I can't tell you, but I have the North Branch Softshell pants and they have been plenty warm for me as well. I've layered the Allegheny with the North Branch and have been warm. I think if it for much colder I could layer an extra set of bottoms and could cover any TX weather. I was worried I would buy the Sanctuary stuff and not be able to hunt in it much, and I think in was right.

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[EASTEXASARCHER]

Just my .02 here, and other might be able to chime in, but I think the sanctuary jacket might be a little much for 90% of Texas hunting. I was thinking about the Sanctuary Jacket, but went with the Woodbury instead, and I'm glad I did. I've hunted in the Woodbury 2 times this year with only the long sleeve Llano crew, and I was plenty warm. If I layered the Llano, the Chama and the Woodbury I would stay plenty warm for 99% of what TX weather could throw at me. As far as the Bibs, I can't tell you, but I have the North Branch Softshell pants and they have been plenty warm for me as well. I've layered the Allegheny with the North Branch and have been warm. I think if it for much colder I could layer an extra set of bottoms and could cover any TX weather. I was worried I would buy the Sanctuary stuff and not be able to hunt in it much, and I think in was right.

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You are right, the Sanctuary would be over kill most of the time in Texas.

[MichaelW]

Just my .02 here, and other might be able to chime in, but I think the sanctuary jacket might be a little much for 90% of Texas hunting. I was thinking about the Sanctuary Jacket, but went with the Woodbury instead, and I'm glad I did. I've hunted in the Woodbury 2 times this year with only the long sleeve Llano crew, and I was plenty warm. If I layered the Llano, the Chama and the Woodbury I would stay plenty warm for 99% of what TX weather could throw at me. As far as the Bibs, I can't tell you, but I have the North Branch Softshell pants and they have been plenty warm for me as well. I've layered the Allegheny with the North Branch and have been warm. I think if it for much colder I could layer an extra set of bottoms and could cover any TX weather. I was worried I would buy the Sanctuary stuff and not be able to hunt in it much, and I think in was right.

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I just ordered the sanctuary set, but based upon the other First Lite gear I already have, I'd have to imagine you're right.

[hittman]

Just my .02 here, and other might be able to chime in, but I think the sanctuary jacket might be a little much for 90% of Texas hunting. I was thinking about the Sanctuary Jacket, but went with the Woodbury instead, and I'm glad I did. I've hunted in the Woodbury 2 times this year with only the long sleeve Llano crew, and I was plenty warm. If I layered the Llano, the Chama and the Woodbury I would stay plenty warm for 99% of what TX weather could throw at me. As far as the Bibs, I can't tell you, but I have the North Branch Softshell pants and they have been plenty warm for me as well. I've layered the Allegheny with the North Branch and have been warm. I think if it for much colder I could layer an extra set of bottoms and could cover any TX weather. I was worried I would buy the Sanctuary stuff and not be able to hunt in it much, and I think in was right.

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That's true... It would be a shame to spend the money on it and only get to use it twice a year. I heard they might come out with some Woodbury equivalent bibs next year

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[dope hunter]

That's true... It would be a shame to spend the money on it and only get to use it twice a year. I heard they might come out with some Woodbury equivalent bibs next year

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The Woodbury jacket is a lot heavier than I thought it would be. It's definitely a good piece. I bought the regular Allegheny and the expedition weight just so I could layer with the North Branch pants.

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[hittman]

The Woodbury jacket is a lot heavier than I thought it would be. It's definitely a good piece. I bought the regular Allegheny and the expedition weight just so I could layer with the North Branch pants.

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Are the NB pants loud?

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