Sitka Gear is widely known for their clever camouflage patterns in all manner of outdoor clothing that makes us better equipped for all of the hunting and outdoor recreating we participate in. Something that they had not done in the past is any kind of footwear. So, it might come as a surprise – or, maybe not – that they have begun their foray into footwear with some hunting boots. I was quite excited when I heard the news this spring because it’ll complete any hunting outfit that you might have in your outdoors wardrobe. So, in this AllOutdoor Review, we are going to take a look at the Sitka Gear VentLite GTX Boot in their Olive Green colorway to see how they perform during a Minnesota turkey season. Let’s dive in!
Sitka Coverage on AllOutdoor
- SITKA Mountain Hauler Collection Adds Deep Lichen Colorway in 2 Sizes
- Conservation – SITKA, The Conservation Alliance, WY Wildlife Federation
- AO Review: Sitka Bridger Flannel (Hemlock Green Plaid) – Everyday Tough
- AllOutdoor Review: Sitka Grange Flannel (Pyrite Plaid) – All Week Attire
Features – Sitka Gear VentLite GTX Boot in Olive Green
The SITKA Gear VentLite GTX boot is a fully GORE-TEX tall boot with revolutionary comfort that is lightweight, protects, and sports waterproof properties. The VentLite GTX boot is available in multiple colorways to match any other attire you may have invested in, and is marked at an MSRP of $399.
- GORE-TEX technology ensures ultra-breathable 100% waterproof protection through Extensive Breathability Test Protocols
- Lightweight design built for speed and support
- PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation locks in warmth for colder hunts and expels excessive heat and moisture when temperatures rise
- Anatomically-informed polyurethane exoskeleton enhances durability and puncture protection
- Extra-tractioned Vibram® Litebase Megagrip outsole is bolstered by our proprietary SITKA Apex Tread System and provides maximum traction to help you traverse over any terrain, in any condition
- Proprietary PU insoles provide plush underfoot feel
- Injected TPU heel kick pads for easy exits, External Heel Counter & Toe Guard
While we are looking specifically at the VentLite GTX Boot in its Olive Green colorway today, Sitka Gear does have 4 colorway options within the VentLite GTX Boot series. Again, for clarity, we are testing the Olive Green colorway. Your 4 other potential offerings are listed below:
- Sitka Black
- Optifade Cover
- Earth
- Olive Green
- Top collar is anatomically informed to provide comfort around the calf and a snug fit over pants (If between sizes, we recommend sizing up)
- Full-Coverage PSC GORE-TEX Construction
- Anatomical RPU “Armor” Protection & Zero Break-In Feel
- Sustains warmth better than any 1600g Thinsulate boot on the market
- Optimal comfort rating: -30F to 50F
- Size Example (Size 10 Boot): ~ 18.5” height | 18.1” calf circumference
- Weight Example (Size 10 Boot): 35 oz per boot
A Word from Sitka Gear on the VentLite GTX Boot
The VentLite GTX boot eclipses every standard set by neoprene and rubber boots with legendary breathability and total temperature control all the way to your toes. The full-coverage GORE-TEX membrane ensures waterproofness while providing a comfortable and secure internal fit. Lightweight, yet tough, with exoskeleton reinforcements for puncture and wear resistance, these boots are adept in any field. The all-season construction features PrimaLoft® Gold insulation to provide critical warmth when needed that also aids in moisture transport on warmer days. The anatomically-informed top collar ensures comfort all the way up the calf and a snug fit over pants, and the enhanced traction—thanks to a Vibram Litebase Megagrip outsole—provides a sure grip on slick surfaces and uneven terrain.
Field Use – Sitka Gear VentLite GTX Boot in Olive Green
So, the real test: how do these boots actually perform out in the field?… They received a very appropriate test by being deployed for a spring Minnesota turkey season. Minnesota is an awful and wonderful proving grounds for products because the weather can be as bipolar as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This year would be no exception as I had done all of the adequate preparation and headed out into the woods to bag myself a longbeard.
The morning of my first hunt it was a chilly 35 degrees. The morning air was crisp, incredibly cool, but not exactly cold as the temps would soon climb. My alarm clock of 4AM went off much sooner than I cared for, but I suited up and drove off into the darkness towards my hunting spot. Upon getting to my destination, I hopped out of my truck, loaded gear onto myself like a pack mule, and sojourned out into the woods. The fields and woods was cold and dewy. Thankfully, with these waterproof and insulated boots, I remained warm and dry.
Throughout my quarter mile trek to my designated hunting spot, I never traversed “slick” terrain as much of it was leaves, a tilled field, and sticks, but I felt sure-footed all the while because of the more-than-adequate grip on these boots. The fitment was also good on this boot for me. While Sitka suggests to go up a size if you are unsure in selecting a size, the VentLite GTX Boot fit me really well.
As the morning temps increased from 35 to 65 degrees over the course of a couple hours, I remained comfortable and never too hot or too cold. As I needed to sit motionless next to a tree for 4 hours while raccoons, squirrels, whitetail deer, and turkeys wandered by within 10 yards or less, I never felt like the cushioning was inadequate or that I was uncomfortable.
After a lot of patience, a bit of luck, and considerable preparation, I had a Tom sprint past me at 40 yards and I made a well-placed shot to fill my Minnesota spring turkey tag. While I will never assert that a boot is the reason why I filled a hunting tag, it absolutely did contribute. It made the walk in easier, the sit more comfortable, and I was never ‘cold and miserable’ where I wanted to turn in early. It took 4 hours of hunting to bag my bird. If I had left early because of cold feet, I never would have filled my tag. These boots performed as good as any boot could have. I walked away impressed.
Final Thoughts
So, what are my final thoughts on the Sitka Gear VentLite GTX Boot in an Olive Green colorway that we tested here today?… Overall, they delivered on every measurable I could think of for a boot: good fitment, breathable, durable, good traction, and good temperature regulation – not too hot or too cold. Additionally, you can get them in several colorways to match whatever hunting clothes that you already have. The MSRP of $399 might be a bit expensive for some, but I assure you, they’re worth it.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Sitka for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Sitka Gear VentLite GTX Boot in an Olive Green colorway. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Sitka Gear VentLite GTX Boot in an Olive Green colorway is something worth spending your money on? Would you deploy them for hunting this fall? Take them with you camping? Use them tending cattle on a ranch? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Sitka and the VentLite GTX Boot in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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The post AllOutdoor Review – Sitka Gear VentLite GTX Boot in Olive Green appeared first on AllOutdoor.com.
