After years of requests from the field for military equipment based on their innovative hunting clothing, Sitka has launched Sitka Arrowhead Equipment, a line of clothing and equipment designed for the SOF end user.
First and foremost, Sitka responded to these calls by leveraging the the materials science expertise of Gore fabric products to provide purpose built, Berry Compliant, Wet Weather Protective (WWP) solutions.
But it’s not just Gore technology. From a fabrics, insulation and trims perspective, Arrowhead Equipment is focused on sourcing and developing best-in-class materials within the USA, partnering with proven brands like Milliken & Company, Polartec and Brookwood. Sitka tells us are also committed to investing in and supporting US manufacturers as they develop new levels of competency, capability, and competitiveness in the domestic manufacturing of technical apparel.
Focused on global Special Operations Forces personnel, the initial product offering consists of WWP solutions, performance fleece and active insulation midlayers, baselayers and accessories. Future product offerings will include WWP category additions and a Cold Weather Protective (CWP) category introduction in 2022.
We’ve shared a couple of Q&A sessions from Sitka in the past (Founder Jonathon Hart Big Game Manager John Barklow) which discuss the journey to where they are today.
On their site, US Elite has added some background on the brand as well. Additionally, to further discuss items in the launch, and conduct some giveaways, US Elite will be conducting concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live events each day this week at 1430 EDT. For instance, today they’re giving away a Sitka logo tee and hat.
Sitka Arrowhead Equipment is available from these SSD sponsors: O P Tactical, Tactical Distributors and US Elite.
They also want us to let you know that you can get their products through TSSi here in the USA, DS Tactical and Millbrook Tactical in Canada, Level Peaks Associates in the UK and Aquaterro in Australia and New Zealand.
Look for additional details on this new line throughout the week here on SSD.
For that much money, I’ll just go buy ACRONYM gear thank you. https://acrnm.com/
Obviously, you haven’t looked at Acronym’s price tags.
It’s not about one being cheaper than the other, just that a certain threshold: may as well just splurge. 🙂
You’re comparing apples and oranges. But hey, you’re the guy on the rant.
Amazing!! Any plans on offering field, as well as, combat uniforms?
John gave us some time when we first started which we were very grateful for. I noticed he was credited in the current multi layered system development, he knows a thing or two about protection from the elements.
That moment when a generation of WalMart shoppers discover what “Made in USA” actually costs…
Except the only items made in the USA so far appear to be the rain gear, and the pricing seems fair for that. Presumably more will follow, but at the moment the pricing is in firmly in Arc’teryx territory and the manufacturing is comparable.
Compare the Midlayer Hoody at $250 USD and the Naga Hoody Full Zip Gen 2 at $232.50 USD (retail on US Elite website). Both are made in El Salvador, both use the same basic Polartec fleece products.
The Midlayer Hoody MDWi with Polartec Alpha is a big jump in price from the Atom Hoody LT ($329 vs $269) but again, made in El Salvador for the Sitka piece. I think the Atom line is made in Bangladesh, at least my jacket was. The Alpha insulation is the big draw, and compared to the non-tactical Alpha jacket offerings I’ve seen the pricing is higher but not outrageous.
I’m thrilled to see a new competitor to Arc’teryx at roughly the same price point, but *on paper* there doesn’t seem to be a huge leap forward. Hopefully when we get more details on the line it will be clear what the new player brings to the game.
https://sitkaarrowhead.com/faq
Direct from the *product* pages for the base and mid-layer fleece products:
“COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
TAA Compliant
Made in El Salvador”
So, not made in USA.
Awesome! Now its one stop shopping! They already make all my hunting gear so why not?! Can’t wait
Give it time. There’s nothing too special here but they have the pedigree to up the game once they get market traction.
Moving on from production in nasty countries wouldnt be a bad move either.
Sitka is amazing. I do hope they introduce field, as well as, combat uniforms asap. At last, a serious competitor for Arcteryx Leaf and Beyond Clothing. Arcteryx should definitely start considering, making things that are Berry Compliant (uniforms, jackets etc.).