I really appreciate all the responses. This helps tremendously. I really prefer the Subalpine pattern for the terrain that I’ll be hunting in instead of the Elevated if I do go with Sitka.
I realize the items in the Sitka Whitetail line is much quieter than that in the Big Game line, which has all the subalpine patterns.
For those of you that have used the big game items, how quiet were they? I think I’ll be able to layer enough to stay warm, but I am concerned about the quietness.
To your question, I've used the KL Hoody & Mountain Jacket as top outer layers bow and gun hunting whitetail. I mostly stand hunt (as opposed to hunting in a blind/shooting house for whitetail), and under these conditions I'm not too concerned about my lower half making noise, even when I'm in a hang on stand ~15' off the ground. I've bow hunted whitetails (moreso in the early season, Aug - mid Oct in the South) w/the mountain pant (dirt/subalpine). No issues at all with sound on the pants, obviously, as I don't really do much movement with my feet/legs when I'm trying to go to full draw.
That said, I have found (just my opinion) the big game stuff is a bit "swishy" from Sitka, but I think Sitka's stuff has really fit me well, and as long as I'm careful with my movement, the "swishy" big game items (which I know isn't designed for whitetail stand hunting) haven't spooked whitetails. Yet anyway.
For whatever reason, probably my own issue (?), I had a lot of issues finding the right fit w/FirstLite (which I really love, just to be clear). But for outer layers, the Sitka big game gear is a bit (emphasis added), louder compared to the Sitka whitetail lineup, and the cataylst from FL and the Solitude from FL (those are the only outerlayers I've tried bow hunting whitetails from FL). But truly think some of that can come down to the hunter. If you're unaware of how loud you can be, regardless of what you're wearing, it doesn't really matter.
I'll say the whitetail lineup from Sitka I've found to be a great fit, and I've been patient the last 2-3 yrs to buy items here and there on RS and AT. Personally can't afford full price (and 25-40% off for relatively unused gear, if you find the right stuff, is more palatable)...but I truly like the Sitka whitetail lineup. Haven't been disappointed yet with the mid-to-late season gear I've bought, and like I said, the fit has been $. I'm 5'11'' 165 lbs and L Sitka has mostly been a great fit. With the FL solitude, I got the Medium which was large in the stomach, then got the Small and the sleeves were too short, then sold the Small for a huge discount for a jacket I never hunted in. I also have a little bit of gear from a lot of companies, not just mainstream hunting companies either (sitka, FL, kuiu, king's), but outdoor gear companies in general (those you'd find at REI). I have found that each company checks a certain box (for example, I love firstlite merino base layers), but some may not be that great IMO.
@Lowg08 had some sound advice, just do some homework and do your best to try before you buy...then find what works for you. Everyone's different