I recently retired my first pair of Sitka Ascent pants and thought it was high time I gave them a review. Seven years is a long time for a pair of pants, especially ones that were beaten pretty hard almost year-round.
What Sitka says,
Early-season, hot-weather hunting conditions demand breathable gear that can keep you cool, focused and lethal while being ultra durable. Our approach was to create the lightest, most breathable pant ever without sacrificing the durability SITKA is trusted for.
The pants currently come in three flavors, two camouflage—subalpine and open country and one solid, deep lichen. The MSRP is $199.
I bought these pants to use early to mid-season hunting, but also backpacking outside of hunting. The 33’s fit me very well; not too tight, not too loose. One of the first things I noticed about these pants is how well they move with you, going over/under/around deadfall/boulders/etc they were outstanding—no binding whatsoever. Part of it is the fabric they use: a 4 way stretch nylon blend—60% Cordura, 30% nylon and 10% spandex. But a large part of it is also how they are cut; they’re cut to allow maximum articulation–something I’ve found a lot of outdoor pants just don’t get right.
They’re also nice and light—11 ounces for a size 33. They breathe wonderfully as well. To help with breathing, all the pockets are backed with a mesh fabric. I’ve worn them in a wide range of temperatures from 20’s (with long johns) into the 80’s.
One of my favorite features is two large zipped cargo pockets. Typically my phone in one pocket and light gloves and a beanie in the other. Now I won’t even consider a pair of outdoor pants without this feature. So many come with just a single pocket but too often, the pocket barely fits a phone.
Another nice feature is that they come with slots for knee pads (pads are optional to purchase). I found them really nice for hunting antelope with all the prickly pear.
Use
I’ve used these pants for seven years—hard! I’ve put thousands (not hundreds) of miles on these pants and they’ve seen six Bob Marshall Opens, which might be one of the toughest tests of all. They’ve been repaired several times, mostly due to snags on deadfall, but the tears were all pretty small and frankly, most pants would have succumbed to these tears. After seven years of hard use, some of the seams are finally letting go and the fabric is thinning.
Discussion
These are the perfect pant for early season use and can easily be stretched into mid season with the addition of long johns. For such a light pant, they are remarkably durable. Beyond hunting these are great pants for hiking, backpacking and fishing. I like them so much, that I find I’m also wearing them as casual pants almost daily.
If I could change a few things, I would add a zippered rear pocket—one is enough. I’d also consider adding ~ 12” zippers on the upper thighs for additional venting
It was with a little sadness that I finally threw first pair of Ascents out, but I’ve got two spare pairs that will see plenty of use.
Comment or ask Mike questions here.
