It was a long time coming, but as of today, Sitka Gear has finally released their much anticipated lineup of technical turkey hunting clothing (Equinox Guard Collection), and the rumored Equinox turkey hunting vest. All of the new turkey hunting gear is available now on their website at www.sitkagear.com/turkey.
Sitka Gear set out to develop a complete set of highly technical apparel specifically designed for the spring turkey hunter. We all already know how well the Optifade patterns work in the field, but there had always been just one thing missing. The ability to protect yourself from mosquitos and ticks which are a nuisance for the spring turkey seasons. In addition to the potential health hazards that biting insects impose, nothing can ruin a turkey hunt faster than flinching due to a pesky mosquito bite.
Innovation in a controlled lab setting, as well as in the field testing, combined an all new bite reduction material and other intricate design features to help prevent contact with mosquitos, ticks and other biting insects.
In addition to the bite-reduction fabric, the Equinox Guard Collection utilizes Insect Shield treatment which has been infused into the fabric. Additionally, each piece also provides UPF50+ protection, Polygiene Odor Control Technology and moisture-wicking to help you stay comfortable and dry.
The Equinox Guard Collection is comprised of three pieces. The Equinox Guard Hoody, Equinox Guard Pant, and the Equinox Guard Glove.
The Equinox Guard Hoody features a built in, breathable face mask similar to the Core Lightweight Hoody which was previously my go to turkey hunting top. It also features a long-tailed design which is intended to allow you to tuck in the hoody and provide a little more protection from chiggers and ticks crawling up your back. The Equinox Guard Hoody retails for $149 and can be purchased (here).
One of the cool features built into the Equinox Guard Pants is the internal leg gaiters. Designed specifically to be tucked into your socks to prevent chiggers and ticks from crawling up your pant legs. Additional features of the pant include a dedicated knife pocket, hidden suspender attachment points, and zippered vent pockets. The Equinox Guard Pant retails for $249 and can be purchased (here).
An often overlooked, albeit important, piece of the turkey hunting outfit are the gloves. The Equinox Guard Gloves share the same exposed thumb and index finger design with the Fanatic gloves to improve feel of the trigger or release. The gloves also include AX Suede fabric palm for a solid grip and Nylon Cordura over the fingertips and between fingers for added abrasion resistance. Long cuffs provide added insect protection when used in conjunction with the Equinox Guard Hoody.The Equinox Guard Gloves retail for $50 and can be purchased (here).
All three pieces of the Equinox Guard Collection are currently available in Optifade Subalpine, Waterfowl Timber and the Elevated II patterns. So not only can you be protected from nuisance insects during turkey season, but also while waterfowl or early season whitetail hunting too!
This piece is probably the one we are the most excited for. I think this also applies to anyone that might have caught wind of it’s development prior to launch day. Granted, we here at SELFILMED are more often sitting in a Xenek blind during turkey season. However, we never pass up an opportunity to chase thunderchickens run and gun style with the bang stick.
The Equinox Turkey Vest has a unique pack-like design. A design suited to meet the organizational needs of a run-and-gun style turkey hunter. The vest is designed to be one size fits all, with built in adjustment allowing for a custom, ergonomic fit (from size XS all the way up to a XXL). The vest is constructed with a 75-denier, brushed-face polyester woven fabric and has a DWR finish giving it water repellant features. In addition. to the quick deploying dual-density foam seat, the Equinox Vest also features magnetic-closing and water-resistant pockets to keep calls, strikers and other tools within easy reach for minimal movement.
The vest is purpose built to allow for more custom, bulk-free, and ergonomic fit which is perfect for the run and gun style hunter. The Equinox Turkey Vest is currently available in Optifade Subalpine and Waterfowl Timber patterns and retails for $249. It is available and can be purchased directly from Sitka Gear (here).
As I mentioned previously, more times than not, we are bowhunting turkeys from the comforts of a blind. However, when the opportunity comes knocking, we won’t shy away from chasing theses elusive birds run and gun with the shotgun. While we haven’t been able to lay our hands on the new Equinox Guard Collection or the new Equinox Turkey Vest (we have them on order), we are very excited to try them out this spring and give them an honest shake.
Stay tuned for more detailed reviews of each of these items in the near future after we are able to get our hands on the actual products. In the meantime, if you want to learn more or order yours now, visit www.sitkagear.com/turkey.
We can pretty much guarantee these will go fast and be out of stock or on backorder well before turkey season even begins in many parts of the country.
Photos courtesy of Sitka Gear
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