Sitka Fanatic for the ground?

[Bowrich]

I am finally ready (after 30 plus years!) to make a large investment in quality outer garments. I love the bowhunting features on the Sitka Fanatic Elevated 2 Jacket and bibs, however it seems to me the overall color pattern is a little too light for ground hunting. The Optifade pattern used was developed to work best from an elevated position in late season.  My ground preference is to settle into the dark shade of a pine tree or other shadows, or against a large tree in thick brush. When in a treestand, I've never been busted because of what pattern I was wearing (it was always either wind or my movement) but I feel the times I've been within 15 yrds of a deer from a natural ground set up, breaking up my silhouette and matching the overall tone of the background was critical. The FE2 pattern looks like it may work ok in snow cover, not really liking it in the November north east woods though. Thoughts? Experience anyone?

[beemann]

I have bought a ton of gear over the years for cold weather.  Once i got my fanatic suit thats the number one suit for cold.  I would think you would be ok if your tucked to the shadows well.  For staying warm its worth every penny...

[jrstegner]

You can get Grey wolf to make you a similar jacket with wolf skin in predator fall brown for about the same money. I got rid of all my EVII stuff. It looks blue to me and I was visibly busted several times wearing it. The quality of the sitka stuff is first rate, but that pattern just gives me no confidence.

[GCook]

I've worn it in a pop up blind and not get busted.  YMMV.

[Bowrich]

Thanks for the feedback so far. My ground blinds are use of natural cover, a small pack saw and pair of clippers. I won't be in a pop up, that's why I'm concerned. From what I've seen, the lighter camo patterns stand out more on the ground. My son has the Fanatic EV2 but he has used it in a tree stand. It seems like too much light grey (to blend in with winter sky) in it for ground hunting. I really like the features but I'm afraid of what JRSTEGNER said about it. A huge investment and am disappointed Sitka does not offer a darker camo choice.   

[reddogge]

I think most modern camo is too dark. You look like a dark blob in the woods. I like the Sitka pattern and just bought a jacket today. Have your son take some photos of you in it in your ground cover in B&W to make sure. I intend to use mine on the ground too but in phragmites in the marsh.

[SlowBowKing]

Can always throw on a cheap ghillie over your gear for maximum breakup.

[Sam McMichael]

I agree with reddogge when he says most camo is too dark. I prefer a little more grey in mix. It tends to create the appearance of space. You don't want to look like something that blends in well, you want to create the effect that nothing is there.

[Bowrich]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. You helped me decided to go with the Sitka. This will give me the versatility to use in a tree stand as well. I will use a lightweight large Ghillie over it for those times when I ground hunt in dark cover.