Lightweight hunting pants that literally feel like pajamas. Seriously. If you buy a pair of Sitka Ascent Pants, you might want to get two, one for hunting, one for sleeping.

Now I know, you’re a man.

A hardcore hunter.

You don’t give a crap about pajamas, and you’re probably a lot more worried about whether these could be you’re next early season bow hunting pants or your go to for Texas hog hunts.

What do these pants bring to the table that others don’t?

Well, let me help you my friend. After a few weeks in the field, here’s a few thoughts (if you want the super-fast version, check out my review, One Minute Review of Sitka Ascent Pants):

The Comfort of Sitka Ascent Pants

Seriously, pajama like comfort. In fact, I’m sitting in them right now, writing this review.

Look good, feel good.

But seriously, let’s get to the details.

#1: The Sitka Ascent Pant’s 4-Way Stretch Material

Many of Sitka’s pants feature 4-way stretch material. Made from nylon fabric, you can actually pull on these pants and seem them stretch.

This feature makes scrambling up rocks, crawling around on your knees, and even just sitting around on your butt much more comfortable. The pants won’t pinch around your knees or legs and won’t restrain your range of motion.

The material is not only flexible, but soft as well. It’s brushed, meaning loose threads and short fiber ends are removed so the fabric doesn’t itch and has a nice smooth, soft feel to it. The material is also finished in an antimicrobial Polygiene coating, which helps eliminate bacteria and keeps you smelling fresh.

#2: Lightweight Hunting Pants That Are Really Light

Weighing in at only 12 ounces, these pants are light as a feather. That lightweight feel is great for long days on the mountain. You barely notice these pants you’re moving so fast.

Sitka Ascent Pants are actually a half ounce lighter than their Kuiu counterpart, the Tiburon Pant. I know, you don’t really care about half an ounce but I thought I’d just throw it out there.

#3: The Sitka Ascent Pant’s Articulated Pattern

An articulated pattern means that the knees and waistline of the pants are shaped differently. The materials behind the knees won’t bunch up when you’re squatting or sitting and the waist doesn’t ride up or scrunch together while carrying a pack.

I love this. Seriously.

Before using lightweight hunting pants like the Ascent, I often endured the torture of uncomfortable glassing sessions with material crowding around my knees every 30 seconds.

#4: The Mesh Backed Pockets

Sitka Ascent Pants were designed to be used during scouting trips, early season hunts, and hot days.

The light weight materials help keep you cool, but the mesh backed pockets are another fundamental piece. Each pocket, as well as the spaces for knee pads, are made from mesh, allowing heat and moisture to escape more easily.

#5: The Knee Pads

Sitka generally includes a space for knee pads in the legs of their pants. The Ascent pant is no exception. Although these pants don’t come with knee pads, you can find them here on Sitka’s website and add them to your order.

The knee pads contribute greatly to the comfort of the Ascents. They’re light and they keep those knees in pristine condition when you’ve got to crawl around on your knees or spend some serious time cleaning an animal.

I have found though that I’m not necessarily a fan of hiking with the knee pads in. They seem a little bulky and awkward in front of my knees, although I have heard that others don’t mind them.

Small Details Concerning Sitka Ascent Pants

It’s the details that matter.

Some are so small they’re easy to miss when considering a purchase, but they stick out as soon as you open that package.

Here’s a few small things I’ve noticed about these lightweight hunting pants.

#6: Sitka Ascent Pants Don’t Include Suspenders

I actually really enjoy the suspenders that come with Sitka’s pants. The belt loops on their pants seem to run a little small, so I often forgo a belt and stick with the suspenders. However I was a little disappointed when my Ascent’s came without them.

That’s not to say that you can’t attach a pair however. The front and and back belt loops have small spaces sewed into them where you can attach suspenders from Sitka. (You can find them here, but I’ve only found the “woodsmoke” color on Sitka’s site so they won’t match the Optifade Subalpine coloration.)

#7: The Four Pockets

Sitka’s Ascent Pant has two front pockets and two side pockets. I’m a big fan of back pockets (for carrying a phone), so I was a little disappointed when I found that the Ascent didn’t have one.

The pockets are much shallower than those in the Sitka Timberline Pants, the fronts being just deep enough to fit your hand, the side pockets being even shorter. They work perfectly for shorter items like diaphragm calls, phones, wallets, but I wouldn’t trust anything long in them (like the Primos Hot Dog).

The two side pockets zip close, but I was a little disappointed when I found that the fronts do not. I find that I feel more comfortable placing valuable items in a zipped pocket on a hunt. No one wants to lose their smart phone to Mother Nature. Of course, this is all personal preference.

#8: That 2-Way Zipper

Man, if you haven’t had the chance to use Sitka’s 2-way zippers you’re missing out, this is truly one of my favorite details about these pants. No more digging around for zipper tabs, you’ve got two to choose from. Just make sure you don’t leave that fly wide open.

Practicality As A Lightweight Hunting Pant

Sure, comfort is great.

And details matter.

But when it really comes down to it, the only thing that counts is whether or not these pants can handle your hunt and help you track down a monster.

After using these pants on a spring turkey hunt, where mornings are chilly, days are warm, and toms are wary, here’s how I feel about the practical side of Sitka Ascent Pants.

#9: They Blend In And Don’t Give Off Unnecessary Noise

These pants work well as an early season bow hunting pant or turkey hunting pant. They blend in really well with surroundings, and they’re not overly noisy, although I have found them to be louder than my Sitka Timberlines as I creep along. However, you don’t have to worry about noisy velcro flaps and the zippers are nice and quiet.

The Sitka Ascent Pants come in three colors, Optifade Subalpine (the color I own), Optifade Open Country, and Pyrite (gray). The Optifade patterns work well, and Billy Kennington stated in his article “Sitka Review – 5 First Pieces” that “animals seemed to ‘look right through me’.”

#10: Does Well In Temperatures of 40°F Or Higher

As advertised, these lightweight hunting pants are made for warmer weather, and I wouldn’t recommend using them on any hunts where temperatures are often colder than 40°F (for anything colder check out Sitka Timberline Pants). However they would do alright if you layered up.

They excel, however, in warmer temperatures. While hunting turkeys in May I walked up and down hills and through the woods in temperatures of 70°F or more and felt great. These pants do a nice job wicking away moisture and keeping you cool.

#11: These Lightweight Hunting Pants Can Take A Hit

After having using these pants for a month or so, I can say I am pleased with how they have held up. It’s not uncommon to snag a branch or scrape up and down rocks while out hunting, but these pants, although thin, haven’t torn. In fact, the fabric has held up very well and is still in great condition.

All the seams are solid, with only a few loose threads. My only concern is poking holes through the pockets or ripping the mesh backing.

Some Concluding Remarks About Sitka Ascent Pants

If you’re looking for early-season bow hunting pants, something to scout in, or lightweight hunting pants for warm weather, I’d highly recommend these pants.

They’re comfortable, they’re tough, and they’ll get the job done. And seriously, if you want a pair of camouflage pajama bottoms, I’d recommend them for that to (I slept in mine last night just to be sure).

Sitka continues to pump out high quality hunting gear, and these pants are no exception.

I’ve included some of the top retailers below and their pricing, so what are you waiting for, check them out.

• Amazon – $151.20
• Black Ovis – $151.20
• Sitka – $151.20
• Elk 101 – $151.20
• Midway USA – 151.20

Did I miss something? Or do you have a question? Let me know in the comments below!