The current climate of hunting clothing has never been better. New companies are popping up all over the place, each claiming to have the latest and greatest. It’s a great thing for consumers, as it pushes companies to continue to innovate and push the limits. Sitka has long been considered the pinnacle of hunting gear. The Equinox Guard Pant is the current showcase item of the ever-evolving company.
I purchased the Sitka Equinox Guard Pant because I wanted lightweight early-season pants. Self-admittedly, I hate ticks and the idea of ticks, so the added features of the pant was a major selling point. These are marketed towards turkey hunters but come in various shades and camo patterns, allowing these to be taken into the field for differing applications. For me, it’s whitetail, I don’t turkey hunt much, but without a doubt, this pant can crossover to the whitetail woods without a hitch.
Sitka Equinox Guard Pant Review
The Equinox Guard Pant helps prevent contact with insects in three distinct ways: limited skin exposure, bite-reduction fabric and built-in Insect Shield protection. Comfortable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking pants to keep you safe and bug free in the woods.
Price: $249.00
• Prevents contact with insects
• Moisture Wicking
• Lightweight
• Built-in Insect Shield protection
Features
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Lightweight, breathable fabric with raised internal grid pattern promotes maximum airflow
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Scent-free Insect Shield repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums)
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Internal leg gaiters helps prevent ticks and chiggers from contacting your skin when worn under socks
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Two YKK zippered side leg vents with mesh gussets expel heat when moving fast
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Front leg YKK zip pockets for additional ventilation and storage
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Dedicated knife pocket
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Hidden suspender attachment points
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UPF 50+ protection; treated with Polygiene Odor Control Technology
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Pair with Equinox Guard Hoody and Glove for additional head-to-toe protection from insects
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Total weight: 13.5 oz.
Innovative Features:
In the spring and fall seasons, temperatures can vary drastically depending on your latitude. The Equinox Guard pant is great for those hot days or even on those long hikes. The zippered leg vents allow you to get rid of that heat when you’re on the move. On the contrary, the simple addition of base layers can help you wear these pants when there is a little chill in the air. The two most innovative features without a doubt are the insect shield and the internal leg gaiters. Each one is designed to keep those pesky insects off you. To put it simply, an insect shield is a permethrin treatment that bonds itself to the breathable fabric. Sitka claims that insect shield keeps its effectiveness throughout the life expectancy of the garment, which is 70+ washes. In case you are unaware, permethrin repels ticks, chiggers, mosquitos, flies, ants, and no-see-ums. The other feature I gravitated towards was the internal leg gaiters. Think of it as an internal sleeve of your pant leg. Tucking it into your socks will keep out any ticks or chiggers.
Quality
I’ve been hunting out of Sitka Gear for several years now and have always been impressed with the quality. Each piece of gear is well thought out. Pockets, zippers, and other features are always strategically placed. This Equinox Guard Pant is no different. The material is a lightweight sitka-developed fabric, that’ll enhance the usability and functionality of the pants. The textile is so unique in the way that it was constructed that it limits the ability of mosquitoes to penetrate through to bite. Sitka tested this in a lab to ensure the effectiveness of this textile.
Pockets- How Important Can They Be?
This is the one aspect of the pant that I’m on the fence about. I still need some more time with these to make a final judgment. There are two normal pockets on each hip, just like on your pair of jeans. No issues with that. The thigh pockets, on the other hand, are built with zippers on a 45-degree angle and this is where I’m uncertain of how I feel about it. It’s not a traditional pouch-style pocket, but it can fit my cell phone and it’s snug enough where it’s not flopping around, so that is nice. But, if you’re the type of person that wants to stuff a bunch of stuff into your pockets you will have some issues. I like to have my grunt tube in my right thigh pocket and I’m skeptical about how well it will work with these pants. The dedicated knife pocket is great, especially with the reinforced area for the pocket clip to have something to hold onto.
Comparison: Sitka ESW Pant to Sitka Equinox Guard Pant
I was previously running the Sitka ESW pants for my early to mid-season pants. I whitetail hunt a good chunk of time home state of Virginia, and various other states across the country. Temperatures can be 30 degrees to 85 degrees in October and I’ve had 70-degree temps during the November rut so I like to have something lightweight. If you are familiar with the Sitka ESW pant, they were designed to be Sitka’s lightest weight, early season, whitetail pants. I thought they were great. The Equinox Guard pant fabric is a little thicker in my opinion so will be a touch better in chilly temps. When I say a touch better, I mean like 5 degrees or so. I also suspect the durability to be a little better due to the fabric being a little thicker.
For more information on How to Choose the Correct Sitka Gear based on temperatures expected during the hunt, check out this blog post.
Sitka Equinox Guard Pant Review Summary
So why should you buy these? If you are an avid turkey hunter, early-season whitetail hunter, or hiker, work in the woods in warmer temps, or do a lot of scouting, I’m confident these are for you. If you have concerns with ticks, chiggers, and mosquitos then the insect shield and the internal leg gaiters are the two biggest reasons why you would want to purchase these. They come in five colors; two solids and three camo patterns. I have zero concerns about durability. If something happens, Sitka has a great warranty policy where that will cover anything defective from the manufacturing process. I also like that they have a repair program. I just sent in my ESW pants because the mesh vent in the crotch had a hole in them after several years of wear and tear. To put a bow on this, Sitka makes some of the best, most innovative hunting gear on the market. If you are serious about your gear, take a look at these pants and the additional Equinox Guard Hoody and gloves to complete the Equinox Guard kit. If you’re going to be turkey hunting, you might as well pair it with the Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest as well.
PROS:
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Ready to buy? The Sitka Gear Equinox Guard Pants can be found at a variety of online retailers, such as Black Ovis, Cabela’s, Scheel’s, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and more.
Thanks to Matt Poissont for submitting this review. Hunting Gear Deals is funded by affiliate commissions. We may receive a small commission when you buy from our partners using the links provided. There is no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us by using our links when making your purchases.
AUTHOR BIO
Matt Poissant grew up in the Green Mountain State of Vermont. Here he was able to learn the fundamentals of deer hunting from his father. That introduction to deer hunting turned into a true passion once his athletic days were over. Matt now archery hunts all over the country and enjoys the process of going to new places and chasing mature whitetails. In addition to hunting, he enjoys bass fishing, sports, whiskey, and trying new restaurants
