Sitka Launches New Optifade Cover Camouflage: Coast-to-Canopy Concealment

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It's no secret the camouflage market seems to be saturated at times, but one thing is certain, when Sitka decides to release a new pattern, it makes a splash. Optifade Cover is a new dynamic pattern easily deployed from the green tunnel of the Southeast to the lush rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.

Countless hours, days, months, and yes, sometimes years, go into the research and development of these intricate, high-performance offerings. Sitka prides itself on its utilization of state-of-the-art technology, forward-thinking innovation and quality fabrics that ultimately enhance the end user’s (i.e. the hunter’s) experiences. 

I was able to correspond with some of the brains and brawn behind this exciting launch and it is apparent how much pride, effort and enthusiasm they have for what they do at Sitka; it is conveyed in how articulate and detail-oriented they are, making this interview easy to “cover.” (pun intended)

What was the catalyst that galvanized Sitka to create the optifade cover pattern?

"The creation of optifade cover was driven by a need to offer hunters superior concealment in densely vegetated environments, particularly during greener seasons. Developed in collaboration with top wildlife researchers and vision scientists at the University of Georgia, the pattern is designed specifically to disrupt the vision of deer in tree canopy environments. This regional focus ensures that the pattern excels in the lush, leafed environments found predominantly in the Eastern US. The aim was not only to help hunters blend into their surroundings but also to break up their outline in a way that confuses the animal's perception." - Jay Matthews, Sitka Product Leader

What is the thought process and science behind the color scheme and pattern?

“Optifade cover revolves around a unique approach to concealment that goes beyond traditional camouflage. Unlike conventional patterns, which primarily focuses on blending in with the environment, optifade cover was designed using a science-based methodology aimed at disrupting the vision of game species. The pattern incorporates specific colors and shapes that break up the human outline, making it difficult for animals to detect the hunter. Cover minimizes the difference in the spectral reflectance between the camo itself and the background vegetation, particularly at those wavelengths that are at the peak spectral sensitivity of the two photopigments in the deer’s eye. This confusion of perception is critical in densely vegetated regions, where game animals rely on visual cues to identify threats. By applying principles of animal vision science, Sitka created a pattern that not only matches the natural surroundings but also considers the visual systems of game species, offering hunters a significant edge in the field.” - Karl Miller, Emeritus professor of deer ecology and management, University of Georgia

What demographic region of hunters will benefit from this offering?

“Optifade cover excels in diverse regions across the eastern US, providing early and late season concealment in areas with dense tree cover. In the East, it provides exceptional concealment during the early season when dense tree cover is prevalent, helping hunters stay unseen in the woods. For Southeast applications, optifade cover offers year-round effectiveness, ensuring hunters remain hidden through all seasons in its diverse and often thick vegetation.” - John Barklow, Sitka Sr. Hunt PLM
East: Provides concealment during the early season with dense tree cover.
Southeast: Ensures effective concealment year-round in diverse and thick vegetation.

Will the same great technical materials be used with the SKUs that will have this pattern?

“Yes, SITKA Fall 2024 offering for optifade cover will include several core whitetail collection products suited. For men, Sitka brings the new optifade cover pattern to the Core Lightweight Crew LS, Core Lightweight Hoody, Equinox Guard Hoody, Fanatic Hoody, Ambient 100 Hooded Jacket, Ambient 200 Jacket, Stratus Vest, Stratus Jacket, Fanatic Vest, Fanatic Jacket, Traverse Pant, Equinox Guard Pant, Stratus Pant, Stratus Bib, and Fanatic Bib. Women’s styles include the Core Lightweight Hoody, Fanatic Hoody, Cadence Pant, Fanatic Jacket, and Fanatic Bib.” - John Barklow, Sitka Sr. Hunt PLM

I surmise that Sitka's optifade cover will be a mainstay for many hunters looking to slip in and out of the forest shadows and get in close to their quarry. Although it is primarily designed with eastern whitetail hunters in mind, it will be in heavy consideration for my 2025 Spring black bear hunt on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.

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