AO Review: Sitka Bridger Flannel (Hemlock Green Plaid) – Everyday Tough

One of the best garments people can own for the outdoors, shooting, hunting, and generally being out in public is a flannel. Am I headed to the grocery store? Am I going to the gym? Am I checking my trail cameras soon? Nobody knows because a solid flannel is so universally accepted and appropriate that it is nearly the perfect piece of clothing during spring, winter, and fall. The only conundrum is finding a good one. Being the extremely outdoorsy-type that I am as well as being in my late 30s, I have gone most of my life without a legit flannel. Far too often, clothing companies get it all wrong. The sizes are like a rhombus; no thought for the human aesthetic whether you have a gut or biceps. Some are paper thin so its a glorified bad dress shirt and not a flannel at all. Oppositely, some are stiff as cardboard and starchy feeling so how is a guy supposed to chop wood or pick up their kids? You understand what I am driving at here. A good flannel is like gold. Something to be coveted, worn constantly, and cherished. So, today we are going to check out one of the Sitka Bridger flannels in a Hemlock Green Plaid colorway. Let’s dive in and see if this flannel can stack up to my high expectations.

Sitka Gear Coverage on AllOutdoor

Specifications – Sitka Bridger Flannel (Hemlock Green Plaid)

The Sitka Bridger Flannel we are reviewing here today is in a Hemlock Green Plaid colorway, but Sitka is offering the Bridger in 4 total colorway options (the other 3 being Dark Red, Sitka Black Plaid, and Anchor). All of these color choices retail for $64.50 on Sitka’s website (50% off of the normal MSRP price). A short-hand listing of some of the specs for this garment can be read below as presented by Sitka:

Heavyweight, two-sided brushed fabric is both warm and soft
98% polyester, 2% elastane (210 g/m2 fabric)
Polygiene® Odor Control Technology reduces odor
Chest pockets have single-button flap closure
Shirt tail hem

Built for late fall chores and winter work days, the Bridger Flannel is made from a heavyweight, two-sided brushed fabric to keep you warm and comfortable.

Field Use – Sitka Bridger Flannel (Hemlock Green Plaid)

So, how does the Sitka Bridger Flannel perform out in the field?… Let’s get down to brass tacks. I have had this flannel for around 5 months now and I have traveled all around the United States with it. I have brought it to Florida for a family vacation, out to SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show) in Las Vegas, I walk my dogs while donning it, and even tend my family’s herd of cross-Angus cattle. This flannel has gotten some miles under it in the relatively short period of time that I have had it in my possession.

One of the first things that I appreciated about the Sitka Bridger is its warmth on windy and/or cold days. It is not heavy nor is it thick. Heavy garments tend to “weigh you down” by the end of the day. They fatigue you. Restrict free movement and are generally unpleasant to wear for long periods of time. The Sitka Bridger is none of that. In a similar vein, it is not so thick that you cannot easily layer it with other pieces of clothing. I often wore this flannel with a simple T-shirt underneath and occasionally a winter coat over the top as well.

Another aspect that I liked was Sitka’s varied sizing that they offer. They offer standard sizes from Small to XXL which isn’t special in and of itself. What is impressive though is the methodical sculpting and shape to their sizes. I’m a 37 year old active hunter, shooter, rancher, weighing 180 Lb most days at 6′ 0″ tall. It is rare that I can find a flannel that appropriately fits me and this is one of the best fitting flannels I have ever worn. That is not meant to be an over-the-top, grandiose statement. It’s simply a fact, and I’m impressed.

Something else I like about the Sitka Bridger is its durability. The harshest thing I have continually done with this flannel is manage my family’s herd of Angus, tend to a jolly grouping of Mangalitsa pigs, and a rambunctious flock of egg-laying chickens. This motely crew of farm animals provides my family with ample sustenance as well as comedy, joy, and… poop. In the 5 months I have possessed this flannel I probably have washed it 20+ times due to repeated soiling of dirt, poop, hay, dust, and sometimes even blood. Nonetheless, the Sitka Bridger flannel looks brand new after every wash.

Final Thoughts – Sitka Bridger Flannel (Hemlock Green Plaid)

So, what are my final thoughts on the Sitka Bridger Flannel with a Hemlock Green Plaid colorway?… Overall, it is my favorite flannel I own. Hands down. No contest. It is warm yet not overly thick or heavy. It fits me appropriately without that weird rhombus or boxy fit like competing flannels. Also, it is durable enough for piggies, cattle, and chickens all day long. Finally, it is classy enough for a night out on the town. With Sitka running this for sale on their website for only $64.50 currently, it is one hell of a bargain.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Sitka for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Sitka Bridger Flannel with a Hemlock Green Plaid colorway. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Sitka Bridger Flannel with a Hemlock Green Plaid colorway is something worth spending your money on? Would you deploy them for hunting this fall? Take them with you camping? Use them tending cattle on a ranch? Or, for going out on the weekend? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Sitka in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Adam Scepaniak