Field Evaluation - Sport Hill
By Jon E. Silks - Senior Field Evaluator
May 4, 2009 - 7:13:18 AM

SportHill: To best explain what the SportHill company is all about I will defer to a statement found on their website:

When SportHill founder, Jim Hill, left Virginia to run track and attend college at the University of Oregon, he quickly discovered that his usual cotton sweats and nylon shorts were no match for Oregon's cold, rainy weather. While running and racing in Europe, he continued to search for clothing more appropriate for Oregon's climate. He admired euro-styled athletic wear, yet the fabrics were not adequate to the challenge. Then, Jim hit upon an idea-merge the European fit with the best American fabrics, creating the perfect running pant. The result: the SportHill Pant and the birth of SportHill.

Twenty-three years later SportHill has grown to satisfy customers worldwide, designing and producing apparel that meets or exceeds the requirements of elite class athletes. Our staff of competitive athletes and sponsored teams including Canada's National Olympic Cross Country Ski Team, XC Oregon and Team XO Olympic Development Teams, and the USA Mountain Racing Team, continually test, innovate, refine and improve our clothing. From the top of Mount Everest, through the sands of the Sahara, in the snow of Antarctica, and on the Olympic medal podium, SportHill's clothing can be found, providing unmatched performance, superior quality, and guaranteed comfort.

While the hunting community was not mentioned in this introduction they do have a product line and website devoted to us. The website is very well put together and extremely informative.

Two of their products were sent to me for review this past season - the Expedition Jacket and Expedition II Pants.

Before we get started I would just like to take a minute to explain the market that these garments fit in - high-end and technical. They are made to provide the comfort we all desire without the excessive bulk common to old style, low tech clothing. These clothes are not cheap. They are, however, on a playing field that few can compete on. One thing I have learned about quality high tech clothing is that it may take a while to save up the money for it but in the long run you will get considerably more value as compared to cheap clothes.

SportHill's motto is "Shed the LayersKeep the Warmth" That is exactly what hunters, and particularly bowhunters, are all about. We want the ability to hunt in harsh weather and still be able to pull our bow back at the moment of truth. It is SportHill's exclusive 3SP fabric that makes this possible. It is a single layer solution to outdoor active comfort. 3SP contains 85% polypropylene and 15% spandex.

3SP characteristics:
•     Windproof to 35 mph
•     Wicks moisture from skin
•     Extremely breathable
•     Super fast drying
•     Soft brushed interior
•     4-way stretch
•     Non-laminated
•     Hydrophobic (water hating)
•     Durable
•     Snag resistant
•     Quiet

That is quite the lineup of features to say the least. As a hunter it should hit you that this gear is optimal for out west spot and stalk hunting. Treestand hunters will need additional layers for ultra cold long stays on stand.

Lets take a closer look at the individual garments:

Expedition Jacket for Men.	Expedition Jacket for Women.

Expedition Camo Jacket:
The jacket is lightweight and full of features. Other than the obvious 3SP advantage the Expedition Jacket has a full length front zipper that is advertised to lock - I have not been able to determine exactly how that happens, however, it basically means that the zipper will not work it way open as you move and bend. It takes a little force to open the zipper. As I understand it cheaper zippers will work their way open with movement. This highly water resistant garment is also outfitted with a storm flap inside and out that covers the full-length zipper. The storm flap increases the water and wind resistance. An easily accessible chest pocket, two large on-seam side pockets and a large zippered pocket that covers the lower back provide additional storage options. The chest and side pockets have a soft high-tech lining called Supplex. An elliptical hem that extends the back portion of the jacket and elastic warmer wrist cuffs provide more protection from the elements.

Expedition Camo Pant:
One of my favorite features on the pant is the elastic waistband. Two reasons: First, depending on the weather conditions I will wear different layers underneath that vary in bulk. Second, my physical size tends to fluctuate quite a bit over the hunting season - hey, like yours doesn't! I mean you come off of summer feeling fairly in shape then you hit the eating season which is generally kicked off by the first snowflake or Thanksgiving - whichever comes first. Then it doesn't end until New Years day when you realize you have gained 10 pounds. Elastic is a good thing!

The Expedition Pant has two side zipper pockets, two button closure cargo pockets and a rear zippered pocket. The side and rear pockets have the soft Supplex liners like the chest and side pockets on the jacket. The fly is zippered with a button top closure. Long ankle zippers are offset to keep boot hooks, etc from getting in the way.

Testing:
We have seen some brutal temperatures and blistering winds in central Pennsylvania this winter and I use the Expedition Jacket for my daily walks and occasional cross-country skiing outings. They make a huge difference in my comfort level. Once I have the hat and gloves it will be the ultimate action-clothing package. During the late fall and winter hunting season I used both the jacket and pants as a part of my layering system. On days that the temperatures gave me a slight break I would simply use my Justin Charles wool underwear, Polartec bibs and the Sport Hill gear and was very comfortable. In late season I also like to stalk the old logging roads that climb the ridge behind the farm we hunt. Sport Hill gear is made for this type of hunting - slow movement, quiet stalking, crouching behind blow downs, etc. It has the feel of wearing your favorite sweats with the protection of high tech skiing gear. When hunting the wilderness in the western mountain you only have so much room to pack your gear so you have to be super selective. I will undoubtedly save room in the pack for my SportHill gear.

I also used this gear in some brushy areas that had plenty of thorny obstacles. Even though the Sport Hill gear feels and wears like sweats they do not snag like sweats. It was surprising just how snag-free they were. The only real snag that my jacket has in it came from a bead-head nymph that got stuck on the cuff while I was fly fishing nearby Spring Creek. I tucked the SportHill jacket inside my Simms waders for a very comfortable outing on a fairly cold day.

Now, as with almost any product, gear or service not everything is exactly as I would like it to be. What would I change about the Sport Hill Jacket and Pants? First, I would put the chest pocket on the right side instead of the left - I don't want anything getting in the way of my bowstring. Of course I am right handed like most of my fellow bowhunters, however, I am sure that would not please my left-handed bowhunting brothers. Next, for the jacket I would put the same sealed zipper that is on the full-length zipper on the two side pockets. Last, I would also extend the elliptical hem on the jacket as it currently adds little additional length in the back for protection. So far I cannot think of anything I would change on the pants.

One of the biggest benefits that I have found with these clothes is how versatile they are. I have used one or both for cross-country skiing, mid day walks with co-workers, hiking, hunting, fishing, outdoor chores, winter football with the kids and sled riding. As emphasized before the clothes are incredibly useful because they combine excellent comfort with performance.

Final Thoughts:
Overall these garments do just what they are advertised to do - provide comfort, maneuverability and protection in tough weather conditions without the bulk. As mentioned before they are not cheap, however, as I also mentioned before, if you can scrape up enough money to make the initial purchase you will reap greater benefits over the long haul - value.

For more go to: Sport Hill