ScentLok

ALS Enterprises, Inc., owners and marketer of the Scent-Lok® brand of scent control hunting apparel, has claimed a major victory in the long-standing class action lawsuit that challenged the products’ ability to control human odor.  After four years of litigation, which was brought by a group of five Minnesota hunters, a federal appeals court issued its decision on August 18, rejecting plaintiffs’ core allegations and overturning an injunction issued last year.


Among other things, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit noted that evidence introduced in the district court showed that carbon-containing hunting clothing dramatically outperformed non-carbon clothing at adsorbing odors:  “Defendants’ expert, Dr. Hartman, conducted quantitative permeation testing and estimated that Defendants’ products ‘blocked’ ninety-six to ninety-nine percent of odor compounds, whereas non-carbon garments blocked only five to fifty-five percent.” 


The Eighth Circuit also ruled that ALS’s use of the terms “odor eliminating” and “reactivation” in describing its products was not literally false, and that the district court had erred in basing “its determination of literal falsity on the most absolute of competing dictionary definitions of the word ‘eliminate.’”  In support, the Court noted that “Defendants introduced evidence of substantial customer satisfaction with ALS’s Scent-Lok® products, as well as evidence that, when those products first came on the market in the early 1990’s, numerous soaps, powders, and cover sprays were being marketed to deer hunters as ‘odor-eliminating’ products.”


The Court also ruled that “Plaintiffs led the district court into error” in entering an injunction, and ordered the dismissal of all claims for injunctive relief because “Plaintiffs failed to prove both the requisite irreparable injury and their core allegations that Defendants’ use of the terms ‘odor eliminating’ and ‘reactivation’ were literally false.”


Scent-Lok® president and inventor of activated-carbon hunting apparel, Greg Sesselmann, commented:  “We are gratified by the decision.  It gives me great satisfaction that our products continue to provide hunters the ability to get close to wildlife and experience the beauty of nature like never before.  At the same time, we are saddened at the burden that this lawsuit has caused our team members and their families, as well as the frustration that our retailers, field staff and sales rep organizations have experienced.  We thank all of those who have stood beside us in this fight, especially our ultimate customers—people who have purchased Scent-Lok® gear and know that it works.”  


“Customers have never needed an attorney to get total satisfaction from our company.”  Sesselmann remarked.  “Our satisfaction level is extremely high and, based on the unsolicited testimonials that we receive and our own experience in the field, we know that Scent-Lok® products are highly effective at reducing odors.  On behalf of our retail partners, we remain focused on making the best hunting apparel in the world.”  

ORIGINAL: Esox_Hunter

It is scientifically proven that activated carbon can help in adsorbing odors and will do so much more than standard clothing.  Exactly how much and what types of odors are adsorbed is still subject for debate.

I have worn it for about the last 7 years or so.  To be quite honest the clothes they make seem tailor made to suit my needs and they really don't cost any more than the same quality non-scentlok clothes if you shop carefully.  I never took them to be the end all of scent control, just another tool in the box.  I will take any edge I can get no matter how small it may be.  

ORIGINAL: Eman89so

I own the Scent Blocker dream season jacket and pants and i absolutely love them..

I walk through the woods quietly no matter what the situation is..****s Sporting goods had them on clearance last year almost 70% off. I think they retailed for 200+ i picked them both up for $110. Last season i took them out a few times in the winter and boy was i warm.. Only downfall is they do rip easily. One set of jagers and your pants are ruined. I still haven't understood the whole carbon thing so i just wash them like i do with all my other clothing in scent free detergent and hang them outside a month before the season starts. Ed

ORIGINAL: Esox_Hunter

It is scientifically proven that activated carbon can help in adsorbing odors and will do so much more than standard clothing.  Exactly how much and what types of odors are adsorbed is still subject for debate.

I have worn it for about the last 7 years or so.  To be quite honest the clothes they make seem tailor made to suit my needs and they really don't cost any more than the same quality non-scentlok clothes if you shop carefully.  I never took them to be the end all of scent control, just another tool in the box.  I will take any edge I can get no matter how small it may be.  

Nope! Deer didn't get smarter. Hunters got lazier. It's 100% about monitoring the wind and thermals.

ORIGINAL: Esox_Hunter

ORIGINAL: tull66

a few years back guys mite of killed nicer bucks with out as much scent control, but the deer have also got smarter and wiser on the count of so many hunters in the woods now days. i swear by the scent control products, and i also love my dream season suite. it is very comfortable.

Nope! Deer didn't get smarter. Hunters got lazier. It's 100% about monitoring the wind and thermals.

I thought the reason we are killing less deer was because they are much smarter nowadays

While it is obviously good practice to understand thermals and wind direction in your set, there will inevitably be times when they are beyond your control.  It just so happens that a lot of the prime locations are also those which frequently have swirling winds and thermals and you need to be prepared.  Scentlok or not, if you don't take the proper precautions to eliminate/prevent as much as scent as possible, you are only handicapping yourself.

ORIGINAL: retired guy

 Wind direction and slow movement are the two most important things going for a Deer hunter IMHO.
Problem with wind is that it changes from time to time and  from early to late- not to mention swirling in hills and Mountains.
Gettin high in a stand will generally throw your scent far away and the deer will come in and look up at ya -if your still- even if your havin a gas attack.(  that was a unique day).
Like to stay high on the ridges during the day and the usual updraft cares for all those other conditions. -cept the gas.
Doesnt mean that Scent Loc isnt a good thing but somehow lotsa deer got laid out before we had it. Probably will get some before I'm done- everything helps in the long haul.