2019 First Lite

[thej5]

There are definitely times I would still pay some extra markup to just be able to try a piece on. The annoyance of having to exchange some things does get to me at some points.

Totally agree. There are a lot of small but significant size differences between brands AND EVEN product lines within each brand. As my wife reminds me, if you don't love it the first time you wear it then move on.

Anymore I seek out places like 1shotgear here in CO and the SportsLure in Buffalo, WY (although been way too long since I've been to the latter). Good people who know a lot about what they sell. I'm happy to pay a bit more but honestly think I come out way ahead after factoring in the time I save.

 

[Oklahomahunter]

Two negatives:
1. Don’t hike it them because they are a furnace
2. They’re not constructed to bust brush

They are extremely warm. I’ve hunted in 10°F-ish with a stiff breeze and stayed warm all day. The outer material is similar to spandex, thus the bibs are very quiet. The emergency rear zipper set up is great for when nature calls and you can take care of business without shedding the bibs. The hip pockets are nicely placed for small items while sitting in the stand (phone, calls, wind checker, etc).

I have the discontinued Woodbury jacket to go along with the Sanctuary bibs and it is similar to the Sanctuary jacket. The exterior is the same quiet exterior as the bibs. Again, extremely warm and comfortable even when shooting a bow. The Sanctuary jacket has more insulation than the Woodbury did.

My pants have been durable for climbing a stand when necessary. I caught a leg on a lone wolf stick climbing into my hang on and was sure I ripped the pants. Being a stretchy exterior, no damage was done. This is my third season with them and I’d buy them again without a doubt.

I’ll completely agree with this statement. I used the sanctuary bibs and coat for everything from waterfowl in dry fields to stand hunting in late season. I don’t think you can get more comfortable clothing for long sits. I’ve also used it up to 45* with only merino base layers underneath. The zippers are lifesavers when you’re walking to and from the stand if you chose to wear it in/out.

 

[donald_pomerleau]

What FL gear would you recommend to wear and pack with you for back pack hiking/hunting miles a day when it could be anywhere from 20F to 60F plus there will be plenty of stopping to glass and camping at night in a tent. Good possibility of snow as well .


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[d_rek]

Ok... where’s the 2020 thread?!??


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[Jordan Budd]

What FL gear would you recommend to wear and pack with you for back pack hiking/hunting miles a day when it could be anywhere from 20F to 60F plus there will be plenty of stopping to glass and camping at night in a tent. Good possibility of snow as well .


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I talked about my gear setup on the podcast a while back. I’ll try and get an episode number for you


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[donald_pomerleau]

I talked about my gear setup on the podcast a while back. I’ll try and get an episode number for you


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Awesome that would be great. What is the name of the podcast?


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[Desk Jockey]

What FL gear would you recommend to wear and pack with you for back pack hiking/hunting miles a day when it could be anywhere from 20F to 60F plus there will be plenty of stopping to glass and camping at night in a tent. Good possibility of snow as well .


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Welcome. Jordan has some great input on FL gear. The meateater crew does some gear list rundowns over on their site too. I am sure a few others will jump in.

For my $0.02 I am a fan of their catalyst jacket (thin soft shell) and corrugate guide pants for those temps. You will need some base layers ( I favor synthetics from other brands but it is a personal choice) and some insulation. I have an uncomphagre puffy that I love and use all the time and a prior version of the Klamath (halstead) that has been one of my favorite first lite pieces for years. If you hit snow you may want to add some gaiters. I size up my soft shell to have the option of wearing the puffy underneath. Lastly, while the catalyst will shed a little moisture, it isn’t a rain jacket so you need to think about that if rain is a possibility.

 

[donald_pomerleau]

Welcome. Jordan has some great input on FL gear. The meateater crew does some gear list rundowns over on their site too. I am sure a few others will jump in.

For my $0.02 I am a fan of their catalyst jacket (thin soft shell) and corrugate guide pants for those temps. You will need some base layers ( I favor synthetics from other brands but it is a personal choice) and some insulation. I have an uncomphagre puffy that I love and use all the time and a prior version of the Klamath (halstead) that has been one of my favorite first lite pieces for years. If you hit snow you may want to add some gaiters. I size up my soft shell to have the option of wearing the puffy underneath. Lastly, while the catalyst will shed a little moisture, it isn’t a rain jacket so you need to think about that if rain is a possibility.

Perfect. Thank for your input. I was looking into either minus33 base layer for merino or the badlands elevation for a synthetic base. I was going to pull the trigger on the badlands but I missed the 50% off by a day unfortunately so I’m on hold now.


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[Meridian90]

Perfect. Thank for your input. I was looking into either minus33 base layer for merino or the badlands elevation for a synthetic base. I was going to pull the trigger on the badlands but I missed the 50% off by a day unfortunately so I’m on hold now.


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I've used minus33 and first lite base layers for most of my hunting and I would favor first lite. Could just be me, but I find my minus33 stuff stretches out quickly and doesn't fit as well after a day or two, then it feels loose. I like how first lite's base layers tend to maintain their shape over a long season. I've gone 9 days without the kiln or furnace layers losing their tightness to my skin.

 

[donald_pomerleau]

I've used minus33 and first lite base layers for most of my hunting and I would favor first lite. Could just be me, but I find my minus33 stuff stretches out quickly and doesn't fit as well after a day or two, then it feels loose. I like how first lite's base layers tend to maintain their shape over a long season. I've gone 9 days without the kiln or furnace layers losing their tightness to my skin.

Awesome good stuff. I’m looking into the furnace set


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[mikear]

Awesome good stuff. I’m looking into the furnace set


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I have the furnace set and it’s great for tree stand or stationary hunting. I don’t know if I’d pick it as an active baselayer as it’s so heavy. Think fitted sweatpants heavy.

 

[Meridian90]

I have the furnace set and it’s great for tree stand or stationary hunting. I don’t know if I’d pick it as an active baselayer as it’s so heavy. Think fitted sweatpants heavy.

Mikear is right. If you will be active, I would go with the kiln or lighter. If it's cold, and you will be sitting with periods of movement, I think they will be fine.

 

[sndmn11]

I have the furnace set and it’s great for tree stand or stationary hunting. I don’t know if I’d pick it as an active baselayer as it’s so heavy. Think fitted sweatpants heavy.

There is 4oz difference between the 2/3 length midweight Kilb and the full length heavyweight Furnace. I think that merino does a really good job of evacuating moisture, so I choose between the two based on stationary condtions, especially if my pants is breathable.

 

[mikear]

There is 4oz difference between the 2/3 length midweight Kilb and the full length heavyweight Furnace. I think that merino does a really good job of evacuating moisture, so I choose between the two based on stationary condtions, especially if my pants is breathable.

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I’ve soaked my furnace in sweat after a very mild 15 minute hike wearing only Zions over them. This was in 40° with 15-20mph winds (last week).

With your breathable pants, are you carrying an outer layer for when you are stationary? If so, the heavy merino dries much slower without the breeze.

When I’ve got mine wet from sweat, I always get cold before the cool wind can dry them out. I end up putting my outer layers on and have to deal with a wet ass.

Just my experience. If I was buying base layers for active hunting I’d almost certainly get the Fuse at the heaviest.

 

[donald_pomerleau]

I’ve soaked my furnace in sweat after a very mild 15 minute hike wearing only Zions over them. This was in 40° with 15-20mph winds (last week).

With your breathable pants, are you carrying an outer layer for when you are stationary? If so, the heavy merino dries much slower without the breeze.

When I’ve got mine wet from sweat, I always get cold before the cool wind can dry them out. I end up putting my outer layers on and have to deal with a wet ass.

Just my experience. If I was buying base layers for active hunting I’d almost certainly get the Fuse at the heaviest.

I know your question is not directed to me but I figured Id chime back in. I felt my friends furnace set. Definitely heavy. Would be awesome for white tail tree stand hunting. I’m gonna use a light weight synthetic for walking and hiking as a base.


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[mxgsfmdpx]

You won’t be happy hiking much of any distance in the furnace long johns as a base layer. They are for sitting still and staying warm. The kiln is better for a cold weather base layer while hiking.

 

[sndmn11]

I’ve soaked my furnace in sweat after a very mild 15 minute hike wearing only Zions over them. This was in 40° with 15-20mph winds (last week).

With your breathable pants, are you carrying an outer layer for when you are stationary? If so, the heavy merino dries much slower without the breeze.

When I’ve got mine wet from sweat, I always get cold before the cool wind can dry them out. I end up putting my outer layers on and have to deal with a wet ass.

Just my experience. If I was buying base layers for active hunting I’d almost certainly get the Fuse at the heaviest.

I genuinely haven't found an activity level in cold weather that would leave me "wet" with sweat. I jog and exercise outdoors in my furnace layers from fall to spring. I have a better chance of getting wet from the elements, and I love how Merino dries out fast when I get wet fly fishing. The whole idea behind layering is to not allow your body to sweat or shiver by adding or subtracting to keep a consistent temp. If your base layers are allowed to breath during exertion, you don't have to worry about drying them out when you stop or working through the resulting evaporative cooling effect. I do have puffy outer layers of need be for when stopped.

 

[donald_pomerleau]

I genuinely haven't found an activity level in cold weather that would leave me "wet" with sweat. I jog and exercise outdoors in my furnace layers from fall to spring. I have a better chance of getting wet from the elements, and I love how Merino dries out fast when I get wet fly fishing. The whole idea behind layering is to not allow your body to sweat or shiver by adding or subtracting to keep a consistent temp. If your base layers are allowed to breath during exertion, you don't have to worry about drying them out when you stop or working through the resulting evaporative cooling effect. I do have puffy outer layers of need be for when stopped.

Any opinion on the uncompahgre set? I was thinking to pack that set out with me for when I stop to glass or camp.


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[sndmn11]

Any opinion on the uncompahgre set? I was thinking to pack that set out with me for when I stop to glass or camp.


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My uncompahgre is from when they first started making them 6 or 7 years ago. It has been a really good jacket and has at least 6 tenacious tape patches that I can find. It is a really good light activity in single digits or above jacket with typical base layers. I probably have 150-200 days of winter fly fishing in CO with mine and it was a game changer. I started rifle hunting the past few years and with teens or higher wind in single digits I wanted more. I also tried North Branch pants for sitting to glass, and they didn't do much. I had planned on getting the Unc puffy pants, but I got some down under armour pants for less that were lovely, and I had planned buying a Chamberlain, but found the down UA jacket on sale this winter. I will still take my Uncompahgre fly fishing in any cold and in around freezing temps hunting, but the down will come below that. I am in my mid thirties and just had my 7th knee surgery after the rifle season this year. I try to do the smarter not harder thing and part of that is managing my activity level as a part of the whole picture of insulation and moisture evacuation. I like the furnace a lot, and a good part of the time the past couple rifle seasons, that has been my outer layer top.


Uncompahgre under waders.

Furnace as outer


I wear FL in the summer because merino dries out so well, especially their nylon/merino blend.

 

[Kostrize]

I’ve hiked in the Kiln bottoms in 20 degree weather and been ok. I think the Furnace bottoms would be too heavy for the vast majority of people for active use. They’d be great for tree stand hunting or maybe still hunting in very cold temps. The brushed interior makes a big difference in how warm they feel.