First Lite Base Layer

[Josh Wright]

I have a question for people that have used the FL baselayers and the original KUIU baselayers. Is the FL better than KUIU's originals or just more comfortable compared to the KUIU ultra merino?

I have all KUIU and loved their original bases. I love their new 210 ultra merino especially for Arkansas deer hunting.

The 145 ultra's are excellent for hiking, but I don't think the no smell last very long with the 145's like the originals.

A lot of people here prefer the FL's and I am curious to know the difference. I'm not sure why KUIU quit offering the originals.

 

[dotman]

I haven't used Kuiu merino but this may help, you can machine wash and dry FL merino and it is as durable as merino can be. If you wear a llano thru thick brush it will come out with new venting. If you use it as a base and have an outer layer it will last a very very long time. My oldest stuff is going on season 5 and has zero holes in it. If not in thick vegetation no worries on the lighter weight stuff.

I never really noticed the wet dog smell after a few washings like some other merino gets, I has not shrunk or been torn up by machine washing and drying. Longest I've worn mine without washing is 9 days straight, they had a funk but it didn't run anyone out of the room like a synthetic would of.

 

[Josh Wright]

With the originals in KUIU, I can not wash them for 9 or 10 days like you say, maybe longer in colder weather. I loved the originals. I love the new ultra merino, but the lighter ones may scare me away on backpack hunts. The KUIU durability has been great for me.

 

[doverpack12]

The only difference between the original 100% merino wool Kuiu and First Lite for me is a little bit of comfort and fit style. Kuiu brings the sleeves down full diameter where first lite tapers more. Kuiu is slightly less comfy to me than Kuiu especially when you wear them next to skin and sweat or get wet then dry while wearing and repeat. I get slightly more itch on my back from the Kuiu in this situation than First Lite but not enough to make the difference. If I could buy a First Lite for the same price thats what I would get.

 

[Trial153]

The only difference between the original 100% merino wool Kuiu and First Lite for me is a little bit of comfort and fit style. Kuiu brings the sleeves down full diameter where first lite tapers more. Kuiu is slightly less comfy to me than Kuiu especially when you wear them next to skin and sweat or get wet then dry while wearing and repeat. I get slightly more itch on my back from the Kuiu in this situation than First Lite but not enough to make the difference. If I could buy a First Lite for the same price thats what I would get.

Same with me, I find the fit of first lite bases a little better refined and slightly more comfortable.

 

[Josh Wright]

Thanks guys.

 

[Buckshot92]

I have both Kuiu Ultra Merino 145 and first lite llano, have never used original kuiu merino so cannot compare there.

The Kuiu ultra merino is much more comfortable to wear next to the skin compared to my first lite llano. I do like the llano, and it has its place, but it is itchier and less "lofty" than the kuiu ultra merino.

I will say however that the first lite llano is more durable but this is comparing two different weights so its not a direct comparison.

 

[Beendare]

I have a question for people that have used the FL baselayers and the original KUIU baselayers. Is the FL better than KUIU's originals or just more comfortable compared to the KUIU ultra merino?

I have all KUIU and loved their original bases. I love their new 210 ultra merino especially for Arkansas deer hunting.

The kuiu originals were a bit scratchy to me- even after woolite. I have 5 different Merino base layers- best bang for the buck- Red Ram, best over all in camo- Core 4 Element- appx 1/2 the price of FL when on sale.