First Lite Navigator Hoody - Pre Review Thread

[Brock A]

The Navigator hoody is going to be a nice piece of gear I believe. First Lite describes it as an "adaptive midlayer" and I do think they hit the nail on the head with that one. I am looking forward to the slightly colder temps to really get some time in with this one. It feels pretty warm for being 12oz. The kangaroo pocket is a nice feature.

Any questions, just let me know and I will do my best to answer them,

 

[zpearo]

Looks like active direct with a face on the outside? How does it differ from the sitka ambient?

 

[BASSFAN07]

What size you wearing and what do you usually wear in FL

 

[SikaHuntaa]

I have a couple Sitka Ambient 100 Hooded Jackets and have had the First Lite Navigator for awhile.

I am 6ft6/6ft7 and around 115kg (250lbs).

I have the Ambients in XLT and the Navigator in 2XL, both fit pretty similarly.

The Ambients come in at 448grams (15.8oz) and the Navigator comes in at 418grams (14.7oz).

I prefer the softer Primaloft Evolve fabric in the Sitka Ambients, it is just nicer feeling on any exposed skin and feels more plush. The Navigator uses the 37.5 fleece and feels much closer to the Polartech Alpha.

I really love the deep QZ on the Navigator, its nice to just throw on and be done with it vs the full zip on the Ambient for myself. The kangaroo pocket is a nice touch vs the OG Sitka Ambient.

Both of them will be in a revolving door pattern in my kit list, I haven't been able to fully pick out a 100% winner, as there is hardly any weight savings (likely due to the 112gsm of the Navigator vs the 100gsm of the Ambient?).

Either way, I will never not own or pack one of these 2 pieces, I would be surprised if anything better came out in the future to be honest.

 

[Macintosh]

@Brock A will you be in touch with FL on this? Wondering if they have any plans for tall sizing in the future. My impression from having several FL jackets is that their sizing has evolved from what used to be a relatively athletic fit that worked pretty well for me, to what is now a very boxy fit. As-is based on this jacket I think FL may have sized me out of their customer-base.

BUT it looks great on you! (Seriously, it looks like a good fit in the photo). Im aware they have to fit “most” people (and I aint that), just wondering if this is something they see a need for or if I truly need to just write them off of any future clothing needs.

I’ll be curious on your take on the pullover vs zip too. Im firmly in the “I wish it was a full zip” camp, in part because the fleece is pretty grabby against a baselayer.

 

[Brock A]

What size you wearing and what do you usually wear in FL

I am wearing a Large. I wear a Large in everything. I would say the fit is right on the money. I do have longer arms than most (I cannot wear regular long sleeve shirts) and there is no issues with the sleeves being too short.

 

[Brock A]

@Brock A will you be in touch with FL on this? Wondering if they have any plans for tall sizing in the future. My impression from having several FL jackets is that their sizing has evolved from what used to be a relatively athletic fit that worked pretty well for me, to what is now a very boxy fit. As-is based on this jacket I think FL may have sized me out of their customer-base.

BUT it looks great on you! (Seriously, it looks like a good fit in the photo). Im aware they have to fit “most” people (and I aint that), just wondering if this is something they see a need for or if I truly need to just write them off of any future clothing needs.

I’ll be curious on your take on the pullover vs zip too. Im firmly in the “I wish it was a full zip” camp, in part because the fleece is pretty grabby against a baselayer.

I can absolutely ask FL about that. It doesn't feel too boxy, however, at full draw, I did notice that the bottom of the hoody was right at my waistline.

I am team pullover as well, but we will see how I like the 1/4 zip.

 

[TylerDurden3]

Was looking to try one of these out.I know it’s been warm, but any updates on this.

 

[Brock A]

Was looking to try one of these out.I know it’s been warm, but any updates on this.

I am in the same boat, its been 80 degrees for awhile now! I do plan on wearing this coming weekend for some salmon fishing on the Puget Sound. The mornings have a little chill to them.

 

[Brock A]

I wore this hoody for three days in a row last week salmon fishing on the Puget Sound. Weather was mild, low 50's in the morning with a decent breeze and being on the water, it always feels colder. Hoody was great, its not as warm as I expected it to be when worn as an outer layer. It dries freakishly quick. So far its a great piece!

 

[robby denning]

I wore this hoody for three days in a row last week salmon fishing on the Puget Sound. Weather was mild, low 50's in the morning with a decent breeze and being on the water, it always feels colder. Hoody was great, its not as warm as I expected it to be when worn as an outer layer. It dries freakishly quick. So far its a great piece!

That looks like a blast!

 

[Brock A]

That looks like a blast!

In a state full of a crap, not a bad perk!

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