First Lite Outerwear help

[BWforUK]

So here's the deal. I own several First Lite pieces as I'm gearing up for some future western hunts. Most of my other hunting, however, will be whitetails in KY. The pieces I own are Kanabs, Llano, Chama, etc. Wanting to expand, either the Sanctuary system or the North Branch system with the Puffy Jacket. I know the North Branch and Puffy will be more useful in active hunting, but can they keep me warm in the treestand and duck blind in cold weather?

 

[justinspicher]

I used First Lite for the first time in a treestand last year here in Kansas. I started with Kanabs and the puffy and had the North Branch pants and Sanctuary jacket by the end of the year. I like the puffy, but for sitting still for extended periods of time, the Sanctuary is hard to beat.

 

[ahlgringo]

I wear a puffy under my north branch jacket and puffy pants under my kanabs. been comfortable in CO down to teens glassing. Get hot walking around and ditch the puffy pants.

 

[archer8524]

I ware the puffy jacket under my north branch also and I'm fine in Kansas down into the teens. I don't have any experience with the sanctuary jacket though

 

[Xtreme007]

I went through this same problem with planning a co trip but doing most my hunting in ky and Ohio. I was going a hunt with the puffy but for me it is a little noise for a tree stand. I'd say get the sanctuary jacket. It's the best jacket I have ever used. Very warm and dead quiet. Only thing I'd warm you about is the sizing. I wear a medium in all my first lite gear but ended up getting a small in the sanctuary jacket and it fits great with my llano, Chama and puffy under it for layering if needed

With that being said I have never used the north branch jacket but do have the bibs and they are nice

 

[ofl0926]

I have the puffy and it's great when you active. Served me well in SD hunting. I ordered the sanctuary jacket for stand hunting. I put that jacket on and boy was it comfy and warm. Also for bottoms, I use the FL base layer with kanabs

 

[robby denning]

I've used the North Branch Pant/Bib for cold weather (freezing to zero) Horseback riding and found them very warm when paired with my FL puffy under the Boundary Stormtight. Horseback riding is more active than treestand hunting but not by a lot. Very happy with my set.

 

[HunterHawk]

If I was tree stand hunting... which I am this year in Colorado I just bought the sanctuary jacket and its awesome! light weight( for a big coat mind you) and warm... almost feels like a puffy in some aspects... but I would go with it over the north branch just because i bow hunt and the north branch is a bit louder than the sanctuary jacket! its all about layering anyway... for pants I'm also just going with the kanabs and layering but after getting the sanctuary jacket i think ill save my pennies for the sanctuary pants but would probably only wear those late november through december If noise isn't a factor I would go with north branch pants and possibly top for cool days but for cold I'm going with sanctuary!

 

[COlineman78]

If I was tree stand hunting... which I am this year in Colorado I just bought the sanctuary jacket and its awesome! light weight( for a big coat mind you) and warm... almost feels like a puffy in some aspects... but I would go with it over the north branch just because i bow hunt and the north branch is a bit louder than the sanctuary jacket! its all about layering anyway... for pants I'm also just going with the kanabs and layering but after getting the sanctuary jacket i think ill save my pennies for the sanctuary pants but would probably only wear those late november through december If noise isn't a factor I would go with north branch pants and possibly top for cool days but for cold I'm going with sanctuary!

Craig,

I'm heading up next week and am on the fence about picking up the sanctuary. I think I'll be doing a mix of stand hunting and wandering around so I am thinking it'll be Sanctuary or Puffy for stand and maybe either NB or just Halstead for walking around. Did you get a chance to use the Sanctuary for earlier season? I don't rifle hunt much, but I am thinking that less layers and one heavy stand layer might be nice for muzzle season as it would take me forever to get layered up for the stand this year. As you know I have the NB pants, so it would be interesting to compare them if you ever get the sanctuary bib. I think for early season if I were to keep my core warm enough I wouldn't need very heavy pants for stand; maybe just throw a hard shell over to cut the wind.

Matt

 

[Biggs300]

Western hunting, especially in the mountains can be hard on clothing. I got a 2" tear in the butt of my Kanabs on our 1st rifle season CO elk hunt this year. They made it 2 elk seasons in CO and 1 deer season in OK. It is time to either patch or retire them. I wish they would have lasted a bit longer as they are great pants when temps are above 20 or 30 degrees. I hear their puffy's are excellent. May be one of my next purchases.

 

[IaTrent]

Sanctuary jacket is a must have for tree stand hunting in cold weather. Just note that if you have a long walk to your stand you will want to carry it in or hang on your pack as you walk in. Last thing you want to do is get a sweat going. Sanctuary is very quiet, so is not a problem when trying to draw your bow. This will be my first year using the North Branch bibs but they were great during 2nd Rifle in CO. Looking forward to see how they work in combination with the Sanctuary jacket for late season Iowa hunting.

 

[go4thegusto]

Just listing a new Sanctuary in Classified. Blow-out deal