First Lite Rain Gear

[standswittaknife]

I really do not like the camo patter of Sitka (though the newer pattern looks interesting), and KUIU is always sold out or on backorder, therefore I'm looking into First Lite for upgrading all of my camo. I love the Fusion pattern and Max-1. I'm wondering what you guys think of the rain gear from First lite. Does it compare to the Chugach set from Kuiu or Sitka's rain gear? Thanks folks,

 

[jm1607]

Here you go:

http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-...let-it-rain-light-weight-rain-jacket-shootout

IMO FL is the best you can buy!

 

[standswittaknife]

Good deal, thank you!!!

 

[COSA]

Really like my jacket as well. They do run large, so I'd order a size down.

 

[standswittaknife]

Just hit black ovis's sale. 25% off! Bought the pants and jacket.. Got an extra 10% for being first time customer.. Bought an asat and max1 set for my hunting buddy..

 

[standswittaknife]

I'm a bit confused as the article says that FL is the quietest rain gear out there. Just received ours and honeslty is sounds like I'm wearing a shower curtain when walking. Is this type of rain gear (sitka, kuiu, first lite) all this noisy?

 

[hflier]

I'm a bit confused as the article says that FL is the quietest rain gear out there. Just received ours and honeslty is sounds like I'm wearing a shower curtain when walking. Is this type of rain gear (sitka, kuiu, first lite) all this noisy?

It quiets down once you wear it and pack it down a few times.

 

[doverpack12]

Out of those 3 and Kryptek they are all too noisy for me. I like the core 4 Element Torrent rain gear for how quiet it is. I'm not saying its of the same quality but it is quieter which matters to me. Also the Russell L5 Cyclone is also pretty quiet but doesn't have pit zips like the Torrent.

 

[standswittaknife]

Thanks guys,

I'm going to unfortunately send the FL back, just way too loud. I'm going to try the core 4 element instead. I'm just thinking that my Helly Hansen for my AK trips will be just fine, and the c4e is going to be in my pack for elk in Colorado & Wyoming...

 

[Brock A]

Thanks guys,

I'm going to unfortunately send the FL back, just way too loud. I'm going to try the core 4 element instead. I'm just thinking that my Helly Hansen for my AK trips will be just fine, and the c4e is going to be in my pack for elk in Colorado & Wyoming...

All rain gear is going to be loud. That being said C4E is no where near the quality of the FL. My C4E leaked pretty bad. Pick your battles

 

[Matt W.]

I'm a bit confused as the article says that FL is the quietest rain gear out there. Just received ours and honeslty is sounds like I'm wearing a shower curtain when walking. Is this type of rain gear (sitka, kuiu, first lite) all this noisy?

I wrote the article and wanted to clarify. It was the quietest rain gear in the group tested, not necessarily the quietest of all options on the market. Rain gear is a tough product to review because field testing of breath-ability varies so much. It either breathes or it does not and some stuff is so close it can't be separated except in in a lab or some serious controlled condition testing.

Check out this thread, Post #6 for more info.
http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?20853-New-Article-up-on-Hard-Core-Rain-Gear

One thing about quiet rain gear is that it has a "softer" face fabric. While it is quieter it absorbs water and as a result is heavier when wet. I hunted with a guy on Raspberry Island in October of this year and he had the Core 4 jacket. It worked good for him, but once it got soaked the "thicker / softer" face fabric took a while to dry.

I'm not as concerned about quiet rain gear as I typically only wear mine when it is either raining or I am sitting. I know some guys don't like soft shells but the 2014 Sitka 90% has worked great for me in very light drizzles and for moving when it is cold enough I need a little wind protection.

 

[standswittaknife]

Thanks for the clarity. It just makes it really hard when you can't try the stuff on an actual store. After all the discussions here as well with my hunting partner we decided to go ahead and keep the first lite rain gear due to your exact answer above. There's honestly not a lot of times that we will be wearing your rain gear and actually moving a lot. We agree that during the rainstorm noises it shouldn't be a consideration and sitting still we should be okay. I have to say that black overs has treated us very well for exchanging the gear cause the largest actually run a little too big so we exchange them for mediums. Great customer service a block Ovis.

 

[jm1607]

Thanks for the clarity. It just makes it really hard when you can't try the stuff on an actual store. After all the discussions here as well with my hunting partner we decided to go ahead and keep the first lite rain gear due to your exact answer above. There's honestly not a lot of times that we will be wearing your rain gear and actually moving a lot. We agree that during the rainstorm noises it shouldn't be a consideration and sitting still we should be okay. I have to say that black overs has treated us very well for exchanging the gear cause the largest actually run a little too big so we exchange them for mediums. Great customer service a block Ovis.

Ya, all rain gear is noisy.. So if you think the FL is noisy you're going to hate the others!

Run it through the washer a few times.. Wear it to work or in the field some.. It should quiet down before your hunt