First Lite Springer 400g Merino Vest

[Kevin Dill]

I'm looking for feedback or reviews from those who own or know something about this vest. 400g Merino seems like it would be nicely thick and warm, true?

 

[airlocksniffer]

Favorite FL piece I own. Pretty much don't take it off from Sep-Nov. Combined with a Llano/aerowool base and a Chama is a great versatile system.

 

[Gehri1tm]

It's nice all-around. I wear it over llano/chama hoody. Also use it for a base under the woodbury for tree-standing hunting. Puffy vest might be better under the woodbury but I like the wool.

 

[justinspicher]

I am the same way. I finally broke down and bought one. If I'm outside, it's on.

I did size down though, went from a medium to a small and I feel like I stay warmer because it's a bit tighter.

 

[Jeremy Stegner]

I have one. It serves a purpose, but for a Merino vest that is thick and warm you can't beat the L.L. Bean commando v neck vest. Very thick, 100% merino, and $59 with free shipping.

 

[WoodBow]

My opinion is quite the opposite of those above. I really like a good vest but this vest has crap insulating value in relation to weight. It is fairly heavy imo. Insulation comes from loft. Merino has basically no loft. It works fantastic as a base layer but is not ideal for an insulating layer. I prefer my $20 fleece vest over the $140 or whatever springer. I will sell you mine in asat medium if you want to try it. I sold my labrador for the same reason. I hunt early September and lows are right around freezing at the altitude we hunt. If we are hiking, i usually am in nothing but a llano and maybe a chama. If i decide to sit a spot, i want to throw something on that will keep we warm. I was shivering in a llano, chama, springer, and labrador. That's like $400 worth of clothing on my upper body and i was miserable. I had the puffy with me but didn't want to put it on due to draw noise. This year i will have the merino and chama but all other layers will be synthetic. Just my opinion and experience. Take it for what you will. If you are hiking hard in cold weather it will probably function better than a fleece. For it to be valuable you would need a scenario where wicking and breathability to be prioritized over insulation.

 

[charvey9]

I had never been a vest guy, but this was one of my favorite new pieces this year. I normally where medium in all FL tops, but had to have it taken in on the sides to fit right. Might want to size down as suggested above.

 

[White Mamba]

Same here on the sizing, go one size smaller. Ive never been impressed with the cut or sizing from firstlite, they are all over the place.
The vest is warm but to heavy for packing , I use mine when im hunting near my vehicle or fishing on the lake. If you cut off the pockets you could probably save a 1/2 lb

 

[Kevin Dill]

Definitely appreciate the opinions. The FL website didn't provide physical weight and sometimes seems lacking in straightforward details on their garments. Good stuff for sure but hard to compare apples. I know from experience merino wool garments weigh more for a given volume and that's one reason I don't own much wool nowadays...at least for my travel hunts. The Springer looks like it would make a great mid-layer under a softshell jacket; or an outer core layer on better days, and in non-abusive settings. Puffy vest...I have that covered, but I don't like wearing one as a mid-layer because of that loft being compressed. Thanks again.

 

[charvey9]

Definitely appreciate the opinions. The FL website didn't provide physical weight and sometimes seems lacking in straightforward details on their garments. Good stuff for sure but hard to compare apples. I know from experience merino wool garments weigh more for a given volume and that's one reason I don't own much wool nowadays...at least for my travel hunts. The Springer looks like it would make a great mid-layer under a softshell jacket; or an outer core layer on better days, and in non-abusive settings. Puffy vest...I have that covered, but I don't like wearing one as a mid-layer because of that loft being compressed. Thanks again.

You can find all the FL weights in the catalog.

2016 FIRST LITE WORKBOOK by Sam Rodgers - issuu