SITKA Heavy Merino vs FL Furnace

[lpplayer59]

Anyone own both and can provide pro/cons?

Really curious which is warmer and if one is noticeably more durable. Thanks in advance!

 

[Bump79]

Personally, I'd recommend a fleece over a lightweight merino vs a heavyweight fleece. Same weight, more warmth, less moisture retention and way more durable.

 

[lpplayer59]

Is there a particular fleece you use and prefer?

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Just took in the Heavy Merino for Sitka. Its a Waterfowl piece. For weight, heft and weave....it's not even close to the First Lite 350gram/oz stuff. That's way heavier and more dense.

 

[lpplayer59]

Which do you think is warmer ?

 

[lpplayer59]

Just took in the Heavy Merino for Sitka. Its a Waterfowl piece. For weight, heft and weave....it's not even close to the First Lite 350gram/oz stuff. That's way heavier and more dense.

Just making sure: the first lite seems warmer / better ?

 

[Bump79]

Is there a particular fleece you use and prefer?

There's so many good options. My personal favorite is the Kuiu Peloton 200.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

The Furnace is nothing like the Peloton or the Sitka Merino. It's 2X or 3X thicker. But also that much heavier in weight and density. Will not breath as well and adds that much more bulk. But it's going to be much "warmer".

 

[WoodBow]

I will give you my opinion based off of my experience. A thin merino performs awesome next to skin. Merino is heavy and a poor insulator when compared to fleece. Fleece is terrible next to skin once you start to sweat. So for me it is the thinnest possible merino base layers anytime the temps justify. And everything on top of that is synthetic. Your mileage may vary.

 

[WVelkhunter]

I also have to agree with the above. I love lightweight merino, but the heavyweights are just that...heavy. I have the first lite furnace and it's not at all that warm for its weight. I wouldn't recommend it from my experience.

 

[Gman12]

Just the opposite experience with the Furnace. I would probably not wear it if I was hiking a lot. Most of my hunts are stationary either for deer or ducks. I love fleece and wear it almost every day during the winter for work. The Furnace is my mid-layer and it is warmer than any fleece and it is not even close. It is the only piece of FL gear that I own and it is also one of my favorites because it is so warm.