Toughness Of First Lite Merino?

I've been really happy with my FL, a lot tougher then I thought it would be. But it is still merino and will catch on briars and such. I actually got caught on a blackberry branch yesterday and to my suprised the sleeve looks fine.
 
I have one from 2011 listed in the classifieds with some pictures. Take a look. I ordered that shirt in August 2011 and hunted with it around 30 days each of 2011 and 2012 in 2013 it probably was worn 10-15 days. After that many days hunting I think its in pretty good shape. Probably half of those days I had only the merino shirt on and I hunt primarily thick lodgepole timber.
 
The FL stuff is top notch. I have some Kuiu wool, and it is no where near the same class as FL from a durability perspective.
 
My First Lite is tough for merino but I wouldn't use it as an outer layer if I was going to bust brush all day. It will take a lot but it it isn't a hard finish fabric that will truly resist snags and abrasion. I wore it in NW Montana last year as an outer layer and didn't destroy it but I didn't crawl through the thickest of the thick with it either. So , for general use it will be fine but if you are going to go where you are going to get torn up your wool will too most likely.
 
IMO, the most rugged merino around, although merino isn't that tough.. Way more durable than my Kuiu, but weighs a little more.. I'll take that anyday!
 
My Chama hoody I got in 2012 is still going strong after a couple hundred days afield and more washing than Becca cares to remember ;)

First Lite Merino is the best out there IMO and they support hunting. This is TMI but I need some more merino boxers as my icebreaker ones wore out so going to order some from FL tonight ;)
 
My Chama hoody I got in 2012 is still going strong after a couple hundred days afield and more washing than Becca cares to remember ;)

First Lite Merino is the best out there IMO and they support hunting. This is TMI but I need some more merino boxers as my icebreaker ones wore out so going to order some from FL tonight ;)

The red deserts are amaaazing. I started with a Llano QZ and I've since added two red deserts, allegany bottoms, brimmed beanie and thin gloves. Best next-to-skin clothing made. The llano holds up surprisingly well. The gloves don't, but that was expected.
 
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