Good review. IMO FL has the best base layers of merino wool. But, I think their mid layers have lacked and are way overpriced. I think KUIU has the best mid layer fleece hoodies and hands down the best rain systems in the game (YUKON TR). I also think their new PRO merino series is catching up quick and might be better, I just need more testing. Lastly, SIKA/SG have the best outerwear for western hunters. First lite’s white tail systems, now that they are wind proof, are hard to beat. Love their solitude setup. Overall, I think every system has its place. Unfortunately, they are all far too expensive to try all of them. Every year I buy a little from each brand and compare them, then return/sell what I don’t find as useful. Hope this helps, happy hunting.
Thank you for this review! I lightly hunted in my childhood, but just this season it really clicked for me, and I wanted to get into it and try to become a decently successful and capable hunter. I don’t do anything half-way, as I’ve found cheap gear to be exactly… well, cheap! I used to think camo was camo, as long as the pattern fit the environment.. but once you wear good quality stuff, you realize not all brands are created equal. I did my homework and ordered a pair of First Lite Catalyst pants for this season, along with Outdoor Wearhouse’s cheaper camo in-house jacket. It did the job, but the First Lite pants were so impressive and comfortable that I found good deals on EBay and ordered the rest of my gear with some great savings. I’m super excited to be decked-out in all First Lite next year! It was the merino wool base material that convinced me in the first place. Although I think Sitka and Kuiu are fantastic brand alternatives, I went with as natural of a fiber as I could for my system. Thanks again for the great info!
Issue with Merino is longevity. They get holes real easy and for the price than can be a turn off. A complete set of high end clothes set you back at least 1k to 2k, and for that money it has to last... I haven't quite figured it out yet but I only do a camo jacket and the rest can be any sort of technical clothing, doesn't have to be a "hunting" brand
Good review, pretty accurate actually. I have both and both have their advantages like you had mentioned. I am a true believer in first lites merino wool base layers and really like their early to mid season whitetail gear. very hard pressed to beat that system, however when it comes to late season whitetail. Sitka fanatic system for me, wins out. It is a system designed primarily for the treestand bow hunter. That being said I still wear my first lite base layers.
I thought the same as you did. I hunt up north, where the late season is cold weather hunting, and trust me when I say the fanatic system is the best system out there. It is definitely worth the cost and will last you a lifetime.
Did you not get the Marino wool sitka base layers because that were there merino wool is. The merino wool bottoms and hoodie, then layer on top of it. I don't have any but I've looked into the sitka and they have the merino wool layers so would that not serve the purpose for them? I've seen many reviews of week long hunts and with there merino wool, people claim not to have a smell after days of hunting. Can someone confirm or deny these claims
@greglovelace246 I can't speak for sitka merino wool base layers, due to I don't own any, however I do own first lite base layers. They are definitely top-notch. The fit is excellent, and they keep you warm. The merino wool does keep your scent down and doesn't need frequent washing like synthetic. I would if you are on the fence with Merino, pull the trigger you won't be disappointed.
Good review, I love the Sitka whitetail line for stand hunting. I use a mostly Kuiu for western hunting but mix in some first lite and Sitka. Technical gear is great but, you need to use the right pieces for the style hunting you are doing
I like the review a lot. I definitely love my first lite gear. I’m also a bit more brand loyal considering I’ve invested my money into their products and with all honesty have had one one piece (Obsidian Merino Pant) that was absolutely horrendous. Gave me a bit of a shock considering the price of those pants. I have worn Sitka but not as many pieces from them. Considering the multitudes of applications from first lite, I carefully considered the advantages it has and it far out performed for the categories of layering, material construction and breathability. I am not saying other technical hunting apparel is not up to the task but I love the options first lite offers whether it’s merino or synthetic materials. They are very very accommodating to all kinds of hunters, especially us in the west. I also do appreciate the lack of people with egos that seem to support first lite as well. Kuiu, Sitka and stone glacier (there are others as well) all seem to have this heightened ego because of what they wear. And in most cases has absolutely no reason why…. There’s nothing elite about any of these technical hunting apparel companies that makes you better than anyone else. Gear is gear and use it as you see fit. I just like a company that offers multitudes of applications and more so distinguishes them on their website based on the applications they can be used.
I think comparing the Sitka Subalpine system and First Lite Western Big Game would be a better comparison if the goal is big game hunting. I’ve used both and it’s hard to say which is better.
Great review but it does raise questions because you were comparing a white tail system which I more geared to still hinting to FL western big game system. Have you used FL doing whitetail from a stand and did that keep you warm? And have you tried Sitka’s western big game system in the mountains. Not trying to not nitpick but I am just trying to find the best gear as I plan on doing both styles of hunting.
With any synthetic base layer you won’t have odour control it doesn’t matter what brand you have. I personally use a synthetic tight fit under armour that I used to wear in the gym to push the moisture to the next layer which is my wool base layer so the wool layer can aerate the moisture. When I go for moose hunting for week and a half, I take my small ozone generator with me and when I get back from hunt, I put my clothes into a bag and run for 30 mins or so and next morning I have fresh smell hunting gear. I wouldn’t wear any high end brand synthetic base layer stand alone. If I would be comparing first lite vs sitka, I would compare it with their wool base layer. Anyways I am more into the top layers of these gears. I am a fan of wool as base layer so it doesn’t matter what brand it is it is the same material.
Common Patriot , love the videos , but with a channel name like that , why not review and promote American made instead CHINESE made stuff ?? FORLOH , ORIGIN SIXISITE , T&K are all made in America ..
@@Kcg99 just needs to break up your silhouette. I love first lites specter but i have a hard time buying from a company thats controlling stake is owned by a anti hunting / anti gun group. using hunters money against them. That being said im switching to sitka or origin as my FL wears out.
Just bought the sanctuary bibs and jacket… complete flat out lie. Straight from their website it is completely different product. It’s like a cheap Remington Walmart jacket with extra pockets. I will never purchase first lite again. Really wanted to like them but they are standing by this junk they sent me
@@Ryan40272 What they picture and describe on their website is not what they sell. This video is from a year ago, but the jacket he has is not the same one first lite will sell you, even though it is exactly what is pictured and described on their website. They are falsely advertising a quality product and removing key elements to make it cheaper to manufacture. I emailed customer service and they admitted to it by saying they updated and upgraded their product due to feedback. So unless the feedback was that their clothes were too nice and needed to be made cheaper for the same price. They lied
Don’t buy first lite. Can’t be trusted on what product you are gonna receive. Bought the sanctuary 2.0 bibs and jacket directly from their website and I received some watered down version. No waterproof pocket zippers, logos missing, cheaper buckles on bibs, faded color compared to pictures and videos and a host of other things. Love to show anyone thinking about purchasing from them
Good review. IMO FL has the best base layers of merino wool. But, I think their mid layers have lacked and are way overpriced. I think KUIU has the best mid layer fleece hoodies and hands down the best rain systems in the game (YUKON TR). I also think their new PRO merino series is catching up quick and might be better, I just need more testing. Lastly, SIKA/SG have the best outerwear for western hunters. First lite’s white tail systems, now that they are wind proof, are hard to beat. Love their solitude setup.
Overall, I think every system has its place. Unfortunately, they are all far too expensive to try all of them. Every year I buy a little from each brand and compare them, then return/sell what I don’t find as useful.
Hope this helps, happy hunting.
For mad keen fisho..from Australia the first lite gear is a must investment. Zip off pants are the ultimate. Worth every penny
Thank you for this review! I lightly hunted in my childhood, but just this season it really clicked for me, and I wanted to get into it and try to become a decently successful and capable hunter. I don’t do anything half-way, as I’ve found cheap gear to be exactly… well, cheap! I used to think camo was camo, as long as the pattern fit the environment.. but once you wear good quality stuff, you realize not all brands are created equal. I did my homework and ordered a pair of First Lite Catalyst pants for this season, along with Outdoor Wearhouse’s cheaper camo in-house jacket. It did the job, but the First Lite pants were so impressive and comfortable that I found good deals on EBay and ordered the rest of my gear with some great savings. I’m super excited to be decked-out in all First Lite next year!
It was the merino wool base material that convinced me in the first place. Although I think Sitka and Kuiu are fantastic brand alternatives, I went with as natural of a fiber as I could for my system.
Thanks again for the great info!
Issue with Merino is longevity. They get holes real easy and for the price than can be a turn off. A complete set of high end clothes set you back at least 1k to 2k, and for that money it has to last... I haven't quite figured it out yet but I only do a camo jacket and the rest can be any sort of technical clothing, doesn't have to be a "hunting" brand
Good review, pretty accurate actually. I have both and both have their advantages like you had mentioned. I am a true believer in first lites merino wool base layers and really like their early to mid season whitetail gear. very hard pressed to beat that system, however when it comes to late season whitetail. Sitka fanatic system for me, wins out. It is a system designed primarily for the treestand bow hunter. That being said I still wear my first lite base layers.
The Sitka fanatic system is crazy expensive. I want it but $450+ for a fleece jacket seems crazy.
I thought the same as you did. I hunt up north, where the late season is cold weather hunting, and trust me when I say the fanatic system is the best system out there. It is definitely worth the cost and will last you a lifetime.
Did you not get the Marino wool sitka base layers because that were there merino wool is. The merino wool bottoms and hoodie, then layer on top of it. I don't have any but I've looked into the sitka and they have the merino wool layers so would that not serve the purpose for them? I've seen many reviews of week long hunts and with there merino wool, people claim not to have a smell after days of hunting. Can someone confirm or deny these claims
@greglovelace246 I can't speak for sitka merino wool base layers, due to I don't own any, however I do own first lite base layers. They are definitely top-notch. The fit is excellent, and they keep you warm. The merino wool does keep your scent down and doesn't need frequent washing like synthetic. I would if you are on the fence with Merino, pull the trigger you won't be disappointed.
@@stevew3718 Agreed, appreciate it
Good review, I love the Sitka whitetail line for stand hunting. I use a mostly Kuiu for western hunting but mix in some first lite and Sitka. Technical gear is great but, you need to use the right pieces for the style hunting you are doing
Great review!
Sika has a full line of Marina wool so I don't know why you're saying that Sitka doesn't have that?
I like the review a lot.
I definitely love my first lite gear. I’m also a bit more brand loyal considering I’ve invested my money into their products and with all honesty have had one one piece (Obsidian Merino Pant) that was absolutely horrendous. Gave me a bit of a shock considering the price of those pants.
I have worn Sitka but not as many pieces from them. Considering the multitudes of applications from first lite, I carefully considered the advantages it has and it far out performed for the categories of layering, material construction and breathability. I am not saying other technical hunting apparel is not up to the task but I love the options first lite offers whether it’s merino or synthetic materials. They are very very accommodating to all kinds of hunters, especially us in the west.
I also do appreciate the lack of people with egos that seem to support first lite as well. Kuiu, Sitka and stone glacier (there are others as well) all seem to have this heightened ego because of what they wear. And in most cases has absolutely no reason why…. There’s nothing elite about any of these technical hunting apparel companies that makes you better than anyone else. Gear is gear and use it as you see fit. I just like a company that offers multitudes of applications and more so distinguishes them on their website based on the applications they can be used.
I think comparing the Sitka Subalpine system and First Lite Western Big Game would be a better comparison if the goal is big game hunting. I’ve used both and it’s hard to say which is better.
I appreciate the honesty. Thank you for your input
Great review! Thanks for the video
So I’m a bit confused. Why not switch to Sitka’s Marino wool instead of synthetics?
Great review but it does raise questions because you were comparing a white tail system which I more geared to still hinting to FL western big game system. Have you used FL doing whitetail from a stand and did that keep you warm? And have you tried Sitka’s western big game system in the mountains. Not trying to not nitpick but I am just trying to find the best gear as I plan on doing both styles of hunting.
With any synthetic base layer you won’t have odour control it doesn’t matter what brand you have. I personally use a synthetic tight fit under armour that I used to wear in the gym to push the moisture to the next layer which is my wool base layer so the wool layer can aerate the moisture.
When I go for moose hunting for week and a half, I take my small ozone generator with me and when I get back from hunt, I put my clothes into a bag and run for 30 mins or so and next morning I have fresh smell hunting gear.
I wouldn’t wear any high end brand synthetic base layer stand alone. If I would be comparing first lite vs sitka, I would compare it with their wool base layer. Anyways I am more into the top layers of these gears. I am a fan of wool as base layer so it doesn’t matter what brand it is it is the same material.
Great review, how was sizing?
Maybe you should of used Sitka system for western hunting and not the white tail line.
Which Sitka gear stank compared to FL gear that did not? TIA.
merino wool base layers with sitka gear outer layers with wind blocker
Common Patriot , love the videos , but with a channel name like that , why not review and promote American made instead CHINESE made stuff ?? FORLOH , ORIGIN SIXISITE , T&K are all made in America ..
Exactly.
I agree but origin does not look like something that would hide you in the woods. That why I don’t buy it
@@Kcg99 just needs to break up your silhouette. I love first lites specter but i have a hard time buying from a company thats controlling stake is owned by a anti hunting / anti gun group. using hunters money against them. That being said im switching to sitka or origin as my FL wears out.
Ford Chevy
First Lite is overpriced for made in China
Your point makes zero sense being that Sitka clothing is made in china as well................
@@Ryan40272 then that applies to Sitka as well then
Just bought the sanctuary bibs and jacket… complete flat out lie. Straight from their website it is completely different product. It’s like a cheap Remington Walmart jacket with extra pockets. I will never purchase first lite again. Really wanted to like them but they are standing by this junk they sent me
@@JayBakes300 what’s a lie about it?
@@Ryan40272 What they picture and describe on their website is not what they sell. This video is from a year ago, but the jacket he has is not the same one first lite will sell you, even though it is exactly what is pictured and described on their website. They are falsely advertising a quality product and removing key elements to make it cheaper to manufacture. I emailed customer service and they admitted to it by saying they updated and upgraded their product due to feedback. So unless the feedback was that their clothes were too nice and needed to be made cheaper for the same price. They lied
Don’t buy first lite. Can’t be trusted on what product you are gonna receive. Bought the sanctuary 2.0 bibs and jacket directly from their website and I received some watered down version. No waterproof pocket zippers, logos missing, cheaper buckles on bibs, faded color compared to pictures and videos and a host of other things. Love to show anyone thinking about purchasing from them
Lets see it. Could it be older gear?
i wear first lite, but also have some sitka. i prefer first light with the exception that sitka has the best gloves you can find.