Thread: Firstlite reviews/opinions

Why not kuiu?

Originally Posted by Younghunter123

Cheers hotsoup I see bivouac stocks it so will go in to check it out . Have you gone away from firstlite completely now ?
And yes I know where you’re coming from outdoorlad. Plenty of hunting getting done don’t worry about that !

I have a couple of pieces left. Personally I buy clothing that I can wear casually, I only have a couple of camo items.

Plus I really like to support NZ made where possible

For Merino https://nz.truefleece.com/ or https://www.macpac.co.nz/
For Wetweathers and synthetics https://earthseasky.co.nz/ or https://www.macpac.co.nz/
For Puffers https://www.woe.co.nz/ or https://www.macpac.co.nz/
Macpac stuff is cheap, cheerful and pretty effective. It won't last like the more expensive gear, but you can often get 4 of them for the price of one First-lite, long johns for example. The puffers are regularly $80.

Hunting-specific gear is a bit of a gimmick. There are some neat features on some products but usually, the extra money they charge is not worth it. I have a First-lite kiln, but my trufleece is just as good at less than half the price and is an NZ company. I have a Kuiu Kenai that I inherited, and Im too scared to wear it because the fabric gets ladders in it so easily. I have wasted way too much money on the popular NZ hunting-specific brands, usually ending up with poor quality for big money.

But I dunno, that's just my experience.

ive got a bit of first lite gear.
It is expensive and not what l would buy as a beginner, however i do rate it.,
have the corrugate jacket and pants, the puffer stuff is too warm for northerners like me.
Also have the very light merino tee, neck gattor and gloves.
did >30km a few weeks back carrying over 20kgs in mostly rain, mist and wind over 3 days.
had expected the wool tee to have damage given how light it is but it came through it well.
was warm enough walking except when sitting at 1200 mtr in the wind, yet cool when the sun came out
and did not stink.

I have found the corrugate pants and coat great to walk in, flexible for climbing up and over stuff, you can squat down comfortably. I use them for winter tramps, hunting, and as evening wear in the summer.
They are only shower proof, i have recoated mine a couple if times with DWR but after a while the water soaks through. However I stay warm with a set of merino's and a fleece under them.
Nb I'm talking north island 2-3 day hunts or south island day hunts.
Z