Anyone on here running firstlite gear and got a review on how it’s going with the kiwi environment?
Do you like it or rate other brands better
Printable View
Anyone on here running firstlite gear and got a review on how it’s going with the kiwi environment?
Do you like it or rate other brands better
I have a First light corrugate jacket wind proof but that's it rain pisses in and doesn't breath at all so never brought any more.
Sent from my CPH2145 using Tapatalk
I have merino top and bottom base layers. I wear them all the time and rate them highly as they cover a wide range of temperatures. The bottoms can be removed without taking shorts or boots off which is great. I guess merino is merino, so you could buy cheaper, but I like camo for bush hunting and these ticked all the boxes.
Cheers for the replies , not to caught up on a specific brand just my thinking buying a hunting associated brand you would think they would be fit for purpose but I have learnt with some it’s not the case I’ve given up on the local stuff with it not going the distance you would expect !
Got wear on earth puffer which I will replace once it gives up been thrashed and abused but still going strong.
You’d be better off spending the money on going hunting.
Have you had a bad experience with their gear would you like to expand on your statement?
Purchased a windproof jacket and disappointed it doesn't keep rain out? Am I missing something?
Same as most gear if you actually look at what your buying and makes sure it's suits what you what's it's all been good quality. I rate there merino have a wick hood that's been worn on almost every hunting including a guiding season in Canada that's still going with a few minor holes in the wrist. I've worn it stand alone bush bashing plenty. I've worn merino from macpac out in a trip so I'd give firstlite a thumbs up in that regard. I've had bad luck with bushbuck, kuiu, macpac and kathmandu in regards to merinos. Only the firstlite and some mons I got on clearance has lasted any significant time. I'd rate kuius pants better other gear I usually prefer mountaineering stuff like arcteryx etc.
Check out earth sea sky, NZ made high end mountaineering and backpacking clothing. It's outstanding.
I personally use the Energy as a baselayer and Flash pants. (Have used a lot of firstlite in the past)
www.earthseasky.co.nz
Check out earth sea sky, NZ made high end mountaineering and backpacking clothing. It's outstanding.
I personally use the Energy as a baselayer and Flash pants. (Have used a lot of firstlite in the past)
www.earthseasky.co.nz
I own one firstlite top that I got in the States on special for a fraction of the price here that I use for casual wear, my comment relates to it being very expensive and if you are a “young hunter” starting out then you don’t need it to go hunting. Spend your money on petrol, food, bullets & go hunting.
the best way to buy firstlite is to wait for it to go on 40% sale in the states and get it shipped over via the nz post forwarder. the prices for it here are an absolute rip.
got a set of the obsidian foundry pants on the way, plus a wick hoody so I'll let you know.
Got some of their gear via Points South. Cirrus and Compraghe, down jacket, and corrugated jackets. A hybrid jacket and Kiln Hoody and other bits and pieces. Got obsidian merion trou but they are too long for me so going to get Montane short leg trou from Further Faster. I really like the gear. I want to try some Stone Glacier gear but the postage kills it sadly.
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 !
Why not kuiu?
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