First Lite’s Corrugate Guide Pant Review

I did a review on pants last year and thought it would be good to add some updated pant reviews from 2015.  The first one on the block is First Lite’s Corrugate Guide Pant.  First Lite states that this is a pant designed to meet the specifications of their Pro Team. Their goal was to create the best lightweight, breathable and durable hunting pant on the market.  I have tried two other pants that align well against the Corrugate Guide; KUIU’s Attack Pant and the Sitka Ascent Pant. In my opinion, the Corrugate Guide is the better of the three.  All three pants have very similar specifications and fabrics.  However, the fit of the Corrugate is the one that best fits me. They are comfortable, stretch like Elastigirl, and have an unique taper to the leg that keeps them from snagging in the brush, as well as help keep grit out of your boot.

So how do they compare? The Attack Pants fit me well, but I had two issues. One, I had to pay a few bucks extra to get the inseam correct; and two, the upper pockets flared out.  This allow for the pockets to fill with dirt when busting brush and did not work well with a clip knife.  The Ascent pants, although stretchy and with great pockets, were too tight for me.  If they were a tad looser in fit, the Corrugate Guide and the Ascent would be a closer match.

First Lite took inspiration from rock climbing and mountaineering to design these pants. They utilize Duraflex nylon and are constructed to allow today’s hunter “uninhibited freedom of movement.” One of my favorite features are the 3D double cargo pockets.  These cargo pockets feature a larger inner pocket with a fold over closure, and a smaller outer pocket secured with a zipper. Completing the pockets is a right, rear zippered pocket.  The pants also include both belt and suspender loops. Like the Attack and Ascent, First Lite chose a robust DWR coating to repel light rain showers and short duration through wet brush (see video below).

For hunting I prefer pants with integrated knee pads. I’ve been utilizing pants with these features for the past two years and can’t imagine not doing so. If First Lite decided to make a heavier version of these pants, with reinforced knees and integrated knee pads, they would quickly become my go to pant for early season adventures. However, I spend a lot of time in the outdoors over our amazing Alaska summers. These pants are THE pant I have been looking for to use in my summer adventures. They are light, breathable, dry quickly, and work VERY well under waders.

I wore these pants off and on during both my 2015 sheep hunt and caribou hunt. A large portion of our sheep hunt was spent on the river. The Corrugate Guide pants were the perfect pants for such use. I also wore them under heavy rain gear (Helly Hansen) for the long ATV rides to and from hunting camp.  Once again their fit and breath-ability made them perfect for this use. I also wore them on multiple hiking trips with my family over the summer of 2015 and they were ideal for such usage.  The DWR coating is impressive, check out the video below to see it tested.

My biggest complaint is that I wanted a pair in Dry Earth, but when I ordered they were out of stock. Since I wanted to use them for a variety of activities I wanted a solid color. I chose Pine Green. Pine Green on mine is REALLY green. I plan to pick up another pair in Dry Earth in the near future. If you are looking for a lightweight, durable, breathable pant; First Lite’s Corrugate Guide just might be the ticket.