Kitting Up with First Lite

I was having a conversation with a few guys and decided to turn that into a blog entry as it seemed to be an interesting topic. My kit (kit = backcountry clothing system) is a mixture of several brands and is a combination of colors and camouflage patterns. The conversation focused on what your setup would be if you could only run ONE brand. This is actually a bit harder than we thought because even though guys may, or may not, have a particular loyalty to one brand there is usually at least one piece they just have to have from another brand (I am no exception).

We debated this back and forth a bit and I thought I would a pick a few brands and build up a kit with a goal of using as many of the chosen vendor’s products as possible. First out of the gate is First Lite. I’m planning for an early October hunt on Raspberry Island chasing elk and Sitka Black Tail. We are flying in via a Beaver and operating out of a base camp so I can take more gear than I typically do. I’ll need a good base layer, solid pants, insulation, and of course rain gear. First Lite’s current camouflage offerings are ok, but are not my preferred choice for the terrain I hunt in. Max 1 is my favorite in that bunch, but I continue to hear rumors of a First Lite home grown pattern that I can’t wait to see in action. For now I’m going to build my First Lite kit in their solid colors.

Base Layer:
Llano Crew – Dry Earth
Llano QZ – Pine
Red Desert Boxer Short – any color / pattern is fine. (2)
Allegheny Bottom – Pine
Mountain Athlete Compression Sock (2)

Mid Layer:
Chama Hoody – Pine
Sitka Mountain Pants – I’ve grown to accustomed to knee pads to give these up…

Insulation:
Uncompahgre Puffy – Dry Earth
Springer Vest – Pine

Rain Gear:
Boundary Stormtight Jacket – Dry Earth
Boundary Stormtight Pant – Dry Earth, but wish they offered these in pine to break up the two solid colors

Head & Hands:
Beanie – Pine
Neck Gaiter – Dry Earth
Light Weight Merino Gloves
Softshell Shooting Gloves

Rams & First Lite’s Awesome Merino Gloves

One other piece I would take for around camp or during travel would be the First Lite North Branch Softshell Jacket. It’s not the greatest jacket for high exertion, but more than adequate for this type of hunt and the travel getting there. All in all I am mostly able to build an entire kit from one vendor. I think this speaks highly of First Lite’s product line and its ability to compete in a tough market. Furthermore I have personally tested and used all of the gear on this list sans the Llano QZ, the Allegheny Bottoms, the Beanie, and the Softshell Shooting Gloves. Its high quality, durable gear designed for today’s active hunter.

I’ll work my way over to Cabela’s new Instinct line, KUIU, and Sitka Gear over the next week or so.