First Lite is known for bringing top-notch merino wool apparel to the hunting market. Now, in 2013, First Lite has expanded their collection to include 3 new pieces of non-merino outerwear. The new line features Active Particle Technology from Cocona. Check out the new Boundry Stormtight jacket, the Uncomprahgre puffy, and the North Branch soft shell pant…
[youtube width=”800″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOeKcdgVwDA&hd=1[/youtube]
If you don’t see the video above, please watch it here.
[UPDATE #1: I have a hands-on review video with the North Branch softshell pant.]
[UPDATE #2: I have a more video reviews with the new Boundary Stormtight and Uncompahgre jackets, as well as some of First Lite’s merino wool layers.]
All of the new gear from First Lite is available in several camouflage patterns, including ASAT, Realtree Max-1, and the new Realtree Xtra pattern. The new jackets are also available in Dry Earth.
The Boundary Stormtight Jacket
This jacket is the outermost piece is First Lite’s line of layers. This weatherproof shell is treated with a leading DWR and laminated with a custom fabric that First Lite developed with Cocona. The stretch on this jacket is impressive, and I really liked the small design details such as the cuff design, the hood, and the slightly off-set zipper track. Speaking of the zipper tracks, they are all sealed and First Lite pressure tests them to ensure a watertight enclosure. The Boundary Stormtight jacket is rated 20,000mm waterproof, and 30,000 MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transition Rate) for breathability.
The Uncompahgre Puffy
The Uncompahgre is lightweight and compressible, and thanks to its body-mapped insulation, it will keep you warm. The jacket is treated with a DWR, but if it does get soaked, the synthetic insulation will still perform. Like the other pieces in the line, First Lite was very intentional about the fit of the jacket, making sure that it articulated in the right places and designed the sleeves, shoulders and hood of the jacket to ensure that they don’t interfere with shooting. First Lite also ensured that the placement of the pockets make it easy to access your gear when you are on the move, even if you are wearing a pack.
The North Branch Soft-Shell Pant
These pants were flat-out impressive! First Lite worked to develop a proprietary fabric for the North Branch, which they call DuraFace. This stretch fabric has a fleece liner, Cocona’s Active Particle Technology, and is waterproof, while still providing breathability (10,000 MVTR). The zipper system on these pants in ingenious, allowing for ventilation, or even an easy response to the “call of nature” when fully suited up. First Lite also integrated a gaiter system, and once again biomechanically mapped the fit of the pants for articulation in all the right places.
First Lite also expanded their line for 2013 to include a new line of merino socks, a new lightweight merino glove, and a new softshell shooter’s glove, which features First Lite’s DuraFace material and Cocona’s Active Particle Technology.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with all of these new offerings from First Lite.
