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Sitka verse First Lite review

Corbet

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I’ve been a long time Sitka hunting clothing user and decided to try out some First Lite pants as they have a couple offerings in merino wool. The Obsidian Pant just went through a redesign and the originals are currently on sale so I ordered a camo pair and a solid pair to daily drive.

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At 6’ and 210lbs I wear a large tall or 36”/tall in pants. I like the extra pant length to keep my boot cuffs covered when sitting. I don’t care much for gaiters to keep debris out of my boots while hiking and the extra length helps with that also. I could probably get away with both pants in the standard inseam.

Initial impressions are great with First Lite and equal with Sitka. I like the suspender buckles better with First Lite. Much easier to open/close. Pockets are great with both with maybe a nod to Sitka on fancy closure devices to reduce noise. Belt loops are a little bigger on the First Lite.

Overall I like the fit of the Sitka pants better for hunting. They rider higher in the waist to prevent plumbers crack. Keeping a shirt tucked in will definitely be harder with the First Lite pants. I took a tape measure to compare. Sitka’s crotch gusset is 4” verse 2”. The rear rise of both pants are 15” but Sitka again has more material up front with 11” of rise verse 9.5”. That 3.5” difference is definitely big for layering and just where the pants ride on your waist.

The Sitka’s are also more generous in the quads. 12” wide verse 11”. Again more room for layering with Sitka.

I think the First Lite Obsidian Pant will make a good early season pant. Not thrilled for later when the additional base layers are needed. Little disappointed as that was my target use.

For a daily driver with a t-shirt they will be good. The wool is not at all itchy. Very soft in feel. The overall fit is very much like like my Fjall Raven tech pants which I like very much for hiking. My only complaint with them again would be a little extra room in the crotch would be appreciated.

If you have a runners build I think you’ll like First Lite stuff better. Average build I’d say Sitka.

On a side note I also picked up the First Lite brimmed merino beanie and a neck gator. I have a hard time finding large hats. The one size fits most stuff is always too small for me. Really happy with the hat. Much better than my Stormy Kromer, Voormi or Kuiu which are also fitted offerings.

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wesintl

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I have the same first lite hat. works GREAT. I love it hunting last year. I'm a kuiu fan boi but i do like the first lite stuff. I'm just not a fan of the camo patterns first light has. Not that it matters all that much.
 

Corbet

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I spent a few days in the First Lite pants last week during the Outlaws run. Temps were varied but generally on the hot side for pants. The wool breathed extremely well and found myself very comfortable. They did not develop a stink after a couple days of use. Well until I spilled gasoline on them while dumping Jerry cans into my main tank. My only complaint wearing them would be the cargo pockets. The multiple pockets are simply too much. I’m fine with just one on each side.

For daily use I’m pretty satisfied overall. I’m sure they will see many days now that temps are dropping with the season change. Hunting is around the corner so I’ll get some days in there soon.
 

cbranch

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Just washed the First Lite pants. Shrunk about 5% so not happy with that. 😡 Approaching hipster skinny pants status

hate to sound like Mom but did you wash it in cold water? That should prevent shrinking. I also hang dry all my wool gear for added longevity and to mitigate shrinking from the dryer
 

cbranch

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^^ good to know it still shrinks then even after proper maintenance. good review
 

Corbet

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Spent the weekend out with Bridger and hunted Sat in the First Lite pants Sunday in Sitka. I like everything about the first light other than the fit in the waist area. (and pockets as previously mentioned) As I suspected it was nearly impossible to keep my upper base layer tucked with such a low rise in the waist of the pants. Otherwise they were super comfortable, breathed well during high exertion and didn't limit mobility. Camo pattern great for our area not that it matters much when your upper body is bright orange.
 
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Corbet

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Circling back as I just pulled some pants out for Turkey season.

The first lite pants had a hole in the seat and after using a gear patch I noticed about 6 more spots that will be holes the next time I wear them. All in the seat. Not snags, the material is simply splitting or worn out. Can’t say I have more than a dozen days in these pants where as I might have a hundred in my oldest pair of Sitka pants.

I‘m back to Sitka moving forward. And did pick up another pair of pants last fall. I really wanted to like the First Lite stuff as it’s wool, just not durable enough. I wish Voormi would make some wool pants. All my tops from them wear like iron.
 

LARGEONE

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Good to know. Thanks for experience Corbet!
 

Corbet

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I'm going to just put this right here. By far my favorite hunting and really any outdoor activity piece. Voomri Access Pullover in the "blowdown" color. I've got hundreds of days in it and it just wont wear out. Super comfortable. Camo pattern is good. They offer a lighter shade as well for more open terrain. As well as many other pieces from base layer to jackets. Inventory is all over the place. In my experience if you see something you like buy it. Production schedules are unpredictable. Made in Colorado. They have a retail store in Pagosa Springs if you're ever passing through. I've got over a dozen pieces from them that I use hunting, skiing, hiking, casual. I wish they made pants.


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