First Lite Wool vs. Day One Wool

[treestandbutt]

Looking to buy some ASAT wool and looking for experiences of both. The First Lite looks like it is significanlty lighter wool (14oz or so), while the Day One is reportadly 24oz. If I bought the Day One, it would be with the windstopper lining, something I don't think First Lite comes with.

I have owned a set of Gray Wolf for years and love it, just want some ASAT wool.

Thanks.

[GMMAT]

The ASAT first lite is pretty light.  I have the vest (so far), and I plan to add a few more items, this year.

Not familiar with the other brand.  Are you familiar with Filson vests?  I have the mackinaw wool vests....and they're WAY heavier than the first lite.

I hope this helps....."some".  I was actually really surprised how lite the ASAT wool was/is.  Not that it's a bad thing.....just surprised.

[Bonecracker]

Do not mean to highjack this thread but  where can you purchase the ASAT First Light?

[GMMAT]

ASAT's site.

[Oregon Okie]

I don't have but have looked at the First Lite stuff. The base layers are very light but it's merino so it should be a little warm. The pants are super lite and definately don't have a wool feel to them. They seem like good pants but are more the weight of a pure rip stop type nylon pant. Don't know how they would be after washing if they would soften up or what. Pretty cool product but i would say very different than what I think of as a traditional wool pant. Don't know about the jacket / vest / camp shirt style.
Just adding my 2 cents.

[stickhorse]

I have the first Lite and Day one. the first lite is as rip stop type nylon. the shirt is a little thicker.  even on warm days in colo. 50-70 deg. would need a little extra under them. Day one is much thicker and i wear them with nothing else extra.    Bonecracker-www.Firstlitewool.com

[pitbull]

I own both and have used them extensively for hunting. The first lite is fine on its own above 60 degrees as it is light weight. When it gets colder I layer under it or use it as a base layer. The day one for me is below 50 degree and I don't layer under it until it gets sub 40. Both are very good gear.

[joe skipp]

Day One is quality. Not cheap but their ASAT Wool is some fine stuff.

[Hackbow]

Just went to both Day One and Firstlite sites. ASAT stuff looked to be exactly same stuff as far as construction goes. Prices nearly the same.

Edited: Like a dunce I went to First Lite's and ASAT's sites. They were promoting the same pieces. Day One's stuff is heavier....like everyone else stated.  

[Onions]

I also have both.
The First Lite Chama is a very comfortable warm layering garmet in cold weather. Also, pretty good stand alone in temps in the high 40's and up. I wore my Chama on a colorado deer hunt in 09 for 9 straight days (next to my skin). I stunk pretty bad, but the shirt did not! The shirt dries fairly quickly. Wicks moisture very well, and when it is damp, I stay warm. No cool clamy feeling.
I also have the Day One ASAT wool pants with wind liner. These are heavy, stand alone pants.
I only wear these when temps drop into the teens and below. I have the pants with the high waist. Incredibly warm, and surprising, not too bulky. Great pants for treestand hunting. I personally would not wear them on a mountian or backpack type hunt. Just too bulky to pack for that. (unless the hunt area was going to be very cold). For a backpack hunt/mountian hunt I would look closely at the First Lite Gila pants.

chris <><

[Nate Fikkert]

I am looking pretty hard at trying some of the firstlite stuff as a baselayer or by itself for elk hunting this fall.  Seems ideal, plus I like the potential of less "stink" from the natural fibers than some of the synthetics.  Pricey, but I am pretty sure it will last a long time.  Would you guys who have experience with it go with the Llano or the Chama for september in the mountains.  I really like the zip-T style of the Chama, but it is a bit heavier weight.  Any thoughts?

Nathan

[Onions]

Nathan,
As I said above I have the Chama. You would be surprised on how thin this shirt is.
I personally think it would be perfect for elk hunting. If the temp gets a little warm, you can unzip to vent and/or push the sleeves up. I have worn my Chama in mid 60 degree weather comfortably.
I have worn some of the synthetics with there "anti-stink" they do not compare to merino wool.
Give the owners of First Lite a call, (I think his name is Kenton), I have called him a number of times, and he is knowledgeable on his product along with competitors. He is a great guy, who is willing to answer any question you would have.
He can be hard to reach, however, everytime I have left a message he has called me back within a few days.


chris <><

[Nate Fikkert]

Chris,

Thanks, that is the info I needed. I will see what the company thinks.  I agree, the stank of synthetics can be unbearable after a few days.  

Nathan

[treestandbutt]

Would the First Lite be comperable to Sitka gear?

[kadbow]

I think you are looking at apples and oranges.  The firstlite is "lite" for base layers or maybe a mid layer.  The Day One, which I have is a heavy wool like Grey Wolf.  I have the unlined Day One pants and jacket and like them a lot.  They are pretty versatile for a good range of temps with the appropriate layering.  I also agree that wool makes a great base layer that minimizes stink.    

[PSUBowhunter]

I have two different items from firstlite and love them both. I have the Llano, which is a base layer. I used this shirt last year on a 7 day mule deer hunt and it worked great. I wore it for 7 days straight and the shirt never began to smell at all. Since I had such good luck with the base layer,I bought the next shirt up(1/4 zip, cant remember the name) and its seems awesome as well. I would own everything they make if it wasnt so expensive.

I have never owned the Day One, but it looks like good stuff.

[BrianH]

I just got one of First Lite button down shirts at Scheels on clearance.  Regular $169 for 49.99, what a steal.  They had some other base layer shirts, I might go back and stock up.

[Onions]

WOW! Brian that is a smoking deal!
I would go back and stock up! Wish I lived near Moorhead!!

chris <><

[beachbowhunter]

FirstLite base layer is phenominal...equal or better than SitkaGear.  Day one shirt and pants - also great but a little thin and for me, too big.

[BrianH]

Chris,  You read my mind.  I went back yesterday and bought the light shirt with zip down collar for $39.  Oh, and I also got the vest for $39 also.  I almost feel guilty about it, naw.  I only wish they would have had some pants.