First Lite Wick Hoodie

By Tom Hinski

Over the past few months, I got to test this hoodie in some pretty blistering conditions. I hunted early-season Coues deer in Arizona, archery elk in Montana, and got in a couple of fly fishing trips in between. Looking back on these moments, I can say that the Firt Lite Wick Hoodie performs well.

Like nearly all merino layers I have run before, it's pretty breathable. It features these “vented” underarm panels, which can help you dump some heat while moving around. The hood fits as it should. Sometimes companies size down the hood for a tighter fit, but fail to realize that the wearer is often wearing a hat and needs to turn their head. That's not the case here.

Hood sizing is on the looser end and is compatible with a standard ballcap. Unless you're one of those guys who sweats a gallon of water when they’re out in the field (s/o to Ben), I think you should be able to get at least two days out of a shirt, especially if it's merino. I felt that was the case with this hoodie. I tested it on that August Coues deer hunt, and I can say I was pretty surprised at its stench-reducing abilities.

The drawback to this layer that I did find was the sleeves. They have some pretty big seams that run down the full length of the arm. This was new for me, as the merinos that I’ve had in the past were one solid tube from top to bottom, and the seam joined at the shoulder. This composition added some friction that I didn't love, and I felt it was a touch more prone to snagging while I was bushwacking through the oak brush and manzanita of central Arizona. That being said, the top has no prick holes or tears that I usually would start to have after this level of use, so if you really value durability, then that might be the trade-off for you.

Overall, I’ve enjoyed my time in the First Lite Wick Hoodie, and if you're after a durable hot-weather outer layer, I would definitely give this guy a look.