I am not much of a hoody guy, but when I saw the First Lite Rugged Wool Zip Hoody first released, it immediately caught my attention. This is not your college sports logo hoody; no this is a piece of high quality and highly technical hunting gear. The hood itself is unlike anything I have ever worn before, more about that later.
I normally would not do an entire review of a hoody, but this is my favorite hoody that I have, and it is useful for more hunting scenarios than just about any other piece of gear I have. First Lite was very smart with this thing, both in the materials and construction. I wouldn’t consider myself a merino wool junky, until now.
Made of Merino
I have long been a fan of merino wool base layers for all of the popular reasons, they are very warm when dry, provide most of their insulative value even when wet, are thermally regulating, wick moisture maintaining a dry contact surface with the skin, generally dry faster than synthetic layers, and resist odors. So, I have been using merino for everything that is in direct contact with the skin, from balaclavas to long johns to socks. But why would you want merino wool as a hoody?
Merino offers something very appealing as a hoody, all around wet/dry performance that is thermally regulating. I don’t overheat when wearing the hoodie come midday when the sun is on me or when I begin covering ground. It breathes well, dries fast, and is a great mid layer when you know you are going to get wet, like while waterfowl hunting.
Many other hoodies are just as good when sitting still while dry for long periods of time. But when the realities of weather and high physical activity set in, this thing leaves them in the dust. It helps maintain a consistent body temperature, keeps you warm when wet, and dries fast.
Durability
When they put the word rugged right in the name of the piece, you expect some solid durability, and this hoody does not disappoint in that area. Merino wool is known for its softness and comfort more than anything else, but they made use of both properties with this thing. It’s made of 410 gsm merino wool that is double knit with a soft brushed inside and a durable exterior. You could probably wear it as an oversized base layer it’s so comfortable, but it also deals with brush and brambles well on the outside. It’s not invincible by any means but it’s the strongest piece of merino gear I’ve ever seen.
Smart, Simple Design
The most appreciated aspect of the design is just how well it fits. It is neither too tight or lose, it’s not baggy nor is it restrictive. They just nailed it on the fit. I wear a size large in just about everything and that is the perfect size for me here also. There is plenty of room for a heavy base layer under it as well. It is also super quiet, making it perfect for deer hunting or chasing turkeys.
The front pockets are simple and well cut, and the single chest zip pocket is perfect for some TSS ammo, a duck call, or a quick place to ditch your phone when a deer or turkey approaches. I am glad it does not have 16 pockets, as that would seriously hinder the fit, which is far more important.
I am a big fan of the zipper as well; it is actually a deal breaker for me. I do not like hoodies without a zipper. You can put it on and off easily, open it to dump heat, and zip it up all the way to cover most of your neck when it is really cold. Which takes me to the best part.
The Best Hood Ever
Most hoodies are just a sweatshirt with a hood tacked on, but not this one. The First Lite Rugged Wool Zip Hoody feels like they designed the hood first and then built the rest of the garment around it. The good fits similarly to a beanie, and when you zip up the sides it hugs most of your head like a heavy balaclava. There is no hood sagging down over your eyes, everything stays in place. And the way it is cut; you have a tremendous field of view. Whether you are hunting ducks, deer, turkeys, or pheasants, you will be able to see everything while enjoying the warmth of the heavy merino hood.
Mid Layer vs. Outer Layer
The great part about this hoody is that because it is so rugged, it can be used as a legitimate standalone outer layer. When I first got it, I was skeptical that it could be more than a mid-layer, but I was quickly proven wrong. Thankfully I got it in Typha camo, which is very versatile in my area. It does shine as a mid-layer though, because of how effectively it moves and evaporates moisture. It is the kind of layer than you can use for almost every kind of hunt from early season to late.
And because it is merino wool, it will not develop perma-stink after getting hot and sweety or cold and rained over and over. You can climb mountains hunting elk or long beards with this and not have to deal with the odors that just about all other hoodies will take on eventually.
Useful For All Game
I have worn this under my First Lite Refuge Parka on freezing mornings hunting late season ducks and geese. I then packed up the decoys, shed the heavy parka and went jump hunting ducks, and ultimately pheasants by the end of the day with only this hoodie and a base layer under it. It is so versatile, You can use this thing for hunting waterfowl, deer, turkey, upland game, just about everything. Which really helps justify the cost. It is not a specialized single use piece that you will only use a few times a year. I’ve also expanded its uses to include everything from hunting to putting up Christmas lights.
Conclusions & Recommendations
I am a huge fan of the First Lite Rugged Wool Zip Hoody, it is a great, versatile piece of technical hunting gear. The only thing you will probably wear more often than this is your base layers and socks, after that, this hoody is about the most useful piece of gear out there. The biggest issue is trying to pick the one color that will give the most possible uses.
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Till next time. God bless you, and go get em in the woods!
George Konetes Ph.D. – Founder and Host of the New Hunters Guide.
The New Hunters Guide is simply what George wishes he would have had when learning how to hunt; a single place to get practical hands on knowledge about different kinds of hunting, gear, strategy, and tips that can improve your comfort and fun factor in the woods.
As a note, First Lite gave me this hoody at my request to do this review, thanks to them for their support.