Multipurpose Powerhouse: First Lite’s Wicking Gear

First Lite Women's Wick Quarter Zip, reviewed by Hannah McKinney, NWTF western storyteller

Some pieces of hunting gear earn a permanent spot in your pack after one trip. The First Lite Women's Wick Quarter Zip is one of those pieces for me.

I first wore this shirt during an early-season Wyoming antelope hunt, where days started cool but quickly warmed under the prairie sun. From hiking miles across open country to crawling through sagebrush during stalks, it became the layer I reached for every morning. It kept me comfortable through changing temperatures, wicked sweat during long hikes and never felt heavy or sticky, even after spending all day in the field.

That experience is why I still reach for it today — not just for hunting, but for everything from preseason scouting to summer work outdoors.

The Women's Wick Quarter Zip combines ultrafine micron merino wool with First Lite's Aerowool® technology, creating an ultralight base layer that excels during high-output hunts. At just 150 grams, it feels nearly weightless while still delivering the temperature regulation and odor resistance merino wool is known for.

One feature I especially appreciate is how adaptable it is throughout the day. Early mornings often call for a light layer, but once the hiking starts, it's easy to overheat. The quarter zip makes venting simple without needing to stop and change clothes, and the breathable fabric keeps air moving even during long climbs or active stalks. feeling damp or clammy.

The women's fit is another standout. It's athletic without feeling restrictive, allowing plenty of freedom of movement whether you're drawing a bow, shouldering a shotgun or climbing through rough terrain. The thumb loops keep the sleeves comfortably in place and add a little extra coverage on cool mornings.

For women who spend consecutive days in the field, odor resistance is another major advantage. Merino wool naturally resists odors, allowing the shirt to stay fresh longer than many synthetic alternatives — a valuable feature during multi-day hunts or backcountry trips.

The lightweight construction does come with one tradeoff. Like many ultralight merino garments, the fabric isn't intended for constant abuse in thick brush or thorny cover. Hunters who regularly push through dense vegetation may notice pilling or snagging over time, making this shirt best suited for mobile hunts where breathability and comfort outweigh maximum abrasion resistance.

Available in both First Lite Fusion camouflage and Conifer solid green, the Wick Quarter Zip transitions seamlessly from spring turkey woods to early-season deer, antelope and elk hunts. The Conifer colorway also doubles as an excellent option for hiking, camping and everyday outdoor wear.

The First Lite Women's Wick Quarter Zip is an outstanding choice for women who prioritize comfort, breathability and moisture management during active hunts, and it's particularly well suited for any adventure where changing temperatures and long miles are part of the plan. For female hunters looking for one base layer that can handle everything from spring turkey season to early fall big game hunts, the Women's Wick Quarter Zip earns its place in the pack.

MSRP: $115

Men's Wick Hoody, reviewed by David Gladkowski, NWTF managing editor for web and media

Whether it was chasing Osceolas in southern Florida in 90-degree temps or getting my butt whooped by gobblers on South Carolina’s Sumter National Forest in the mid-80s, there are multiple instances this last spring that I wish First Lite’s Wick Hoody was in my camo repertoire — I would have surely been less sweaty.

Nonetheless, I have still been able to enjoy the Wick Hoody, probably even more as temperatures continually increase, during the offseason. Owning multiple First Lite Wick shirts, I’ve already been a fan of the lightweight 150-gram Aerowool® construction, comprised of 65% Merino, 33% nylon and 2% spandex.

The hoody has been especially useful in a variety of offseason applications, from trying to catch a bass on a fly in the beating sun to getting ready for deer season.

Here in South Carolina, deer season opens Aug. 15, one of the earliest openings in the country, so getting ready often happens in the sweltering heat. I recently spent some time trying to get ahead of the curve, moving tree stands, setting up trail cameras and brush hogging some areas for new food plots. I’ve been enjoying wearing the Wick Hoody while doing all this.

The hoody also features even lighter 125-gram Aerowool® around the armpits to maximize ventilation.

First Lite’s 308 Whitetail Pant and Approach Hoody are already a part of my deer hunting gear, but I’ll now be running the Wick Hoody from opener to mid-October, and after that, it will surely find its way into my turkey vest to save me some sweat when I’m chasing hot-weather gobblers.

The one upgrade I’d love to see First Lite include on the Wick Hoody would be to feature a built-in, lightweight face mask, like on the Approach Hoody.

Overall, the garment is lightweight, naturally UV protective, wicks sweat and is simply a comfortable, quality piece of clothing, whether you’re in the stand or working toward those moments.

The Wick Hoody is available in a variety of camo patterns and solids.

MSRP: $130