First Lite 150 Aerowool Wick Hoody

I have no experience with the First Lite, but I am also a fan of Rab’s Merino Plus (I wore the 160 Hoody for 14 days and nights straight in Alaska) and the very similar but now discontinued Patagonia Wool 1 (I wore my Wool 1 L/S on a 16 mile training dayhike (with a 28lb backpack) today.

I just want to add the closest thing I could find was the Duckworth Vapor Snorkel Hood.  I think it’s worth checking out.  Of note – It fits about 1 size smaller than my Rab Hoody.

You also may want to look at the Voormi River Run Hoody (loose hood) or Road Runner Hoody (tighter hood).

Big fan of First Lite merino and Aerowool. I have the Chama which is a little heavier weight and not the Aerowool mix but it’s a great piece. I also have some of their Aerowool in other pieces and they’re also great

Brad,

Thanks! Yeah, I missed the 120 and 160 Rab hoodies.

I took a look at the Duckworth Vapor Snorkel. Like the hood, athletic fit, and quarter zip is a plus. So it says the Vapor wool is 130 weight and 38% Merino, 50% recycled Polyester, 12% Modal. Little different from Rab mix. How does it compare in terms of feel and warmth? Large is a good close fit for me in the Rab 120. MInus 33 Woolverino hoody and KUIU 145 Ultramerino hoody seem very similar style to the Vapor, but much higher percent Merino.

Looked at Voormi before. River Run looks like good sun hoody, but already have a few of those style. Road Runner seems limited to the neon yellow color.

Zack,

Thanks, I’m leaning toward the First Lite as the Aerowool seems identical to Rab + Merino. Can you comment on the fit and feel of your other Aerowool pieces? The Hoody says that it is 150 weight, but has mesh 125 panels under the arms. Just wondering how soft it is against skin and how well it wicks. Not looking for lot of warmth, plan to wear hoodless alpha direct 90g jacket over top in cool weather.

Update: Read some comparisons of First Lite vs KUIU merino hoodys on hunting gear forums. Decided to go with KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T Hoodie based on more athletic fit and chest zip for venting and easy on/off. I’m 42 chest and broad shouldered. Can be either large or medium depending on fit. The KUIU is good close fit in large without being either too loose or restrictive. Closer fit in chest, bit looser lower torso.

Not much thicker than Rab 120, bit more warmth. Rab feels touch softer due to the poly blend, KUIU is 90% Nuyarn merino. Has some stretch to it, comfortable seams. Wore it as base under my Atom SL on hike 63-65 degrees. Wicks well, light sweat that dried quickly. Wore this morning (55 degrees) under Strafe Alpha Direct Insulator. The Strafe is hoodless, KUIU hood is warm and fits well over ball cap. Got it primarily as cool weather baselayer, but could see it also working as sun hoody in warm weather.

Thumb holes closed slit design

145 is actually pretty thin

Eyelet side panel starts in arm and is 83% merino/17% nylon.

Wound up also getting First Lite Wick Hoody in Black Friday sale.

Close fit in chest and shoulder like Ultra Merino, but looser more boxy in lower torso. Hood is much tighter fit than KUIU. I can stretch over ball cap but there is no space for venting. The head opening is kind of small so makes on/off more difficult than KUIU. Okay in cool weather, but tight hood will limit its use as sun hoody in warm conditions.

The Aerowool is very comfortable and softer feel than KUIU Ultra Merino. Although same blend as Rab Merino+, it has a noticeably softer and smoother feel. If I were choosing between them I would get the First Lite due to the comfort of the Aerowool versus Nuyarn. Having two merino base layers now with 37.5, I can definitely notice the difference the active particles make in temp regulation versus the untreated KUIU merino.

That said, I like my Peloton 97 fleece better than both. Lighter weight, softer, warmer, just as breathable, and the Makspec odor control treatment works well. Not designed for outer use though as it easily snags up on stuff.

Hate Rab dropped the 120…my favorite bs, really great with the peloton 97 on top. Not sure the 97 would be a suitable replacement for me.

Just back from 5 day hiking trip where I used both Peloton 97 and FS Wick Hoody.

I was wearing Marmot Alpha 60 over the Peloton and sweated heavy at points on the climbs. The Peloton just wicks and drys lightning quick while maintaining warmth and being really lightweight. And I don’t even need to wash yet, no stink. Marmot Alpha is getting a wash now.

The FS Wick Hoody also worked well, especially in high wind. Was wearing it as base, Adahy fleece hoody mid, and OR Tantrum wind shell. Kept me warm and comfortable, especially on Zodiac trips.

I have two Rab 120 Merino+ Crew LS. The First Lite 150 Aerowool is very similar to the Rab, but softer feel and bit looser fit. The Aerowool temp regulation is pretty much identical to Rab Merino with both using the 37.5. In fact, they used the Rab Meco as a example when creating Aerowool.

I would say Peloton 97 is my best fleece BL, FS Wick is my favorite merino BL.