First Lite reliability
Equipment
Contributors to this thread:
I'd like to know if others have had the same reliability issues with their FL pants and shirts.
Over the last 5 years I've had 4 pairs of pants. Not one has the original waist button or a matching set of buttons for rolling up the pants (and I don't even use them). My newest pair of 2.0 pants have had stitching comeing out on the cargo pockets and a huge hole in the a$$. Keep in mind I've only used them for maybe 14 days and these ones were replaced because the previous pair of regular length pants showed up short enough for an oompa loompa.
Oh yeah, speaking of hole in the a$$, this pair of briefs only has a week or two of usage max (not consecutive). Before anyone asks the obvious question here, no I don't eat many Mountain House meals.
My last new Chama shirt shrunk...in the back only somehow (yes I hand wash everything and store in a dry environment).
My base layer and two llano shirts I wear and rotate have wear and tear holes all over. I hate sewing and when I ask my spouse she cringes knowing this stuff isn't cheap.
Basically, I'm done sending new and barley used clothes back for repair or replacement. Not worth my time. However, I am curious if others see the same issues.
No, can't say that I have. I can say all of mine have seen more than 14 days use, but I have never used their underwear.
I looked into first lite trying to find clothes that would withstand miles of thornbrush and hold up without being babied. I like them,
Random wear holes in one pair of the normal merino boxers. The aero wool seems to hold up much better and I've used them a lot.
Guide pant has seen A LOT of thorns and deadfall. A few small holes with a bit of thread coming off, but holding up way better than I thought they would. I'd 100% recommend this pant to anyone. Year and a half.
Llano long sleeve base layer has a few holes from thorns: and one small hole from overzealously pulling my shirt down from between my back and pack while it was soaked with sweat. Had it for two years now.
Haven't had any of the other stuff get issues. Every wear and tear on my first lite gear has been from a shitload of use. except the one pair of black boxers that just randomly grew holes in the back. Not sure how it happened, moths? The aerowool boxers are nice though yet to have a problem after a year and a half.
I've got a Chama light weight hoody with minimal wear. Two years lots of thorns.
Chama heavy I use during the winter. No random holes, but I don't use it much.
And an aero wool llano that seems to be holding up well. It seems that the aero wool is stronger than the merino, but I haven't put it through as much hell as my normal llano.
Can't edit, but 90% of my first lite gear has seen 100+ miles. And a lot of that was in thorns, or deadfall. Seems to be solid gear for me. Keeps me comfy in uncomfortable situations.
I have seen a lot of stories like yours, but I haven't had any issues. I own most of the first line clothing line and haven't had the first problem. I have a pair of first generation Kanabs that have been worn 100+days in the field. It seems most of the complaints I have seen have been about the Merino pants and sizing issues.
The real question is, how's their customer service?
They should take care of you. If not then I'd have a problem.
I own some pants and a couple shirts . No base layers . Never had any problems .
my llanos have been ok but show wear
the kanabs i had were crappy and simply disentegrated...
I have two shirts and each had a couple small holes with little-to-no wear. The good news is, after continued use the holes don't seem to be opening up very much. It was recommended to me to contact the company and see what they could do, but the holes were pretty small, and I didn't find it worth my time. Plus I didn't feel like I should have to do that for a basically new shirt.
As for the shrinking... I wash mine cold water on an easy cycle and air dry every time. My Chama has definitely shrunk some in the length, but I don't think the Llano has. Sounds like hit or miss?
I would get the guide pants instead of the kanab unless you're planning on hunting in a stand constantly, or really need to crawl sneak up on stuff. My pants get the brunt of whatever terrain I'm messing with.
No issues here. I prefer the kanabs to the corrugates in hot weather. I have a long sleeve t shirt with a couple small holes. Moths maybe?
Sorry but it sounds like this s your own fault. I mean burn me once shame on them, burn me twice shame on me. Just find other clothing and stop purchasing from them Not too hard to figure out. Shawn
I have 2 pairs of Kanabs. Both have been on 10 day hunts and worn for 10 straight days. Neither has a mark on them. I also have a set of their boundary rain gear. 0 issues. Just bought a pair of the obsidians for my dad for Christmas, as he was so impressed with my kanabs.
I have a few mystery holes that I assumed were moths but never any stitching issues.
Thanks for the detailed feedback. As far as customer service they are fine. I just don't want to take the time and deal with shipping stuff back an forth anymore.
Its wool, merino and thin. Its doing what it should. i have kuiu, thats 50/50 wool and polly stands up to abuse better but noticeably not as wicking/comfortable as all wool. I have a full merino shirt with 50 holes and still wear it in the woods, defiantly not in public!!!!! But then i don't GAS!!
Yeah, I have noticed the sleeves and seam areas on my stuff doesn't hold up real well. Same problem with the briefs, but mine could probably be attributed to putting 100 miles a year in a saddle. I'm guessing it's just the nature of merino wool. I still like my chama hoody, but LOVE my Sitka pants and coat.