First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew Review
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First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew
No matter how cold it is, when I’m hiking uphill, my body always runs hot. For those steep climbs, I’ve been eager to test out the First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew. This hunting season, I have two early hunts lined up, and I’m excited to see how the Wick Crew performs.
First Lite is a top brand in outdoor hunting apparel with a foundation in merino wool. As merino wool gained popularity in winter sports like skiing, First Lite’s founders saw its potential for hunting. Since then, the company has expanded into synthetic clothing, hunting blinds, and camping gear. First Lite’s headquarters are far from ordinary; employees are encouraged to field-test their products, often taking over three weeks off to hunt and fish. The office features dogs, game freezers, a fully stocked bar, a mechanic garage, and more. Clearly First Lite is a great place to work.
This fall, I’ve been putting the Wick Short Sleeve Crew through its paces. Designed for hot weather, this merino shirt promises to be a perfect fit for my early-season hunts.
About the First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew
The First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew is specifically designed to keep you comfortable and dry during warm-weather activities. Constructed with 150 Aerowool, the shirt combines the natural benefits of merino wool with the advanced technology of First Lite’s 37.5 fabric. Merino wool is well-known for its ability to regulate temperature, making it suitable for both hot and cool conditions. It’s naturally odor-resistant, doesn’t reflect light, and is silent in the woods.
The 37.5 fabric, made with synthetic fibers infused with activated carbon, offers advanced moisture-wicking properties, sweat control, and odor protection. This fabric is designed to maintain its performance throughout the product’s lifespan, ensuring durability and functionality even with repeated use. The Aerowool blend is 65% merino wool and 35% 37.5 fabric, combining the best of both worlds for a versatile, high-performance shirt.
The armpits feature Aerowool Mesh, known as Aerowool 125, which is an even lighter and more breathable layer designed to increase airflow and manage moisture in areas where heat tends to accumulate the most. This ensures that you stay cooler and drier during intense activities.
Breathable Fabric
Additionally, the sleeves are tailored to prevent rubbing from backpack straps, making this shirt an excellent choice for extended wear. The flatlock seams ensure maximum comfort against the skin, reducing chafing and irritation. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or engaged in other outdoor activities, the First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew offers both comfort and functionality.
Backpack Protected Seams
Thoughts on the First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew
Many people mistakenly think wool is only suited for cold weather, but in reality, it’s a versatile fabric that performs exceptionally well in both heat and cold. This fall, I was lucky enough to have two early-season hunts, each involving thousands of feet in elevation gain. Given the early timing, these hikes led to some pretty intense sweating.
Hunting the High Country
Back of First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew
The First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew truly stood out during these hunts. Although I was still sweating heavily, the shirt excelled at wicking moisture and keeping me reasonably dry. This made a huge difference when I stopped hiking. At 12,000 feet, even in early fall, it’s easy to get chilled, and being sweaty can be dangerous. The combination of merino wool and 37.5 fabric proved impressive, keeping me comfortable enough that I didn’t need to change into a different layer. I managed to set up camp in the dark while remaining warm and dry.
Comfort-wise, the shirt is excellent, whether worn alone or as a base layer. Much of the time, I had it on under a backpack, and I could tell the seam placement made a difference by preventing any rubbing or discomfort from pack straps.
One of the most impressive aspects is the merino/37.5 blend’s ability to repel body odor. I wore this shirt every day for a four-day hunt, and it remained wearable without becoming overly smelly. Few materials could endure this kind of repeated use and still be tolerable. In fact, when I returned home, even my kids and wife weren’t repelled by my scent, which speaks volumes about how well this shirt works!
Specs on the First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew Taken Directly From First Lite
- MSRP $75
- True to size: Purchase your normal size to wear over or under other layers
- Exclusive 37.5 Active Particle Technology
- 17.5 micron, ultrafine, Merino wool
- 65% Merino / 33% 37.5 Nylon / 2% Spandex
- Ultralight 150gsm jersey knit fabric for hot weather
- Mesh vent panels to maximize ventilation
- Short sleeve for hot weather hunts
- Modified raglan sleeve moves seams out from under backpack shoulder straps
- Flatlock seams for next-to-skin comfort
- Machine wash, line dry
- Naturally UV absorbent to eliminate shine
Final Thoughts
The First Lite Wick Short Sleeve Crew has proven to be a highly versatile and dependable piece of gear, ideal for early-season hunts or any activity that demands rigorous effort in varying temperatures. Its ability to regulate body temperature, wick away moisture, and combat odor is impressive, making it an essential addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe. The combination of comfort, durability, and thoughtful design elements, like strategic seam placement and the high-performance merino/37.5 blend, sets this shirt apart from others on the market. Whether you’re hiking up steep inclines or setting up camp at high altitudes, the Wick Short Sleeve Crew is a reliable companion that will keep you comfortable and performing at your best. For more info or to check one out for yourself, visit firstlite.com or amazon.com.
